The Ultimate Week-Long Christmas Market Trip Through France and Germany
If you have ever dreamed of experiencing the magic of European Christmas markets, this itinerary is for you! Strasbourg, Colmar, Cologne, and Frankfurt are four of the most spectacular Christmas market destinations in Europe. Each city has its own unique take on the holiday season, and together they create an unforgettable week of winter wonder.
We have done the planning so you don’t have to! This itinerary is based around a round-trip flight to and from Frankfurt, Germany as it’s a massive transportation hub in Europe. This route is designed to maximize your market hopping while still giving you time to explore each city properly. Strasbourg, Colmar, Cologne, and Frankfurt cities are very well connected by train, making it easy to go from one destination to another.
Christmas markets in these destinations typically run from late November through late December, with most closing on or before Christmas Eve. The exact dates vary by city and even by individual market, so be sure to check the specific dates for the year you are planning to visit. We recommend going in early to early December for the best experience, when the markets are in full swing, but before the final holiday rush.
6-Day Itinerary Overview:
Day 1: Frankfurt to Strasbourg
Day 2: Strasbourg
Day 3: Day trip to Colmar
Day 4: Strasbourg to Cologne
Day 5: Cologne
Day 6: Cologne to Frankfurt
Day One: Frankfurt to Strasbourg
Fly into Frankfurt, then head to the dedicated train station with connections throughout Germany and beyond. It’s easy to navigate even if this is your first time there! Purchase a train ticket to Strasbourg directly from the Trainline app, which saves you from standing in line at a ticket counter. The journey from Frankfurt Airport to Strasbourg takes about two and a half hours, and the route is straightforward with zero or minimal transfers.
When you arrive at Strasbourg Station, grab a taxi or take an Uber to your hotel. We stayed at Hotel Cour du Corbeau, and it was absolutely perfect for a Christmas market trip! This boutique hotel sits right in the historic center of Strasbourg, which means you can walk to multiple markets without needing transportation. The building itself dates back to the 16th century and has been beautifully restored with a mix of historic charm and modern comfort. The staff was welcoming, the rooms were cozy, and the location simply cannot be beat. Waking up and stepping out into the medieval streets of Strasbourg is an experience in itself.
After you check in and drop your bags, take some time to walk around the city center and get your bearings. Strasbourg is gorgeous year round, but during the Christmas season it transforms into something truly magical. The half timbered houses are draped in lights, the smell of vin chaud (hot wine) wafts through the streets, and there is a sense of anticipation in the air.
If you have energy left after your travel day, feel free to pop into one of the nearby markets to get a taste of what is to come. But there is no pressure. Today is about arrival and settling in. Strasbourg will still be here tomorrow, and you will have a full day to explore everything it has to offer. Grab dinner somewhere close to your hotel, take in the evening atmosphere, and get a good night's sleep.
Day Two: Exploring Strasbourg
Strasbourg is known as the "Capital of Christmas," and once you spend a day here, you will understand why. This city goes all out for the holiday season. We are talking about almost a dozen different Christmas markets scattered throughout the historic center, each with its own character and specialty. Today is all about exploring these markets and soaking in the festive atmosphere.
Start your morning with a classic French breakfast. Most cafes in Strasbourg serve espresso and fresh croissants, which is the perfect fuel for a day of walking. Keep it light because you will be eating your way through the markets all day long.
Your first stop should be the market at Place de la Cathédrale, which sits directly in front of the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral. This Gothic masterpiece towers over the square, and the market stalls spread out in front of it create an incredible scene. This market is one of the oldest and most famous in Strasbourg, and it has a traditional feel with wooden chalets selling everything from handmade ornaments to local Alsatian crafts. The cathedral itself is worth spending time admiring. If you are up for it, you can climb to the top for views over the city, though be prepared for a lot of steps.
From there, make your way to Place Kléber, which hosts Strasbourg's largest Christmas tree. This is not just any Christmas tree. It is a massive, elaborately decorated tree that serves as the centerpiece of the square. The market here is more modern and commercial compared to Place de la Cathédrale, with a giant Ferris wheel and plenty of food and drink options. It is a great spot to grab a mug of vin chaud and people watch.
Another market worth visiting is Place Broglie, which has a more local feel. This is where we found some of the best food stalls in Strasbourg. The market has a festive atmosphere without being overly crowded, and the food vendors here serve incredible traditional dishes. You absolutely must try the pork knuckle from the booth at the far end of the market. It comes with spaetzle, and it is the kind of hearty, satisfying meal you want after walking around in the cold all day. Do not skip this.
Beyond these three main markets, Strasbourg has several smaller themed markets worth exploring. There is a market dedicated to Alsatian products, another focused on artisan crafts, and even a market celebrating the region's wine and gastronomy. You could easily spend the entire day hopping from market to market without getting bored. Each one has its own specialty, and part of the fun is discovering your personal favorites.
Take breaks as you need them. Duck into a cafe for a warm drink, browse the shops along the side streets, or simply find a bench and watch the world go by. Strasbourg during Christmas is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the markets themselves. The city has a way of making you slow down and savor the moment.
In the evening, the markets take on a different character as the lights come on and everything glows. If you have not already, this is a great time to revisit Place de la Cathédrale! The cathedral is beautifully illuminated at night, and the market stalls lit up against the dark sky create a scene straight out of a storybook. Grab dinner from one of the food stalls, enjoy a final glass of vin chaud, and take it all in before heading back to your hotel.
Strasbourg Christmas Market Guide
Everything you need to know before you go to Strasbourg, France for the holidays!
Get the guide here!
Colmar, France
Day Three: Day Trip to Colmar
Take the train from Strasbourg to Colmar to spend the day exploring this goregous, Alsatian town and it’s many Christmas markets. Colmar's train station sits about a 15-minute walk from the Old Town where the Christmas markets are located. If the weather cooperates, the walk is pleasant and takes you through residential areas that give you a feel for local life. If needed, you can book a taxi or use a rideshare app. The ride takes just a few minutes and costs around 10-15 EUR.
Before you dive head first into the markets, it’s important to note a little bit abotu Colmar’s food scene! While it’s tempting to grab lunch at the markets, Colmar is home to over two dozen Michelin-starred restaurants! Many offer prix fixe lunch menus that provide exceptional quality at more reasonable prices than dinner. We highly recommend either L'Atelier du Peintre or Wistub La Petite Venise. L'Atelier du Peintre offers contemporary Alsatian cuisine in an intimate setting, while Wistub La Petite Venise serves more traditional dishes in a cozy winstub atmosphere. Both require reservations, so book ahead if possible.
Colmar doesn't just have one Christmas market. It has six distinct markets, each with its own character and offerings. The markets run from late November through late December, staying open a few days longer than most other markets in the region.
Place des Dominicains
This market surrounds the beautiful 14th-century Dominican Church and features elegant wooden chalets selling crafts, decorations, and gifts. The architecture creates a stunning backdrop for the market stalls.
Place de l'Ancienne Douane
Located in the heart of the Old Town, this is one of the larger markets. You'll find a mix of artisan goods, local food products, and Christmas decorations. The Koïfhus (Old Customs House) building dominates one side of the square, its colorful tile roof adding to the picturesque setting.
Place Jeanne d'Arc
This market focuses on regional Alsatian products. Wine, schnapps, sausages, spice cookies, and other local specialties fill the stalls. If you want to bring home authentic Alsatian products, this is your market.
Place des Six Montagnes Noires (Petite Venise)
Situated in Colmar's famous "Little Venice" neighborhood along the Lauch River, this market offers incredible photo opportunities. The canal-side location with colorful buildings reflecting in the water creates a magical setting.
Marché Couvert
The covered market operates year-round but takes on special significance during Christmas. Local vendors sell cheese, charcuterie, fresh produce, and baked goods. Stop here for picnic supplies or gifts to bring home.
Place de la Cathédrale
Surrounding the stunning Saint-Martin's Collegiate Church, this market features a beautiful selection of arts and crafts from local artisans.
The Gourmet Market
Unlike traditional market stalls selling trinkets, this is an entire tent dedicated to food and wine. The quality rivals many restaurants, but you get to try multiple things in a relaxed, communal atmosphere. Try the foie gras, the onion soup, the tartiflette, the choucroute, or really anything that catches your eye. Pair your meal with a glass of Alsatian wine! The Gourmet Market has communal seating, so you'll likely share your table with other travelers and locals.
End your evening with a street-side crêpe. Vendors selling fresh crêpes appear throughout the markets. Stroll through the illuminated streets before heading back to the train station.
Day Four: Strasbourg to Cologne
After breakfast, pack up your things and head to Strasbourg Train Station. You can take a taxi or use the Uber to get there from your hotel. Today you are traveling to Cologne, Germany, which is your next Christmas market destination!
Purchase your train tickets through the Trainline app if you have not already. The journey from Strasbourg to Cologne takes about three hours, and you will typically make one transfer along the way, often in either Frankfurt or Mannheim. These transfers are quick and straightforward.
When you arrive in Cologne, take a taxi or Uber to your hotel. We stayed at 25hours Hotel The Circle, and we loved it! This hotel has a fun, quirky design with a rooftop bar that offers incredible views over Cologne, including the famous cathedral. The rooms are modern and comfortable, and the location is excellent for accessing the Christmas markets. It is also right next to the train station, which made our arrival super easy.
Once you check in and drop your bags, you have the rest of the afternoon to explore Cologne. We actually recommend taking a break from the markets today to see some of the city's other highlights. Cologne has a lot to offer beyond Christmas markets, and it is worth experiencing.
One of the best ways to see Cologne is from the water! Book a boat tour like this one along the Rhine River. The city looks beautiful from this perspective, and it is a relaxing way to take in the sights after a morning of travel. The boat tours typically last about an hour and give you great views of the Old Town, the bridges, and of course, the Cologne Cathedral.
After your boat tour, make your way to the Chocolate Museum, which is rightalong the riverfront. This museum is dedicated to the history of chocolate and includes exhibits on how chocolate is made, the history of cocoa, and even a chocolate fountain where you can sample fresh chocolate. It is fun, interactive, and delicious. You can purchase tickets in advance online to skip any lines.
If you finish at the Chocolate Museum and still have time before dinner, walk along the Rhine promenade. The pathway along the river is beautiful, especially in the evening when the lights reflect off the water. You will also pass by the Harbor Market, which is one of Cologne's Christmas markets. You do not need to explore it in depth today since you will have all day tomorrow for markets, but it is nice to get a preview.
For dinner, explore the area around your hotel or venture into the Old Town. Cologne has excellent German food, and after a day of travel and sightseeing, a hearty meal is exactly what you need.
Cologne Christmas Market Guide
Which markets to visit, where to stay, and how to get around one of the best Christmas market cities in Europe!
Get the guide here!
Day Five: Cologne, Germany
Cologne is home to some of the most impressive Christmas markets in Germany, and today you get to experience them. The city has several distinct markets, each with its own theme and personality. You could visit up to six different markets if you are ambitious, though we managed five and felt like we got a great overview of what Cologne has to offer.
Start your day with a German breakfast. Most cafes and bakeries serve fresh bread with jam, coffee, and orange juice. It is simple but satisfying, and it will fuel you for a full day of walking.
Your first stop should be the Cathedral Market, which sits right in front of the Cologne Cathedral. This is the most famous Christmas market in Cologne, and for good reason. The cathedral is an absolute masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and having a Christmas market at its base creates an unforgettable scene. The market stalls sell traditional German Christmas items, including handmade ornaments, wooden toys, and plenty of food and drink options. The sheer size of the cathedral looming overhead is breathtaking, and it is worth taking some time to go inside if you have not visited before. The stained glass windows and soaring ceilings are incredible.
From the Cathedral Market, walk a short distance to the Gnome Market, which is officially called the Heinzelmännchen Market. This market is themed around Cologne's legend of helpful gnomes who would come out at night to finish people's work while they slept. The market has a whimsical, fairy tale atmosphere with decorations and stalls designed to look like a gnome village. It is charming and fun, and it feels different from the more traditional markets. The food here is excellent. We highly recommend the fire roasted salmon or the handbrot, which is a kind of flatbread sandwich filled with various toppings. Both are delicious and perfect for eating while you walk.
Next, head to the Angel Market at Neumarkt. This market is elegant and beautiful, with angel themed decorations throughout. The stalls here focus on high quality crafts and gifts, and the overall vibe is a bit more refined compared to some of the other markets. There is also a stage where you can catch live musical performances throughout the day, which adds to the festive atmosphere.
After the Angel Market, make your way to the St. Nicholas Market in the Old Town. This market is smaller and has a more intimate feel. It is tucked into a quieter square, which makes it a nice break from the larger, busier markets. The focus here is on artisan goods and local products, so it is a great place to pick up unique gifts or souvenirs.
Your final market of the day should be the Harbor Market, located along the Rhine River near the Chocolate Museum. This market has a maritime theme, which makes sense given its location by the water. The setting is beautiful, especially as the sun starts to set and the lights reflect off the river. There is a floating platform with additional stalls, and the whole area has a relaxed, laid back vibe. It is a lovely way to wind down after a full day of market hopping.
If you are feeling ambitious, there is a sixth market called the Market of Angels at Cologne City Hall. We did not make it to this one, but it is supposed to be lovely. However, five markets in one day is already quite a lot, so do not feel like you need to push yourself.
One helpful tip: Cologne has a Christmas tram that connects many of the markets. If your feet are tired or you want to cover more ground quickly, you can hop on the tram instead of walking between markets. That said, the distances are not huge, and walking lets you soak in more of the city's atmosphere.
For dinner, head back to the Gnome Market if you have not already eaten there. The food stalls at this market are some of the best in Cologne, and it is worth returning even if you grabbed a snack earlier. After dinner, make one final stop at the Cathedral Market. The cathedral is beautifully lit up at night, and seeing the market glowing beneath it is a perfect way to end your day in Cologne.
Frankfurt Christmas Market Guide
Learn more about how to make the most of your time in Frankfurt for the holidays!
Get the guide here!
Day Six: Cologne to Frankfurt
After breakfast, pack up and check out of your hotel. Head to the Cologne Central Station, which is just a short walk or ride away depending on where you stayed. The train from Cologne to Frankfurt is quick and easy. This journey is typically direct and takes about an hour and a half. It is one of the shorter train rides on this trip, which means you will have plenty of time to explore Frankfurt once you arrive!
When you get to Frankfurt, take a taxi or Uber to your hotel. We stayed at Moxy Frankfurt City Center, which was a solid choice for this trip. The hotel has a modern, minimalist design with a fun, youthful vibe. The location is excellent, putting you within walking distance of Frankfurt's Christmas markets and the main shopping district. The rooms are compact but comfortable, and the common areas are great for relaxing after a day of exploring.
After you check in, it is time to explore Frankfurt's Christmas markets! Frankfurt has a small handful of main markets, though the city's largest and most famous is the one at Römerberg. This market is huge, sprawling across the historic square in front of the Römer, Frankfurt's medieval city hall. The setting is picturesque, with the traditional half timbered buildings creating a perfect backdrop for the market stalls.
The Römerberg market is classic and traditional, with hundreds of stalls selling everything from Christmas decorations to handmade crafts to regional foods. This is the kind of market where you can spend hours just wandering and browsing. The food options are excellent, with all the German Christmas market staples like bratwurst, roasted almonds, and glühwein. There is also a large stage area where you can catch live performances and carolers throughout the day.
If you have time and energy, Frankfurt has a few other markets worth checking out! There is a market on the Hauptwache square that has a more modern feel, and another at Paulsplatz that is a bit quieter and less crowded. Each market has its own character, so if you are a true market enthusiast, you could easily visit all of them.
Frankfurt is also a lovely city to explore beyond the markets. The area around the Römerberg is full of narrow medieval streets with shops, cafes, and restaurants. The Main River runs through the city, and walking along the riverbank is pleasant, especially in the evening when the city lights reflect off the water. If you are interested in art, Frankfurt has several excellent museums, including the Städel Museum, which houses an impressive collection of European art.
For dinner, explore the area around your hotel or return to one of the markets. Frankfurt has a great food scene, and you will find plenty of options whether you want traditional German cuisine or something more international.
This itinerary is designed to give you the ultimate Christmas market experience without being overwhelming. By basing yourself in three cities and spending a couple of days in each, you get to experience the highlights without constantly rushing to the next destination. The train connections between these cities are excellent, which makes travel days relatively stress free.
A few final tips for making the most of this trip: dress warmly in layers, as you will be spending a lot of time outside. Bring comfortable walking shoes because you will be covering a lot of ground each day. Consider bringing a small backpack or crossbody bag to carry your purchases from the markets. And most importantly, be present and enjoy the experience. Christmas markets are as much about the atmosphere and the feeling as they are about the actual shopping and eating.
This trip works well for couples, groups of friends, or even families with older children who can handle the walking and travel. The magic of European Christmas markets is something that truly has to be experienced to be believed, and this itinerary gives you the perfect sampling of what France and Germany have to offer during the most wonderful time of the year.