Our guide on the Mistakes To Avoid Visiting European Christmas Market destinations and how to avoid them.
Visiting European Christmas markets can be a magical experience filled with festive cheer, beautiful decorations, and traditional foods. However, to make the most of your trip, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that travelers often make.
Here’s a travel guide on the mistakes to avoid when visiting European Christmas markets and how to avoid them.
Visiting European Christmas markets can be a magical holiday experience, but avoiding common mistakes will help make your trip more enjoyable. By planning ahead, dressing warmly, trying local specialties, and being mindful of crowds and safety, you can fully immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere.
Whether you’re in Germany, Austria, France, or the Czech Republic, each market offers unique experiences that are best enjoyed when you take the time to savor them.
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Mistakes To Avoid Visiting European Christmas Market Destinations
1. Not Dressing Warmly Enough
Mistake: European Christmas markets are often held outdoors, and in December, temperatures can be freezing or even below freezing in many regions. Travelers who don’t dress appropriately may find themselves too cold to enjoy the experience.
How to Avoid It: Dress in layers with a warm coat, thermal underclothing, a hat, gloves, and a scarf. Wear comfortable, insulated footwear, especially if you’ll be walking around in snowy or icy conditions. Consider bringing hand warmers and a portable thermos for hot drinks.
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2. Visiting Only One Christmas Market
Mistake: Many visitors focus on just one Christmas market, often the most famous, and miss out on the variety and charm of smaller, less crowded markets in the same city or region.
How to Avoid It: Research in advance and plan to visit multiple markets. In cities like Berlin, Vienna, or Prague, there are several markets with unique offerings, from traditional crafts to gourmet foods. Each market has its own atmosphere, so visiting a few can enrich your experience.
3. Not Booking Accommodation Early
Mistake: Christmas markets attract large crowds, and popular cities like Munich, Strasbourg, and Vienna see hotel prices soar during the festive season. Waiting too long to book accommodation can result in higher prices or limited options.
How to Avoid It: Book your accommodation as early as possible. Aim for central locations to make it easier to walk to the markets, as public transport can get crowded during this season. Consider staying in smaller towns nearby, which may offer better rates and easy access via train.
4. Overlooking Weekday Visits
Mistake: Many travelers visit Christmas markets on weekends, when the crowds are at their peak, making it harder to enjoy the atmosphere or shop comfortably.
How to Avoid It: Plan your visit during the week, ideally during the late morning or early afternoon, when the markets are less crowded. This gives you more space to explore the stalls and enjoy food and drinks without long waits.
5. Not Carrying Cash
Mistake: While larger markets may accept credit cards, many smaller stalls only accept cash. Visitors who don’t carry cash may find themselves unable to buy local crafts or food.
How to Avoid It: Bring enough local currency (euros, Swiss francs, etc.) to cover your purchases, especially for smaller items like food, drinks, or handmade gifts. Be sure to have small denominations, as vendors may not always have change for large bills.
6. Focusing Only on Shopping
Mistake: Christmas markets are often seen as places to shop for gifts and crafts, but there’s so much more to experience, from food and drinks to live entertainment and traditional performances.
How to Avoid It: Take time to enjoy the full experience by sampling traditional holiday foods like bratwurst in Germany, trdelník in Prague, or raclette in Switzerland. Also, look out for activities like ice skating, live music, and carol singing. Many markets have nativity scenes or small concerts that add to the festive atmosphere.
7. Forgetting to Try Local Specialties
Mistake: Some visitors stick to familiar foods and drinks and miss out on local seasonal specialties, which are often a highlight of Christmas markets.
How to Avoid It: Make a point to try traditional holiday treats and drinks specific to the region you’re visiting. For example:
Germany: Glühwein (mulled wine), Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and Stollen (fruit cake).
Austria: Käsekrainer (cheese-filled sausage), Sachertorte (chocolate cake), and punsch (warm punch).
France (Alsace): Bredele (Christmas cookies) and Vin chaud (hot spiced wine).
Czech Republic: Svařák (mulled wine) and Vanocka (Christmas bread).
8. Not Bringing a Reusable Mug
Mistake: Many Christmas markets serve drinks like mulled wine in reusable souvenir mugs that require a deposit. Some travelers don’t realize they can return the mug for a refund, which leads to unnecessary expenses or missed opportunities to collect unique souvenirs.
How to Avoid It: Either keep the mug as a souvenir or return it to get your deposit back. Some visitors also bring their own reusable cups, which is a more eco-friendly option and may be accepted by some stalls.
9. Rushing Through the Market
Mistake: Many visitors rush through Christmas markets, missing out on the ambiance and unique experiences.
How to Avoid It: Take your time to soak in the festive atmosphere. Sip hot drinks, chat with local vendors, listen to live performances, and enjoy the beautiful decorations and lights. If you’re visiting multiple markets, spread them out over several days rather than cramming them all into one afternoon.
10. Not Checking Market Dates
Mistake: Some travelers assume Christmas markets run through the entire holiday season, but many markets close before Christmas or just after. Showing up too late or too early can lead to disappointment.
How to Avoid It: Double-check the dates for each market. Most European Christmas markets start in late November and run until around Christmas Eve, though some extend into early January (especially in cities like Vienna or Berlin).
11. Ignoring Local Customs and Etiquette
Mistake: Failing to understand local customs can lead to awkward moments. For example, in some countries, it’s polite to greet shop owners or say “thank you” in the local language when purchasing items.
How to Avoid It: Learn a few key phrases in the local language, such as “hello,” “thank you,” and “Merry Christmas.” It’s also important to respect local traditions, like refraining from haggling at Christmas markets where the prices are often set.
12. Not Being Aware of Pickpockets
Mistake: Christmas markets can get very crowded, making them an ideal location for pickpockets. Travelers who aren’t cautious with their belongings may fall victim to theft.
How to Avoid It: Keep your valuables secure. Wear a cross-body bag with zippers and keep it in front of you. Don’t carry all your cash or important documents in one place. Be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, and avoid distractions that could make you an easy target.
13. Underestimating How Big Some Markets Are
Mistake: Some Christmas markets, especially in cities like Vienna, Cologne, or Strasbourg, are huge and spread out over multiple locations. Visitors who don’t plan their visit may get overwhelmed or miss key parts of the market.
How to Avoid It: Plan your route in advance, especially if you want to see specific markets or events. Use a map of the city’s markets to ensure you don’t miss anything and allocate enough time to explore fully.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.