10 Must-Know Tips for Christmas Markets
If you haven’t noticed yet, the Christmas markets are like my Super Bowl—I eagerly await these holiday-filled days all year long, and it’s my pleasure to help you make the most of your experience. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or setting out on your first holiday market adventure, these 10 essential tips will ensure your journey is filled with festive joy and unforgettable moments. From the ins and outs of the Pfand system, to the best dates and times to visit the markets, I've got your back. Plus, you won’t want to miss the practical advice on payment methods and a simple souvenir hack that you can pick up at almost every market you visit.
If you're eager to explore the best Christmas markets in Europe, then make sure to check out this blog post. It even includes suggested itineraries tailored to your arrival airport! But before we get too carried away, let's dive into my top tips for enjoying your time at the Christmas markets:
Use the official websites for info
There are A LOT of blogs (like this one) about European Christmas markets, and some of them even include market dates. If you can, try to find this info on the official website for that market. Some blogs are great about updating times and dates every year, but I’ve run into more than one that had incorrect times and dates. If you read my blog about My Favorite European Christmas Markets, I’ve linked the official city websites for each market. Most towns will update their general tourism pages with Christmas market info, including dates, times, parking maps, and other helpful info. Some markets have translation buttons built into their sites, but if they don’t, you can easily translate websites if you click the translate button in the website bar of the Google Chrome browser.
Download Google Translate
If you’ve never used the Google Translate app before, it is a godsend. With the app, you can take pictures of objects and it will translate everything for you. Also, if you’re having a conversation with someone, you can speak your language into the microphone and it will transcribe it into whatever language you choose. In all of our years abroad, we have used both functions countless times. Most of the bigger markets will typically have English on the menu, but it’s hit and miss. The key is to make sure you download the language for offline use before you arrive in Europe, that way you can still use the app even if you don’t have phone service. There is really no excuse to not do this since both the app and the offline use feature are freeware. Even better is to learn a few key phrases before your trip. Everyone will know you’re a foreigner (trust me), but you usually are treated a little better when you make the effort.
Visit during the weekdays and daytime
Tourists aren’t the only ones frequenting the Christmas markets—locals love them just as much! It doesn’t matter which market you want to go to, all of them, big and small, are guaranteed to be the most crowded in the evenings and on the weekends and holidays. If you can, try to arrive when the market opens (most open around 10-11 a.m., but make sure you check the official website) and plan on leaving around 4 p.m. as the after-work crowd starts to trickle in. Markets are also usually busy on opening and closing weekends, as some of the bigger markets have some sort of ceremony or parade. I’ve found that the best time to visit is usually early to mid-December since it’s right during the middle of market season. Also of note, Europe takes holidays seriously and many markets will actually end before Christmas Day. Basically all the stores close for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so I would not recommend trying to visit during the actual holiday.
Take public transit
Even if you decided to rent a car while you’re in Europe, taking public transit is usually the easiest option. Many of the markets are located in the historic old parts of town which means parking is typically non-existent. There have been many markets that we’ve driven to, parked at the outskirts of town, and taken transit or walked to the market. If you use Google Maps, it’ll tell you exactly which transit lines to take, how much it will cost and whether or not you’ll need to transfer.
Be aware of your surroundings
There haven’t been many times I’ve felt unsafe in all of the cities we’ve visited. That said, you should still be aware of your surroundings at all times and take basic safety measures. One of the most common crimes, especially in big European cities, is pickpocketing. This problem unfortunately can also happen in the Christmas markets. I usually wear a small crossbody bag to markets and if I do have my backpack, I try to lean up again something in the train. I think this is more of an issue in stereotypical tourist cities like Paris and less of a problem in more residential cities like Stuttgart.
Bring all of your cash
It can be pretty hit and miss with vendors taking credit card, so make sure you have a decent amount of cash with you. Usually vendors at the bigger markets in more tourist-centric cities like Munich will take card, but not always. Whether or not a vendor takes card also depends on what they’re selling. Most of the food and drink vendors are cash only, whereas vendors selling souvenirs and gifts are more likely to take card. That said, I’ve definitely had to buy a 75€ ceramic candle house with cash because the vendor only took cash. I try to conserve my cash as much as possible so I will usually ask if they take card before paying. If you’re traveling between countries for the markets, most non-EU countries (like Switzerland) will accept Euros but will give you back change in their currency (and usually not give you the best exchange rate). This includes Pfand, which brings me to my next point.
Collect your Pfand—keep your money in your pocket!
One of the coolest parts of the Christmas markets are the little ceramic mugs. Each market has their own (or several) different mug designs. Many people will keep and collect the mugs as part of their souvenir collection, which you can totally do because of Pfand! Pfand is the deposit you pay for the mug in addition to whatever drink you’re ordering. You’ll usually see it on the menu and it’s typically between 2-5€. That means if the drink you’re ordering costs 5€, they will charge you 8€ if the Pfand is 3€. Once you’ve finished your drink, you bring the empty mug back to the booth and they’ll give you 3€ back. If you want to keep your mug, you can do that too since you’ve already paid for it. Post-COVID, some markets have transitioned to plastic cups, but these usually have a Pfand too so don’t throw away your money and return the cup! If you don’t want a drink but want the cup, some markets have a tourism booth that sell them or most booths will just let you buy them without a drink if you ask.
Arrive hungry
I think there’s a misconception that the Christmas markets are mostly trinkets and souvenirs, and this couldn’t be further from the truth. The markets are all about food and drinks and sharing the holiday spirit with your friends and family. During the winter season, we’ll have multiple nights a week where we eat dinner at the market. This is also why I love going to different countries for the markets—they all serve food that is unique to their region. Yes, you’ll be able to find some form of mulled wine at almost all of them, but Vin Chaud has a distinctly different recipe from Glühwein and Feuerzangenbowle.
Bring a reusable bag or backpack
If you’re planning on picking up some souvenirs, bring something to carry your new purchase in. Europe is a little more eco-conscious than the states and most people are in the habit of carrying a bag with them at all times to avoid the extra charge of a shopping bag. If you forget, don’t fret, most vendors will have a bag for you.
Wear lots of weatherproof layers
Europe is cold in the winter. There. I said it. Most days are humid and overcast and there’s usually a decent amount of rain or drizzle. Add to the fact that most markets are in the oldest parts of town with cobblestone streets, the markets can be downright cold. There’s a reason for all those hot alcoholic drinks! I’ve found that it often feels about 10 degrees colder than what my weather app shows when I go to the markets, therefore I try to dress accordingly. Typically, I’ll wear wool socks and waterproof boots. For body layers, I’ll usually wear a base on top and under my jeans. If it’s super cold, I’ll throw one of my handknit wool sweaters over my top base, and of course, a waterproof, long coat. To top it off (literally), I’ll wear my festive knit beanie, plus a scarf and gloves.