The Fairytale Christmas Markets of Germany & France

Imagine wandering through cobblestone streets glowing with thousands of twinkling lights, the scent of cinnamon and roasted almonds filling the crisp winter air, and charming medieval towns transformed into holiday wonderlands.

Join us for an unforgettable journey through the most enchanting Christmas markets of Germany and France, where centuries-old traditions, festive flavors, and storybook villages create memories to treasure for a lifetime.

From the historic streets of Frankfurt and romantic Heidelberg to the magical villages of the Black Forest, we’ll discover some of Europe's most beloved holiday destinations. Cross into France's picturesque Alsace region to experience the charm of Colmar and Strasbourg, the renowned “Capital of Christmas,” before returning home filled with the warmth and wonder of the season.

This thoughtfully designed small-group adventure combines iconic Christmas markets, breathtaking scenery, delicious local cuisine, and plenty of time to savor each destination.

Whether you’re searching for unique handcrafted gifts, sipping a warm mug of Glühwein beneath sparkling lights, or simply soaking in the magic of the holidays, this journey invites you to experience Christmas the way you’ve always imagined it.

Arrive in Frankfurt by midday and settle into your hotel before your Christmas adventure begins.

As evening falls, stroll through Frankfurt's famous Christmas Market, where hundreds of wooden chalets overflow with handcrafted gifts, roasted almonds, gingerbread, ornaments, and festive treats. Take in the sparkling lights and joyful atmosphere before gathering with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Highlights

• Arrive in Frankfurt

• Explore Frankfurt Christmas Market

• Welcome group dinner

After breakfast, we'll set out on a scenic drive through Germany's Rhine region to experience two distinctly different Christmas markets.

In the morning we will continue to explore Frankfurt with a wander around town and either a food tour or cooking class!

In the afternoon we'll head over to historic Mainz, where festive stalls line the cathedral square. Enjoy free time to browse artisan gifts and savor lunch at your own pace using the meal allowance provided.

As evening approaches, we will continue to elegant Wiesbaden, known for its beautifully decorated market nestled beneath the city's grand architecture and where cozy market stalls and holiday lights create the perfect setting for a festive atmosphere.

Highlights

• Mainz Christmas Market

• Wiesbaden Christmas Market

• Group dinner

This morning we travel to one of Germany's most romantic cities.

Explore magnificent Heidelberg Castle, perched high above the Neckar River, before enjoying lunch together.

As dusk settles over the city, wander through Heidelberg's Christmas Market spread across the historic Old Town. Browse festive stalls, sip hot chocolate or Glühwein, lace up your skates at the outdoor ice rink, and experience the magic as the city glows beneath thousands of twinkling lights.

Highlights

• Heidelberg Castle

• Old Town Christmas Market

• Outdoor ice skating

• Group lunch and dinner

Our first destination today is the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden, where we'll enjoy a lovely morning in Friedrichsbad Roman Baths. The naturally warm, mineral-rich waters rise from deep beneath the Black Forest and have been celebrated for centuries for their soothing and restorative qualities. Today, visitors can immerse themselves in elegant thermal pools, unwind in aromatic steam rooms and saunas, and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere designed to promote both physical and mental well-being.

Afterwards we can take some free time exploring one of Germany's most beautiful Christmas markets and grab a bite to eat.

Next, we continue to the medieval village of Gengenbach, famous for transforming its historic town hall into the world's largest Advent calendar. Each evening at 6:00 p.m., another beautifully illustrated window is revealed in a cherished holiday tradition that draws visitors from around the world.

Highlights

• Guided tour of Baden-Baden

• Baden-Baden Christmas Market

• Gengenbach Christmas Market

• World's Largest Advent Calendar

• Overnight in Freiburg

• Group meals

Wake up in the heart of Germany's Black Forest.

Ride the Schlossbergbahn funicular for sweeping views over Freiburg before enjoying time to explore the city and its delightful Christmas Market.

As evening approaches, we'll travel to one of Europe's most unforgettable holiday experiences—the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market. Nestled beneath a soaring railway viaduct in the Black Forest, this enchanting market features artisan crafts, regional specialties, glowing lanterns, and one of the most magical Christmas settings imaginable.

Highlights

• Schlossbergbahn funicular

• Freiburg Christmas Market

• Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market

• Black Forest scenery

• Group meals

Today we cross the border into the enchanting Alsace region of France, where storybook villages and festive traditions create an unforgettable holiday experience.

Our first stop is Colmar, a town that seems to have stepped straight out of a Christmas postcard. Wander through its colorful half-timbered houses, canals, and winding cobblestone streets, where multiple Christmas markets each have their own unique charm. Browse handcrafted gifts, sample Alsatian specialties, and soak in the magical atmosphere that has made Colmar one of Europe's most beloved holiday destinations.

After lunch, we'll continue to Strasbourg, widely known as the "Capital of Christmas." Home to one of Europe's oldest and most famous Christmas markets, Strasbourg dazzles visitors with its towering Christmas tree, beautifully decorated squares, hundreds of festive stalls, and spectacular holiday lights.

Spend the afternoon exploring the city's charming neighborhoods, shopping for unique gifts, enjoying local treats, and experiencing the unmistakable spirit of Christmas before continuing to Freiburg for the evening.

Highlights

• Visit two countries in one day

• Explore the magical Christmas markets of Colmar

• Experience Strasbourg, the "Capital of Christmas"

• Alsatian holiday treats and shopping

• Group meals

After breakfast, we'll begin our return to Frankfurt, making one final stop in one of my favorite small markets, Ingelheim.

Wander the small streets inside the castle walls, browse charming Christmas shops, and enjoy food and music all around you.

This magical farewell to Germany's Christmas markets is the perfect ending to our holiday adventure.

Return to Frankfurt for our final overnight stay and farewell dinner.

Highlights

• Ingelheim

• Quaint Christmas atmosphere

• Farewell dinner

Enjoy one final breakfast before transferring to Frankfurt Airport for your journey home.

Leave with unforgettable memories, new friendships, and perhaps a suitcase filled with handcrafted treasures and Christmas cheer.

Until next time... Frohe Weihnachten! (Merry Christmas!)