Destination Europe
Luxury Christmas Tours
- Luxury Christmas tours in Europe feature festive markets, cultural traditions, and scenic winter destinations.
- Custom travel to Europe allows personalized holiday itineraries with premium experiences and private tours.
- Popular destinations include Germany, France, Switzerland, and Italy during the Christmas season.
Festive Christmas Markets Across Europe: A Luxury Holiday Experience
Think about Christmas markets when considering custom travel to Europe in December, but these colorful fairs are not the only attractions. Equally colorful festivals celebrate the season with lights, ice sculptures, music, and traditional customs that date back centuries.
These winter events combine several favorite things to see and do: shopping, sampling traditional foods, sightseeing, local crafts, pageantry, music, and entertainment. In any of these cities and others throughout Europe, look for Christmas concerts in the churches, beautifully lighted streets, and seasonal displays in department store windows.
European Christmas Food and Culinary Traditions on Your Winter Tour
Wherever you find them, food is always a major attraction of European Christmas markets, especially in Germany, where the air is fragrant with roasting chestnuts, strudel, spicy sausages sizzling on grills, and the local specialties of each region.
Most of these markets and festivals involve being outdoors, often walking in the snow, cross country skiing, and hiking, so be sure to dress warmly and wear boots or heavy shoes. And bring a pack or tote to the markets because you're sure to be tempted by the beautiful handmade goods you'll find. For those who prefer combining festive markets with alpine scenery, our luxury tours in Europe offer extended multi-country Christmas itineraries.
Nuremberg's World-Famous Christmas Market: Europe's Premier Holiday Destination
Europe's best-known Christmas market is a highlight of custom travel to Europe during the holiday season., and the first to gain status as a major tourist attraction, is in Nuremberg. The setting could be a movie set, a large square surrounded by medieval buildings highlighted by a pinnacle-studded cathedral bathed in lights. At one side is a magnificent fountain, also brightly lit, and the entire scene is filled with rows of cabins, each its own glittering wonderland.
While in Nuremberg, look for concerts of Christmas music in churches, and tour the old city in a horse-drawn carriage. Austria is another favourite destination during the festive season, with Vienna's markets among the most celebrated in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Tours
When is the best time to visit European Christmas markets on a luxury tour?
Most European Christmas markets open in late November and run through December 24th. The peak festive atmosphere is typically between the first and third weeks of December. Destination Europe can arrange your luxury Christmas tour to coincide with the most magical period in each destination.
Which European cities have the best Christmas markets for luxury travelers?
Nuremberg, Vienna, Strasbourg, Cologne, and Prague are among Europe's finest Christmas market cities. For luxury travelers, Vienna and Strasbourg offer exceptional dining, high-end shopping, and five-star hotel options alongside their iconic festive markets.
What is included in a luxury Christmas tour to Europe with Destination Europe?
Our luxury Christmas tours include private guided tours of Christmas markets, stays at premium hotels, curated dining experiences featuring local seasonal cuisine, private transfers, and personalized itineraries tailored to your interests and travel dates.
Can I customize my European Christmas tour itinerary?
Absolutely. Destination Europe specializes in fully customized luxury travel to Europe. We can design a Christmas tour visiting multiple countries, specific markets, and holiday events tailored entirely to your preferences, budget, and travel dates.
What should I pack for a luxury Christmas tour in Europe?
European Christmas tours often involve outdoor market walking in cold or snowy conditions. Pack warm layers, a quality winter coat, waterproof boots, and a tote bag for market shopping. Smart casual attire is also recommended for upscale Christmas dinners and concerts.
What We Offer
The Complete Package
Travel Insurance
Destination Europe has adopted the policy of always recommending travel insurance to protect your travel investment. Given recent world events, unexpected and unforeseen occurrences, we highly recommend travel insurance to all of our clients. Our insurance provider is Travelex.
Plan My TripAirfare
We can offer round trip international airfare from any city in the United States. Please note that we can only offer published fares and do not have the capabilities to hold specific fares or flights for longer than five days. Also, we do not offer airfare as a single item - it must be included with a travel package.
Plan My TripRail Travel & Passes
Interested in including rail travel in your journey, we offer a wide range of rail passes, transportation cards, night train reservations, premier seat reservations, point-to-point tickets and more. Please contact us at info@destinationeuropeonline.com or fill our Travel Request form and provide the necessary information.
Plan My TripHotels
We work with a large range of hotels and properties all over Europe. Ranging from budget friendly hotels, to first class luxury hotels. We also work with select B&Bs and Inns, rentals, Villas, Castles, and unique style properties (think glamping, tents, ice hotel, etc). With our Virtuoso connections, additional amenities at select hotels are included.
Plan My TripExperiences
The experiences and activities that we build are endless. From private drivers and private guides, to small group experiences. City tours, day trips, boat charters, hot air balloons, food and wine, culinary experiences, hiking & biking, history tours, photography tours, garden and estate tours, and special occasions are just some of what we can offer.
Plan My TripRiver Cruises
Europe offers an array of River Cruise options from the Douro River in Portugal, to Normandy and the South of France along the Seine and Rhone Rivers, to Rhine and Danube Rivers meandering through the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, and Romania. We can help you navigate all options best suited for you or group.
Plan My TripWhat our customers say
We wanted to drop you a note to thank you for all your help with our recent vacation to Italy. It was simply a phenomenal trip! You put together a package which was exactly what we asked for ? organized activities coupled with ample free time to explore on our own, and smaller quaint (yet elegant) accommodations.
Anne & Tim
Rochester NH
Our trip to Paris and Provence was even better than we had imagined. Once again we gave you short notice, but you came through for us with flying colors. Everything, transportation, hotel accommodations, day tours were excellent. This was our second trip with you planning all of the details, truly amazing!