12 Christmas Market Trips You Can Take After Christmas
Christmas cheer doesn’t have to end on December 25th! While most European markets wrap up by the 23rd, a few magical destinations keep the festive spirit going right through New Year’s. If you’ve got limited PTO but serious holiday wanderlust, these 12 post-Christmas Christmas market routes offer twinkly lights, cozy vibes, and sips of mulled wine. Each route includes travel tips, market closing dates, and a sprinkle of local charm to make your winter escape unforgettable.
In the guide below, you’ll see a few suggestions for each route, along with information about the last dates to see Christmas markets in those destinations. The dates listed are reflective of when at least two markets or (or one major market, in some cases) are still open.
We acknowledge that some cities might have one small neighborhood market or a Christmas concert or event after the date listed, but we’ve curated these dates to be the best reflection of when you, as a traveler, would still have the most Christmasy experience. So whenever you see “Open until 1/5/27,” for example, know that until the end of day on that date, there is at least two or three markets to visit in that destination. Most markets open in late November or early January, but as that’s not the focus of this blog, we’re only sharing ending date of the markets listed below.
Additionally, as we are mid-way through the year, not all official 2026 dates have been released yet. For dates not yet shared, we’re estimating using historical data from 2023, 2024, and 2025. We will update when an official date has been announced.
Route 1: Danube Dreams
Cities Visited: Budapest, Hungary → Vienna, Austria → Salzburg, Austria
Last Dates to See Christmas Markets:
Salzburg - Most markets are open until 1/1/27, with one market open expected to stay open until 1/6/27
Vienna - Most markets are open until 12/23/26, with several large markets open until 12/26/26, and two palace markets open from 12/31/2026 and 1/6/2027.
Budapest - Open until 12/31/26
This classic Central European route connects Budapest, Vienna, and Salzburg with festive charm, imperial flair, and a reliable train network that makes it easy to sit back and enjoy the ride. Fly into Vienna to start, or arrive in Budapest and end your trip in Salzburg or Munich for a convenient one-way loop. Trains run frequently and comfortably between each city, making it the easiest and most scenic way to travel.
Begin your journey in Budapest, where twinkling lights, local pastries, and thermal bath steam mingle in the wintry air. From there, take the train to Vienna, where baroque architecture, elegant palaces, and cozy cafes set the stage for a city that treats Christmas like an art form. Finish in Salzburg, a picture-perfect Alpine town that leans into its Mozart roots and festive traditions. Add in a day trip to Hallstatt or simply wander the old town with a mug of mulled wine in hand. This route balances urban sparkle and storybook scenery, all without needing to touch a rental car.
Vienna Christmas
Market Guide
Route 2: Baltic Beauty
Cities Visited: Vilnius, Lithuania → Riga, Latvia → Tallinn, Estonia
Last Dates to See Christmas Markets:
Vilnius - Christmas markets are open until 12/28/26, while the central tree and ice rink are up until 1/5/27
Riga - Open until 1/1/27
Tallinn - Open until 1/6/27
This northern gem of a route winds through Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, offering one of the most atmospheric Christmas market experiences in Europe. Fly into Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital, known for its relaxed holiday vibe and illuminated Cathedral Square. Wander through the market stalls, lace up for ice skating, or head up to the top of Gediminas Castle Tower for a brilliant view of the Old Town lights.
When you're ready to move on, head to Vilnius Central Station to catch the direct daily train north to Latvia. The main Riga Christmas market is just a short walk from the station, making it easy to dive right into the wooden stalls under twinkling lights. Riga’s home to one of our favorite Christmas markets! It’s so quaint and charming, we know you’re sure to love it.
From Riga, train north to Estonia. Once in Tallinn, you’ll step off the train at Tallinn’s Balti Jaam station, which is quite near the center of Old Town. The market in Town Hall Square glows against a backdrop of medieval walls and Gothic spires, perfect for travelers who prefer their mulled wine with a side of history.
Tallinn Christmas
Market Guide
Route 3: Belgian Bliss
Cities Visited: Antwerp → Bruges → Brussels → Ghent →Liege (All in Belgium)
Last Dates to See Christmas Markets:
Antwerp - Open until 1/4/27
Bruges - Open until 1/4/27
Brussels - Open until 1/4/27
Ghent - Open until 12/31/26
Liege - Open until 1/4/27
Start your holiday adventure with a round-trip flight into Brussels, Belgium’s capital and the perfect launchpad for this all-Belgian market route. From there, the country’s efficient train network connects you to every stop without needing a car. You can choose to stay in Brussels for the duration and day-trip to each city, or move around and soak up the vibe of every destination overnight—either way, your suitcase won't suffer.
Begin in Antwerp, where the Grote Markt fills with festive stalls and lights, all set against stunning architecture. Then head west to Bruges, a postcard-perfect city of canals and medieval charm, where the holiday season turns the already dreamlike old town into something magical. Next, return to Brussels to enjoy the market at the Grand Place, famous for its dazzling light shows and sheer scale. Sample Belgian chocolate, pick up gifts, or enjoy a warm cone of frites while watching the crowds.
After that, ride the rails to Ghent, where the Vrijdagmarkt buzzes with handcrafted goods, lace vendors, and a livelier, younger crowd. End in Liège, one of Belgium’s oldest cities, where the market stretches across squares and streets, offering everything from traditional treats to quirky holiday crafts. This route is compact, festive, and full of flavor—both literal and cultural. charming medieval city known for its
Route 4: Eurostar Express
Cities Visited: Paris, France → London, England → Brussels, Belgium
Last Dates to See Christmas Markets:
Paris - Open until 12/28/26
London - Open until 1/4/27
Brussels - Open until 1/4/27
This city-hopping route links three major capitals—Paris, London, and Brussels—offering big-city energy with a festive twist. Fly into your starting city (Paris, London, or Brussels all have major international airports) and fly home from the final one. The Eurostar train connects all three effortlessly, letting you glide under the Channel with your gingerbread and dignity intact.
Start in Paris, where Christmas markets may be fewer but the ambiance is pure holiday romance. Wander the light-strewn Champs-Élysées, admire the famous window displays at Galeries Lafayette, and sneak in a vin chaud between stops at the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre. From there, hop on the Eurostar to London, a city that doesn’t do Christmas halfway. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park brings carnival vibes with ice rinks, mulled wine, rides, and a festive market that stretches across the park.
Wrap things up in Brussels, where the Grand Place hosts one of Europe’s most impressive Christmas displays. Between the chocolate shops, glowing markets, and light shows, you’ll end your trip with the right mix of indulgence and sparkle. This route is ideal for travelers who want holiday spirit without giving up big city attractions, museums, or late-night eats.
2026 Paris Christmas Market Guide
Route 5: A Croatian Christmas
Cities Visited: Dubrovnik → Split → Zagreb (All in Croatia)
Last Dates to See Christmas Markets:
Dubrovnik - Open until 1/6/27
Split - Open until 1/6/27
Zagreb - Open until 1/6/27
This Croatian road trip blends coastal beauty, historic cities, and holiday cheer into one scenic stretch. Start by flying into Dubrovnik, where the Old Town’s stone streets and medieval walls take on a festive sparkle during Christmas. While the market scene here is smaller than in northern Europe, the setting more than makes up for it—especially with a warm cup of rakija in hand as you stroll the Stradun. Rent a car for this route; it’ll give you the freedom to explore the coast and make scenic detours at your own pace.
Drive north to Split, where Roman ruins and palm trees form the backdrop to a market along the Riva promenade. Diocletian’s Palace turns into a glowing maze of lights, music, and local snacks, offering a more laid-back, seaside vibe. Then continue inland to Zagreb, Croatia’s capital and home to one of the most celebrated Christmas events in Europe. The Advent markets fill the Upper Town with lights, music, and mulled wine, plus ice skating and plenty of traditional Croatian food.
If you have time, consider a detour to Plitvice Lakes National Park for snowy waterfalls, or drive through the Pelješac Peninsula for some winter wine tasting. This route offers fewer crowds, mild weather, and that rare mix of festive and tranquil.
Route 6: Central Euro Charm
Cities Visited: Vienna, Austria → Budapest, Hungary →Zagreb, Croatia → Ljubljana, Slovenia
Last Dates to See Christmas Markets:
Vienna - Most markets are open until 12/23/26, with several large markets open until 12/26/26, and two palace markets open from 12/31/2026 and 1/6/2027
Budapest - Open until 12/31/26
Zagreb - Open until 1/6/27
Ljubljana - Open until 1/4/27
This festive road trip winds through four stunning capitals—Vienna, Budapest, Zagreb, and Ljubljana—each offering its own twist on Central European holiday magic. Start by flying into Vienna, an ideal launch point with an airport that sees frequent international traffic. Rent a car for this route to enjoy the scenic countryside and make pit stops at castles or roadside bakeries, though you can technically take trains between most cities if you’re feeling rail romantic.
Begin in Vienna, where the city’s elegant squares and palaces host markets that look like they were staged by set designers with a mulled wine addiction. From there, drive to Budapest, where the markets at Vörösmarty Square and St. Stephen’s Basilica light up the city’s already dramatic architecture. Don’t skip the thermal baths or ruin bars—they’re like holiday magic, but steamy and fermented.
Next, head south to Zagreb, where Croatia’s capital punches well above its weight with some of the most festive streets and activities in the region. End your trip in Ljubljana, a small but captivating city where the market spills along the river and the castle glows above. It’s compact, friendly, and filled with local charm, perfect for winding down your holiday loop.
Consider sneaking in a cave tour in Slovenia or castle-hopping between cities if time allows. And bring a big bag! There are a lot of handicrafts to “accidentally” purchase.
Budapest Christmas Market Guide
Route 7: The Central Europe Holiday Circuit
Cities Visited: Warsaw, Poland → Poznań, Poland → Berlin, Germany → Prague, Czechia → Krakow, Poland → Wrocław, Poland
Last Dates to See Christmas Markets:
Warsaw - Open until 1/6/27
Poznań - Open until 1/6/27
Berlin- Most markets are open until 12/23/26, with a few large markets open until 12/30-31, and two other markets open from 1/1/2027 and 1/4/2027
Prague - Open until 1/6/27
Krakow - Open until 1/7/27
Wrocław - Open until 1/7/27
This extensive itinerary blends modern capitals, medieval towns, and an absurd number of Christmas markets, making it perfect for travelers who want to squeeze every drop of glühwein from the season. Start by flying into Warsaw, Berlin, or Prague, depending on your preferred direction, and plan to travel by train or car—both options work well depending on how flexible you want your timing to be.
Begin in Warsaw, where the Castle Square market glows against the backdrop of reconstructed Old Town charm. From there, head to Poznań, a colorful, compact city with a festive market in the Old Market Square that’s big on Polish tradition and short on tourist chaos. Next is Berlin, a Christmas market heavyweight where you’ll want to pace yourself through Gendarmenmarkt, Alexanderplatz, and at least a dozen other glowing plazas.
After Germany, drift into Prague, where the Old Town Square turns into a living snow globe. Then on to Krakow, where the massive Main Market Square delivers plenty of holiday magic with fewer crowds than Western Europe’s hotspots. Finish in Wrocław, where the market sprawls through the Rynek with handmade crafts and Polish treats you’ll pretend you bought for other people.
This route covers serious ground, so don’t feel pressured to hit every stop—each one is strong enough to anchor a shorter trip. You can go full festive marathon or mix and match cities to build your own Christmas highlight reel.
(*Many Polish dates on this route haven’t been officially announced yet. We are estimated based on historical data. We will update dates as they are released.)
What to Pack for Your Christmas Markets Trip
Route 8: Champagne & Chateaux
Cities Visited: Paris, Reims, Metz, & Nancy (All in France)
Last Dates to See Christmas Markets:
Paris - Open until 12/28/26
Reims - Open until 12/29/26
Metz - Open until 12/30/26
Nancy - Open until 1/4/27
This refined French itinerary blends Parisian sparkle with smaller cities full of charm, history, and festive markets. Fly in and out of Paris, then travel by train or car through the regions of Champagne-Ardenne and Lorraine. The route is compact, cozy, and perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy holiday magic without crossing borders.
Start in Paris, where Christmas markets line the Champs-Élysées and holiday lights dress the city’s grandest boulevards. After soaking up the capital’s festive energy, make your way to Reims, the unofficial capital of Champagne. Between sips of bubbly, visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral and stroll through the market at Place Drouet d’Erlon. From there, head to Metz, where the Place d’Armes hosts a glowing market set against one of the most beautiful cathedrals in France. End your route in Nancy, known for its Art Nouveau details and the stunning Place Stanislas, which turns into a storybook setting during the holidays.
Along the way, detour to medieval towns like Verdun or stop for a Champagne tasting in one of the region’s many historic cellars. This route offers a softer, cozier version of Christmas travel—with just enough sparkle to keep things festive.
Route 9: Alsatian Wonderland
Cities Visited: Strasbourg, Mulhouse, Colmar, Metz, Nancy (All in France)
Last Dates to See Christmas Markets:
Mulhouse - Open until 12/27/26
Colmar - Open until 12/28/26
Metz - Open until 12/30/26
Nancy - Open until 1/4/27
This route winds through the Alsace and Lorraine regions of France, combining storybook villages, festive markets, and a whole lot of half-timbered charm. Fly into Strasbourg to start—though Paris or Basel can work if flights are cheaper—and travel by train or car depending on how much freedom (or parking stress) you want. This is one of France’s most compact and enchanting holiday circuits.
From Paris, Strasbourg, or Basel, head to Mulhouse, where festive decorations brighten up its industrial roots and the market at Place de la République brings unexpected warmth.
Continue to Colmar, which looks like it fell out of a snow globe. Its winding canals and pastel buildings are pure holiday magic—this is a place where even the mulled wine feels artisanal.
Then shift northwest to Metz, where golden lights and a grand cathedral set the tone for a more urban festive experience. End in Nancy, with its dazzling Place Stanislas and elegant Art Nouveau facades, ideal for a slower, more atmospheric wrap-up.
Strasbourg Christmas Market Guide
Route 10: Western Euro Winter
Cities Visited: Paris, France → Metz, France → Luxembourg City, Luxembourg → Liege, Belgium → Brussels, Belgium → Lille, France
Last Dates to See Christmas Markets:
Paris - Open until 12/28/26
Metz - Open until 12/30/26
Luxembourg City - Open until 1/1/27
Liege - Open until 1/4/27
Brussels - Open until 1/4/27
Lille - Open until 12/29/26
From Parisian elegance to Belgian chocolate bliss, this route is a festive sprint through some of Western Europe’s most charming Christmas markets. Start with a round-trip flight into and out of Paris, where twinkling lights and vin chaud await along the Champs-Élysées. Don't miss a moment to soak in the holiday displays and shop-lined boulevards before heading east to Metz, whose cozy Christmas market punches well above its size and makes for a perfect warm-up.
Your next stop is Luxembourg City, a pocket-sized capital where the market at Place d'Armes glows under medieval spires. While you're there, take time to explore the city’s dramatic fortresses and cliffside casemates—because nothing says "holiday spirit" like centuries-old military architecture. Then cross into Belgium and arrive in Liège, where the Christmas market at Place Saint-Lambert wraps itself around the city’s rich history like a giant, cinnamon-scented scarf.
From Liège, roll into Brussels, where the Grand Place erupts in music, light shows, and the heavenly scent of waffles and glühwein. Between markets, admire the city’s Art Deco architecture or duck into a museum to marvel at its collection of Flemish Primitives—yes, that’s an actual art term, not a band name. End your journey in Lille, just across the French border, for one final whirl of festive stalls and a stroll through its beautifully preserved old town. From there, it’s a quick hop back to Paris.
This route is ideal for travelers craving variety: France’s romance, Luxembourg’s storybook charm, and Belgium’s unique blend of medieval, modern, and mulled wine-soaked mayhem.
Route 11: Dolomites Dream
Cities Visited: Milan, Trento, Verona, Bolzano, and Merano (All in Italy)
Last Dates to See Christmas Markets:
Milan - Open until 1/6/27
Trento - Open until 1/7/27
Verona - Open until 12/26/27
Bolzano - Open until 1/6/27
Merano - Open until 1/6/27
For a holiday getaway that blends fashion, fairy-tale towns, and Alpine magic, this northern Italy itinerary hits all the right notes. Fly into Milan, and either return from there or depart from Venice if it better fits your schedule. While renting a car gives you flexibility in the mountains, train travel is a great alternative for this route. It’s reliable, scenic, and surprisingly well-connected across all five cities.
Start in Milan, where high fashion meets festive spirit at the Christmas market in Piazza del Duomo. After soaking in the city lights and espresso-fueled holiday rush, take the train to Trento, a peaceful Alpine city with medieval charm and a lively market centered around its own Duomo. Then continue on to Verona, a romantic favorite that leans into the season with markets set in Renaissance squares and cozy streets.
From there, travel north into the Dolomites with stops in Bolzano and Merano for large yet charming Chrsitmas markets in incredible scenic settings. These markets bring a distinctly Alpine flavor to the season with gingerbread, wood carvings, and snowy peaks.
If time allows, swing by Lake Garda or Lake Como for a dose of winter lakeside stillness. And make no mistake: between Milanese trattorias, Verona’s wine bars, and Merano’s Alpine specialties, this route might actually taste better than it looks.
Route 12: Tapas & Tinsel
Cities Visited: Barcelona, Madrid, & Valencia (All in Spain)
Last Dates to See Christmas Markets:
Madrid - Open until 12/31/26
Barcelona - Open until 1/6/27
Valencia - Open until 1/7/27
If you’re craving a Christmas escape with fewer snowflakes and more sangria, this Spanish itinerary blends festive spirit with Mediterranean warmth. Fly into Barcelona or Madrid—both offer easy international access—and travel between cities by train, which is fast, scenic, and more relaxing than navigating Spanish toll roads with Google Translate.
Begin in Barcelona, where the Gothic Quarter glows with lights and the market at Plaça de Sant Jaume brings a Catalonian spin to the holiday season. Don’t miss Gaudí’s masterpieces like the Sagrada Família, which look even more surreal lit up for the holidays. From there, take the train to Madrid, where the Plaza Mayor turns into a festive plaza filled with ornaments, nativity figures, and snacks. The city’s historic core is lit up like a stage, perfect for evening strolls and impromptu tapas crawls.
End your trip in Valencia, where the Christmas market at Plaza del Ayuntamiento wraps up this Iberian loop with a Mediterranean twist. Between bites of turrón and views of the palm-lined streets, you’ll get a taste of Spain’s version of holiday cheer—less snow, more sunshine, and plenty of food.
(*Madrid and Valencia’s Christmas market dates haven’t been released yet. Dates are approximate based on historical data. We will update when dates are released.)
