Winter trips
Christmas markets worth the trip.
Lights strung across old squares, the smell of pine and warm drinks, and a city slowed down for the season. Here are 7 cities that do it beautifully - every detail checked against at least two sources, linked under it. Check each market's own site for this year's hours before you go.
Strasbourg, France
- ◦Strasbourg has held its Christmas market, the Christkindelsmärik, since 1570. That is more than 450 years of festive tradition.Source: City of Strasbourg; Wikipedia
- ◦Wander from Place Broglie to Place Kléber and stand at the foot of the Great Christmas Tree, the towering centrepiece of Strasbourg's Christmas markets.Source: City of Strasbourg; Wikipedia
- ◦Bredele are small Alsatian Christmas cookies, and tradition calls for baking several different shapes and flavours every Advent.Source: City of Strasbourg; The Connexion
Vienna, Austria
- ◦In the festive season, browse Vienna's Christmas markets: City Hall Square, the narrow lanes of Spittelberg, and the courtyard in front of Schönbrunn Palace, all full of handmade crafts.Source: Vienna Tourist Board; Austrian National Tourist Office
Prague, Czechia
- ◦In winter, Old Town Square turns into a Christmas market: dozens of stalls with hand-crafted decorations and Czech treats, carols in the air and a big, glowing Christmas tree.Source: Prague City Tourism; VisitCzechia
Budapest, Hungary
- ◦Winter only (13 Nov - 1 Jan): the Advent fair in front of St Stephen's Basilica brings artisan stalls, a big Christmas tree, an ice rink and light shows projected onto the Basilica.Source: Advent Bazilika; Budapest By Locals
- ◦Winter only (from 13 Nov): the Christmas fair on Vörösmarty Square fills the square with Hungarian handicrafts, festive food, music and a big Christmas tree.Source: Vörösmarty Classic Xmas Fair; Budapest By Locals
Basel, Switzerland
- ◦From 26 November to 23 December, Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz fill with Christmas stalls: handmade gifts, raclette, waffles and warm drinks by the Minster.Source: Kanton Basel-Stadt; European Traveler
Copenhagen, Denmark
- ◦Every winter Tivoli turns into a Christmas garden: thousands of twinkling lights, the scent of pine trees and festive stalls full of treats. Wander it together after dark.Source: Tivoli Gardens; VisitCopenhagen
New York, USA
- ◦Lace up at the Rink at Bryant Park, open 28 October 2026 into February 2027, then browse the Winter Village holiday shops, open through 3 January 2027.Source: Bryant Park Corporation; amNewYork
- ◦When the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree comes down, its trunk is milled into lumber for Habitat for Humanity homes, a tradition since 2007.Source: Habitat for Humanity; Fox News
Three questions for a winter evening
From Sojourn's couples journey. Bring one to a warm drink at the market and let it take its time.
- What does rest actually look like for you?
- What is one thing you wish we did more of?
- What do you want to be true of us in ten years?
Free printable
25 questions for your winter trip.
A printable PDF to fold into your bag and open somewhere new. Written by a licensed marriage and family therapist.
From Sojourn, a guided journey for couples and solo travelers - before you go, while you're there and after you're home. It's a reflection companion, not therapy. See also: gifts for couples who travel, New Year's questions for couples, all destination guides.