Christmas market tours
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German Christmas Market Trips
Discovering Iconic Christmas Markets in Eastern Germany and beyond (Plus Underrated Local Favorites)
Visiting Germany around Christmas time? Then you’ve probably got Christmas markets on your mind. If you’re thinking of the big, iconic ones, Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is often at the top of the list. And since Prague isn’t far away, it’s easy to add another stunning city with beautiful markets to your itinerary.
But here’s the thing: while these well-known markets are definitely worth seeing, we’ll also show you a few smaller, lesser-known destinations - unique, magical, and with far fewer tourists.
Here is our special itinerary for Eastern Germany and the Czech Republic, featuring two famous and two lesser-known markets that will make you love with Christmas even more.
Itinerary Eastern Germany and Prague
Duration: 6-7 days
We'll take you through some of the most enchanting Advent destinations in the region:
The historic elegance of DRESDEN, home to Germany’s oldest Christmas market.
The fairytale heights of KÖNIGSTEIN FORTRESS, where you can sip Glühwein within the walls of a hilltop fortress (Tip:Get tickets in advance!)
The traditions of SCHWARZENBERG, deep in the Ore Mountains, where wooden toys and
candle arches glow in every window; (Attention: the market is only open for a short time
period - in 2025 it will be Dec 5-14.)
And the storybook magic of PRAGUE, with festive squares and lantern-lit market stalls.
So here we go:
Day 1: Arrival & Dresden Strietzelmarkt
Arrive in Dresden and check into a hotel near the Altstadt, just steps from the city's main Christmas markets. If you like a touch of luxury, the Hyperion Hotel Dresden offers a spa and a location right in the heart of Dresden. If you'd rather spend your budget for treats at the markets, a great alternative is the Hotel Indigo Dresden (Wettiner Platz), just a short walk away from where the magic happens and close to Dresden's top sights.
Explore the historic Striezelmarkt, browsing handmade crafts, Stollen, and the huge Christmas pyramid in the center of the market. If you'd like to be transported back in time, don't miss the medieval Christmas market at the Stallhof - a historic, medieval courtyard in Dresden that was once a stable for the Royal Palace.
Day 2: Dresden's Highlights
Start the day with a good breakfast and head over to Dresden's Old town, especially the “Elbe terraces” for beautiful views of the city and the river Elbe. Don't miss the Semperoper and the Zwinger - both stunning buildings. The Zwinger houses the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, one of the most important museum collections in the world.
Have lunch at one of the smaller markets or nearby spots such as Taschenbergpalais or Frauenkirche, where the Christmas markets tend to be a bit quieter.
In the early afternoon, head to Festung Königstein. (Tip: Get Tickets in advance.) Depending on your timing, the best way to get there is by taking train S1 from Dresden Main Station and then a shuttle to reach the fortress. If you prefer to drive, park at the Parking Garage “Am Malerweg” and take the shuttle from there. The castle market sits high above the valley so you will have great views, fortress ramparts, and often fewer crowds than city center markets. Get there before sunset if possible - the views over the Elbe valley or nearby countryside can be spectacular with winter light.
Return to Dresden for the evening.
Insider Tip: If you feel like you need a break from the Christmas Magic or also want to see another part of the city, cross the river to Neustadt (New Town). Here, you will find many different restaurants ("Bottoms up" and "Lila Soße" being two of our favorites), independent shops, street art, and a diverse nightlife scene.
Day 3 and 4: Schwarzenberg: Local Traditions & Cozy Markets
Travel from Dresden to Schwarzenberg and check into a local guesthouse or hotel in this charming town in the Ore Mountains. If hotels like the Neustädter Hof are booked, you can find something in nearby towns like Lauter-Bernsbach. Spend the afternoon exploring one of Saxony’s most romantic Christmas markets, set in the historic town square and the courtyard of Schloss Schwarzenberg. You will find traditional stalls on this medieval-style market filled with handcrafted and homemade goodies, plus festive highlights like the Christmas Berg parade or the Fairy Tale Procession on select weekends.
In the evening, warm up with local food and mulled wine, then take a peaceful stroll through the illuminated market - you might even catch a small concert or musical performance. The next day, spend a little more time in Schwarzenberg visiting nearby artisan shops and soaking in the local scenery. In the afternoon, begin your journey to Prague (depending on your pace).
Tip: If you prefer not to rent a car, Pirna’s Christmas market is a great alternative to Schwarzenberg. It’s much easier to reach by train, both from Dresden and onward to Prague, making your journey easier.
Day 5–6: Prague Lights
Arrive in Prague and settle into a central hotel near Old Town or Wenceslas Square for easy market access. We like to stay at K+K Hotel Central, which is close to the bigger markets in Prague and offers a mix of historic charm and modern elegance. Honest Karlín is a good option for travelers who like it trendy and it's close to the markets without breaking the bank. Start your festive market tour with the iconic Christmas markets at Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. For a quieter vibe, visit the market at Náměstí Míru.
In the evening, you can try Czech specialties like roasted meats and mulled wine, then soak up the magical atmosphere of the markets and the city lit up at night.
On Day 6, explore more of Prague’s festive spots—Prague Castle markets, the Charles Bridge area, or smaller neighborhood markets in Žižkov or Vinohrady. If time allows, take an Advent-themed river cruise for a unique view of the city.
End your trip with a final visit to your favorite market and a relaxed festive dinner before saying goodbye.
