Twinkling lights illuminate grand squares and storied landmarks as the scent of mulled wine and the sound of joyful melodies welcome you in a unique holiday embrace… Europe at Christmastime oozes a new and even shinier magic that must be experienced!
On this 13-day Christmas Markets tour, we invite you to explore the festive heart of France and the United Kingdom, where timeless traditions and festive cheer take center stage. Prepare for stress-free connections, scenic train rides past dreamy landscapes, and riveting cities waiting to be uncovered. At each stop, you will cross off your list some of the top cultural Christmas experiences to have in Europe, which will take you from lively markets in the Alsace to grand royal palaces on the outskirts of Paris, and Dickensian-like gems in London! Ready to turn these destinations into your winter wonderland?
Days 1 & 2 - A Festive Start in Christmassy Edinburgh
Wondering which is the best place to start your Christmas tour? The Edinburgh Christmas market experience is like no other - that is why this Scottish gem is a must on your holiday season journey! Brimming with medieval charm and festive sparkle, the city will show you the way into the country’s festive heart. Stroll along the historic Royal Mile to find centuries-old buildings and winding closes that make this destination’s Old Town so unique. Under the holiday lights, the lively streets and storied landmarks, namely St. Giles’ Cathedral, promise to wrap you in a festive embrace.
A private walking tour with a local expert is the best way to uncover hidden gems and immerse yourself in the local Christmas celebrations. Venture beyond the ancient walls of Edinburgh Castle, only to find picturesque street markets adorned with twinkling lights and swarmed by a compelling seasonal spirit. The Christmas market in the East Princes Street Gardens fills the city center with the sweet scent of mulled cider, roasted nuts and sweet Scottish tablet, each showcasing the best of Scotland’s Christmastime traditions. Stall after stall, you will soon find Edinburgh to be the home of one of the best Christmas markets in France and UK.
Day 3 - Holiday Magic on a Glasgow Day Trip
With days 12 and 13 knocking on the door, your luxury holiday tour for Christmas announces its close. But before, there is one last stop on your itinerary, and that is the welcoming city of Glasgow! Hop on board a short and scenic train ride that will bring you to the second-largest city in Scotland. With the help of a knowledgeable guide, you will have the opportunity to find the magic behind the city’s Victorian grandeur and modern creativity. From ornate shopping arcades to contemporary street lights, you will find every corner dressed in seasonal sparkle!
After admiring the majestic Glasgow Cathedral and soaking in local life in George Square, head to the perfect end-of-day experience. A chocolate and whisky tasting session in the local distillery will capture the warmth and richness of Scotland’s winter coziness. Prepare for velvety sweetness and a smoky depth that will make this day trip one to remember. As you head back to Edinburgh for your final evening in Scotland, allow yourself to enjoy a twinkling farewell by visiting the city’s Christmas Market one last time!
Days 4 & 5 - Prepare for a Royal Christmas in England at Hampton Court
London is a city ready to welcome you with timeless charm, royal elegance, and holiday cheer! Enjoy your first hours wandering through the luscious St. James’s Park, where tree-lined paths lead you to one of the world’s most famous landmarks - Buckingham Palace! As day five rolls by, embrace the capital's regal flair at another of its elegant landmarks, the grand Hampton Court. This palace has gained a reputation for being the lavish home of King Henry VIII. During the holiday season, this riverside gem breathes new life with halls reveling in holiday greenery and courtyards bringing forth the spirit of Tudor-style celebrations, while outside, a traditional ice rink turns this into an unforgettable visit.
One of Hampton’s greatest attractions is the Great Hall. Wander through this opulent room with a soaring hammer-beam ceiling and intricate tapestries. Under the soft light of a winter day, each detail will give you a vivid glimpse of what it was like to dine in England’s greatest medieval hall, especially at Christmastime. Outside, the manicured lawns and riverside gardens ooze seasonal charm; take this moment to enjoy the contrast between vibrancy and serenity. In all its might, Hampton will prove to be one of the most memorable cultural Christmas experiences of your tour!
Day 6 - Step Into A Dickensian Holiday In London
Ready for another day in England's bustling city of London? Day 6 of your tour will be all about stepping into the destination's festive heart in a unique experience. A private walking tour of Dickensian London with a local expert will give you the opportunity to unveil a new side to this European gem, one marked by the vision of Charles Dickens.
Trace the steps of the famed author behind the classic 'A Christmas Carol' book and discover the sites that inspired this novel's riveting story. Along the way, the emblematic Big Ben and its imposing silhouette will pierce through Westminster, reminding you of this destination’s architectural prowess. After the tour, why not immerse yourself further in the city’s festive cheer by visiting the popular Carnaby Street, swarmed by unique holiday decorations? Or get to know the festive fair of Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland? Under the twinkling lights, this cosmopolitan gem becomes even more compelling and magical!
Days 7 & 8 - Cross the Border and Get to Know The Capital Of Christmas
As you leave England behind, it’s time to journey to another top European destination. Make your Paris Strasbourg Christmas itinerary come true in Alsace. Strasbourg is your first stop. This charming town of French elegance and German tradition is known for its medieval streets and grand Gothic Cathedral. Yet this destination is also hailed as the ‘Capital of Christmas’. Every year, when December comes, this French gem turns into a winter wonderland of festive lights, wooden chalets and delicious treats!
Enjoy your full day in Strasbourg to explore the city’s different Christmas attractions. The town’s Christkindelsmärik at Place Broglie is an obligatory stop. Dating back to the 1500s, this market continues to draw crowds with its freshly-made pretzels, twinkling lights, and scentful mulled wine. Continue at Petite France, for a scenic stroll marked by half-timbered houses, glistening garlands, and a transporting medieval ambience. All the while, Strasbourg Cathedral provides the perfect backdrop to explore this city’s magic during the holidays.
Day 9 - The Magic Of Alsace's Christmas Markets
Today, the journey continues in Colmar. With its quaint cobblestone streets and colorful half-timbered houses, Colmar will be introduced to you as a gem straight out of a fairytale book. In the holiday season, every lane of this town comes alive under the shimmering lights and the spirit of food and Christmas traditions. From steaming mulled wine to handcrafted ornaments, you will find the Christmas markets to be an open invitation to savor, share and live!
On this day trip, make sure to take time to venture beyond the markets and glimpse the magic of Christmas that scatters across the town. The ‘La Petite Venise’ canal district is the perfect addition to your itinerary. This part of Colmar reminds one of childhood movies and whimsical settings that one can only see on the page or on the screen!
Days 10 & 11 - Yuletide Charm in the Heart of Paris
Paris may be the city of love, but it is also a beacon of sparkle and festive elegance! Settle into your hotel, head out, and explore the city’s take on the holiday season. From the glittering lights draping along the Champs-Élysées to the scent of roasted chestnuts lingering in the Tuileries Christmas Market, you can expect magic and delicious treats!
While in Paris, seize the opportunity to savor the most iconic indulgent flavors in a guided tasting tour. From the colorful macarons to decadent handcrafted chocolates, you are in the right place to discover more about these sweet delights and their connection to France’s holiday traditions. As the sun sets, enjoy a relaxing stroll filled with storybook scenes. Picture the Eiffel Tower gleaming against the winter sky and the grand Arc de Triomphe standing proudly at the end of a busy avenue. Alternatively, you can head to Montmartre and bask in the majestic elegance of the Sacré-Coeur. Across this district, you will stumble upon vibrant markets and local fare; soon enough, Paris becomes an embodiment of the Christmas spirit.
Days 12 & 13 - A Royal Christmas Day Trip To Versailles & A French Goodbye!
Let’s hop on the train for a journey into France’s royal heart. Just beyond Paris, the Palace of Versailles jumps out as a magical regal escape draped in elegance and grandeur. During the festive season, this monument’s opulence and glittering chandeliers appear even more compelling, telling the stories of memorable celebrations and refined artistry.
This day is all about immersing yourself in one of the top cultural Christmas experiences to have in France. Inside Versailles, you can see the chambers where illustrious kings spent their most intimate moments, while at the Hall of Mirrors, you can voyage into glittering winter celebrations of centuries past. Outside this grand landmark, a whimsical setting unfolds before your eyes, presenting you with a scenery of elegant buildings and dreamy Christmas markets of wooden chalets offering seasonal treats against a dazzling royal backdrop.
Returning to Paris for your final night, you will feel more connected than ever to Europe's Christmastime traditions, seasonal gastronomy and festive heart!
Let's Explore the Magic of Europe Wrapped in Lights!
Over thirteen days, much can be seen and done in Europe’s top destinations, especially in the festive holiday season! From Paris’s shimmering boulevards to Strasbourg’s world-recognized Christmas market, London’s Dickensian Streets and Edinburgh’s medieval charm, each stop on this adventure has shown you how Europe takes on the festive spirit and turns it into rich cultural Christmas experiences to remember! With the end of summer upon us, the Christmas lights are waiting (as well as the delicious food). Let us help you navigate Europe’s most enchanting holiday settings and craft the perfect Christmas journey.
