Christmas Markets of Europe: Everything You Need to Know

April 30, 2025

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season in true European style.


Our Christmas Markets of Europe 2025 Tour takes you on a festive journey through five countries, ten enchanting Christmas markets, and a collection of cultural and culinary gems that capture the spirit of winter wonder.



With cozy accommodations, small-group travel, and seasoned guides, Bill and Chris Larson, this 11-day adventure is the ultimate way to experience Christmas in Europe.



 


Tour Highlights




1. Brussels, Belgium


Your journey begins in the heart of Brussels, where the Grand Place glows with holiday lights and charming wooden chalets line the streets. After your overnight flight, you'll dive right into the magic with your first market experience and a welcome dinner to meet fellow travelers.


Don't miss: warm glühwein, handmade ornaments, and the stunning sound-and-light show at the Grand Place.


2. Lineman’s Brewery Tour


Just outside Brussels, you'll visit Lineman’s Brewery, known for its unique brewing process and delightfully flavorful beers. You'll get a behind-the-scenes tour and enjoy a curated tasting.


Optional: In the evening, join a guided Belgian beer pub tour to explore local flavors on foot.



3. Val Dieu Abbey & Cologne, Germany


Step into the past with a visit to Val Dieu Abbey, a tranquil 13th-century monastery in the mountains. Learn about its historic beer-making roots and soak in the peaceful stone architecture. Then, head to Cologne—a highlight of the tour—for a night walking tour and time to explore its iconic cathedral and riverfront Christmas market.


4. Moselle River Valley: Wine & Storybook Towns


Wind your way through the Moselle River Valley, stopping at Dr. Loosen Winery for a memorable wine tasting and lunch. You’ll sample a variety of Rieslings and dine in a regal hall before exploring the mediaeval town of Bernkastel, complete with cobblestone alleys, twinkling windows, and a life-sized Advent calendar.



5. Luxembourg & Trier, France


Check off a tiny country with a big holiday spirit: Luxembourg. Known for its grilled street food and fortress views, it’s a perfect place to grab a warm drink and people-watch. Then, explore Trier’s market, where Germany’s oldest city decks the halls in medieval style.


6. Metz & Strasbourg, France


Explore Metz, a 3,000-year-old French city rich with culture, architecture, and seasonal cheer. Then, head to Strasbourg, where its cathedral-front market—one of Europe’s oldest—transforms the historic district into a fairy tale of lights, spiced pastries, and hand-carved goods.


7. Montbéliard & Chocolate Workshop


Venture to Montbéliard, known for its elaborate light displays and charming town center. The day includes a visit to a chocolatier, where you’ll learn to make and sample artisanal sweets. It’s a delicious way to top off a festive afternoon before returning to Basel for the evening.


8.  Lucerne & Mount Titlis, Switzerland


Spend the day in Lucerne, set beside a tranquil lake with a picturesque old town. Take the cable car to Mount Titlis for stunning alpine views and snowy landscapes that feel straight out of a snow globe.

Optional: Enjoy a mountaintop lunch before heading to your final city—Zurich.


9.  Zurich, Switzerland


Wrap up your European Christmas adventure with a full day in Zurich, a vibrant mix of historic charm and modern flair. Wander through the old town, take in the sparkling markets, and enjoy a farewell dinner with Swiss specialties to toast to new friendships and unforgettable memories.

What’s Included?


  • 9 nights of premium hotel accommodations, all centrally located
  • 14 meals, including specialty dinners, tastings, and culinary tours
  • Entry to 10 European Christmas markets
  • Brewery, winery, and chocolate-making experiences
  • Full-time Excite host + experienced local guides
  • Private luxury motorcoach transportation
  • Optional excursions in Brussels and Cologne


What Makes This Tour Special


  • Small-Group Magic: Travel with just 20–25 people for a more personal, connected experience.
  • More Than Markets: From beer tours and wine tastings to abbey visits and chocolate-making, this is a true cultural journey.
  • Winter-Ready Comfort: Carefully selected hotels, minimal packing moves, and expert guidance mean you can stay warm, cozy, and relaxed.
  • Stress-Free Travel: Flights, luggage tags, travel prep calls, and even cookies at the airport—we’ve got it all covered.



FAQs


How active is the tour?
Moderate walking is required, especially around city centers and Christmas markets. Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are recommended.


Do I need Euros?
Credit cards are widely accepted, even in most markets. We’ll stop for Euros after landing in Europe, and you’ll mostly need cash for tips and small purchases.


What are the accommodations like?
You’ll stay in high-quality, modern hotels like Motel One and Park Plaza—centrally located, stylish, and perfect for winter travel.


Can I travel solo?
Absolutely. We offer single-occupancy options, or we can match you with a roommate if you prefer to share.


When is the trip?
The tour runs from November 29 to December 9, 2025, just after Thanksgiving—perfectly timed to catch Europe in full holiday swing.


What does it cost?
Tour price: $2,995 per person (double occupancy). Flight add-on: $1,300 round-trip from Omaha. Single occupancy: $3,823 including flight.



Ready to Experience Christmas in Europe?

With twinkling lights, historic settings, rich food, and heartwarming company, this tour is more than a vacation—it’s a holiday memory in the making.

Want the full itinerary? [Download the brochure here] or call us at 402-293-9282 to reserve your spot!

Spots are limited, and this one sells out fast—don’t wait to make this your most magical Christmas yet.




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Introducing the Payment Protection Plan: Book Your Next Trip with Confidence

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At Excite Experiences, we know that life does not always go according to plan. A family situation comes up. Your health changes. Something unexpected gets in the way of a trip you have been looking forward to for months. That is exactly why we created the Payment Protection Plan. Effective for all tours booked on or after February 20, 2026, the Payment Protection Plan is a simple, optional add-on that gives you the freedom to cancel your trip for any reason and receive a full refund — right up until 24 hours before departure. No questions asked. Here is everything you need to know. What Is the Payment Protection Plan? The Payment Protection Plan (PPP) is an optional add-on available when you book any Excite Experiences tour. When you purchase it, both your deposit and all payments made toward your trip are fully refundable if you need to cancel — for any reason up to 24 hours before your departure date. Without the PPP, our standard cancellation policy applies. That policy is outlined below so you know exactly where you stand either way. How the Cancellation Policy Works Without the PPP If you choose not to add the Payment Protection Plan, the following cancellation schedule applies to your booking: 90 days before departure: Your deposit becomes non-refundable. 60 to 31 days before departure: 50% of all payments made are non-refundable. 30 days or less before departure: 100% of all payments made are non-refundable. This is a standard policy in the group tour industry and is in place because Excite Experiences commits to hotels, transportation, guides, and vendors well in advance of your trip date. The PPP exists precisely so that guests who want more flexibility have a clear, affordable way to get it. Learn more at: https://www.excitemytravel.com/payment-protect-program-travel-insurance . How the Payment Protection Plan Works Purchase the PPP at the time of booking, or within 10 days of your initial deposit. After that 10-day window, the PPP can no longer be added or removed, and the cost is non-refundable. Once you have the PPP on your booking, you are covered. If you need to cancel for any reason, you will receive a full refund of your deposit and all payments made — as long as you cancel at least 24 hours before your departure. If cancellation happens within 24 hours of departure, all payments are non-refundable regardless of PPP status. What Does the PPP Cost? The cost of the Payment Protection Plan is based on the total price of your trip and is priced per person. What About Travel Insurance? The Payment Protection Plan is not the same as travel insurance, and we want to be clear about the difference. The PPP is an Excite Experiences product that protects your payments if you cancel. It covers cancel for any reason, and it is managed directly by us. Travel insurance is a separate, optional product we offer through our partner Redion (TripMate). It covers unexpected events that can happen during your trip — things like medical emergencies, trip interruptions, lost or delayed baggage, travel delays, and more. Travel insurance does not cover cancel for any reason. Redion insurance is available in Basic and Deluxe plans, and you have up until 30 days before your departure date to add it. Both products can be purchased together, and many travelers choose to do exactly that - PPP for cancellation flexibility, TripMate for protection once the trip is underway. Frequently Asked Questions Do I have to purchase the PPP? No. The Payment Protection Plan is completely optional. If you choose not to add it, the standard cancellation policy outlined above applies to your booking. When do I need to purchase the PPP? You can add the PPP at the time of booking or within 10 days of your initial deposit. After that window closes, it can no longer be added. Can I add the PPP to a trip I already booked? If you booked a trip after February 20, 2026 and are still within 10 days of your initial deposit, yes. If you are outside that window, the PPP can no longer be added to your booking. Contact our team and we will walk you through your options. What if I booked my trip before February 20, 2026? If your booking was made before February 20, 2026, the previous cancellation policy applies to your reservation. This new policy and the PPP apply only to tours booked on or after February 20, 2026. What counts as a cancellation under the PPP? Any cancellation made at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure date qualifies for a full refund under the PPP, regardless of the reason. Cancellations made within 24 hours of departure are non-refundable. Does the PPP cover travel insurance events like medical emergencies or baggage loss? No. The PPP covers your payments in the event of a cancellation before departure. For coverage of events that happen during your trip — medical emergencies, interruptions, lost baggage, and more, we recommend adding a TripMate travel insurance plan alongside your PPP. Book with Confidence We want every Excite Experiences traveler to feel good about booking not just about the destination, but about the decision to commit. The Payment Protection Plan is our way of making sure that if life gets in the way, your investment is protected. Questions about the PPP or any of our tours? Our team is happy to walk you through it. Call us at 402-293-9282, email info@excitemytravel.com, or visit excitemytravel.com to learn more.