I Went to Europe’s Christmas Markets…And Here’s What No One Tells You

When I planned my Christmas market trip through Europe, I had one mission: experience all of it. The mulled wine. The twinkle lights. The bratwurst. The chaos. The cozy. It was a bucket-list trip, and I was ready to lean in.

But for all the reels and Pinterest boards promising magical vibes, there were a few surprises, and a few lessons, that no one really tells you about. So here’s my tell-all (with wine-stained gloves and a suitcase full of ceramic mugs to prove it), Q&A-style.

Looking for inspiration?

3 cities. 11 days. Endless lights, drinks, and holiday magic. Come wander castle courtyards and Christmas markets in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest. Make this the winter you actually take the trip.

Why did you take this trip?

This was a long-time bucket list dream for both of us. The goal wasn’t just to see the markets…it was to experience as many as we could. Think: lights, snacks, drinks, music, and full-on festive immersion. We wanted it all.

What surprised you the most?

A few things, honestly:

• How big the markets were. Many cities didn’t just have one…some had four or five, spread across different neighborhoods.

• The crowds on weekends. Magical? Yes. But absolutely packed. I’m talking (no exaggeration) shoulder-to-shoulder hot wine navigation.

• The lights. They weren’t just festive…they were breathtaking. Like walking through a glowing art installation with bratwurst in one hand and a mug in the other.

Let’s talk drinks. What was amazing…and what was overrated?

You know I take my tasting responsibilities very seriously:

• Strasbourg’s vin chaud: Fragrant, spiced, citrusy, and sweet. Almost too sweet...but in a good, French-pastry-case kind of way.

• Nuremberg’s blueberry glühwein: Shut. It. Down. This one was a full-body YES! Tart, warming, and not too syrupy. My favorite glühwein by-far.

• Stuttgart’s eggnog variant: A total surprise and another big favorite of mine. Rich, creamy, slightly boozy, and perfect for sipping while pretending to browse ornaments.

• Regular red glühwein? Honestly…mid. Not bad, but once you’ve tried the fruit-infused or locally spiked stuff, you won’t go back.

What did you love beyond the drinks?

Everything. The food. The energy. The feeling of being bundled up with cold noses and warm hands.

• The vibe was unbeatable…live music, bells, choirs, accordion solos, you name it.

• The food was better than expected: think cheese-cover spaetzle, handbrot (cheese and ham-filed buns), and ALL the bratwurst variations. So. Much. Good. Food… Bring your soft-pants.

• And the backdrop? Even better than the drinks. Half-timbered houses, gothic cathedrals, Baroque façades…every market was wrapped in architecture that looked straight out of a storybook.

Would you do anything differently next time?

Absolutely:

• Weekend strategy matters. Next time, I’d hit smaller towns on weekends to dodge the massive crowds.

• Minimize long day trips. I’d stay closer to the markets themselves instead of commuting in, especially since so many cities have multiple markets in walkable areas.

• Also: less overpacking, more room for mugs and bottles.

Final thoughts?

Go. Honestly. Go.

Do the markets, drink the wine, freeze your fingers, buy the mug. Just plan smart, stay flexible, and don’t underestimate how magical (and delicious) it all becomes once the lights come on and the first sip of glühwein hits your bloodstream.

If you want help turning this into your version of a bucket list trip, let’s set up your complimentary planning call or check out my Christmas Escape to Central Europe. If you’ve ever dreamed of Prague, Vienna, and Budapest decked out in lights, filled with music, and serving up mulled wine on every corner…this is your sign.

I’ll help you skip the stress, keep the sparkle, and make this trip the holiday highlight you’ll be talking about for years. ✨