There may be a variety of activities for children, depending on the market, from hay bales to ice skating, and some have small rides or playgrounds. The main focus of a Christmas Market is the festive food and drink, crafts, and showcasing local traditions. But there's always a good chance of ice skating.

The markets all take place outside and are wheelchair friendly although some are in cobblestone areas, which may be more difficult. If you require a wheelchair while you travel with Insight Vacations, or any of our sister brands, please ensure you complete the accessibility assessment prior to travel.

Christmas Market dates change year on year and regionally. These generally start in the last week of November and will run until Christmas Day.

This depends on the region. In Germany, Switzerland and Austria most vendors will take cards but in the Czech Republic or the Balkans then cash would be preferred by vendors in the market.

This will depend on the market as they range in size. If a market does have washrooms, they will usually be portable restrooms and they may be limited in number.

Comfortable shoes are a must! There are not many places to sit down and the markets are set up for wandering, drinking gluhwein and shopping for handmade gifts and local treats.

The best Christmas market in Europe depends on what you want – whether it’s incredible local food, handmade gifts, ice-skating, historic architecture, or more. Germany is often seen as the king of Christmas markets, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only place to find them – Austria, Hungary, France and Poland are all worth a visit during Christmas. 

Luckily, with our guided tours you don’t need to pick just one – with Insight Vacations you can explore Christmas markets across Germany, Austria, Poland and more.

Absolutely! These markets are truly magical, with twinkling light shows, local market stalls, larger-than-life Christmas trees, and a wealth of activities to get stuck into.

Generally European Christmas markets begin around mid to late November, finishing in either late December or very early January.

While Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt is Germany’s most famous and quintessential Christmas market, there are over 80 vibrant Christmas markets across Berlin that are great for food-lovers, while Dresden is great for those who want a more traditional experience.

Vienna's Christmas markets begin as early as the first week of November with the Schönbrunn Palace market. However, most markets such as Rathausplatz and Spittelberg open around mid-November, running until after Christmas with some even extending into January.

Kraków is known as the ‘Christmas city’ in Poland, likely because it’s home to one of the most picturesque Christmas markets in Europe. You’ll find the markets in Kraków’s Main Square, one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, overlooked by the stunning twin towered basilica of St Mary’s.

No, entry is free to the Prague Christmas Markets so you don’t need a ticket – the markets are open from 10am to 10pm every day.