The most stressful drive of my life was a December snowstorm somewhere between Cologne and Bruges, with the petrol light on and the lane markings gone. I still love a festive road trip. I just plan them very differently now. My #1 tip is to keep segments short and sweet.
In short: Pick one of these eight routes, give each stop two or three nights and keep the drives under three hours, because December daylight runs out fast.
My take: After years as a road trip blogger, I’d take the train for most of these in winter and save the car for groups, lots of luggage or getting well off the beaten path.
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 won votes as Europe’s best winter market. Zagreb has been underrated as a city break destination for far too long. It’s nice to see it finally getting the recognition it deserves.
In December, the main market takes over Ban Jelačić, the centre square of the Lower Town. The Upper Town has its own market and street decorations. There are also quiet spots in the parks surrounding the Upper town and great views over the funicular down to the Lower Town.
I’ve been to Zagreb plenty of times in summer, when the locals head to the coast and the city goes quiet, a little too quiet. Winter is a different story. With markets across the Lower and Upper Town and the cafes overflowing, it might be the best time of year to go.
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. It returns with gift stalls along Breg by the Ljubljanica, food stalls on Prešeren Square, and more in the castle courtyard from late November into January.
Start at Prešeren Square and follow the lights along the river. The stalls never felt crowded when I was there, and we’d pick up snacks from the food stalls to eat back at our apartment. Give it three nights. Ljubljana is one of the most relaxing capitals in Europe, made for sitting, people-watching, eating and drinking.
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, Trieste is 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.
I’ll be honest, I wouldn’t push Trieste as a Christmas destination on its own. It’s quiet and I loved it, but it works best as a stop on the way somewhere else. If you have a spare afternoon, skip the sights in the centre and head out to Miramare Castle, which sits right on the water.
Plan your visit: Trieste: Prosecco, Gelato and Castles.
How long: 6 nights.
Where to stay: 2 nights in Zagreb, 3 in Ljubljana and 1 in Trieste.
Driving notes: Book a hotel with parking in Ljubljana, or use one of the park-and-rides on the edge of town.
2. Nuremberg – Rothenburg – Tübingen
Nuremberg, Germany
For a festive December road trip, the Nuremberg Christmas Market is Germany’s largest and most traditional. It focuses on local products, artisans, and customs, with a separate children’s market and 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, including the Imperial Castle, the Nazi Party Rally Ground, and the Nuremberg Trials Memorial.
Nuremberg is the one to pick if all you really want is a Christmas market. Two days is plenty. Get to the Hauptmarkt as the stalls open to beat the crowds, then come back after dark when the lights are on and locals are stopping for a glühwein after work.
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. Visit the Criminal Museum to see medieval torture devices, and shop at Käthe Wohlfahrt, a unique store selling traditional German decorations.
My own visit was a detour on a family drive from Munich up to Berlin, and the deciding factor was the Schneeball, a pastry I’d seen all over social media. You leave the car outside the city gates, walk in and suddenly you’re standing in the photos. Then we each bought a Schneeball. I’d expected something soft. It was as hard as a biscuit, and the verdict was unanimous: it wasn’t worth a detour for a pastry. We left a few hours later.
Rothenburg to Tübingen
Distance: 185 km.
Driving: 2 hours 30 minutes.
Train: 3 hours 40 minutes.
Tuebingen, Germany
A small university town near Stuttgart, Tübingen’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 Neckar River for pretty views of the colourful riverside homes. I liked Tübingen enough to go back. The second time, I went with my parents on a day trip from Stuttgart during a winter road trip through Germany.
How long: 5 nights.
Where to stay: 2 nights in Nuremberg and 3 in Stuttgart, with Rothenburg as a stop on the way and Tübingen as a day trip.
Driving notes: Rothenburg keeps day visitors’ cars out of the old town, so park outside the walls and walk in.
3. Dresden – Prague – Cesky Krumlov
Dresden, Germany
The Dresden Christmas Market always tops my list of best markets. 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, Semperoper and the incredible Frauenkirche.
Of all the German markets I’ve been to, Dresden’s has always stood above the rest. I hadn’t realised how many there were until I started walking. Almost every square has one, and during Advent even Münzgasse, the narrow lane down towards the Elbe, turns into a market.
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 several times in winter, and it never gets old or boring. Start the day in a famous Prague coffee shop, then take a Prague food tour to sample 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 your mornings with one of these best cafes in Prague.
Český Krumlov, Czechia
Cesky Krumlov is a small but hugely popular, picturesque Bohemian town near 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. If you can, stay the night. Once the day trippers leave, you’ll have the old town almost to yourself. I parked on the hill just outside the centre and stumbled onto the best view in town, looking over the castle and the baroque houses along the river.
How long: 7 nights.
Where to stay: 3 nights in Dresden, 3 in Prague and 1 in Český Krumlov.
Driving notes: Leave the car at your hotel in Prague, where the Old Town is much easier to reach on foot and by tram.
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 Széchenyi Square. Surprisingly, this small city has a lot to offer, including the famous thermal baths. Read my complete guide to things to do in Szeged in winter and discover where to stay.
I got to Szeged by train in the end. My car broke down just before Christmas and couldn’t be fixed until after the holidays, so we took the slow but easy train down from Budapest. We arrived on the last day of the market, with most of the stalls already packed up. What I remember most is the fresh snow along the Tisza, with our footprints the only ones in it.
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.
How long: 5 nights.
Where to stay: 3 nights in Budapest and 2 in Szeged, with Subotica as a day trip.
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 fresh snow blankets the grand buildings along the Ring Road. 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, so you don’t have to be outdoors much if you don’t want to. Stay somewhere between Stephansplatz and just past the MuseumsQuartier. I’ve stayed on the other side of the Donaukanal a couple of times, and the atmosphere just isn’t the same.
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 Salzburg, Austria’s second most famous city. 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.
I ended up in Salzburg on a road trip half expecting the most overrated city in Europe. It didn’t feel crowded or overrated at all, and two days was just right. Don’t leave without a Salzburger Nockerl, a soufflé so light I’d make the trip for that alone.
Salzburg to Hallstatt
Distance: 75 km.
Driving: 1 hour 20 minutes.
Train: 2 hours.
Read up on things to do in Salzburg and its incredible sights, sounds and soufflé.
Hallstatt, Austria
On the way back to Vienna, stop in Hallstatt, Austria’s most picturesque lakeside village. 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.
Once the day trippers leave, the village goes quiet, and you wake up by the lake with almost no one around. If the weather’s kind, hire one of the little boats and head out far enough to look back at the old town. That’s the view you find on social media.
I highly recommend an overnight stay, but if you’re pressed for time, a day trip to Hallstatt is possible.
How long: 6 nights.
Where to stay: 3 nights in Vienna, 2 in Salzburg and 1 in Hallstatt.
Driving notes: Hallstatt’s centre is closed to visitors’ cars, so park at P1 or P2 on the edge of the village and walk in.
6. Brussels – Ghent – Lille
Brussels, Belgium
You could easily make this road trip all about food. Start in Brussels: the Grand Place is one of Europe’s most beautiful squares and home to a huge, bustling Christmas market. From there, I suggest a food tour to try classic Belgian dishes and snacks, like 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. I much prefer Ghent to Bruges, and almost everyone I’ve asked does too.
Ghent to Lille
Distance: 75 km.
Driving: 1 hour.
Train: 1 hour 15 minutes.
Lille, France
Just across the French border is Lille, one of France’s great foodie cities. 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.
Here’s how I’d spend a day in Lille. Hit the Christmas market first thing, have a pub lunch at an estaminet, spend the afternoon in a museum, then head back to the Grand Place after dark for the lights and the Ferris wheel. Order the hot cider rather than the mulled wine.
I have a complete food and history guide to Lille that might tempt you to visit.
How long: 6 nights.
Where to stay: 2 nights each in Brussels, Ghent and Lille.
Driving notes: This is the easiest route to do without a car, with all three cities no more than an hour and a quarter apart by train.
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 boutiques, 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.
A word of warning, though. I went to Sanssouci with my mum in winter; statues, fountains and even some of the trees were wrapped in protective covers. If the palace gardens are why you’re going, save Potsdam for another season.
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 feels more like a fishing village, with quaint cottages and bars serving hot grog or hot toddy. At Warnemünde’s Baltic Sea beach, you can visit the lighthouse and maybe walk along the snow-covered beach sand.
Honestly, I found Rostock itself a fairly typical Hanseatic city. Warnemünde is the reason to go, for the old cottages, the lighthouse and a walk along the beach, which had snow on it when I visited. It was around minus 10, so only a few of my fingers made it into the Baltic. Ferries leave from here for Denmark if you want to keep going.
How long: 5 nights.
Where to stay: 3 nights in Berlin with Potsdam as a day trip, then 2 in Warnemünde.
Driving notes: You won’t need the car until you head north. Potsdam is half an hour from Berlin by train.
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, home to both the New Town Hall and the Old Town Hall.
Munich in December is also a great place to shop, sightsee and hop between museums. If you like to drink, Munich has the world’s largest beer halls, where you can drink beer by the litre while listening to folk music and eating hearty food. If you’re not a fan of crowds, skip Marienplatz and head to the smaller markets. My favourite is the medieval one at Wittelsbacherplatz, followed by coffee and cake across the road at Cafe Luitpold.
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.
I’d treat Innsbruck as a stop rather than a trip in itself, the kind of place that makes sense when you’re driving between Italy and Munich. See the Golden Roof, have a glühwein or two and enjoy being hemmed in by mountains on every side.
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.
How long: 5 nights.
Where to stay: 3 nights in Munich, 1 in Innsbruck and 1 in Vaduz.
Driving in Europe in December
I drove the length and breadth of Europe for years, a lot of it in my little blue Fiat 500, and December is still the month I’d least choose to do it. The days are short, so you end up driving in the dark, which always stressed me more than anything else on the road.
Driving in Germany in December is usually straightforward, because the autobahns get cleared fast. The exception was a snowstorm on the way from Cologne to Bruges that came on so quickly there was no time to clear anything. I could barely see the lane markings and I was running low on petrol on a stretch with hardly any exits. When we finally pulled off the motorway, my dad told me I could let go of the steering wheel. I hadn’t noticed my knuckles had gone white.
Would I recommend driving in Germany in winter? Not really. The trains are fast and reliable, and they drop you right in the centre of town. A car makes more sense if there are four of you, you’re carrying a lot of luggage, someone in your group struggles with mobility, or you want to go well off the beaten path.
Check the rules before every border. Austria, Czechia, Hungary and Slovenia all want a motorway vignette, and Czech police once pulled me over for not having one. I paid a fine and still had to buy the vignette.
More cities are closing their historic centres to cars, too. If you’ll be parking a long walk from your hotel, the car stops being worth it.
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
- Take the train for the longer legs: Vienna to Salzburg and Munich to Innsbruck are both quicker by rail than by road, and you arrive in the centre with nowhere to park.
- Register before you drive into Belgium: Brussels and Ghent are both low-emission zones, and cars with foreign plates have to be registered online before entering. Ghent’s centre is also split into sectors you can’t drive between, so use a park and ride and take the tram in.
- Get the green sticker for Germany: Berlin, Munich and Stuttgart have low emission zones (Umweltzonen) that need the green Umweltplakette on your windscreen. Nuremberg doesn’t have one.
- Leave the car in Ljubljana: The old town is car free, and in recent festive seasons the city has made its buses free after 5pm to keep traffic out of the centre.
