23 Best Christmas Market Tips for the Perfect Visit

Are you looking for some tips for making the most out of your Christmas market visit? Then you have come to the right place!

With festive lights, unique gifts, and delicious food, these markets are one of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit.

And considering we visited over 30 markets last year in the span of a month, we definitely know what we are talking about!

But to make the most of your visit, a little planning goes a long way.

In this post, I’m sharing some helpful tips that will make your Christmas market experience smooth and enjoyable.

From what to wear to what to watch out for, these tips will help you get the most out of your festive adventure.

Last year, my family and I spent an entire month travelling through Germany, Austria and Switzerland to see as many Christmas Markets as we could.

This took a considerable amount of planning. But let me tell you, it was well worth it in the end!

Frankfurt-Christmas-Market-Snowing-over-Romerberg-carousel

We had, by far, one of the most magical Christmases ever!

And while this may not exactly be your plan, we have learned a tip or two that we would like to pass on to you!

Planning Your Christmas Market Visit

1. Research the Best Markets to Visit

One of the first things that I did before while planning our grand adventure, was to research which Christmas markets I wanted to visit.

Some markets are known for specific dishes or treats (like Dresden’s Stollen), while others may have iconic attractions or holiday performances that you don’t want to miss.

Stuttgart - Soccer Player Light Sculpture

You’ll also find that some markets are more family-friendly, while others have a livelier atmosphere for adults.

Knowing what each market is famous for will help you choose the best ones for your trip.

2. Check Market Opening Dates and Times

Make sure to check the opening dates and times for each Christmas market you plan to visit.

Some markets open as early as mid-November, while others start later. Some markets are also only open for one or two weekends a year.

We unfortunately missed a couple of bucket-list markets, because we were not in town on the weekends they were open.

Rothenburg Christmas Market - Sign with market dates and times

It is also important to consider closing dates.

Since we planned to visit the markets right up to Christmas, our schedule needed to be built around when certain markets shut down for the season.

While many are open right up to Christmas Eve, many shut down a few days earlier.

Lastly, be sure to check operating hours as they can vary, especially on weekends or holidays.

Smaller local markets (like the Offenbach Market near Frankfurt) are usually open later and close earlier than really popular markets.

3. Book Your Accommodation Early

I can’t stress this one enough! It’s important to book your accommodation early when visiting Christmas markets.

Popular markets attract a lot of visitors, and hotels can fill up quickly.

Rothenburg - Hotel Eisenhut — Centrally-located hotel in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

This means that hotels closest to the markets, and offering the best rates, will be snapped up months in advance.

And when you are visiting expensive cities like Munich, this can be especially important when trying to stay on budget.

4. Attend Special Events or Performances

Many Christmas markets offer special events that you may not want to miss.

Opening day of the markets usually brings about a lot of festivities with concerts or tree lightings.

We came across many markets that had carolling or concerts that were held at certain times of the day.

Stuttgart Christmas Market - Concert at the Altes Schloss

Some markets even celebrate certain holidays or mark special days of the Christmas Calendar (like the Sundays of Advent).

A big one in Munich is the Krampus Run. This traditional event is where people dress up as “Krampus,” the scary companion of Saint Nicholas, and run through the pedestrian zone at Marienplatz.

If you are travelling with kids, many markets will offer special activities, like Christmas cookie decorating, at certain times of the day.

It’s worth checking the event schedule before you go so you don’t miss out on these unique experiences.

What to Pack for a Christmas Market Trip

5. Dress in Layers

Best advice ever! Dress in layers when visiting Christmas markets!

You will be walking around outside after all! And the weather is usually a little unpredictable in December!

While it may be warm when the sun is out during the day, you just know that temperatures will drop in the evening.

Stuttgart Christmas Market - Me in front of Merry Christmas arch at the Pyramid

Layering lets you adjust as needed, whether you’re walking around or sitting down for a warm drink.

We recommend bringing a hat and gloves, and even a scarf or neck gator to keep you toasty.

And because John and my youngest son always seem to get cold hands, we also made sure to carry a supply of Hot Paws hand warmers with us.

6. Bring a Reusable Tote Bag

Many European countries are very eco-conscious. So bringing a reusable tote bag when visiting the Christmas markets is a must.

My favourite ones are the bags that fold up small enough to fit in my purse. I usually carry a couple of these with me at all times.

Munich Christmas Market - Family walking through Munich Market

Since you’ll likely pick up a few items like snacks or small gifts, it’s easier to carry them in a sturdy bag rather than the small paper bags you may get from vendors.

However, we would not recommend bringing backpacks to the markets. While they may be convenient or easier to carry, they aren’t always practical in crowded areas.

7. Comfortable Shoes Are a Must

Another tip that we can’t stress enough, is to wear comfortable shoes when you visit Christmas markets.

You’ll spend a lot of time walking and standing as you explore the stalls and attractions.

Munich Christmas Market - Climbing the Tower of St. Peters Church — Climbing the church tower in Munich to get a bird’s eye view of the market!

Not to mention, in many towns, the markets can be pretty spread out. You may even be walking over cobblestone roads!

Sturdy, comfortable shoes will keep your feet from getting sore, as well as keeping them warm and dry.

You will then be free to enjoy your visit without any discomfort.

8. Carry Cash and Small Change

Cash is definitely king in many European markets. So be sure to carry small bills and change when visiting.

While some stalls may accept cards, many still prefer cash for small purchases.

Erfurt Christmas Market - Christmas treats

Not only that, but you will need coins for your restroom visits, as these are not free to use in most European cities.

Having cash with you also saves you from hunting down an ATM, which can be crowded or far from the market.

9. Bring a Portable Phone Charger

If you are anything like me, you depend on your phone for photography, shooting videos, looking up directions, or checking market info… so basically everything!

Since cold weather can drain the battery faster, a portable charger is priceless for keeping your phone powered throughout the day.

Mount-Pilatus-John-taking-photos-from-observation-deck-at-Pilatus-Kulm-in-winter

It’s especially useful if you’re staying out late or using your phone to meet up with friends or family.

After all, you don’t want to be stuck sitting on the floor next to a random outlet, waiting for your phone to charge – trust me, we’ve seen it!

Tips for Navigating the Market

10. Start Early in the Day

Starting your visit to the Christmas market early in the day, helps you avoid the biggest crowds.

This is especially important if you have younger kids with you, or if you are pushing a stroller.

Frankfurt Christmas Market - Smaller Carousel

Many markets get busier in the afternoon and evening, so starting early means shorter lines and more chances to see everything.

We definitely took this approach when visiting larger cities, like Frankfurt, that had several markets that we wanted to visit.

Starting early meant that we could take our time at each market, while still being able to cover all the ground we had planned.

11. Visit Multiple Markets in One City

This leads me to my next tip – be sure to visit more than one market in each city!

When a city has multiple Christmas Markets, you are pretty much guaranteed a different theme or experience in each one.

Frankfurt Christmas Market - Daughter with pink Christmas Tree — Pink Market in Frankfurt

For example, in Dresden, we found a Medieval market, an international food market, and a traditional market, among others!

Visiting multiple markets lets you enjoy a variety of what the city has to offer and makes your trip feel even more festive.

Plan your route ahead to make the most of your time.

12. Know Where to Find Restrooms

It’s a good idea to know where the restrooms are when visiting Christmas markets.

This is especially true if you have kids in tow. Or if you plan on drinking a lot of Glühwein! Ha!

Markets can get crowded, and it’s not always easy to find facilities on the spot.

Most markets we visited provided public restrooms set up in temporary trailers or porta potties.

Frankfurt Christmas Market - Tables near Glühwein stand

But smaller markets may be a little more dependent on nearby shopping malls or restaurants.

Checking ahead or asking at an information booth can save you time and stress when you need to take a break during your visit.

13. Visit in the Evening for the Best Atmosphere

My favourite time to visit the Christmas markets was always in the evening.

To me, the decorations, twinkling lights, and music feel more special and magical after dark.

Many markets also have live performances or special events in the evening, making it a perfect time to enjoy the holiday spirit.

Just be prepared for larger crowds as many people prefer this time too.

How to Enjoy Food and Drink at Christmas Markets

14. Try Local Specialties

When visiting Christmas markets, make sure to try the local specialties.

If you are not sure what they are, ask at the tourist or info booth. Or better yet, just do a little research ahead of time.

German Christmas Market Foods - Schupfnudeln with sauerkraut — Schupfnudeln with sauerkraut in Dresden

While most markets will carry popular foods like Bratwurst, candied almonds, or Glühwein, some markets will carry items that you can’t find elsewhere.

Don’t be afraid to ask vendors for recommendations if you’re not sure what to try.

We tasted Kartoffelpuffer with Grüne Soße (green sauce) in Frankfurt, the Schneewittchen drink in Erfurt’s Market, the Schneeballen in Rothenburg, Dresden’s Stollen, and the iconic Bratwurst in Nuremberg.

15. Share Food with Friends

Sharing food with friends or family while at a Christmas market is a great way to try more dishes without overloading yourself.

Markets are full of different snacks, drinks, and meals, so splitting them lets you sample a variety.

We actually went into the markets with a list of foods that we wanted to try! Yup… we are THOSE people.

Frankfurt Christmas Market - Daughter eating potato pancakes

Besides, it makes the experience more fun as you can compare and enjoy different flavours together.

Sharing also helps save money, because unfortunately, eating at the markets can become expensive.

If you are also a foodie, you can grab a FREE copy of our printable list below!

16. Remember to Get Back Your Pfand

When you buy drinks at a Christmas market, you’ll often pay a “pfand,” which is a deposit for the mug or cup.

We also came across several places that gave you actual dishes with your food (remember I said that Europeans were eco-conscious!).

German Christmas Market Foods - Me with Semmelknödel

Don’t forget to return your dishes to get your pfand back. The deposit is usually a few euros, which can add up quickly when travelling with a family, or spending the entire day in the market.

The designated return station for dishes is usually to the side of the counter where you made your initial purchase. Someone will return your pfand there.

Leipzig Christmas Market - Daughter drinking Kinderpunsch from special kids mug

But, when it comes to the specialty Christmas Mugs, you actually have the option to keep it as a souvenir!

While we didn’t keep them all, we held on to a few of the mugs from our favourite markets!

Shopping Tips for Christmas Markets

17. Look for Handcrafted Items

Keep an eye out for handcrafted items at Christmas markets. This is your chance to find something you won’t see anywhere else.

Many stalls feature unique products made by local artisans, such as ornaments, jewelry, foods, or decorations.

Frankfurt Christmas Market - Quetschemännchen — Frankfurt’s iconic Quetschemännchen

Since they’re handmade, you’re supporting local craftspeople and small businesses.

Unfortunately, we noticed that many of the stalls in the more popular markets like Munich, carried items that were mass-produced in places like China.

The smaller markets, like the one in Leipzig, seemed to have many more stalls carrying handmade items.

18. Don’t Be Afraid to Haggle

While prices at most European Christmas Markets are fixed, there may be a little wiggle room in some circumstances.

If you are purchasing a high-priced item or spending a lot of money at one stall, the vendor may be open to some negotiation.

We found this to be especially true when shopping on the last day of the market.

Just be polite and respectful when asking for a better price.

A friendly approach can go a long way, and you might score a good deal on something special.

We actually walked away with an amazing deal on a gorgeous lighted Christmas Arch from Stuttgart. We purchased the ‘floor model’ on the evening of the last day of the market.

Can you say Happy Dance!!

19. Buy Authentic Christmas Decorations

While strolling through the various markets, keep your eyes out for authentic Christmas decorations that you can’t find at home.

Many stalls sell traditional items like handmade ornaments, wooden figures, or nativity scenes that reflect local customs.

Leipzig Christmas Market - Handmade Christmas Decor

My favourites were the Christmas Pyramids and the lighted arches we found in Germany. These always remind me of my time there as a child!

I also found some gorgeous hand-painted ceramic ornaments in Sicily. While a little on the heavy side, their patterns of cactus pears or Carretto Siciliano (Sicilian carts) remind hubby of his roots.

Castellammare del Golfo - Gorgeous Christmas ornament found at shop in Quattro Canti

Extra Tips for the Perfect Christmas Market Experience

20. Take Public Transportation

Parking can be difficult to find and expensive, especially in busy cities during the holiday season.

Use public transportation instead. You will find that it is often more convenient and drops you closer to the market.

While we were in Germany, we didn’t even bother to rent a car! Instead, we took the subway, tram, or bus everywhere.

Stuttgart Christmas Market - Kids taking the subway back to our hotel — Our teens taking the subway home from the markets in Stuttgart

We even made use of the regional trains to go outside of Stuttgart (our home base) for day trips to other markets.

Public transportation was even easy enough for our teens to use on their own!

21. Be Aware of Pickpockets

You always need to be aware of your surroundings when travelling to busy areas.

Unfortunately, while most European Christmas markets are pretty safe, some are a popular spot for pickpockets.

Crowded areas, especially around popular stalls or performances, can be targets for theft.

Lucerne Christmas Markets - Sign warning of Pickpocketing — A sign we came across in the Christmas Market in Lucerne

Keep your valuables secure by using a zippered bag and avoiding keeping important items in your pockets.

Also, avoid carrying backpacks and cross-body bags on your back. Instead, wear them to the front.

22. Capture the Moment but Stay Present

As a blogger, I have a little trouble with this.

While it’s tempting to capture every moment at a Christmas market, don’t forget to stay present.

Erfurt Christmas Market - Hubby standing by Glühwein stand

Take a few photos to remember the experience, but also spend time enjoying the sights, sounds, and atmosphere without a screen in front of you.

I am especially mindful of this when travelling with the kids. While they KNOW that I will take a ton of pictures (I was doing this even BEFORE I became a blogger), I want to enjoy all the little moments with them too.

23. Be Prepared for Bad Weather

Considering that you are visiting the Christmas Markets during the winter, it should come as no surprise that you may encounter a little bad weather.

Rain, snow, or chilly winds can surprise you, so it’s a good idea to bring a hat, wear waterproof shoes, and have a warm jacket.

While bringing an umbrella may be ok while visiting the markets early in the day, once the evening hits, we wouldn’t recommend it. It’s just way too busy!

This also applies if you are visiting the markets at any point closer to Christmas.

We saw a few tourists trying to carry an umbrella through the crowds. I can tell you with certainty, that the locals (and other marketgoers) were NOT impressed!

We experienced all kinds of conditions while visiting the markets. Sometimes all on the same day! But we took it all in stride.

A little bad weather shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it! All the nuggets of wisdom we have to offer!

We definitely think that Christmas markets are a magical part of the holiday season. And with the right preparation, you can make the most of your visit.

By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to enjoy everything the markets have to offer—without the stress.