Christmas Markets in Europe – The Best Routes for Car Tourists.

In the run-up to Christmas, everyone is busy with gifts and preparing their homes for the holiday. Despite this, some still find time for car trips. These trips are most often along European routes, and their main goal is to visit Christmas markets in different cities and countries.

Ghent – Bruges (across Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and France)

This popular route among car tourists starts in Ghent, Belgium. There, on Sint-Baafsplein Square, one of the largest Christmas markets in the country is organized. After visiting it, you can go to Luxembourg. This tiny country hosts many festive festivals and other events. In almost every city, you will find a Christmas market.

From Luxembourg, you should go to France, namely to Strasbourg. This city has the unofficial “Capital of Christmas” status, so everyone is guaranteed a festive mood. In Strasbourg, markets are held in almost every square, so finding traditional seasonal treats, decorations, and souvenirs will be easy. Before driving to the final point of the route, you need to stop in Trier. This German city is famous for its Christmas market, held in the square before the Trier Cathedral. This event is always large-scale and exciting. The road trip should end in Bruges, where there are several places for various Christmas events.

Cologne – Frankfurt (across Germany and France)

Germany hosts the most famous Christmas markets in the world, so car tourists should choose a route through this country. You can rent a suitable vehicle or buy one inexpensively at German online car auctions. You should start your journey in Cologne. Several Christmas markets open in this city yearly, and skipping them would be a grave mistake. Just a few hours’ drive from Cologne is the previously mentioned Trier, which should not be overlooked either.

Next, you should make a short trip to France, namely to Metz. This city hosts famous night markets filled with festive lights and fun. The next stops should be Ribeauvillé, Kayersberg, Eguisheim, Riquewihr, and Colmar. You will also find well-organized Christmas markets and have a great time there. In the final part of the trip, you should return to Germany. You can attend festive events in Baden-Baden, Heidelberg, and Frankfurt there. The last city will be the final point of the journey so that you can stay there a little longer.

Zagreb – Trieste (across Croatia, Slovenia and Italy)

If you want to visit the most unusual Christmas markets, plan your road trip through Croatia, Slovenia and Italy. The most popular route through these countries starts in Zagreb. The capital of Croatia always starts the festive festivities early, so the markets open among the first in Europe. Look for the main one on Ban Jelacic Square.

From Zagreb, you should head towards Slovenia. Along the way, you will come across several small towns with Christmas markets, although not as large as in the capital. Having reached Ljubljana, you should immediately go to one of the squares. Traditionally, this is where the most significant festive events are held. From the capital of Slovenia, you can get to Italian Trieste in just a couple of hours of leisurely driving. There, in Piazza della Borsa, a traditional Christmas market is held, where fun and a festive mood reign. This event captivates car tourists so much that it is in this city that they end their journey.

Not all cities host large-scale and eye-catching Christmas markets. Because of this, many people travel to European countries to visit such events. This trip is always exciting; the festive mood only adds to its magnificence.