June 1, 2020
Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after
Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after
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Europe is renowned for its traditional Christmas markets filled with chalets, bright lights, choral music, food and more. Here are some of the top Christmas markets in Europe and unique tips for a most festive visit.
Christkindelsmärik in Strasbourg is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe. Take in the sights, smells and sounds of a traditional Alsatian Christmas. At the center of the city, get into the Christmas spirit by gazing at the 30-meter tall, fully adorned Great Christmas Tree. Everyday during the Christmas season from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Great Christmas Tree comes to life with music.
Tip: Make sure you have your walking shoes and budget plenty of time. There are multiple markets and decorative displays across the city. Plan your trip.
Cologne is home to multiple grand Christmas markets. The city's first Christmas market opened in 1820, much later than in many European cities, but not lacking in splendor. Eat your fill of waffles, and drink homemade vintner mulled wine at twelve bustling and gleaming markets across Cologne.
Head to the Cologne Harbor Christmas Market along the Rhine for skyline views on a 48 meter Ferris wheel. Drink to sea shanties and tour a three-master wooden sailing ship. Tour the Christmas Market at Cologne Cathedral to sample culinary delicacies and to purchase the perfect handcrafted Christmas gifts.
Tip: If you are looking for a low cost but festive cultural experience, head to the Christmas Market at Cologne Cathedral to listen to and watch more than 100 free Christmas programs.
If you want a festive market with an urban, modern feel, the Christmas markets in Berlin are a great pick. More than 80 trees adorn the city center. Head to Spandau, the biggest market, if you love hustle and bustle.
If you are into arts and crafts, Weihnachtszauber, in the magnificent Gendarmenmarkt square is ideal. And if you're into winter sports, head to Winter World on Potsdamer Platz. Winter World is "less about shopping and more about winter sports, with tobogganing, curling and ice-skating with free lessons for kids," writes The Sunday Times.
Tip: If you're a lover of dogs or have your canine companion with you, check out the Berlin Dog Christmas Market, located in the favorite dog walking area of Grunewald. Dog lovers will be charmed by the canine themed decor and Christmas gifts. One Euro of every admission fee goes towards an animal welfare charity.
Expect to have a lavish Yuletide in Monaco, one of the smallest and richest sovereign nations in the world. Head to the beautiful Christmas Village at Port Hercule for a grand, brightly lit evening. Buy unique Christmas gifts from dozens of traditional chalets before lacing up your ice skates and taking a few spins around the market's outdoor rink. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel and join the kids for child-centered crafts and more.
Tip: Don't miss out on Christmas pop ups across the city including Christmas shops and events in the Métropole Shopping Centre and chalets and a Christmas carousel in Jardin des Boulingrins.
Head to Marbella, Spain if you want a Christmas vibe without the colder weather. "With around 325 days of sunshine a year, the Costa del Sol might not be the first place that springs to mind for a winter break — but to write it off would be a mistake," writes The Sunday Times. Four markets shine brightly across the city, evoking a traditional Spanish festiveness.
The center of celebrations is the Traditional Christmas Market Marbella, within verdant Alameda Park. The kids will love a visit to Santa's Grotto within Marbella, to write and deliver their holiday wish lists. Purchase unique Christmas gifts from chalets. And no trip to a Christmas market in Marbella is complete without sampling Spanish culinary delights. Snack on sweet churros con chocolate.
Tip: For the ultimate festive feel, it's best to time your visit around one of two key dates: The Christmas Lights Switch-On (Late November 2025), and Día de los Reyes Magos (The Three Kings’ Parade, 5th Jan 2026).
Traveling during the holiday season can be a magical experience. But travel emergencies can be costly and put a damper on plans.
You should know that your domestic health insurance policy may not fully protect you if you experience a medical emergency while traveling abroad. Without emergency medical travel insurance benefits, medical expenses incurred during your trip can be costly. An Allianz Travel Insurance plan with emergency medical benefits may help fill health insurance gaps.
We also offer trip cancellation and interruption benefits that can reimburse certain non-refundable expenses if your trip is cancelled before you depart or midway. And our baggage protection benefits reimburse certain non-refundable expenses if your baggage is lost, stolen or damaged.
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