Join Europe’s Christmas Cheer

The Birthplace of Christmas Markets

The country that invented Christmas markets, Germany boasts a wide array of Advent and Christmastime celebrations. The indisputable star of German Christmas markets is Munich. From late November to a couple of days before Christmas, the fairytale-like city transforms into a Christmas wonderland that impresses everyone, children and adults alike. In Dresden, over twelve different Christmas markets await while Frankfurt features the grandest German Christmas market, dating back to the distant 1393. 

The Queen of Christmas Markets

Germany may have invented Christmas markets but Austria is probably the most popular Advent and Christmas destination and for good reason. Austrian Christmas markets are renowned for their splendor with Christmas decorations lighting up entire cities and stalls selling everything from delicious treats – including the ubiquitous mulled wine – to handmade ornaments showing up at every turn. In Vienna, several locations host Christmas markets, but the one outside the Town Hall is a sight to behold and so are the vibrant Christmas markets held in beautiful Salzburg.

The Whitest of Christmases

If you’ve already experienced Central Europe’s Christmas markets, why not head further north to the Baltics for your next jolly vacation? Both Latvia and Estonia compete with Germany for bragging rights of having the world’s first Christmas tree, and that’s enough of an intriguing reason in its own right to visit any – or all – of the Baltic countries for Advent or Christmas. The tiny yet wondrous medieval old town of Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, feels like a real-life fairytale when all its Christmas decorations are up, while Riga, Latvia’s gorgeous first city, holds one of the brightest Christmas markets at its beyond-words stunning historic main square. Yet, for many, the prettiest Christmas trees are to be found in Vilnius, Lithuania’s picture-perfect capital. For the white Christmas you’ve been dreaming of, there’s no better place than the Baltics.

For a Warmer Christmas Vacation

If your idea of an Advent or Christmas trip involves warmer temperatures and fewer crowds, take the road less traveled and head to Croatia instead. The country’s bustling capital Zagreb transforms into a mecca of festive cheer from late November to early January, inviting visitors to join locals as they welcome the Christmas and New Year’s season.

No matter what kind of a Christmas vacation you’re dreaming of, Europe has something for everyone and JayWay Travel will help you pick the best Advent and Christmas destinations for your personalized itinerary.