The holiday season is here – and the time has come to visit Europe’s authentic Christmas markets. Traversing these markets during the winter season has been a beloved tradition for centuries. It’s not just the bespoke finds that make the experience –the snow-capped historical architecture, delightful cuisine and warmly lit ambiance also make the experience merry and bright. 

Since each market has its own charm and flair, we called on the experts – Delta people – for insight to where and how to shop.  

GERMANY: High Time for Yuletide 

“Regensburg is one of the best! Beautiful, quaint town off the Danube River and home to four Christmas markets. Great food, drinks, lots of great vendors selling homemade crafts. Loved every minute of it. It’s a quick two-hour train ride from Munich Airport.” Alecia S., Flight Attendant 

"I went to Cologne, Germany for my first international Christmas market, and it was pure magic. There are, I believe, six different markets around Cologne, some with themes like angels or gnomes, and the main market is set against the backdrop of the city's huge cathedral. I think Cologne is the perfect destination for a Christmas market first-timer. Just make sure to leave room in your luggage to bring home all of the souvenir mugs! For this trip, I flew from JFK to Brussels, spent some time in Ghent, Belgium (another highly recommended place) and took the train from Ghent to Cologne." - Anna M., Sr. Coordinator, Global Communications 

"Last year, we visited Weisbaden, Mainz and Rüdesheim. Rüdesheimer kaffee is a must try when you are there. The town has small cobblestone streets that are mostly pedestrian zones. It’s easily accessible by train. There’s also a gondola ride to a monument on the top of the hill that overlooks the vineyards, town and river." Ashleigh F., Flight Attendant 
 
“We finally made it to Schweizer Glühweinhütte Weihnachtsmarkt in Frankfurt, Germany. And this year, it appears so did everyone else! The Römer - one of the country’s most important landmarks -was our prize to see in person. You can navigate from T2 to T1, then jump on the S-Bahn train (P1) to Frankfurt (M) Hauptwache station. There’s a market waiting for you on the street when you exit at this station. More booths along the route to this location.” Beau T., Sr Analyst - Field Support 

"The biggest market in or around Paris is le Village de Noël in the La Défense area, which has an incredible variety of shopping and food! It’s located in the middle of the city and is very close to the Louvre Museum. It’s also within walking distance of multiple Parisian monuments and must-see sights. A few pop-up bars and restaurants provide cozy places to escape the cold and take a break from exploring the chalets, offering everything from chocolate sparkling wine and maple whiskey to local handmade jewelry and toys. This is the big market that locals and those in the know visit!  Another incredible market is the La Magie de Noël at the Tuileries Garden! It is a well-known Parisian market ,and part of the fun of visiting is hearing the variety of languages being spoken while shopping and eating at the amazing food stalls. Don’t miss trying the raclette or tartiflette!" Ashley D., Flight Attendant

"Strasbourg is by far my favorite! The Christmas market in Strasbourg is the oldest market in France, dating back to 1570. It's no surprise that the city considers itself the 'Capital of Christmas'. This year, Strasbourg Christmas Market runs from Nov. 27 to Dec. 27, so hurry while it’s still open. Taking the train from Paris is an added bonus of seeing beautiful sites along the way! May you always feel the joy of Christmas." MaryAnne P., Learning Facilitator 

"Strasbourg was the winner for me! The entire city feels like Christmas with some of the best food and treats you can find. I flew into Frankfurt and made the 2.5-hour drive to Strasbourg from there." Kayden B., Tower Agent 

"Colmar Christmas Market is magical and charming. It is so picturesque with all the cute buildings. Colmar is a town in the Grand Est region of northeastern France, near the German border. The town has cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered medieval and early Renaissance buildings. The 13th-century Gothic, Eglise Saint-Martin church stands on central Place de la Cathédrale. The city is on the Alsace Wine Route, and local vineyards specialize in Riesling and Gewürztraminer wines. It runs from Nov. 26 – Dec. 29." Ana A., Flight Attendant 

 

AUSTRIA: Charming Views and Cobblestone Streets 

"Innsbruck, Austria is like a quaint stroll through the old world. Their Christkindlmarket is a must-visit!" William S., Lead Customer Experience Specialist 

“Innsbruck, Austria is an easy walk to the Christmas market from the train station. Lovely mountain views with the old town cobble stone streets. The prize for us was to find the famous Golden Roof and snag a photo.”  Beau T., Sr Analyst - Field Support   

“The Schloss Schönbrunn Weihnachtsmarkt at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria was quite amazing. The biggest we’ve visited so far. It was a smooth uneventful train ride to get there. The station is right across the palace so it’s a little walk to the main entrance.” Beau T., Sr Analyst - Field Support  

 “Weihnachtsmarkt Am Stephansplatz in Vienna, Austria is situated closely around the St. Stephen’s Basilica and square. The surrounding restaurants and streets are beautifully lit up with unique lights and decor.” Beau T., Sr Analyst - Field Support 

 

HONORABLE MENTIONS 

More opportunities to deck the halls this holiday season can be found in the following European cities: 

"Edinburgh, Scotland also had a great Christmas market! It’s located at the Princess Street Gardens and goes from Nov. 15 - Jan. 4. They have something for everyone - food stalls, bars, activities like a Christmas maze and the Ferris wheel (known as the big wheel), with plenty of shopping as well!" Kayden B., Tower Agent 

"I had the chance to check out Copenhagen, Denmark in November 2022. There was one at the beginning of Stroget, the main shopping street in Copenhagen, and one that ran the length of Nyhavn waterfront. Tons of stalls with everything from souvenirs and fresh harvest goods to glogg and currywurst. Added bonus, you can visit the world’s second oldest amusement park a stone’s throw away - Tivoli Gardens." David G., Below Wing Customer Service Agent 

“Vörösmarty Classic Xmas in Budapest, Hungary is perfect for any foodie with so many great dishes to choose from. Oh my goulash. The market only accepts card payments, with American Express acceptable in most booths. Food and beverages are on one side, and crafts on the other. There was also some type of felt mat laid all around the ground. Nice touch as it added a layer of safety to prevent slips.”  Beau T., Sr Analyst - Field Support  

 

Getting There with Delta  

Travelers eager to visit Europe’s iconic Christmas markets this winter can depart from any of Delta’s nine U.S. hub cities. Additionally, in partnership with Air France and KLM, we provide over 280 daily flights to nearly 200 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India. Delta Vacations also offers packages that include flights, accommodations, and rental cars to popular destinations like Vienna, Paris, Frankfurt, and more.