Travel to Europe this holiday season for a Christmastime adventure filled with charming markets, festive décor, and the warmth of mulled wine! Onward Travel is excited to host a new European Christmas market tour from November 30 to December 7, 2025, taking travelers to the magical markets of Prague, Brno, and Vienna.
Tour leader Katerina Clauhs Dhand, who lived in Prague for four years, is eager to share her passion for this cherished holiday tradition.
Prague: A Fairytale Christmas
The capital of the Czech Republic transforms into a true winter wonderland during the holiday season. Markets are set up all around the city, the grandest of which is in Old Town Square (Staroměstská). Ringed by gorgeous Medieval buildings and with a giant tree plucked from the Czech forests at its center, it must be experienced. We’ll also visit a number of the city’s smaller markets where twinkling lights, festive stalls, and the scent of holiday treats and mulled wine fill the air, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
Brno: A Hidden Gem of Christmas Cheer
From Prague, we journey to Brno, the capital of Moravia and a gem in the European Christmas market crown. Voted European Christmas City of 2024, Brno’s markets are a major regional seasonal celebration. Visitors can explore the unique charm of Liberty Square, Zelnack, Moravian Square and Dominican Square, each offering a distinct festive ambiance and specialty and all within a short walk of one another. We’ll spend an evening hopping from market to market, warm beverage in hand. During the years Kat lived in Prague she and her husband visited Brno every year to enjoy the unbeatable holiday vibes and cheer and she can’t wait to bring the group there.
Vienna: A Grand Celebration
The final stop is Vienna, Austria’s majestic capital, where Christmas markets exude imperial elegance. The world-famous Wiener Christkindlmarkt in front of Rathausplaz (City Hall) attracts around three million visitors annually, and like in Prague we’ll also explore some hidden gems beloved by locals. We’ll be there for the evening when the Krampus comes out for a bit of scary fun, which is followed by St. Nicholas Day, so we’ll be keeping our eyes out for these figures of Austrian holiday folklore. With 4.6 million visits to Vienna’s markets coming from its residents – despite the city’s population being only 1.8 million – it’s clear that these markets are at the heart of Viennese holiday traditions.
The Magic of Christmas Markets
Across all three cities, travelers will experience vibrant holiday décor, traditional music, entertaining performances, and a warm, festive spirit. Each market is lined with beautifully decorated wooden stalls offering an array of local handicrafts and gourmet delicacies. Decorations are colored in vibrant red, green, gold, and white and bright, warm twinkling lights illuminate the nights. Mighty Christmas trees are an impressive site at the markets, and there are daily tree lighting ceremonies.
The atmosphere alone is reason to visit, but our travelers will also have access to excellent shopping. Booths sell a wide range of gifts from handcrafted decorations, wooden nativity scenes and toys, candles, bath salts, soap, ceramics, leather goods, jewelry, blankets and tablecloths, glassware, tableware, gourmet foods, and more. Be sure to pack light so you have room to bring home all your goods!
We also love that the markets prioritize sourcing local produce and materials, reducing their carbon footprint while supporting regional artisans and businesses.
A Culinary Wonderland
Food lovers will find these markets to be a paradise of festive flavors. Classic treats include trdelnik (a sweet, spiral-shaped pastry coated in cinnamon sugar) and sugar-coated roasted nuts, as well as savory items such as hearty sausages and bratwurst. Other specialties include roasted ham on spits, flatbreads, dumplings, local cheeses, and roasted chestnuts. If you prefer to stay warm with a hot beverage, sip on mulled wine, hot mead (honey wine), hot fruit punch, hot chocolate, or grog – a cozy concoction of hot water, rum, lemon, and sugar.
A Tradition Rooted in History
Now that you know what to expect from these traditional markets you will visit, let’s look at their lengthy and interesting history.
European Christmas markets date back to the Late Middle Ages, originating primarily in the German-speaking regions of the Holy Roman Empire. Initially, these winter markets allowed people to stock up on essential goods before the harshest cold months, such as the market established in Vienna in 1296. Over time, they evolved into festive gatherings centered around Christmas traditions.
It’s hard to exactly identify the first official Christmas market, though Dresden in Germany claims this honor for their Striezelmarkt, which began in 1434 and celebrates its 590th anniversary this December. The Striezelmarkt was traditionally held in the town square and began by only selling meat. Over time, the markets expanded beyond everyday necessities, eventually incorporating seasonal treats and handmade crafts. Historically, only local tradesmen were permitted to sell their goods, a practice that continues to preserve the distinct regional character of these beloved markets.
All three cities attract thousands of visitors each year who come to enjoy the magic of European Christmas traditions. Will you be among them making magical memories with us this holiday season?