Best Christmas Markets in Europe in 2023

Anyone that knows us knows that we absolutely love the build-up to Christmas and Christmas itself, so, after spending the last few on a Caribbean island off the coast of Honduras during our Central and South America trip. Lockdown the year previously and in the sun of Sydney the year before that we felt it was time to go all out and visit as many cold festive spots as possible! It was time for Europe at Christmas! Visiting the best Christmas markets in Europe.

From the snow-capped mountains of Salzburg to the wooden huts dotted around the square of Munich, we took a trip from Austria to Germany to Paris ending in London. Sampling (a lot) of tasty food, drinking far too much Glühwein and freezing our little toes off along the way.

If you’re planning a trip to Europe at Christmas or a trip to visit the best Christmas markets in Europe then our advice to you is: Do it! Read on to hear all about where we visited, where we stayed and some of the incredible spots that we visited during our European Christmas markets trip.

Planning a trip to Europe? Read all about our top weekend destinations in Europe!

Salzburg

When we originally planned this trip at the beginning of 2022 Salzburg was never on the list and it was only looking at the easiest convenient way to Munich we noticed Salzburg was right on the border with Germany and there was a perfect flight from Southampton to Salzburg.

From here it was a snowball effect (pun – completely intentional).

Salzburg is a beautiful city nestled around striking mountainous regions and home most famously to Mozart, home of Red Bull similarly to us nostalgic people it is the background for Sound of Music. Once a film which felt forced upon by parents at a young age but as the years pass it brings us straight back to our youth and the storyline is timeless (this is a recommendation for those who haven’t watched it. What are you waiting for?)

Where did we stay in Salzburg?

We stayed in Wolfgang’s which we picked largely because it has the best location for the train station which is a huge factor if you are planning on continuing by train after your time in Salzburg. However, upon checking in we were pleasantly surprised with the number of facilities they had to offer such as communal desk space, sofas and even a table football.

We stayed in an 8-bed dorm which thankfully we arrived as a couple because there were 3 bunk beds and what appeared as a double bed (two pushed-together singles) which could have been a little uncomfortable if this was two random people. We paid £86 in total for the 2 nights which for a trip to Europe at Christmas time, wasn’t bad at all!

You can book to stay at Wolfgang’s here

What did we see in Salzburg?

There’s so much to see in Salzburg, no matter what time of the year you travel. It’s one of the most beautiful cities in Austria and is packed full of attractions.

Salzburg Christmas Market Dates 2022

Open between 17 November 2022 to 1 January 2023 there is plenty of time to visit and can be visited before or after other Christmas markets.

Salzburg kickstarted our Christmas market tour, the main market located in Residenzplatz is split between two sections in addition to an ice rink with a connected bar. We were lucky enough to be there whilst it snowed which really added to the Christmas market ambience (just make sure you wrap up warm). The stalls were extremely varied so you could buy Christmas decorations as well as presents both traditional and some more modern, and most importantly paired with a fantastic variety of food stalls and plenty of places that sold Glühwein.

Don’t miss The Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg

We were gifted this tour from Panorama tours who offer the ultimate Sound of Music tour, visiting iconic locations from the film.

We started the day departing from Mirabellplatz, first stop was the ground of Hellbrunn Castle where the famous Pavillion in which Maria and Georg shared their first kiss is now located (after being moved multiple times). After this it was a brief stop at Schloss Leopoldskron which is one the fictional homes of the Von Trapp family, you might however notice it doesn’t look like this in the film, this is due to two houses being used as the producers wanted the other property to appear as if it was on a lake.

Finally and the highlight was the visit to Mondsee where the church Maria and Georg got married, aside from the beautiful building Mondsee is a quaint little town which is absolutely beautiful and they even had their own smaller Christmas market. 

Overall the tour far exceeded our expectations and whilst we have listed some of the destinations above this is certainly one of those tours which we would say would be inferior if you visited these locations yourself. Our tour guide Bridgette made the whole experience that much more with her knowledge of the film and some of the unknown stories of the filming and production.

You can book the Sound of Music tour here

Visit Munich, what to see and do

There’s something so special about the Christmas Markets in Munich. Whether it was the fact that we were in Germany, the home of Christmas markets, or the beautiful architecture that surrounds the one in Munich, whatever it was, it felt pretty special. Perched in the main square, Munich Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz is considered the original Christmas market. Against the romantic backdrop of the neo-Gothic town hall on Marienplatz, the village of stalls enchants with its old Bavarian charm and seduces all the senses. With chestnuts roasting and popping, songs being sung by the choir and the smell of Glühwein in the air it makes for a magical evening.

Where to stay in Munich

When deciding where to stay in Munich on all of the trips there are full things that we always look out for. Budget, location and reviews. For anyone that has travelled to Europe before knows that you can’t do so on a similar SEA budget. Instead, Europe takes far more planning and even booking in advance (something we backpackers aren’t particularly keen on doing). However, when we stumbled upon Meininger Hotels we knew that they were just what we were looking for.

Meininger is an international budget hotel chain with hostel-like facilities. They offer modern accommodation at an affordable price so that everyone can explore the epic cities that Europe has to offer.

We stayed in a private double with an en-suite which also included breakfast. This room costs around £80 per night. The hostel has a great breakfast, a games room, and a communal kitchen. It is a short walk from the train station (around 10 minutes) and a 30-minute walk to the Christmas market.

Prices really skyrocket around Christmas time across the whole of Europe but, especially in Germany so this really is an absolute bargain! So, if you’re wondering where to stay in Munich this is it!

You can book to stay at Meininger hotels here.

What did we see in Munich?

Our time in Munich was dominated by the Christmas market – something that we’re certainly not complaining about, however, it’s quite a small city which means it’s ideal the ideal place for a weekend city break away. It also has some of the best Christmas Markets in Europe.

Munich Christmas Markets

Munich Christmas Market Dates 2022

Opening dates for Christmas markets in Munich vary depending on the market, but the main Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatz is open from Nov 21 – Dec 24.

Because of its central location in Munich’s Old Town, this has conventionally been the most touristy and crowded market by far, but it’s popular for a reason: stall after stall of traditional handmade crafts, delightful snacks and all surrounded by the all-too-romantic backdrop of the Neues Rathaus.

Visit St Peter’s Church Tower whilst visiting Europe at Christmas

For an incredible view of Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatz take a trip up the St Peter’s Church Tower. Located in the city centre right next to Marienplatz and Viktualienmarkt, St. Peter is Munich’s oldest parish church. It is beautiful inside but also offers incredible views from its tower. The tower costs €5 per person to go up and is well worth it for the beautiful panoramic views. To get to the top you walk up a winding staircase so be sure to be ready for a bit of exercise!

Warm up in Oberpollinger’s rooftop bars

We stumbled upon this spot by accident however, it was one of the highlights of our stay in Munich. On the top floor of this department store are a little Christmas bar filled with huts to sit in (complete with heaters) and a bar to buy a cocktail or glass of wine. Or, of course, a warming mug of Glühwein.

Christmas markets in Paris, what to see and do in Paris

Little introduction is needed into the city of love, home to the most visited icon in the world the Eiffel tower as well as other huge landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe and Louvre. The sheer amount of small independent boulangerie and cafes is reason enough to visit this beautiful capital, but the deep history and incredible architecture is something which potentially in another life would be enough to make our stay permanent.

Where did we stay in Paris?

One of our main criteria for picking locations was the proximity to our onward travel and as we were heading back to London via Eurostar we wanted to stay nearby. We worked with St Christopher’s Inn Paris Gare du Nord which was perfect and less than a 10-minute walk which took all the stress out of worrying about having to make your way across a capital city when leaving.

Hostel in Paris

The hostel itself is connected to a Belushi’s which means you are guaranteed a goodnight out when staying here, with a great atmosphere it certainly appeared lively (we did arrive on the night of France playing in the world cup), however, after a long day of travelling we wanted to get some much-needed sleep so we could explore the next day and the 6-bed dorm we stayed in provided exactly that, with a large number of features which are great to have in a dorm such as a curtain to give you that privacy, USB plugs, reading light and a shelf so you don’t have to sleep surrounded by your phone, wallet/purse and headphones (because no one wants that)

You can book to stay at St Christopher’s Inn here

What did we see in Paris?

The same as 7 million people annually our first stop was the Eiffel Tower and there is always something quite peculiar about seeing something so iconic for the first time (Reanna had previously seen it when she was younger). It is as spectacular to be both right below the structure as well as sitting across the river looking back at it. We then spent the rest of the morning walking around the streets of Paris which naturally included a stop off for both Onion Soup and an afternoon treat of a pastry. One thing that really stood out was how every street you went down there was another gem to find.

What did we see in Paris?

On our second day, we explored the Montmartre area where if you climb the stairs to Sacré-Cœur you are greeted with the most beautiful views over Paris. If you do visit here you cannot miss Place du Tertre which is home to beautiful cafes in the square where you will find local artists’ paintings.

In the evening we went to find what we could of Paris’ Christmas Markets, not quite a Christmas market more of a theme park, but nonetheless, there were plenty of stalls which sold decorations and presents for all the family, different to the other Christmas markets they also had rides which you could go on and we recaptured our youth with a “ride” (if that is the right word) on a funhouse.

Once finished looking around we took the metro for a final view of the Eiffel Tower which every evening lights up for the most spectacular view and a perfect way to end our trip to Paris.

This was taken on the corner of Av Rapp and Rue de Monttessuy.

Looking for a hotter destination? Read our 10 Incredible Things To Do In Cinque Terre, Italy.