The Best European Christmas Markets for Solo Travelers

Attending the European Christmas markets is now something I do each year during Thanksgiving. Ever since my first trip, I decided that this would be an annual tradition for myself, as it brings me so much joy. Aside from the first trip, which was a wonderful group trip, I have gone on my own because I simply love the atmosphere and the freedom to do what I want. That is generally my sentiment when I travel anywhere, and it’s no different with the European Christmas markets. European cities make it easy to navigate since most are very walkable and compact, and that makes for a more confident travel experience.

Many people are surprised when I express my love for going alone to these markets, but if you enjoy your own company and stay in the moment, it’s one of the most amazing times you can have with yourself. The cities are decorated in lights and everything Christmas related, and you feel like you’re in a winter wonderland. It’s a very safe place to be, which is why it’s one of my top picks for solo destinations for female travelers. You can go as fast-paced or slow as you want, and you can do as many or few activities as you want. It’s your trip, and you can take it at your own pace. After visiting many European Christmas markets as a solo traveler, I’ve found several cities that feel especially welcoming and easy to explore alone.

Paris Streets During the Holidays

When you’re choosing which European Christmas markets to attend, keep in mind the size of the city and the activities you can do outside of the markets. It’s not likely that you’re going to spend all day and night at any one market. Even if the city has multiple markets, you may want to have a change of scenery now and then. There are only so many mulled wines you can have before keeling over and napping, right?

The markets are a good place for solo travelers because they are safe, there are loads of people around at all times, and you can immerse yourself in some of the best times in Europe. The locals gather in the city centers in the evenings after work, enjoying the foods and drinks that local vendors make. People-watching is one of my favorite pastimes there, and I love that no matter what I wear, I feel comfortable. It’s not a fashion show by any stretch, and comfort > fashion every day, all day here. No one has a clue that you’re alone, and it’s a very comfortable space for you if you’re by yourself.

Christmas Market During Snow

At this time, I’ve been to many Christmas markets in many different countries. I’m going to highlight the ones I think are fantastic for solo travelers, so you’ll be well led if you go to any of these cities. All were very easeful and enjoyable, and all very different. You truly don’t experience the same vibe twice, which is why I am officially addicted to going year after year. I enjoy scoping out and documenting which markets are good for travelers like myself, and I love to share it. That’s exactly what this is, so let’s dive into my list!

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg is a city you must visit at least once, even if it’s not during the Christmas markets. It’s home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, the Christkindelsmärik, dating back to 1570. It’s a very easy city to navigate, and I enjoyed walking the perimeter along the river during my stay there. When I went, I splurged at the Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection directly in the center of it all and had zero regrets. It set me up to be perfectly positioned for hitting the Christmas markets, as well as coming back to the hotel when I wanted to rest. The weather can get to you, and it’s important to rest a bit during the days. I ate some Alsatian food at a traditional restaurant, and I can’t say enough good things about the hospitality of the city. They speak French, German, and English there, so you can navigate very easily. The city streets are stunning, and the Christmas markets spread throughout Strasbourg’s historic center.

Vienna, Austria

I went to Vienna on my solo group trip and absolutely loved it this time. I’d been a couple of times before and didn’t remember loving it, but during my Christmas market tour, I fell in love and can’t wait to go back. Vienna is very easy to get to because it’s a large city, so flying in and out of its airport is a cinch. The markets are plentiful, the main one being the Wiener Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz. You can’t miss it because it’s located in front of the Vienna City Hall, right in the city center where you'd ideally stay. The bathrooms are clean and tidy, and they take electronic payment of about 1 euro. While you’re in Vienna, you can hit a castle or two, like the Schönbrunn Palace, and they also have a market. I very much enjoyed that one and got a mug to take home with me.

Cologne, Germany

Cologne has my heart. When I arrived in Cologne, it was after a very long travel night and into the day, and my hotel was not ready when I arrived. I walked around to a market during the day and got to see it when it was more sparsely attended. There were so many wonderful things to buy, whether foods or crafts, and I decided to go back after I was showered and refreshed. I stayed at the Motel One Köln-Neumarkt and it was perfect, aside from the shower with half the door that floods the bathroom (a typical European issue for non-Europeans). That’s just a running joke for travelers. The markets in Cologne were spectacular, and I still remember vividly the man playing the song Hallelujah on his violin. It brought tears to my eyes because I couldn’t believe I got to experience a life like this. What a gift to be able to go to these markets.

Nuremberg, Germany

Nuremberg holds a very special place in my heart for a couple of reasons. It’s considered the “toy capital of the world.” My family owns a toy store in New Orleans, and it had been my dream to go there and see the museum. I reminisced on all my childhood toys. It’s also where the Nuremberg trials were held (duh), and as a WWII fan, this was a huge draw. Neither of these has anything to do with the Christmas markets, so let’s get to that. The market called Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg was probably my favorite in all I’ve seen and considered one of the most traditional markets in Europe. I ate the most delicious foods and found a hot whiskey concoction (I grew tired of mulled wine) and felt at home. It was such a great experience that I considered moving there, and I’m not kidding. My accommodations at Burghotel Nürnberg were fantastic, and I was in the middle of it all. I will definitely be back to visit my German soul city.

Krampus in Salzburg

Salzburg, Austria

Solo travelers, if you want a most amazing and fun experience at the European Christmas markets, please go to Salzburg. And if you can, go when they are having the Krampus Run and get yourself whipped by a Krampus. I haven’t had that much joy watching people get whipped…ever. The fun that my group had there was unparalleled, and I can’t wait to go back. This is a city that gets very crowded, so my advice would be to go during the week if you can, and book as early as you can. Similar to Strasbourg, it books quickly and you want to stay in the middle of the town if you can. It’s a small city, and a charming one. I’ve been during Christmas and outside of it, and anytime is worth going. It’s one I’ll be back to, and hopefully sooner than later.

Heidelberg, Germany

When I decided to go to Heidelberg, I knew I was in for a treat. The city itself is smaller than most of the others on this list, and you could do one night there, but I highly recommend it as a worthy place if you’re traveling solo to the European Christmas markets. The castle was stunning, and was there as night fell, seeing the city from above and all lit up. I stayed directly on the square with one of the markets, and it’s actually where I spent Thanksgiving, eating minestrone soup and an Italian salad. It couldn’t have been more non-traditional yet the most memorable Thanksgiving of my life. My hotel, called the Goldener Falke, Heidelberg, was perfection. The room I had was huge, and I overlooked the Christmas market. The whole experience in the city was wonderful, and I know you’d feel the same.

Paris, France

You didn’t think I’d leave out my favorite city on earth, did you? While the Christmas markets in Paris are smaller than those in Germany and Austria, the holiday lights across the city make it one of the most magical places to visit in December. I went for the first time during Christmas recently and am positive that it won’t be my last. Walk down Avenue Montaigne for some luxury decorations on the designer boutiques. Check out Place Vendôme where the Ritz is housed and see the beautiful trees in the center. The Tuileries Garden has a wonderful market set up. The food is just ok. Go for the vibes and save your appetite for something better - it’s Paris and there is food everywhere! Walk by Galeries Lafayette and go into Le Bon Marche. Paris won’t disappoint, and it’s my favorite place to go any month of the year, but especially December. This is a top recommendation for a solo traveler during Christmas. Take a look at my favorite hotels for solo travelers in Paris.

When I visit Europe, I typically take carry-on bags only. To bring things back, I will take a foldable bag and use it for anything I’ve bought along the way. It’s challenging because it’s winter and clothes are bulkier, but I’ve done it. Keep in mind that no one cares nor do they see you twice, so you can wear things over. Stick to fabrics like wool and cashmere and you’ll be better off than if you are in synthetic fibers.

• Pack light and bring a foldable bag for souvenirs
• Book hotels early - Christmas markets attract huge crowds and central hotels sell out quickly
• Visit early evening to avoid the biggest crowds
• Dress warmly - see my guide on what to wear at the European Christmas markets
• Bring some cash for smaller vendors
• Stay in the historic city center for easy walking access

I travel by train when I go to the European Christmas markets, and this is the best route and in the order to visit each city. If you can’t make them all, you’ll have more to return to in the upcoming years. Budget a night or two (two if you can) per city, as bouncing around can be challenging. These cities are all connected by efficient European train routes, which makes traveling between Christmas markets surprisingly easy. Here is the route:

1. Paris
2. Strasbourg
3. Heidelberg
4. Cologne
5. Nuremberg
6. Salzburg
7. Vienna

Now that I’ve given you all the insider information on the cities I think are best for you, I hope you’re ready to book your trip. Going to the Christmas markets changed my whole viewpoint on Christmas. In America, we commercialize it and it’s so much about consumerism. Europe makes it completely about community, local artisans, and the joy of the season. Once you go, you will want to continue to go year after year like I do. Give yourself this gift and book your solo trip to the most magical places during the holidays: the European Christmas markets.

If you liked this blog, you might also like my roundup of what to pack for the European Christmas markets as well as what to wear at the European Christmas markets.

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