European Christmas markets and New Year Tours www.auroramaristravel.com
Enjoy snowy winter landscape and Europe magical cities from different side
Visit the places where many beloved Christmas customs originated Four weeks before the Christmas, Europe is transformed into a winter wonderland. Every city is romantically dressed in festive decoration and illuminated by millions of colorful lights which contrast with white snow – capped villages. Visiting Europe in Winter is a beautiful and elegant way to celebrate the festive season. Well known by their unique settings and regional traditions, each Christmas market provides a special atmosphere. The twinkling scenes of festively decorated squares with their enchanting market stalls and glittering Christmas trees set against the backdrop of beautiful historic buildings, let visitors relive the magic of yesteryear. The aromas of roasted chestnuts, grilled sausages, mulled wine and delicious biscuits, fill the crisp air and help to create that very special yuletide ambience.
This is a wonderful experience for all ages, a chance to indulge in the good old-fashioned Christmas spirit!
“Silent Night” Chapel in Oberndorf From the small village of Oberndorf near Salzburg, the world’s most famous Christmas carol has spread around the globe. Learn about the humble and most charming story of its creation.
Escape the ordinary Join us on unforgettable tour through winter wonderland
We have specially designed interesting and varied itineraries that not only allow you to visit different Christmas markets, but also explore the cities, learn about traditions, history and culture. One of the most popular tour include Christmas markets in Vienna, Budapest, Prague and one of the oldest Christmas markets in Dresden (Germany). All hosting their own versions and those cities become a stunning winter wonderland during the colder months.
In addition, our Danube Christmas river cruise takes you to places you might not have thought to visit on a festive break, such as Linz, Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg.
Unique Winter Tours with difference Uniquely designed itinerary All our journeys are much more than simply seeing the sights. You’ll see the hidden places only the locals know about and experience the unique traditions that shape the diverse cultures from an insider’s perspective. We provide you unique experiences that take you far from the ordinary. Leisurely pace We always try to make itinerary so you can spend more time enjoying and less time traveling and packing. Our relaxed tour pace will ensure that you have plenty of time to checking out local scene and explore cities on your own . Personalized services & Attention to Details We take care of all the details from the moment you arrive in destination to your departure flight. Hotel – more than only accommodation We always choose hotels ideally located in city centre, with the best service and facilities. Every style of hotel is in keeping with its surrounds and gives every tour the authenticity. Gastronomy Experience We provide you opportunity to taste local regional cuisine in authentic local restaurants as well as experience of fine dining in Michelin star restaurants. Tour director All our tours are escorted by experienced Tour Director from the moment you arrive to your departure. They always go extra step to ensure everyone enjoys tour Local guides Our Local Guides are born in the region you visit and will be glad to show you attractions you will not find in a guide book. They are all licensed and speaking fluently your language. Extra Value Besides the high quality services and excellent value for money, we have created an extensive range of extra values that may surprise you and make your holidays with us a delight.
Experience something different from usual standard tours and contact our experienced team to assist you in creating extraordinary journey.
Christmas markets Tours - Europe From Mid November to Christmas Travelling in Europe in winter is a truly magical experience: Christmas trees draped in dazzling lights take centre stage in old town squares. Streets are lined with Christmas stalls, food, drinks, shops, ice skating rinks, and people from all around world enjoying it all. Aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon drifts in the air from colourful wooden stalls. The Alps, shrouded in pristine powder snow, glisten against the brilliant blue sky and afford breath-taking views. Exquisite ballrooms charged with the refined sounds of the orchestra, host opulent, society dances.
Whether you have in mind , a specific itinerary or just a few ideas about the types of places you’d like to go to, we’ll work with you to plan a holiday of a lifetime..
Visit with us some of the best Christmas Markets in Europe
On our unforgettable winter journey you will experience magical sights, unique activities and delightful flavors of the festive season in Europe.
Our magical winter destinations
Czech Republic: Prague, Brno, Karlovy Vary, Cesky Krumlov Germany:
Dresden,Berlin, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Munich
Austria:
Salzburg, Innsbruck, Vienna
Slovakia:
Bratislava
Hungary:
Budapest, Godollo
Croatia:
Zagreb
Slovenia:
Ljubljana, Bled Lake
Italy:
Florence, Venice, Rome
Europ’s beautiful cities captivate visitors with their rich history, labyrinthine old quarters, mediaeval market squares and striking cathedrals. Each town’s market has its own style, some with a medieval
theme, some specialised in handicrafts but all of them brimming with atmosphere as shoppers browse the wooden stalls piled high with handmade gifts and decorations, and the scent of mulled wine and baking gingerbread wafts through the air.
Advent in Prague – Prague Christmas Markets Prague in December has even more romantic charm than other time of year. Prague Christmas markets are the most impressive, lighting up the city, bringing locals and tourists together to share the holiday spirit in a true 'winter wonderland' setting. The markets consist of brightly decorated wooden huts selling traditional handcrafted products, puppets, ornaments, ceramic plates and mugs. But, Prague Christmas markets are not just about shopping. You can also observe traditional foods being made, and sample all manner of local food and drink. Taste Czech local specialities like Bramboraky and Trdlo and enjoy in traditional Czech pastries which are prepared in front of you. From festive concerts to romantic dining and jazz cruises, Prague has something for everyone.
The festive atmosphere in Prague throughout December is simply wonderful!
Visiting Prague in December is like being part of a fairy tale as the city turns into a Christmas wonderland of colours, lights, trees and street markets. .
Soak up the festive atmosphere, shop special Christmas gift,enjoy Christmas carols, traditional food and hot wine
DRESDEN - Germany’s the oldest Christmas market
Experience the bustling marketplace and traditional Saxon treats of the holiday season in the heart of the baroque city of Dresden. The Dresden Striezelmarkt takes its name from the striezel or stollen which Dresden is famous for and one of the main events of this month-long Christmas market is the Dresden Stollen Festival. In addition to this delicacy, the area is also known for the "pflaumentoffel", a goodluck charm made from dried plums, and famous for its handicrafts that come from all over Saxony. The Striezelmarkt on Dresden's Altmarkt Square is one of Germany's oldest fairs with a particularly unique setting - the town erects a 15 m high wooden “Christmas Pyramid� in the centre of the market.
Christmas culinary delight For centuries, Dresden bakers and pastry makers have guarded the secret recipe behind their traditional Christmas delicacy. Baked by hand with a large helping of love, this unique composition of select ingredients emerges as that unmistakable stollen taste. Whether among kings, princes or the people of Dresden, traditional Dresden stollen has played a significant role throughout the city's past: the history of stollen is the history of culture in Dresden.
Regensburg – Christmas Market
Christmas markets in Regensburg During advent, the streets and squares in Regensburg are all filled with sparkling Christmas lights and a very special atmosphere embraces the UNESCO World Heritage city. Regensburg’s traditional CHRISTMAS MARKET, is described as one of the loveliest in the Germany, and offer all the bustling atmosphere of a market, and a varied program of cultural events.
Nuremberg – Christmas Market
Soak up the medieval charm and the aromas of gingerbread, succulent bratwurst and traditional gluhwein as you walk through Nuremberg Old Quarter during the Christmas season.
Considered by many travelers to be the most legendary Christmas Market in Europe. More than two million visitors from all over the world every year sample the delights of the iconic Nuremberg Christmas Market. Nearly 200 market stands, decorated for Christmas with twinkling lights, invite visitors to purchase hand-carved ornaments and holiday treats from talented local vendors. Favorite souvenirs include "Nuremberg Plum People," little figures made from prunes. There's also a competition for the most beautiful and tasteful stall design going on. Rewards of gold, silver and bronze "Plum People" for the most beautiful stalls are being presented right on the market.
Nuremberg's prune people A Christmas tradition since the 17th century Nuremberg prune figures are dressed in a wide variety of costumes and legend says the prune people are originally children's toys, created by Croatian cavalrymen. They are considered as patron saints of the family and are placed in windows facing outside to prevent harm to those living in the house.
MUNICH – Christmas Markets
Enjoy Medieval Christmas Market with gospel singing The "middle-ages" Christmas market on Wittelsbacherplatz is one of the more unusual of the Munich Christmas markets. This market attempts to throw you back to the age or knights, damsels and jesters. There are regular fire shows, dance lessons and displays of wizardry. Each day, from the balcony of Munich’s town hall, music lovers will be able to enjoy the festive season celebration with a special alpine Christmas Market concert. In the Town Hall‘s ”Heavenly Workshop”,can have fun with arts and crafts or baking Christmas cookies. Gossamer wings and shimmering gowns lie ready in magnificent surroundings, waiting to transform visitors into angels – at least for a short while
Christmas mangers, cribs and nativity scenes have long been a tradition in Munich.The Christmas market has all you need to create an authentic manger. Each lovingly chosen and carefully packed item, being a reminder of childhood, when the manger under the Christmas tree symbolized a world of mystery and wonder
Neuschwanstein castle the fantasy of an eccentric King
Walt Disney modeled the Cinderella castle after Neuschwanstein and with good reason, it's very beautiful and the setting is both dramatic and magical. Even in the winter time it's just as pretty to visit, not only for the castle but also for the views overlooking the valley below and beyond..
Join one of our Advent tour and enjoy this magical winter paradise Fairytale Hallstatt UNESCO lakeside town of Hallstatt, Austria, has been deemed the most beautiful lakeside town in the world. Town is well known for salt mines - the oldest in the world. If you are searching for a magical winter wonderland do not miss this fairytale place.
Salzburg Christmas Market The town's baroque architecture and looming Hohensalzburg Fortress give it a fairy tale feeling, heightened by the sparkling lights and holiday garlands.
As the birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg has an outstanding musical tradition, so there are wonderful choral performances and opportunities to some spectacular concerts to enjoy in wonderful settings at some of the city’s most famous historic buildings. In fact, the city also has another musical claim to fame: Joseph Mohr, the lyricist behind the famous Christmas carol “Silent Night” was also born in Salzburg.
VIENNA – Christmas Markets Once the seat of the Habsburg Empire, Austria's capital retains an ambience of imperial elegance and boasts some of Europe's most impressive royal buildings. From mid-November to Christmas the Magic of Advent transforms Vienna's squares into a romantic wonderland. Enjoy our winter escorted tour and follow in the footsteps of the Habsburgs. Visit the stunning Baroque Palaces, stroll along the Ring, and enjoy magic of Christmas in Vienna.
Magic of Advent in Vienna Vienna is a place of its own in the cold season! Not only because of the fabulous buildings covered in snow, the horse drawn carriages romantic ride or rich musical heritage, but also because of its unique Christmas markets.
On the contrary to other cities these markets have remained very traditional and fairylike For authenticity and festive charm, Christmas markets in Vienna transform the city into a mystical, luminous winter wonderland, making shopping in Vienna at this time of year the envy of Europe.
You will be able to wander the squares filled with little wooden huts and illuminated by tons of golden lights. Many of these small stalls sell you regional delicacies as the hot wine, Apple Strudel or a hot sausage.
Musical Advent Tour Vienna The Christmas atmosphere in Vienna is replete with the sound of contemplative Advent concerts, cheerful choral singing, jovial evenings of music and the festive gala "Christmas in Vienna" at the Konzerthaus. More than 90 choirs from around the world come to Vienna City Hall on the four weekends in Advent for the "International Advent Singing“
Get to know Vienna from a side visitors usually never see
Join the locals in the early evening to enjoy a steaming mug of mulled wine and some roasted chestnuts. Visit The Old Viennese Christmas markets at Freyung in the city center - committed to tradition Enjoy a live ballet performance by the world-famous
Lipizzaner horses at the baroque Spanish Riding School. Experience behind the scenes glimpse of this 430-yearold institution.
You can’t help being in a festive mood with daily concerts, the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread in the air, and
beautiful Christmas tree to admire
Christmas Markets Vienna Wonderful experience for all ages, a chance to indulge in the good old-fashioned Christmas spirit.
There are many fabulous markets to visit while in Vienna, and most beautiful are in front of City Hall and Schรถnbrunn Palace. Both are renowned for their beautiful handcrafted items to admire, from wood carvings and sheepskins to decadent chocolates and candles that are perfect for gift. You will enjoy fragrant holiday treats, roasted chestnuts and glittering lights, festive displays and the glow of Christmas. Children will certainly enjoy the essence, complete with pony rides and merry-go-rounds, a treasured tradition of Vienna.
BUDAPEST - The Queen of Danube
Christmas Markets in Budapest Budapest is magical in winter with plenty to offer to keep visitors busy: from spending time relaxing in steaming hot spas to ice skating in Budapest’s City Park; checking out the stylish shops on fashion street or enjoying the many museums and cultural attractions.
Visiting Christmas market at Vorosmarty Square is a great opportunity to experience traditional Hungarian food, folk dances and live music. It is also a great spot to shop for handmade items for unique Christmas gift. A highlight of our tour is an Advent Concert in the famous "Sissi Palace" in Godollo, which was the favourite palace of Queen Elisabeth of Habsburg.
LJUBLJANA - Festive winter season Visiting Ljubljana in December is always something special. Ljubljana is magical during winter, especially because of the colorful artistic Christmas installation lights, that lights up Ljubljana’s Old City center. This month is lively also because of all the people that gather in front of the cafes alongside river Ljubljanica to warm up with hot wine.
ZAGREB : Christmas time From the beginning of December, Zagreb’s main square becomes a bustling center of attractions and events. The festivities known as “Advent uin Zagreb” kicks the season of winter festivities off with the beginning of Advent, but although Advent comes to an end, the winter festivities live on. The city’s main square is completely lightened up with beautiful Christmas decorations and lights. Large stage at the Main Square for performances provide numerous hours of both day and night entertainment. Zagreb’s main square also provided many traditional Croatian meals prepared on the spot, such as Cabbage Rolls, Roasted pork, sausages....
New Year’s Eve in Style Our spectacular New Year tours have been specially designed to some of the finest and most happening destinations in Europe: Whether you are seeking spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations with massive firework displays or intimate atmosphere we have something for you.
Vienna - New Year vacation Join the Imperial ball in Hofburg palace and celebrate New year in truly Royal splendor
Venice - New Year vacation The most magical New Year in romantic city of dreams
Prague - New Year vacation Enjoy spectacular fireworks at midnight and toast to the excitement of ringing in the New Year in the City of a Thousand Spires
Budapest -New Year vacation Enjoy the most beautiful fireworks on the Danube
New Year’s Eve Vienna Waltzing into the New Year in Vienna is an experience everyone should have at least once in their lifetime. You can enjoy a unique New Year's atmosphere at the New Year’s Eve Ball in Hofburg Imperial Palace and at New Year galas held in City Hall. Those who want to take off into the New Year in romantic style should have a ride in one of the old carriages of the Giant Ferris Wheel, where from the top overlooking the illuminated panorama of Vienna, they can raise a toast to the city with a glass of sparkling wine. Another romantic way of ringing the New Year is to view the lights of the city from a boat trip along the Danube. You can experience the arrival of the New Year in grand imperial style aboard the Majestic Imperator Train, a “palace of rails”, with gala dinner and the sounds of lively music. At midnight, the train stops on a bridge over the Danube to offer the best view of the magnificent fireworks above Vienna New Year's Day in Vienna will be greeted in classic fashion with a morning "hangover cure" brunch - featuring the Vienna Philharmonic's New Year's Day concert.
Celebrate New Year's Eve in truly royal splendor...
Celebrate New Year's in Vienna like the Imperial Family If you ever had a dream to celebrate a very special New Year's Eve in truly royal splendor, we provide you opportunity to make it reality. First, Waltz lessons in Vienna's most renowned dancing school, then the Imperial Ball - "Le Grand Bal “ at the Imperial Palace - swaying to the strains of Johann Strauss' waltz music in the arms of your prince or princess. As you enter you start feeling like a different person - the elegance of the palace; the Imperial Guards greeting the guests; women in long dresses and men in tuxedos or tails, swaying to the music of a Strauss waltz - in the same place where royalty used to dance. To the sound of the band marching through the palace halls join the Imperial Couple to wish all ‘HAPPY NEW YEAR’!
A once-in-a-lifetime experience!
New Year’s Eve in Prague New Year's Eve in Prague is party night. The river cruises, restaurants, bars and clubs are full and the atmosphere gently builds. New year celebrations is enjoyed by one and all: the young and old, the quiet and romantic, the wild and carefree - there are entertainment options to suit all tastes. Enjoy spectacular fireworks at midnight and toast to the excitement of ringing in the New Year in the City of a Thousand Spires
Celebrate ”La Festa San Silvestro” in Italian style After Silvester gala dinner, grab your prosecco and join the masked crowd in St. Mark’s Square at midnight, where the bell of St. Mark’s campanile announces the beginning of the New Year. The celebration continues with a professional fireworks display along the waterfront. An old custom that is still followed in some places is throwing your old things out the window to symbolize your readiness to accept the New Year.
Budapest – New Year’s Eve Enjoy spectacular fireworks at midnight and toast to the excitement of ringing in the New Year in the City with impressive beauty.
A Toast to dreams come true
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