8 Days
Experience a magical holiday journey through Budapest, Vienna, and Prague, where festive markets, twinkling lights, and charming Old Towns create a perfect blend of tradition, culture, and winter beauty.
Top 6 Wintertime Experiences in Europe
Christmas in Europe has a unique charm that sets it apart from traditional celebrations in the United States, and it’s easy to see why. This magical holiday season—arguably the most beloved worldwide—is celebrated with distinctive customs and traditions across Europe, each location offering its own special flair. Yet, the spirit of the season remains the same: spreading goodwill and cheer, exchanging gifts, and cherishing time with family and friends. Here are our top six Christmas market and festive experiences in Europe, from the enchanting streets of Paris and Berlin to the festive splendor of Munich, London, Prague, and Vienna.
These featured experiences are just a selection of what we have to offer in each location; many have multiple tour times and offer either private or small group experiences. Contact our Europe Specialists or your local business development manager to learn more!
Paris | Traditional Festive Christmas Cooking Class with Market Visit
There’s nothing quite like the Christmas decorations in the City of Lights during the holiday season! Combining two of France’s greatest strengths—style and food—Paris becomes the perfect holiday getaway. Guests can embark on a festive culinary journey with a traditional Christmas cooking class, capturing the joys and flavors of the season. Led by a professional French chef, the experience begins with selecting ingredients at a local market while learning about France’s Christmas traditions and culinary heritage. Then, guests head to the chef’s apartment to create a delicious three-course holiday meal, perfectly paired with French wine. Afterward, they can savor their creations and take home the recipes as a delightful souvenir of their Parisian holiday adventure.
Munich | Christmas Market Food Tour
Move over, Oktoberfest—Bavarian Christmas Markets have arrived! Guests are in for a culinary adventure as they indulge in the heartwarming delights of Munich’s Christmas Market delicacies. This specially crafted tour, designed by local food experts, features a mouthwatering itinerary filled with the season’s most beloved treats. As guests explore the magical ambience of traditional Bavarian markets, they’ll savor unique local specialties that define the holiday season. With a steaming mug of homemade mulled wine (Glühwein) in hand, the chilly weather will be the last thing on their minds. Donning their best (or tackiest) Christmas sweaters, travelers will eat their way through Munich’s historic old city and discover its best—and most secret—Christmas markets. Along the way, they’ll learn about local history while sampling festive goodies and adult beverages that make November and December the most delicious time of the year.
Berlin | Christmas Market Tour
Berlin’s Christmas markets, dating back to 1530, offer a captivating holiday experience with over 80 unique markets to explore. The festive charm and warm glow create an enchanting atmosphere. Guests can savor the tastes and flavors of Berlin’s most authentic and stunning markets. The air is filled with the scents of warm gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, sizzling sausages, and mulled wine (Glühwein). This special tour includes six tastings of classic Christmas Market dishes and beverages, Christmas market games, and insights into the history and traditions behind the markets and their culinary delights, making it a truly memorable holiday adventure.
London | Christmas Lights Sightseeing Bus Tour
London, the birthplace of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, is a Christmastime haven for travelers eager to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit. This beloved novella, which helped shape the warmth and generosity now synonymous with the season, finds its living embodiment in the city’s festive atmosphere. Guests will enjoy a truly merry and bright experience as they explore London’s dazzling Christmas lights and decorations. From the top deck of the open-air Tootbus, they’ll be treated to the sight of Regent Street’s sparkling angels, the wintry stars of Oxford Street, and the majestic Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square. After this enchanting tour, guests can dive into the festive cheer at London’s iconic Christmas markets in Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, and Covent Garden, celebrating the most wonderful time of the year in style.
Vienna | Schönbrunn Palace New Year’s Concert
Soak in history and holiday cheer with this once-in-a-lifetime concert at the Schönbrunn Palace—the former summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. Whether lifelong classical music lovers or newcomers to the genre, all will be captivated by the exquisite performances of The Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra and the Schönbrunn Palace Ensemble. The evening promises an auditory feast as guests are treated to the glorious compositions of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Strauss, brought to life by these exceptionally talented musicians in a breathtaking setting.
Prague | Merry Markets Christmas with Traditional Goodies Walking Tour
Guests are in for a truly Merry Christmas as they embark on a journey through Prague’s enchanting holiday markets. Amid the twinkling lights and festive decorations, they’ll explore several of the city’s most famous Christmas Markets, immersing themselves in Czech traditions. Along the way, they’ll savor authentic holiday treats and warm up with mulled wine, all while soaking in the festive atmosphere. And, of course, there will be ample time to indulge in some holiday shopping, making this a magical and memorable experience.
Suggested Itineraries Perfect for the Holidays
13 Days
Embark on a spellbinding romantic journey through France, from the twilight magic of Paris to the luxurious allure of Monaco, with enchanting experiences including a private Eiffel Tower dinner, opulent Versailles, and the picturesque Mediterranean charm of Nice and Eze.
8 Days
From the historic charm of the 12th-century Clontarf Castle Hotel to the enchanting landscapes of the Giant’s Causeway and the riveting story of the Titanic at Belfast’s world-renowned museum, this journey to Dublin and Northern Ireland offers a captivating blend of rich history, literary heritage, and natural wonders.