European Christmas Markets – what are they really like?

In simple terms, European Christmas Markets embellish a tradition, dating back several centuries, of towns and villages expressing joy in the heart of the festive season. Also known as Christkindlmarkt (Christ Child market), the markets date back to the late Middle Ages and are held over the four weeks of Advent, Usually very late November to Christmas Eve. Nowadays, however a few, remain open into the New Year.

Typically set in the old cobblestone town centres and surrounded by historic houses and churches, local craftsmen, restaurateurs and ordinary townsfolk set up shop in rows of festive, wooden stalls. They sell everything from mulled wine served from giant, steaming cauldrons to handcrafted wooden toys, pottery, gifts and colourful decorations. They bring alive the joy, romance and nostalgia of the European Festive season.  

Imagine… Standing in a 600-year-old, picture-postcard, cobbled-stone square. Filled with festively decorated wooden stalls. Around you, pink cheeked children wrapped in woollen hats and bright red mittens enjoy merry-go-rounds, while parents sip mulled wine whilst considering the freshly cut Christmas trees, looking for that one perfect tree to take home. Brass bands and Carol singers gather on ancient stone steps and compete with the sizzle of bratwurst sausages, the cracking of horse chestnuts roasting on that open fire, and the raised voices of the locals intent on laughter and happiness.

Experience the Best European Christmas Markets with Albatross Tours

Christmas Markets in Europe have become incredibly popular and now take on all shapes and sizes. The secret is knowing which ones are the most authentic to visit. At Albatross Tours, we are the experts in European Festive Tours, and we have curated the perfect selection for you.

Each of our Christmas itineraries is carefully designed to provide ample time in at least one of the great markets, such as:

• Nurnberg & Munich (Germany)
• Vienna & Salzburg (Austria)
• Strasbourg (France)
• Basle & Montreux (Switzerland)
• Zagreb (Croatia)

We also visit additional markets such as Wurzburg, Munich, and Bern as well as the smaller, ‘just perfect’ markets such as Rothenburg and Innsbruck. The markets are best enjoyed at dusk when the fairy lights are twinkling and candle flames flicker and shimmer. What memories! 

Amazingly we visit over 35 different Christmas Markets on our Tours!

We are the Christmas Markets and Festive Tours experts after all! So, to embrace that number and variety Albatross Tours offer a range of 28 different, tempting, dedicated Festive Christmas and New Year Tours that focus on romantic Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia and Italy. 

They have been designed specifically for the Australian and New Zealand festive traveller wanting to escape to those incredibly romantic and nostalgic location, to enjoy, experience, be looked after and pampered.  

Get your copy of our fabulous 2025, European Festive Christmas and New Year brochure.

Yes, it is already out, just in time to sit on your coffee table over this Christmas. So you had better order yours now. Let us send you 2 copies of our gorgeous, colourful Festive Brochure. One for you, and one to wrap up and give to your friends.

• Call us: 1300 135 015
• Email: [email protected]
• Visit our website: www.albatrosstours.com.au