I like to think there’s never a bad time for a road trip, whatever the weather. Yet, driving during rain or snow can pose challenges. So, if you’re tempted by a festive journey this winter, my advice is to keep it short and sweet.
Christmas Road Trip Ideas
No one wants to spend all their holiday time on the road anyway, so a short road trip with just a few destinations is manageable and straightforward. Stick to destinations that are no more than a few hours apart.
You can take these trips using the train too, of course, and if this is a solo trip for you, then I’d recommend that instead of driving. But if you’re travelling in a group or want a little more comfort, then having your own car is always nice.
These mini road trips are centred around the best Christmas markets in Europe. With these destination combinations, you get the big city attractions plus the contrast of a more intimate, smaller destination.
This is how I like to plan all of my trips. I choose places that might be in the same region, but perhaps with a different culture or language, and somewhere smaller yet intriguing and less talked about.
Find inspiration for my guide to the European Christmas Markets.
1. Zagreb – Ljubljana – Trieste
Zagreb, Croatia
In recent years, Zagreb has repeatedly been voted the best winter market in Europe. Zagreb has been underrated as a city break destination for far too long. It’s nice to see it finally getting some well-deserved recognition.
In December, the main market takes over Ban Jelacic, the centre square of the Lower Town. The Upper Town has its own market and decorations in the streets. There are also quiet spots in the parks surrounding the Upper town and great views over the funicular down to the Lower Town.
Zagreb to Ljubljana
Distance: 140 km.
Driving: 1 hour 45 minutes.
Train: 2 hours 15 minutes.
Read my guide to Zagreb in Winter and book a Zagreb food tour.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana holds a special place in my heart, having spent a few months there one winter. The city is small, compact and adorable. Slovenians take pride in having developed Ljubljana as a sustainable travel destination.
The Ljubljana Christmas Market sells eco-friendly, handmade decorations and gifts; much of the food is local, seasonal and organic. Sadly, it hasn’t taken place over the last couple of years; instead, it has been replaced by the Festival of Lights. It would be great to see it return.
Ljubljana to Trieste
Distance: 90 km.
Driving: 1 hour.
Train: 2 hours.
Be sure to take a Day Trip to Lake Bled while you’re there.
Trieste, Italy
Just across the Slovenian/Italian border is Trieste, a grand Italian city with a massive main square on the waterfront. Piazza Unita d’Italia is the perfect location to watch the sunset over the water while sipping on an Aperol spritz and snacking on panettone.
There’s a lively market by the Grand Canal and Piazza della Borsa.
Plan your visit: Trieste: Prosecco, Gelato and Castles.
2. Nuremberg – Rothenburg – Tuebingen
Nuremberg, Germany
If you want a festive December road trip, the Nuremberg Christmas Market is Germany’s largest and most traditional. The focus is on local products, artisans, and customs, and there’s a separate children’s market, as well as an international market featuring food and gifts from around the world.
Book one of these convenient hotels near Nuremberg Christmas market.
Nuremberg also has interesting historical sights, such as the Imperial Castle, the Nazi Party Rally Ground, and the Nuremberg Trials Memorial.
Nuremberg to Rothenburg
Distance: 80 km.
Driving: 1 hour 10 minutes.
Train: 1 hour 50 minutes.
Discover more of the region with this Bavaria Road Trip.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
As one of the few Bavarian towns with untouched medieval architecture within the original city walls, Rothenburg is hugely popular on Germany’s Romantic Road.
You can visit the Criminal Museum to see medieval torture devices and shop at Käthe Wohlfahrt, a unique store selling traditional German decorations.
Rothenburg to Tuebingen
Distance: 185 km.
Driving: 2 hours 30 minutes.
Train: 3 hours 40 minutes.
Tuebingen, Germany
A small university town near Stuttgart, Tuebingen’s old town was virtually untouched during the war, leaving the original medieval buildings intact. The Market Square has regular events, including the Christmas market in December. Head down to the Necker River for pretty views of the colourful riverside homes.
3. Dresden – Prague – Cesky Krumlov
Dresden, Germany
The Dresden Christmas Markets always come out on top of my best markets lists. It’s a gorgeous city, rebuilt after the war but in its original baroque style.
You’ll find a huge variety of markets and events, from the oldest market in Europe to a replica Medieval market. Along with the markets, be sure to visit the New Green Vault, Zwinger, Statoper and the incredible Frauenkirche.
Book an affordable boutique hotel in Dresden.
Dresden to Prague
Distance: 150 km.
Driving: 2 hours 10 minutes.
Train: 2 hours.
Prague, Czechia
The Czech capital never sleeps. It’s a massive tourist destination, busy day and night. I’ve visited Prague in winter several times, and it never gets old or boring.
Be sure to start the day in a famous Prague coffee shop and take a Prague food tour to get a taste of Czech cuisine. Walk across Charles Bridge at sunrise to enjoy the views of Prague Castle in peace.
Prague to Cesky Krumlov
Distance: 170 km.
Driving: 2 hours 15 minutes.
Train: It’s a little tricky to get to by train.
Plan you mornings with one of these best cafes in Prague.
Cesky Krumlov, Czechia
Cesky Krumlov is a small but hugely popular picturesque Bohemian town not far from Prague. The historic 13th-century castle sits above the winding Vltava River. It’s ideal for a quiet end to a Christmas road trip in Central Europe.
4. Budapest – Szeged – Subotica
Budapest, Hungary
Home to Europe’s most modern and vibrant festive markets, the city is bustling with free things to do in Budapest in winter.
Visit the House of Terror museum, Buda Castle, or go ice skating at the City Park. Try langos, the famous Hungarian street food, topped with garlic and sour cream. Browse the Vorosmarty Square market for handmade Hungarian gifts and end the day watching the sunset across from the Hungarian Parliament.
Budapest to Szeged
Distance: 175 km.
Driving: 2 hours.
Train: 2 hours 45 minutes.
I loved my time living here, read my guide on where to stay in Budapest.
Szeged, Hungary
Szeged is a small town close to the Serbian border known for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, its huge Jewish synagogue, and the pretty Christmas market stalls in Szechenyi Square.
Surprisingly, there’s a lot to do in this small city, including the famous thermal baths. Read my complete guide to things to do in Szeged in winter and discover where to stay.
Szeged to Subotica
Distance: 50 km.
Driving: 1 hour driving. Make sure you have all your papers in order and travel insurance for Serbia. If you’re renting a car, you probably won’t be able to drive it outside of the EU. Get the train instead.
Train: 2 hours.
Subotica, Serbia
Cross the border from Szeged into the northern Serbian town of Subotica. Here, you’ll experience even more stylish Art Nouveau buildings but in a much quieter setting, well off the beaten path.
5. Vienna – Salzburg – Hallstatt
Vienna, Austria
Why not plan a classic Austrian road trip starting in Vienna? It’s one of Europe’s most beautiful winter city destinations with the most diverse and traditional markets.
Vienna is incredibly beautiful when the grand buildings along the Ring Road are under a blanket of fresh snow. I first witnessed snow in Europe here, and I’ll never forget it.
Don’t worry about the cold. Some of the city’s most popular attractions are museums and famous Vienna coffee shops, meaning you don’t have to be outdoors much at all if you don’t want to.
Visit a different Christmas market in Vienna each evening.
Vienna to Salzburg
Distance: 315 km.
Driving: 3 hours 20 minutes.
Train: 2 hours 30 minutes.
Salzburg, Austria
It’s a three-hour drive west from Vienna to Austria’s second most famous city, Salzburg. It’s known for its hilltop fortress, dry (sorry, but it is) Sacher torte and the Marble Hall of Mirabell Palace.
Salzburg is an unforgettable classic Austrian city with a compact Christmas market held every December.
Salzburg to Hallstatt
Distance: 75 km.
Driving: 1 hour 20 minutes.
Train: 2 hours.
Read up on things to do in Salzburg and it’s incredible sights, sounds and soufflé.
Hallstatt, Austria
On the way back to Vienna, stop by the most picturesque village in Austria, the lakeside village of Hallstatt.
If you are lucky enough to visit when it’s snowing, you’ll be luckier than I am. I dream of visiting and experiencing a white winter season in Hallstatt. But Hallstatt is in a stunning location, regardless of the time of year.
I highly recommend an overnight stay, but if you’re pressed for time, a day trip to Hallstatt is possible.
6. Brussels – Ghent – Lille
Brussels, Belgium
You could easily make this road trip all about food. Starting with Brussels, the Grand Place is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe and the location of a huge, bustling Christmas market.
From there, I suggest taking a food tour to experience classic Belgian dishes and snacks, such as waffles and frites. This Brussels food tour is a great introduction to the city’s food scene.
Brussels to Ghent
Distance: 55 km.
Driving: 50 minutes.
Train: 35 minutes.
Ghent, Belgium
Ghent is also a foodie hub, the heart of Flemish Belgium and one of many excellent day trips from Brussels (an alternative to a road trip). Take a tour of the historic centre to see Gravensteen Castle, Graslei and the harbourside guildhalls. Ghent is stunning; don’t leave it off your itinerary.
Ghent to Lille
Distance: 75 km.
Driving: 1 hour.
Train: 1 hour 15 minutes.
Lille, France
Across the French border is one of France’s great foodie cities, Lille. It’s similar to Ghent with its Flemish architecture and design museums, but has a unique blend of Flemish and French food.
Try local specialties at an estaminet (a Flemish pub), have tea and waffles at the very fancy Meert and indulge in a light and delicious Merveilleux dessert.
I have a complete food and history guide to Lille that might tempt you to visit.
7. Berlin – Potsdam – Rostock
Berlin, Germany
Nowhere compares to Berlin. You’ll find anything and everything you could want in this city, from hipster Kreuzberg to sophisticated Charlottenburg.
Visit historical sights and Cold War museums, shop at alternative boutique stores, choose from every cuisine in the world and explore the Christmas markets in each Berlin neighbourhood.
Berlin to Potsdam
Distance: 35 km.
Driving: 45 minutes.
Train: 30 minutes.
Potsdam, Germany
Practically an outer neighbourhood of Berlin, Potsdam is worth visiting for the incredible Sanssouci Palace, the home of the former King of Prussia.
The formal gardens and orangery might be closed in winter, but it’s still a nice place to wander. Potsdam is a quiet spot away from crowded Berlin, with its own Blue Light winter market or the Romantic Village on Krongut Bornstedt.
Potsdam to Rostock
Distance: 230 km.
Driving: 2 hours 30 minutes.
Train: 2 hours 45 minutes.
Rostock, Germany
Rostock and the adjoining city Warnemünde will not be on many travellers’ radars, but the coastal town is worth a quick visit.
Rostock has classic, colourful merchant houses, while Warnemünde is more of a fishing village with quaint cottages and bars serving hot grog or hot toddy. At Warnemuende’s Baltic Sea beach, you can visit the lighthouse and maybe walk along the snow-covered beach sand.
8. Munich – Innsbruck – Vaduz
Munich, Germany
Almost every neighbourhood in Munich has its own Christmas market. The biggest is in Marienplatz, Munich’s central square and the location of both the New Town Hall and the Old Town Hall.
Munich in December is also a great place for shopping, sightseeing and museum hopping. If you like to drink, Munich has the biggest beer halls in the world, where you can drink beer by the litre while listening to folk music and eating heavy food.
Here’s a list of where to stay in Munich.
Munich to Innsbruck
Distance: 150 km.
Driving: 2 hours 10 minutes.
Train: 1 hour 45 minutes.
Innsbruck, Austria
A short drive across the border, nestled between mountain peaks, is the pretty Austrian city of Innsbruck. The Innsbruck ski fields are literally 10 minutes from the city centre, so you can spend your days skiing and still have time to enjoy the winter market each evening.
I’ve been a few times, and it’s a relaxing winter destination. Here are my favourite things to do in Innsbruck.
Innsbruck to Vaduz
Distance: 180 km.
Driving: 2 hours 25 minutes.
Train: 2 hours 50 minutes.
Vaduz, Liechtenstein
If you drive two hours west of Innsbruck, you’ll cross another border, this time into Liechtenstein. Not many visitors take the time to visit this tiny nation, but it’s worth spending a day or two in the capital, Vaduz, to see a new country and get your passport stamped for fun.
Didn’t find what you’re looking for? One of these winter road trip itineraries might be more for you.
For some nightlife inspiration, choose from the best New Year destinations in Europe.
Sustainable Travel Tips
- Hotels: When travelling through Europe, opt for hotels that are committed to sustainability. Many hotels have shifted to renewable energy sources.
- Food: Be conscious of your food waste. Request smaller portions if you’re unsure of finishing, and consider bringing a reusable container for leftovers. Stick to plant-based where possible.
- Shopping: European markets can be tempting with artisanal goods. Buy only what you genuinely need, supporting local craftspeople and avoiding mass-produced trinkets.
- Transport: Consider hiring an electric vehicle for parts of your trip, especially in countries with extensive charging networks. Train travel is also efficient and sustainable in Europe.
