Curator’s statement
Christmas has always held a special place in my heart. I was born in Germany, and while I don’t remember much from my early years there, returning as an adult and walking through a Christmas market felt instantly familiar—like coming home. There’s a kind of magic in the way Europe does the holidays: the lights, the smells, the traditions. I created this itinerary to share that feeling and show others why Christmas here is truly something different.
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Day 1: Arrive in Munich
Arrive in Munich and transfer to your hotel.
Hotel options include Courtyard by Marriott Munich City Center and Munich Marriott Hotel, Koenigshof – The Luxury Collection.
Settle in and explore Munich's Old Town. Stroll through Kaufingerstrasse and see the Glockenspiel at Marienplatz.
Visit Viktualienmarkt for local snacks, hot mulled wine, and festive gifts.
In the evening, kick off the holiday experience at the Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt, one of Germany's oldest and most iconic Christmas markets
Have dinner at a traditional beer hall like Hofbräuhaus or Augustiner-Keller.
Spend the night in Munich.
Day 2: Munich to Vienna
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, then visit the Munich Residenz or the Deutsches Museum if time allows.
Early afternoon: Board the train to Vienna (approximately four hours).
Hotel options include Moxy Vienna City East, Vienna Marriott Hotel, and Hotel Imperial – The Luxury Collection.
After check-in, stretch your legs with a walk around the Ringstrasse or St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
In the evening, experience the Rathausplatz Christmas Market, with its glittering lights, ice skating rink, and traditional Austrian snacks like raclette and kiachl.
Have dinner at a nearby brasserie or from the market stalls.
Spend the night in Vienna.
Day 3: Explore Vienna
In the morning, tour Schönbrunn Palace, the former imperial summer residence, and explore its charming on-site Christmas market.
In the afternoon, stop for a sweet break at Café Central or Demel, famous for cakes and strudels.
Stroll through the MuseumsQuartier or explore the Hofburg Palace complex.
In the evening, browse the artisan stalls at the Spittelberg Market, nestled in Vienna’s hip 7th district.
Have dinner in the Neubau neighborhood, known for its contemporary Austrian cuisine.
Spend the night in Vienna.
Day 4: Day trip to Hallstatt
Depart early from Vienna on a scenic train ride to Hallstatt, connecting via Attnang-Puchheim and taking a ferry across the lake.
Ride the funicular up to the Skywalk for panoramic views of the Alps and Lake Hallstatt.
Wander the picturesque village, snap photos of the iconic Lutheran church, and enjoy a lakeside lunch.
Take an optional visit to the Hallstatt Salt Mine or Ossuary (Bone House).
Return to Vienna in the late afternoon or early evening.
In the evening, unwind at the Belvedere Palace Christmas Market or Karlsplatz for a more artistic, boho vibe.
Spend the night in Vienna.
Day 5: Vienna to Prague
Take a morning train to Prague (approximately four hours).
Hotel options include Moxy Prague, Prague Marriott Hotel, The Mozart Prague.
Check in and orient yourself in the city’s Old Town.
Stop by a local café for trdelník (chimney cake) and coffee.
In the evening, explore the Old Town Square Christmas Market, known for its giant tree, animated nativity scenes, and local crafts.
Have dinner at a cozy Czech restaurant like Lokál or Mincovna.
Spend the night in Prague.
Day 6: Castles & caroling in Prague
In the morning, tour Prague Castle, including St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, and Golden Lane.
Walk down through Malá Strana, cross the Charles Bridge, and admire the views of the Vltava River.
The afternoon is free for museum visits, shopping, or spa time.
In the evening, visit the Wenceslas Square Market, another major market offering festive foods and Czech glass ornaments.
Optional: Book a holiday concert at the Municipal House or a local church.
Spend the night in Prague.
Day 7: Local gems & neighborhood markets
Explore the Jewish Quarter (Josefov), visiting the Old Jewish Cemetery and synagogues.
Optional: Visit the Lennon Wall, Franz Kafka Museum, or take a food tour.
In the late afternoon, relax at a wine bar or riverside café.
In the evening, visit Náměstí Míru Market, a smaller neighborhood market with a peaceful, local vibe.
Enjoy a suggested farewell dinner cruise on the Vltava River.
Spend the night in Prague.
Day 8: Return to Munich
Take a midday train from Prague to Munich (approximately 5.5 hours).
Hotel options include Courtyard by Marriott Munich City Center, Munich Marriott Hotel, and Koenigshof – The Luxury Collection.
After check-in, enjoy any final shopping or sightseeing around Munich.
In the evening, visit the Wittelsbacherplatz Medieval Market or the elegant Residenz Courtyard Market.
Spend the night in Munich.
Day 9: Depart from Munich
Depending on your flight time, enjoy a quiet breakfast or one last walk through the city.
Transfer to Munich Airport (MUC) for your journey home.
Need to know
Currency and payment: Germany and Austria use the euro (€), while the Czech Republic uses the Czech koruna (CZK). Credit cards are widely accepted, but bring some cash for small market stalls and local cafés.
Weather and packing: Expect temperatures between 25–40°F (-4 to 4°C); snow is possible. Bring warm layers, waterproof boots, gloves, scarves, and a good coat. A power bank and travel umbrella come in handy when you’re out at the markets all day.
Trains and transfers: Train travel is smooth and scenic—be sure to book reserved seats for longer routes. Allow buffer time for connections in case of winter delays. Most train stations are centrally located, and taxis/Ubers are easy to access if needed.
Language: English is widely spoken in major cities, but a few key phrases in German and Czech go a long way with locals.
Safety and comfort: These cities are very safe, even at night, but watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas. Dress in layers and take breaks in cafés or museums to stay warm and comfortable.
Market tips
Christmas markets typically open around 10 am and close by 9 or 10 pm.
Try local specialties like Kaiserschmarrn, trdelník, currywurst, and regional mulled wines (glühwein in Germany, punsch in Austria, svarák in Prague).
Bring a tote or reusable bag for shopping—many stalls don’t provide bags.
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