Christmas Markets in Poland & Germany

Name: Poland and Germany Christmas Market 10-Day Itinerary – Customizable Private Tour
Brand: JayWay Travel
Rating: 4.81 (13 reviews)

10 Days / 9 Nights

Krakow, Wroclaw, Dresden, Berlin

Average Guest Rating 4.8 / 5

This 10-day itinerary takes you on a festive journey across some of Europe's most joyful Christmas markets, beyond the obvious choices. Your cheerful trip starts in Krakow, Poland's gorgeous second city that looks its best during the holiday season. While in Krakow, you'll experience a romantic ride on a horse-drawn carriage, get into the depths of an impressive salt mine, and step inside the fascinating world of glass-making. From there, continue to Wroclaw, one of Poland's hidden gems, where you'll feel the essence of Christmas at the picturesque Medieval Market Square. Your next stop is where it all began, Dresden. Explore the very birthplace of Christmas markets before you reach your final stop, vibrant Berlin. Known for its multicultural character and lively vibes, Berlin is also charming at Christmas and the best way to appreciate this charm is to stroll through the German capital's bustling Christmas markets with a cup of hot chocolate in hand.
One of our team members in Poland or Germany will be available to answer any questions and arrange local services leading up to and during your trip. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best these two countries offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon request, we will provide you with an eSIM with data you can use throughout your trip to reach your local JayWay contact - whom you will meet in person. In all of our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 3- to 5-star accommodation options, including boutique hotels and charming B&Bs. With our firsthand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambiance.

3 Nights in Krakow

3 Nights in Krakow

Krakow may not be the largest city in Poland, but it is by far the most popular with travelers. Less industrial than Warsaw, Krakow was once Poland’s royal capital, and unlike the rest of the country, came out of World War II with its gorgeous architecture mostly unscathed. One glance at the city’s perfectly preserved and restored Old Town and it will be abundantly clear why Krakow is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. This compact historical district houses the largest square in Europe, where you can stroll, shop from the market, and sample some tasty Polish delicacies. Krakow’s cultural life is rich and there are more than enough classical and jazz concerts to attend during your stay. Just walk through Old Town any evening and you’ll find warmly lit cafes, restaurants and bars. Some of the most prominent sites in and around the city are linked with the grim, albeit highly important historical facts, as evidenced by the memorials in the Jewish Kazimierz district and the Auschwitz concentration camp located nearby - chilling and vivid reminders of World War II. You can also explore Poland’s natural wonders from Krakow, with visits to the atmospheric Wieliczka Salt Mine, and the Tatra Mountains all comfortable day trips.

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Krakow

Upon your arrival to Kraków Airport, our driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals and will take you to your accommodation in Krakow. The journey should take about 30 minutes.

Ride a Horse-Drawn Carriage

Suggestion to explore on your own

Feel like a nineteenth-century aristocrat and take your place in one of the city's elegant horse-drawn carriages, to see the city from a new perspective! You can approach the drivers waiting at the Market Square and ask for routes and rates. The most popular route will take you to Wawel Hill, returning you to the Market Square after half an hour, but you can extend the ride to include the Kazimierz district. Don't forget to ask the driver for a picture!

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Krakow

Krakow Christmas Market and Flavors Private Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

This is something that Cracovians have been waiting for all year - the annual Christmas market! It is the perfect place to try festive dishes and look for traditional, handmade gifts, but it’s more beyond being just a place where you can do some shopping. It's also a magical area where you feel that time stands still while you explore. Walk with local families among the colourful wooden stalls, admiring all the beautiful baubles and chains and enjoying the smell of freshly cut Christmas trees.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 3 hours

Wieliczka Salt Mine Group Tour

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

This Salt Mine is one of the oldest in the world and was established in the 13th century. Today salt is no longer mined in Wieliczka, but this original underground complex is preserved in a great condition, making it a world-class monument. This astonishing place was recognised in the UNESCO’s World Cultural and Natural Heritage List due to its breathtaking underground chambers carved entirely in salt. Wieliczka Salt Mine tours rank among the most popular day trips from Krakow and draws attention of over one million visitors each year.

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 4 hours

Day 3

Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Krakow

Glass Workshop Visit with Private Transportation

Included in your vacation package price.

Visit factory of one of the largest glass ornaments producers in Europe located just outside of Krakow, where you are going to see and learn about the process of creating unique glass ornaments. During this program you will see and learn about the different steps (glass blowing, silvering,

matte, decoration and packing) involved in producing the handmade ornaments. Later in the tour, you will have the opportunity to be a painting decorator yourself as you are going to paint one of the baubles yourself. An excellent opportunity to make some Christmas decoration for your loved ones.

Activity Level : Easy

Duration : 4 Hours

Ice Skating in the City of Kings

Suggestion to explore on your own

Wintertime Krakow offers several spots for enjoying ice skating. The most convenient location is just outside the Galeria Krakowska mall, next to the main train station, a short walk north of the Old Town. You can skate along to Christmas classics, get something warm to eat or drink at the wooden booths nearby, or naturally go shopping in the mall itself.

Day 4

Day 4 - Traveling to Wroclaw by Private Transfer

You'll be picked up at your accommodation in Krakow by a driver based on your preferred departure time. Along the way you will stop in Auschwitz. We recommend this as it saves significant time on your itinerary, as an Auschwitz visit typically takes all day.You will join a group tour there to learn more about the history of this place. After visiting Auschwitz, the driver will take you to Wroclaw. The whole journey will take about 7 hours.

Wroclaw by Private Transfer w a Stop and Tour in Auschwitz

2 Nights in Wroclaw

2 Nights in Wroclaw

Wroclaw is a city of colorful culture and a variety of influences in the architecture and cuisine. After all, Wroclaw has gone under five different names, which attests to the volatility of its history. Almost completely destroyed during World War II, the city today is a vibrant place where Gothic churches meet picturesque waterways, and a dozen islands host verdant riverside parks that are perfect for strolling. The Old Town has been perfectly restored and the city square is the second largest such square in Europe, just behind Krakow’s. From nightlife to historical explorations, there’s an abundance of ways to enjoy Wroclaw. The compact historical center can be explored on foot, and there are many fascinating buildings here to appreciate, as well as an abundance of restaurants, bars and cafes. You wil find live concerts and events happening here night and day. Whether you’re looking to enjoy high culture, relax with a cup of coffee, or enjoy fine dining and drinks, you’ve come to right place. Wroclaw is unique in its blend of historic interest and modern culture. You also won’t want to miss Cathedral Island, one of Wroclaw’s most unique features.

Day 4

Day 4 - Arrival in Wroclaw

When you arrive in Wroclaw, your driver will bring you straight to your centrally located accommodation.

Spend an Afternoon at the Medieval Market Square

Suggestion to explore on your own

Impressively restored, Wroclaw's market square is a thriving social hub, much the same way it was when it was founded in the 13th century. One of the largest such squares in Europe, it's surrounded by magnificent medieval architecture. Be sure to visit the town hall at its center, a unique Gothic building open to visitors. This city center also makes for an ideal place for a welcoming drink. We recommend trying the Pod Papugami restaurant, where you can get great cocktails alongside delicious dishes, in order to best sit back and soak in the city's atmosphere.

Spend an Afternoon at the Medieval Market Square

Day 5

Day 5 - Your First Full Day in Wroclaw

Christmas Market and Conspirators Private Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

How does it sound to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the Wroclaw Christmas Market and taste some famous Polish specialities while also exploring one of the city's most important, hidden, historical locations? During this special tour, your informative and friendly guide will reveal to you the history of the city and show you the aforementioned places.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 2 hours

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Suggestion to explore on your own

Mulled wine, sweets and festive handicrafts - Christmas markets are a must stop for every lover of "the most wonderful time of the year". On the Marquet Square, and "Plac Solny," you can find local crafts and gastronomy from around the world.

Day 6

Day 6 - Traveling to Dresden by Private Transfer

A lovely and comfortable drive awaits you today. A private driver will pick you up in Wroclaw and bring you to your accommodations in Dresden. The drive should take about three hours.

2 Nights in Dresden

2 Nights in Dresden

Dresden has had one of the most volatile histories of any city in Europe, being almost totally reduced to rubble in World War II. The city today is a unique combination of remembered and honored history and a vibrant, entertaining present. There are several historical buildings throughout the city that attest to the destruction here, but Dresden has rejuvenated itself since World War II, and today is one of Germany’s most tourist-friendly cities, with an enchanting energy and entertainment all year round. Famous for its Christmas markets, Dresden also has plenty to offer in the warmer months, from museums and memorials, to intriguing new architecture, pleasant parks, and nearby destinations for day trips. History comes alive everywhere you look in Dresden, and we highly recommend taking a closer look at the city’s museums and the traces of the past in the architecture. The city also has a rich cultural program, with numerous galleries and concert taking place quite regularly. You can certainly sample hearty German cuisine here, as well as more modern Continental flavours. You’ll love exploring this lovely city and the surrounding region.

Day 6

Day 6 - Arrival in Dresden

Welcome to Dresden! Your private driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in the center of Dresden.

Germany's Christmas Hometown

Suggestion to explore on your own

Dresden is the home to many of Germany’s Christmas traditions, and its oldest Christmas market: the Striezelmarkt. Here, you can find traditional wooden Christmas crafts. Be sure to visit the Christmas Arch, with its candles and ornate figurines representing the decorations placed on mine entrances. If you are into music, enjoy an evening in the Baroque ambience of the impressive Marble Hall in the Zwinger. During a festive Christmas concert, listen to the Dresden Residenz Orchestra play music by Vivaldi, Bach and Mozart. See our blog for plenty more details.

Day 7

Day 7 - Your First Full Day in Dresden

Dresden Private Christmas Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Christmas season is without a question one of the best times to visit Dresden! Over the years the city became more and more prominent and popular tourist destination mostly due to its charming Old Town, which, during the winter, gains completely new, romantic allure, offering for the travellers possibility to browse through the Striezelmarkt - considered the first genuine Christmas market in the world, and much more. Feel the cozy atmosphere, while enjoying a Stollen cake and a pot of hot spiced wine.

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 2 hours

Take a Museum Day

Suggestion to explore on your own

Despite, or because of, Dresden's almost complete destruction during World War II, this city takes history seriously. The best museums in Dresden rank among the finest in Germany. The capital of Saxony offers such a diversity in this regard, that you can see everything from history, world art, and technology, to science and contemporary art, and more. You can read all about our favorites in this article on our blog.

Day 8

Day 8 - Traveling to Berlin by Private Transfer

Today a driver will pick you up at your accommodation in Dresden and take you to the German capital. The drive itself takes two hours, but en route, you'll stop at the Moritzburg Palace, a beautiful symmetrical place on its own small island within extensive gardens. This was the setting for "Three Gifts for Cinderella," a Czech/East German film from the 70s that has become a Christmas classic in both countries, which you can explore via the palace's exhibition. Please note that the entrance fee is not included but you can purchase tickets on the spot. The journey takes approx. 5 hours 30 minutes, including the 3-hour stop in Moritzburg Palace. The vehicle used for your transfer will be a standard sedan, station wagon or minivan. We can arrange for an upgrade to a more luxurious class of vehicle for an extra fee.

Berlin by Private Transfer with a Moritzburg Palace Stop

2 Nights in Berlin

2 Nights in Berlin

A vibrant cosmopolitan city that’s rich in history and contemporary culture, Berlin is constantly evolving. From the ruins of World War II to the Cold War division of the Berlin wall, Berlin has always managed to rebuild. Germany's largest city, this sprawling (by European standards) metropolis has excellent public transportation, from subways to an official rowboat ferry. You’ll find a little of everything here, from history to high gastronomy, art museums to palaces, and plenty of lively bars and nightclubs. The nightlife here is world-class, but there’s more than enough to see during the day. Berlin is made up of distinctive neighborhoods, each with a different character. We recommend several ways of exploring the city, from a Cold War walking tour to a bike tour to see all the must-see sights in a simple and easy way. An exploration of the long and volatile history of Jewish culture in the city is eye-opening as Jewish life in Berlin has been meticulously documented. Many of the city’s art and culture museums offer unforgettable glimpses into history. Potsdam offers the perfect diversion for an afternoon, and Sanssouci Palace, with its well-tended gardens, is a beautiful reminder of the city’s impressive past. The past comes alive in Berlin, but the present is very much alive as well.

Day 8

Day 8 - Arrival in Berlin

Welcome to Berlin! Your private driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in the center of Berlin.

Enjoy a Cup of Hot Chocolate

Suggestion to explore on your own

Indulging in a delightful cup of hot chocolate is unbeatable on a chilly winter's day, and the finest option awaits at Rausch Schokoladenhaus on Gendarmenmarkt. The showcase area is a treat in itself, featuring chocolate volcanoes, a chocolate Brandenburg Gate, and even a colossal Airbus suspended from the ceiling (originally created for the grand opening of Berlin's new airport).

Upstairs in the café, savor a steaming hot chocolate or explore the tempting array of mini delicacies. Just a short stroll away, Ritter Sport's flagship store, the Bunte SchokoWelt ("Colorful ChocoWorld"), awaits discovery. Perfect for families, you can immerse yourself in a chocolate workshop and craft your own version of the company's vibrant candy cubes.

Day 9

Day 9 - Your First Full Day in Berlin

Private Christmas Markets Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Berlin's Christmas Markets are a delightful way to spend an evening, with their mulled wine, and endless stalls featuring handmade crafts and artisanal goodies, like candles, festive decorations, wood carvings, and more. Perhaps even more tempting than the shopping is all of the delightful food, such as fragrant roasted chestnuts, savory sausages, delectable chocolate-covered fruits and nuts, and hot drinks. Let's not forget Feuerzangenbowle, a photogenic sight in which a rum-soaked sugarloaf is set aflame, directly above a bowl of mulled wine (the name translates to "fire tongs bowl"). Get into the holiday spirit while discovering Berlin Christmas markets with your local guide!

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 3 hours

Winter in the City

Suggestion to explore on your own

Ice skating is great fun for kids and adults alike. You will find an open-air ice rink, which is surrounded by enchanting Christmas light installations at the Christmas Garden, Winterwelt at Potsdamer Platz, and between a Ferris wheel and Neptune Fountain at the Christmas market just west of Alexanderplatz. Take in the Christmas lights and other decorations with a stroll down Under den Linden or Kurfurstendamm (better known as Ku'damm). Sitting comfortably in a vintage theatre, watching silent films with live orchestra music, is just the perfect way of escaping the cold. Babylon Berlin (Kino Babylon) opens daily and still uses a preserved cinema organ. There, you can catch free silent films at midnight on Saturdays.

Day 10

Day 10 - Departure Day

A driver will pick you up at your Berlin accommodation and drop you off at Brandenburg Airport for your departing flight.

What's Included

Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.

Krakow

3 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Krakow Airport Transfer

Krakow Christmas Market and Flavors Private Tour

Glass Workshop Visit with Private Transportation

Krakow - Wroclaw Private Transfer with a stop in Auschwitz

Wroclaw

2 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Christmas Market and Conspirators Private Tour

Wroclaw - Dresden Private Transfer

Dresden

2 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Dresden Private Christmas Tour

Dresden - Berlin Private Transfer with a a stop in Moritzburg Palace

Berlin

2 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Private Christmas Markets Tour

Berlin Airport Transfer

package excludes:

Flights to and from Europe.
Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website

Benefits of Traveling with JayWay

A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.

A Travel Advisor who speaks your language

We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.

A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation

Your trip is customized for you by an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.

A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions

We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.

Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day

Your Europe-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.

On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road

Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.

Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out

Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.

Glowing Reviews from Our Guests

4.8 / 5

Average of our Guest's Ratings of vacation packages including these destinations

Andrew & Rosalie

Arizona

The planning of such a big trip was so easy from start to finish. I will be recommending JayWay Travel to friends and family. Thank you for our dream trip.

Year : 2024
Visited : Poland
Itinerary : Warsaw, Bialowieza, Gdansk, Torun, Poznan, Wroclaw, Zakopane, Krakow
Rating :

5 / 5

Bill & Sandra

If you want to experience Europe to the fullest, JayWay Travel is the way to go. They are extremely professional and highly efficient. They will guarantee you are totally satisfied. We are over the top happy we chose them. 5 Star all the way!!

Year : 2022
Visited : Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland
Itinerary : Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg, Cesky Krumlov, Prague, Karlovy Vary, Dresden, Berlin, Nuremberg, Munich, Frankfurt, Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn, Helsinki
Rating :

5 / 5

Joseph, Richard, Connor & Michelle

New York

JayWay Travel took the worry out of the trip details and allowed us to focus on the joy of travel. I have never traveled this way before but I am a convert. We especially liked the personal choices we were able to make rather than be stuck in a large, impersonal group.

Year : 2018
Visited : Poland
Itinerary : Krakow, Wroclaw, Gdansk, Warsaw
Rating :

4.8 / 5

Get an Instant Price Estimate

Choose the month of travel, how many travelers and what star level accommodation you'd like to stay in, then get an instant price estimate.

Once you’ve done that you can request a tailor-made itinerary based on this by entering just a few more details.

Per Person Package Price from^*

Sending ...

Thank you!

Thank you for your interest in taking a trip based on this itinerary. One of our expert travel advisors will be in touch soon to start tailoring it precisely to your preferences.

Ooops!?

Something went wrong at our end, please try again in a moment.