The BEST Christmas in Europe Itinerary: Vienna to London in 2 Weeks

Everyone talks about European summer, and yeah, it’s great, but honestly, Christmas in Europe might just be my favorite time to be on the continent. From mid-November through early January, cities light up with extravagant Christmas markets, steaming mugs of glühwein, and streets so sparkly they make you feel like a kid again.

I’ve been lucky enough to spend three Christmases in Europe, hopping between markets, cities, and countries by train. Each trip has looked a little different depending on how much time I had, but one thing has always stayed the same: choosing destinations that are close together, easy to reach by train, and packed with bucket-list holiday magic.

This is the exact Christmas in Europe itinerary I did with my family, and I genuinely think it’s one of the best ways to celebrate the season. It gives you big-name cities, cozy Christmas traditions, and plenty of markets without feeling so rushed that you miss the joy of the season.

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The BEST Christmas in Europe Itinerary: Vienna to London in 2 Weeks

My Experience Creating a Christmas in Europe Itinerary

Before we dive into the actual Europe Christmas itinerary, I want to share a bit about why I think this trip works so well and how we mapped it out. We had set dates—December 20 to January 5—so just over two weeks. That gave us some flexibility to linger a little longer in Vienna at the start and London at the end. For the sake of this guide though, I’ve trimmed it down to a neat 14 days so it’s easy to follow.

One tip right away: book separate flights into your starting city and out of your final city. It saves you from wasting time circling back.

A big reason I planned this route was Salzburg. I knew I wanted to be there on Christmas Eve. Just 30 minutes outside the city is a little chapel in Oberndorf, the place where the carol Silent Night was written. Every year, people from all over the world gather there and sing it in their own language. I don’t know why I was so adamant about going at the time ha, but it ended up being a great Christmas Eve.

We also wanted to ring in New Year’s Eve in Paris. I mean, come on, watching the fireworks on the Champs-Élysées? That’s bucket-list stuff.

We traveled entirely by train, backpacks in tow, hopping from city to city. Our days were packed, but for my busy family, it was perfect. I’ve done other European Christmas market trips in Germany to Berlin, Cologne, and Hamburg, and while those markets were incredible, I loved how this 2-week itinerary gave us five different countries, each with its own culture, food, and holiday traditions.

With that said, I hope this itinerary gives you a clear idea of how you can spend two weeks in Europe, whether you’re actually there on Christmas Day or just visiting during the festive season to see all the European Christmas Markets.

Quick Tips for Christmas in Europe

Book your trains and hotels in advance. The holiday season in Europe is busy, and trains, especially, can skyrocket in price (or sell out) if you wait too long. The same goes for hotels and popular tours; don’t risk missing out.
Travel with a backpack instead of a rolling suitcase. This is a fast-paced itinerary, and backpacks make train travel so much easier when you’re hopping on and off platforms or navigating cobblestones. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later. I’ve used this Osprey for 5 years now, and I love it!
Pack for rain and cold. I learned quickly that December in Europe often means gray skies and drizzle. A solid umbrella, warm coat, and layers you can strip on and off are non-negotiable.
Expect crowds. Europe Christmas markets and big attractions are packed, but honestly, that’s part of the fun. Lean into it, grab a glühwein, people-watch, and enjoy the festive buzz.
Have some cash on hand. Most places take cards now, but little market stalls, food huts, or smaller cafés often prefer cash. It saves time and makes grabbing a quick mulled wine way easier.
Know the market dates. Most Christmas markets in Europe open around mid-November and close by December 23–24, though some in big cities (like Vienna or Paris) stretch into the first week of January. If you’re traveling right over Christmas, expect some markets to already be closed. This is important if you’re planning your trip according to a Christmas Market Itinerary.
Stay connected with an eSIM. Hopping between five countries means you don’t want to deal with switching SIM cards. I use SimLocal and highly recommend them. It’s super easy to set up and reliable everywhere we went. You can sign up here and even use my discount code GIRLONAZEBRA.

The Best Christmas In Europe Itinerary: Vienna to London in 2 Weeks

There are SO many places to visit in Europe at Christmas, especially if you’ve got two weeks to play with. But if you want to cover a lot, travel by train, and still keep it fun instead of frantic, this itinerary is the way to go, and honestly, it was one of the best trips of my life.

So let’s get into it.

Stop 1: Vienna (2 Days)

Vienna was the very first stop on our Christmas in Europe itinerary, and honestly, it couldn’t have been a better kickoff. The city is straight-up stunning any time of year, but at Christmas, it feels like someone turned the magic up to full volume. Lights on every corner, palaces glowing at night, and markets that make you want to linger forever.

Personally, I’d say three days is the sweet spot here. But if you’re on a tighter schedule, two days is still enough to see the highlights, sip plenty of glühwein, and get swept up in the Christmas magic.

Things to Do in Vienna at Christmas

Wander the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace with its giant tree and festive market.
Check out the Belvedere Palace at night — the lights reflecting in the lake are unreal.
Have some fun on the ice skating rink in front of Rathausplatz, right in the middle of the main Christmas market.
Visit the Giant Christmas tree in front of St. Stephens Cathedral
Cozy up in a classic Viennese café with sachertorte and coffee.
Catch a festive concert — Vienna really leans into the classical holiday vibes.

Best Vienna Christmas Markets

Rathausplatz (Vienna Christmas Dream): The big one. Skating, food stalls, and a huge lit-up tree.
Schönbrunn Palace Market: Regal setting and perfect for picking up traditional Austrian gifts.
Belvedere Palace Market: Smaller, but absolutely beautiful after dark.

📍Check out the top 5 Christmas Markets in Vienna!

What You Need to Know about Vienna at Christmas

Most markets open mid-November and run until late December, some as late as January 6.
Bundle up — it gets cold once the sun sets.
Trains to Salzburg are quick (about 2.5 hours) and run often, so you can head out mid-morning and be in Salzburg in time for lunch and an afternoon stroll.

📍 Ultimate guide to spending Christmas in Vienna

Where to Stay in Vienna at Christmas

We stayed in the 4th district, right next to one of the Naschmarkt, and it was such a perfect base. The neighborhood felt local but was still just a short walk to all the main sights and being able to wander out for glühwein at night was a big win.

Book Here: Radisson Blu Das Triest Hotel

Stop 2: Salzburg (2 Days)

Like I mentioned earlier, I had my heart set on visiting the Silent Night Chapel on December 24th, and it ended up being just as magical as I hoped. But Salzburg surprised me by being so much more than that.

Out of all the cities we visited, this one is definitely the most compact and charming. With the fortress perched on the hill, the Salzach River winding through the old town, and cozy cafés everywhere you look, Salzburg was easily one of my favorite stops.

Two days is plenty of time here. The city is walkable, and you can cover the highlights without feeling rushed, with plenty of time left over for glühwein and Christmas treats.

Things to Do in Salzburg at Christmas

Visit the Silent Night Chapel in Oberndorf on Christmas Eve for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday experience.
Take the funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress for views over the old town and snowy mountains.
Explore Salzburg’s Old Town (Altstadt) with its narrow lanes, pastel baroque buildings, and festive lights.
Warm up in one of Salzburg’s historic cafés with apple strudel and hot chocolate.
Pop into Mozart’s Birthplace if you’re a music history fan.

Best Salzburg Christmas Markets

Residenzplatz & Domplatz Christmas Market: The main market, with a huge tree and plenty of stalls for food and gifts.
Mirabellplatz Market: Smaller, local vibe, perfect for grabbing a mulled wine away from the crowds.

📍Check out the top 5 Christmas Markets in Salzburg!

What You Need to Know about Salzburg at Christmas

The Silent Night Chapel is about 30 minutes from Salzburg by bus or taxi. Go early on Christmas Eve, as it gets busy with visitors from all over the world.
Salzburg’s Christmas markets usually run until December 26.
It’s an easy train ride from Vienna (about 2.5 hours) and to Munich (1.5 hours).

Where to Stay in Salzburg At Christmas

If you’re planning your own trip, I can’t recommend our hotel enough. It was the perfect cozy base in Old Town. It was close to the markets, easy to walk everywhere, and a warm escape from the cold.

Book Here: Radisson Blu Altstadt

Stop 3: Munich (3 Days)

Munich was my very first time in Bavaria, and we happened to arrive on Christmas Day, which meant the markets were already closed. Instead of wandering stalls, we spent our nights singing karaoke at an Irish pub and leaning into the city’s nightlife, which was honestly just as fun.

If you’re here before December 24, you’ll catch Munich’s gorgeous Christmas markets. If you’re here after, don’t worry, the city is packed with history, beer halls, and day trips that make it well worth the stop. Three days is a good amount of time to balance sightseeing, Bavarian food, and a side trip or two.

Things to Do in Munich at Christmas

Visit the BMW Museum and the Olympic Stadium for a modern look at Munich.
Take a day trip to Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial — a somber but important experience.
Tour the Residenz and Nymphenburg Palace for a dose of royal history.
Go on a Third Reich and WWII Walking Tour
Spend a night in a traditional beer hall — Hofbräuhaus is the classic, but there are plenty of other great spots. We got a giant pretzel and huge mugs of beer
Optional, but I highly recommend: a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, the ultimate fairy-tale backdrop.

Best Christmas Markets in Munich

Marienplatz Christmas Market: The iconic German Christmas Market, right in front of the city hall with a massive tree.
Viktualienmarkt Winter Stalls: More food-focused, perfect if you love German treats.
Medieval Market at Wittelsbacherplatz: A unique vibe with traditional crafts.

What You Need to Know about Munich at Christmas

Munich’s Christmas markets close on December 24, so plan your visit around that if markets are a priority.
Trains are quick — just 1.5 hours from Salzburg and 4 hours to Zurich.
Make reservations for Christmas dinner if possible. If you don’t, go early like we did at Ratskeller, and you might just get lucky.

Where to Stay in Munich at Christmas

If you’re planning your own trip, our hotel in Munich made everything super easy. It was close to the city center, a short walk to Marienplatz, and gave us a cozy place to crash after long days of sightseeing and day trips.

Book Here: Gambino Hotel

Stop 4: Zurich (2 Days)

Switzerland is easily one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever visited. Everything is spotless, the landscapes are unreal, and Zurich itself is dazzling with all the Christmas lights. But let’s be real: it’s also insanely expensive. After three days, I was ready to move on, but for a short Christmas stop, it’s completely worth it.

We used Zurich as a base for a day trip to Lucerne and Mount Titlis. Taking the gondola up alongside skiers with snowy mountain views all around was one of the most memorable moments of the trip. Back in Zurich, we ate way too much chocolate at the Lindt Home of Chocolate, played a round of human-sized chess at Lindenhof, and warmed up with fondue after wandering the Christmas lights.

Two days here is plenty, enough to soak up Switzerland’s festive charm without blowing your entire budget.

Things to Do in Zurich at Christmas

Take a day trip to Lucerne and ride the gondola up Mount Titlis for stunning Alpine views.
Tour the Lindt Home of Chocolate and maybe roll out of there in a sugar coma.
Play a game of human-sized chess at Lindenhof while soaking up city views.
Stroll Bahnhofstrasse at night to see the holiday lights (and luxury shops you’ll probably just window-shop at).
Stop by the Grossmünster Church and wander the Old Town.
Cozy up with fondue or raclette at a traditional Swiss restaurant.

Best Zurich Christmas Markets

Christkindlimarkt at the Main Train Station: Famous for its Swarovski crystal Christmas tree.
Old Town Markets (Niederdorf): Smaller, charming, and surrounded by medieval streets.
Werdmühleplatz Singing Christmas Tree: Choirs sing carols while standing on a tiered “tree.”

What You Need to Know about Zurich at Christmas

Switzerland is expensive! Food, especially, so plan your budget carefully. You can also grab some food from the supermarkets to save money.
Two days is enough unless you’re skiing or want more mountain time.
Trains to Paris take around 4 hours and book up quickly around the holidays.

Where to Stay in Zurich at Christmas

Our hotel in Zurich was clean, central, and made it easy to walk to the Christmas markets and Bahnhofstrasse lights. It gave us the perfect little base before hopping on the train to Paris. But keep in mind, it books out fast as it’s one of the best value for money hotels in the city.

Book Here: Motel One Zurich

Stop 5: Paris (3 Days)

Unfortunately, Paris greeted us with transportation strikes, which made getting around a bit of a headache. But once we dropped our bags and headed out for New Year’s Eve, it was all worth it. The Champs-Élysées was buzzing, the Arc de Triomphe lit up at midnight, and the whole night felt like one big celebration.

The next couple of days were all about the classics: visiting the Eiffel Tower, wandering the Louvre, taking a Seine River cruise, and eating baguettes as we walked down the streets. Even the most touristy spots feel magical during the holidays, and three days give you just enough time to soak it all in without rushing.

Things to Do in Paris at Christmas

Check out the Christmas lights at Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe
Watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night
Wander the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay
Take a Seine River cruise past the city’s landmarks
Explore Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
Stroll through the Tuileries Garden
Catch a Christmas Ballet or Festive Concert
Warm up with coffee and pastries in a classic Parisian café

Best Paris Christmas Markets

Tuileries Garden Market: The biggest and most central market in Paris, with rides, food stalls, and twinkling lights. It also stays open until Jan. 5
Hotel de Ville Market: Smaller but extra charming, set against the backdrop of Paris’s city hall with an ice rink that’s perfect for skating under the lights.

What You Need to Know about Paris at Christmas

Paris can be rainy this time of year, so pack a good umbrella and expect some gray skies while exploring.
Buy tickets for major sights in advance; we missed the Catacombs tour because we didn’t plan ahead.
Three days is enough for the highlights, but plan your days carefully since attractions are spread out.
The train to London takes about 2 hours 20 minutes on the Eurostar, making it an easy next stop.

Where to Stay in Paris at Christmas

Our hotel in Paris was central and made exploring so much easier, especially with the transport strikes. We also had a stunning view of the Eiffel tower, which made our stay so much more magical.

Book Here: Hotel La Comtesse

Stop 6: London (2 Days)

London is one of my favorite cities in the world, so getting to share it with my family was such a treat. My mom and I actually stayed four days, but if you’re working with a two-week Christmas trip, two days is enough to hit the highlights.

The city is magical this time of year, the lights strung up along Oxford Street and Regent Street are unreal, and Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is a must. It’s less of a market and more of a full-on event, with rides, games, and plenty of mulled wine to keep you warm.

Things to Do in London at Christmas

Wander Oxford Street and Regent Street to see the Christmas lights in London
Go Christmas shopping at Covent Garden
Visit Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park (rides, shows, and endless food stalls)
Take a walk along the South Bank for riverside views and festive markets
See the city from the London Eye or the top of St. Paul’s Cathedral
Snap a photo at Tower Bridge and stroll the Tower of London grounds
Cozy up in a pub for fish and chips or a pint after sightseeing
Go see the Nutcracker at the West End.

Best London Christmas Markets

Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park: A huge Christmas event with markets, rides, ice skating, and live shows
Southbank Centre Winter Market: Smaller, atmospheric, and right along the Thames with street food stalls

What You Need to Know about London at Christmas

London is busy during the holidays, so book attractions in advance when you can.
The weather is chilly and often damp; bundle up for lots of walking and bring an umbrella.
Everything closes on Christmas Day, including public transportation.

Where to Stay in London at Christmas

We 100% splurged when spending Christmas in London, but The Stafford is iconic at Christmas with over 100 lit Christmas trees and stunning rooms. It was the best hotel I’ve ever stayed in, and I highly recommend it.

Book Here: The Stafford Hotel

FAQ: Planning Your European Christmas Market Itinerary

What is a good Christmas market itinerary by train?

There are so many ways to put together a Christmas market itinerary by train. The route I shared (Vienna to Salzburg to Munich to Zurich to Paris to London) is one of my favorites. A Germany and Central Europe route like Berlin, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest gives you a mix of grand cities and festive markets, while a Scandinavia adventure through Helsinki, Stockholm, Oslo, and Tromsø adds Nordic charm, snowy adventures, and even a chance to see the Northern Lights.

Where are the best Christmas markets in Europe?

Some of the best Christmas markets can be found in Cologne, where stalls sit in the shadow of the massive cathedral, in Vienna with its elegant baroque squares lit up for the season, and in Berlin, where the city transforms with dozens of unique markets scattered across different neighborhoods.

What are the top Christmas destinations in Europe?

Beyond the itinerary I’ve shared, a few other top destinations stand out for Christmas travel. Strasbourg, Prague, Copenhagen, Bruges, and Budapest are all amazing destinations to visit at Christmas. Vienna and London are also always near the top of any Christmas destination list.

What is the most magical Christmas city in Europe?

It’s hard to pick just one, but Colmar in France is about as fairytale as it gets with half-timbered houses glowing under twinkle lights. Vienna is pure elegance during the holidays, while Nuremberg feels timeless with one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world. If you’re looking for something truly unique, Lapland in Finland delivers with Santa’s Village and snowy Arctic landscapes.

When do the Christmas markets open in Europe?

Most Christmas markets across Europe open in mid-November and close around December 23 or 24. A few cities keep the celebrations going into January, including Vienna, Paris, and London, which is perfect if you’re traveling after Christmas. In Germany and Austria though, most of the traditional markets wrap up just before Christmas Eve.

Final Thoughts on Building the Perfect Christmas in Europe Itinerary

There you have it! Obviously, you don’t have to follow my exact itinerary, but in my humble opinion, it’s pretty awesome. From the baroque beauty of Vienna to the storybook charm of Salzburg, the Bavarian vibes of Munich, the snowy mountains near Zurich, the sparkle of Paris on New Year’s Eve, and finally the magic of London’s Christmas lights, this trip has a little bit of everything.

Whether you’re sipping glühwein in a market square, ice skating in front of city hall, or watching fireworks light up the Arc de Triomphe, Christmas in Europe is an experience you’ll never forget. And Make sure to check out our other Christmas Travel Guides Below!