Christmas markets in Europe from India: Vienna, Prague, Strasbourg
Plan a Christmas market trip from India: market dates, the best cities in Austria, Czechia, Germany and France, Schengen visa timing, packing and costs.
By the Agrima Holidays Team · Updated October 2026 · 2 min read
About the markets
From late November to Christmas Eve, town squares across central Europe fill with wooden stalls, lights and music. You drink hot chocolate or mulled wine, shop for ornaments and crafts, and eat roasted chestnuts and pretzels. It is the most festive time to see the old cities.
Dates
Most markets open in the last week of November and run to 23 or 24 December. Some stay open to early January. Weekends are the busiest.
Best cities
- Vienna: the Rathausplatz market and Schönbrunn Palace
- Prague: Old Town Square under the Týn church
- Strasbourg: one of the oldest markets in Europe, across the old town
- Nuremberg: the Christkindlesmarkt
- Cologne: several markets under the cathedral
- Salzburg and Zurich for smaller, scenic markets
The Vienna, Salzburg and Prague triangle works well by train in seven to eight nights.
Visa timing
Apply for the Schengen visa six to eight weeks ahead. November and December appointments are easier to get than summer ones.
Weather and packing
Temperatures run from about −2°C to 6°C, with short days. Pack a warm coat, gloves, a woollen cap and waterproof shoes.
What it costs
Our Europe packages start from the prices on their package pages. Christmas market trips are quoted on request, since December hotel rates change by city and date.
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