From Sunscreen to Snow: An Australian Family’s Festive European Adventure
After years of suffering the heat and humidity of Australian Christmas Families decided to swap the sunscreen they used for snow. They discovered the wonder of Christmas time in a surprising European capital.
The main role of Timber chalets decorated with glittering lights, a carousel that was spinning effortlessly, and the smoky scent of sausages that were grilled welcomed us into the midst of Europe Christmas markets. The family members were eager to experience the spirit of Christmas as never before.
A Long-Awaited Winter Wonderland
In Australia, Christmas is synonymous with scorching summer heat, where roast dinners and berry puddings are consumed with sweaty backs and sticky brows. While this may sound attractive to some, the family always dreamed of a chilly wintery Christmas. Since their oldest child is becoming an adult for the first time, we decided that it was the ideal time to turn that dream into a reality. We bundled up with scarves and winter coats and we set off on a trip from Melbourne to London in readiness to be awestruck by the European Christmas.
The plan we came up with was ambitious but exciting: a train trip across seven cities and seven countries, with ample time to enjoy the distinct appeal of each market that we pass through.
A Culinary Christmas Adventure
For us, travel and food go hand-in-hand. Christmas in Europe provided a wonderful occasion to sample regional cuisine. We carefully compiled a list of the foods we wanted to taste in each city, and set out to search for the best ones.
From crisp Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes) in Mainz to the savoury Klobasa (Czech sausage) in Prague and the delicious Langos (deep-fried pancakes) in Budapest, every market provided an indulgence on the palate. Their children could not be satisfied with the chocolate-covered fruit sticks, and we shook off any thought of calorie-counting.
In order to complement the food, we tried the many variations of mulled wines. Apple, cherry and blueberry varieties enticed us; however, their favourite was Feuerzangenbowle at Nuremberg, which really stole their hearts.
The Magic of Feuerzangenbowle
Nuremberg’s Christmas market introduced us to the feuerzangenbowle, which is a fiery, sparkling mulled wine that is steeped in tradition and rum. In the river’s edge “Feuerzangenbowle Village,” sugar blocks soaked with rum were lit on fire in a blaze of caramelised sweetness, and then poured into a huge punch bowl. The result was warm, toasty drinks that were their favourite regardless of the time of day.
Beyond the Food: Sights and Sounds
The best Christmas markets offered not just a gastronomic pleasure. In Mainz, there were carol singers who took us to a 1000-year-old Cathedral, from where we marvelled at the life-size hand-carved nativity scene. In Nuremberg, the market for children impressed us with its intricate rides and festive music, even though their children weren’t old enough to join in.
Budapest and Bratislava amazed us with their exquisite art, including delicate watercolours, handmade ceramics and jewellery. With limited luggage space, however, we managed to pack Christmas decorations in each city, resulting in collections that will keep us in mind of this unforgettable trip.
The Crowd Challenges of Christmas Markets Europe
There were times when the best Christmas markets in Europe weren’t an idyllic experience. In London, the Christmas markets in Leicester Square and Covent Garden were so packed that we cancelled their plans for dinner. The crowds of people seemed overwhelming. The jet delay only exacerbated their angst.
In Prague, the Old Town Square was similarly filled, with the huge clock and the Christmas market attracting huge crowds. We felt suffocated and tried to find a more tranquil stall close to Charles Bridge.
We learned quickly to get there early to avoid crowds, and eating after 5 pm was not ideal. Instead, we separated and conquered by dividing up to collect food from different stands before getting together. Finding a table was frequently an issue, as many meals were consumed standing up or by balancing tables on bins.
A Hidden Gem: Luxembourg City
Disappointed by the crowds, we sought peace and a more relaxing experience. The answer was Luxembourg City, a last-minute inclusion to their itinerary, which proved to be the highlight of theirr trip.
The city is located within France, Belgium, and Germany. This tiny, listed UNESCO city seemed like a secretly-kept gem. The quieter speed and absence of crowds immediately became apparent after we left the main railway.
Winterlights Festival: A Festive Wonderland
Lux City’s Winterlights Festival transformed the city into a stunning winter paradise. The streets were decorated with fairy lights, leading visitors from their hotel along Avenue de la Liberté to the closest market. The stalls of timber decorated with snowmen and huge gift boxes welcomed customers to look around their products, and the vendors were friendly and shared stories with smiles.
The tram system in the city allowed us to easily hop between the five best European Christmas markets. In contrast to others, there weren’t any long lines, and we were able to find plenty of seating areas to enjoy local delicacies such as the kniddelen (Luxembourgish dumplings stuffed with cream and bacon) and the gromperekichelcher (potato cakes topped with applesauce).
A Relaxing Finale
Luxembourg City offered everything we could have hoped for from a European Christmas celebration: bright lighting, delicious food, and a smoochy environment. We cooked marshmallows over open flames, sipped Cremant de Luxembourg (local sparkling wine) and marvelled at the city’s huge Christmas tree.
For the very first time during their trip, we were completely in their element. There was no crowd that permitted us to totally immerse themselves in the holiday spirit, taking photos without even a single person within the frame.
A Christmas to Remember
Our christmas markets europe excursion was everything we’d thought of and more. From the bustling market streets of Nuremberg as well as Prague to the quaint beauty in Luxembourg City, each destination had its own distinct take on the holiday season.
When the bags were packed to make our return trip, and we departed, we knew that this trip would always hold an important space inside our souls. And when we put up our new ornaments on the tree at Christmas next year, we’ll be reminded of the beauty we discovered in Europe’s winter dreamland.
For those who are planning the holidays in 2026 The Luxembourg City’s Winterlights event is a must-see. It’s a hidden treasure that will bring all the excitement of Christmas but without all the noise.
