AVOID THESE MISTAKES AT EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS | What Not to Do at Xmas Markets in Europe!

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  • Опубліковано 7 лют 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 117

  • @HappytoWander
    @HappytoWander  2 місяці тому +10

    Who is headed to Christmas markets this year?! Let me know in the comments where you're going and I'll see if I can give you some more precise tips

    • @LuisOcampo-jj5zf
      @LuisOcampo-jj5zf 2 місяці тому

      Who is had 0:05

    • @wendybulmer3389
      @wendybulmer3389 2 місяці тому +1

      Going to Switzerland - Zurich, St. Gallen, Basel, Bern and Lucerne and London, UK

    • @HappytoWander
      @HappytoWander  2 місяці тому

      @@LuisOcampo-jj5zf are you asking who it is at 0:05? Because it's just me. With straight hair haha

    • @HappytoWander
      @HappytoWander  2 місяці тому

      @@wendybulmer3389 amazing!! I hope you have an amazing time. In Zurich, don't miss the singing Christmas tree - they do performances every evening with a choir that stands in an Xmas tree shaped stand haha. And in Basel, there's a cute wishbook in the City Hall courtyard where people leave their Advent wishes. London has lots of great things to see as well - though it gets VERY busy so I'd recommend doing your shopping during the day, then returning to see the lights/installations after shops have closed as it'll be much less crowded then. Safe travels!!

    • @miladyelfn9316
      @miladyelfn9316 2 місяці тому +1

      Do you have a specific overall website you recommend to check multiple markets? Leaving tomorrow for a Rhine cruise and planning on going to as many as I can. 😊

  • @PaulHtmnn
    @PaulHtmnn 2 місяці тому +9

    Another Tip: Check restaurants that are near Christmas Markets to see if they offer the same food at a lower price than in the markets.

    • @HappytoWander
      @HappytoWander  2 місяці тому

      ooh that's a good one!! and as a bonus, you get to stay warm haha. thanks for sharing!

  • @rhondapetsch9646
    @rhondapetsch9646 2 місяці тому +1

    Would love a booking tips video. When is the best time to book travel for Christmas markets. Tips on traveling between cities on your itinerary. Hotel or restaurant recommendations?

  • @susie9893
    @susie9893 2 місяці тому +1

    The folding or roll up cloth shopping bags are a great (best) option. Weigh nothing, take up barely any space, hold a lot. Even if I'm not shopping I love them for storing my outerwear when in a shop/restaurant/transit station - means I don't have to be carrying a large bag that can fit all that stuff.
    Also, I do not recommend taking an umbrella. Even if you're hands aren't too full to carry this, it's kinda a bit difficult to negotiate crowds with (locals value their eyes and don't appreciate having them poked out 😅)

  • @evelyngrammar
    @evelyngrammar 2 місяці тому +3

    Thanks! I've been reviewing your Christmas Markets videos for our visit to Germany and France next month. I loved a previous comment about forgetting about what one is wearing under their coat since most pics will be taken with a coat on. Love it!

    • @HappytoWander
      @HappytoWander  2 місяці тому

      Yay so glad my videos and tips have been useful so far. I hope you have an amazing time 💛

  • @cpnast1
    @cpnast1 2 місяці тому +2

    Great video, my wife and I are going to Germany Austria, Budapest. Your channel has helped us a lot

    • @HappytoWander
      @HappytoWander  2 місяці тому

      Exciting!! I’m off to Austria & Budapest as well this year. I hope you have an amazing time 💛

  • @TravlwithMJ
    @TravlwithMJ 2 місяці тому +1

    Once again a fantastic, very thorough video! We are heading to our first Christmas markets this year, 5 cities actually! So this is perfect timing. I am looking forward to your packing list video and the itinerary video!

    • @HappytoWander
      @HappytoWander  2 місяці тому

      Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Stay tuned for more videos soon 💛

  • @anneperera8738
    @anneperera8738 2 місяці тому +1

    My husband and I are leaving for Frankfurt in a few weeks. We are spending three weeks in Germany exploring the various Christmas markets. We were hoping to avoid the touristy places. So, I look forward to watching your next video on more traditional, authentic local markets in Germany. We will cover Munich, Rothenberg, and Nuremberg, travelling by train from place to place. Hoping to do a day trip from Munich to Salzburg, too. Thank you so much for all the details you provide in your videos and vlogs. They have been instrumental in our planning. 😘♥

    • @HappytoWander
      @HappytoWander  2 місяці тому

      Sounds like you have an amazing trip ahead of you!! My itineraries video will cover those areas quite well, so stay tuned :) there are definitely quite a few touristy areas along your route, but also charming smaller market options too. I cover both in the itineraries, so I hope you find the video helpful! Aiming to publish tomorrow or Thursday :)

  • @jeffreywagner5234
    @jeffreywagner5234 Місяць тому

    Great video! We just booked a Viking River Cruise in Nov 2027 - 3 years from now, some cabins already have limited availability. 🚢

  • @loripaulus566
    @loripaulus566 2 місяці тому +1

    All good info. I'm heading to Budapest in 10 days with 3 others. We are taking a week Christmas Market river cruise to Slovakia, Austria and Germany, followed by a stay in Prague. So excited!

    • @HappytoWander
      @HappytoWander  2 місяці тому

      Amazing!! I'm actually headed to Budapest soon too - it'll be my first time there for the festive season and I'm sooo excited. I hope you have an amazing time!

  • @JeanPaylow
    @JeanPaylow 2 місяці тому +1

    I'm heading to Munich for the markets this year. Thanks for the tips!

    • @HappytoWander
      @HappytoWander  2 місяці тому

      You're very welcome! The markets in Munich are great so I hope you enjoy them.
      And in case you haven't seen them yet, I do have some more specific guides for Munich because I used to live there. Here they are in case you need some extra planning help:
      Munich Christmas guide: ua-cam.com/video/LNWhz3B8nbc/v-deo.html
      Things to do in Munich: ua-cam.com/video/J807hA-8DeQ/v-deo.html
      Munich 3 day itinerary: ua-cam.com/video/yl5lV3Q8_wc/v-deo.html
      Munich tips & must-knows: ua-cam.com/video/rvdfrwrJlKo/v-deo.html
      Safe travels!

  • @leslienichols5268
    @leslienichols5268 2 місяці тому +1

    Going to Vienna next week. The itinerary would have been very helpful a month ago, when people are planning,but certainly will use these tips. Thanks.

    • @lucieherrick6934
      @lucieherrick6934 2 місяці тому +1

      Agree, it is a little late on timing, but love her videos. By this Sunday, I will have already visited 3.

    • @HappytoWander
      @HappytoWander  2 місяці тому +1

      That's definitely some fair feedback that I'll take on board! The reason I'm publishing Christmas content now is I've found people don't usually like consuming festive content too early, but I appreciate that the planning-focused ones would be more helpful months in advance. That said, my goal with videos is to always make sure they have a long shelf life and will still be helpful years down the line, so hopefully the itinerary one will be useful to travellers planning for next year and beyond :)
      In any case, safe travels to Vienna! I'll actually be there next week as well. Super excited as it's my first time seeing the markets there!

    • @HappytoWander
      @HappytoWander  2 місяці тому

      @@lucieherrick6934 you're totally right, and I'll keep that feedback in mind for next year :) The reason I'm publishing Christmas content now is I've found people don't usually like consuming festive content too early, but I appreciate that the planning-focused ones would be more helpful months in advance. That said, my goal with videos is to always make sure they have a long shelf life and will still be helpful years down the line, so hopefully the itinerary one will be useful to travellers planning for next year and beyond!

  • @SnL-2012
    @SnL-2012 2 місяці тому

    A fantastic video that actually has good tips!
    I have subscribed.. 🤩
    I’m planning (in advance) for Christmas 2026. 😊

  • @RachaelMartin
    @RachaelMartin 2 місяці тому +2

    I'm leaving in two weeks and am so excited! This was helpful! Thanks!😄

    • @HappytoWander
      @HappytoWander  2 місяці тому

      Woo so exciting! Hope you have an amazing time :)

  • @hestellefourie2498
    @hestellefourie2498 2 місяці тому +3

    Before you take photos of the stalls please asked the people who work in it if you may. Some do not like it if you take photos. In Munich we had quite a few of them who was not happy.

    • @HappytoWander
      @HappytoWander  2 місяці тому

      That’s a great point!! Especially when it’s handmade products/unique art. I always try to video from farther away and gauge based on vibe whether they’re okay with it, but I should definitely make more of an effort to outright ask beforehand. Thanks for the reminder!

  • @2cute2021
    @2cute2021 2 місяці тому +1

    I will be heading to Paris soon and will be checking out their Christmas markets soon!! Love the tips!

    • @HappytoWander
      @HappytoWander  2 місяці тому

      Paris is SO dreamy at Christmas time! I have a full video about it here in case you haven't seen it yet (though keep in mind I went in 2019 haha): ua-cam.com/video/YtRmFD5OI_A/v-deo.html&
      I hope you have an amazing trip :) thanks for the lovely comment.

  • @trixb.f3051
    @trixb.f3051 2 місяці тому +1

    heading to munich, salzburg, and nuremberg next month!! all great tips especially for us who will be going to the christmas markets an europe for the first time!

    • @HappytoWander
      @HappytoWander  2 місяці тому

      So exciting! That sounds like a great trip :) I'll be heading to Salzburg this year as well!
      In case you haven't seen them yet, I do have some more specific guides for Munich because I used to live there. Here they are in case you need some extra planning help:
      Munich Christmas guide: ua-cam.com/video/LNWhz3B8nbc/v-deo.html
      Things to do in Munich: ua-cam.com/video/J807hA-8DeQ/v-deo.html
      Munich 3 day itinerary: ua-cam.com/video/yl5lV3Q8_wc/v-deo.html
      Munich tips & must-knows: ua-cam.com/video/rvdfrwrJlKo/v-deo.html
      Hope they're helpful, and safe travels!

  • @doreenhayden-cote553
    @doreenhayden-cote553 2 місяці тому +1

    Viking River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel! Visiting Dordrecht, Cologne, Koblenz, Mannheim, Speyer, Strasbourg, Breisach, Basel and then a few days in Zurich. I'd love to hear more about the markets in Amsterdam and Zurich! Thank you for the tips on Airalo and E-sims. It is nice to get current information as I've been watching a lot of videos from last year's markets!

    • @tjholmes66
      @tjholmes66 2 місяці тому +1

      My Viking River cruise starts on December 2nd also, but I'm doing Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam, so I think the opposite of what you're doing.

    • @HappytoWander
      @HappytoWander  2 місяці тому

      Ahh that sounds like an amazing itinerary - I'm so jealous! I actually interned for a river cruise line one summer and did a similar route along the Rhine, except with one of Viking's main competitors haha. River cruising is such a great way to get around - I'm so excited for you.
      I haven't personally been to the markets in Amsterdam but I have been to Zurich. It was quite a few years ago but here is my written guide from then: happytowander.com/zurich-christmas-market-guide/ Apologies if there are any outdated bits, but most of the info should still be accurate.
      This is a bit of a spoiler as I'm just copy/pasting from my itinerary video I'll be publishing this week haha, but this is what I would recommend for Zurich:
      "Zurich has five main Christmas markets scattered around the city and the magic starts right when you arrive at the train station, where there’s the Christkindlimarkt known for its 10m tall Christmas tree and over 100 stalls. I’d recommend a quick browse around here before heading to your accommodation and getting settled.
      Then, I’d recommend spending the day in Old Town, where you can admire the cute architecture and also visit the Dörfli Weinachtsmarkt along with the many local shops in the area.
      Then in the early evening, make sure you go to Werdmühleplatz where they have a singing Christmas tree that they fill up with choirs from around the country. There’s performances every day at 5:30pm and 6:30pm, with a few extra performances from Friday to Sunday.
      There’s a lot of shopping opportunities near here, all along the main shopping strip of Bahnhofstrasse, with a set of pretty illuminations and lights that locals refer to as Lucy.
      I’d recommend you end your evening at the The Zurich Viennese Village (Wienachtsdorf), which is by the opera house. This is probably the prettiest Christmas market in the city, with a great atmosphere."
      I hope you have a great time. Safe travels!

    • @HappytoWander
      @HappytoWander  2 місяці тому

      @@tjholmes66 river cruising is so much fun! I hope you have an amazing time on yours :) I've done the Basel to Amsterdam route before - it was stunning.

  • @siobhan1437
    @siobhan1437 2 місяці тому +1

    Heading to Edinburgh. Thanks for all your tips❤

    • @HappytoWander
      @HappytoWander  2 місяці тому +1

      so exciting! Edinburgh is one of my favourite cities but I still haven't been there for the festive season, so I'm very jealous haha :) In case you haven't seen them yet, I do have separate video guides for Edinburgh so I'll link them here in case you're looking for more planning help:
      Best things to do in Edinburgh: ua-cam.com/video/ZBKmNA9CoRg/v-deo.html
      Edinburgh tips and must-knows: ua-cam.com/video/CzyZwlF85sA/v-deo.html
      safe travels!! and I hope you have an amazing time.

  • @c80lan
    @c80lan 2 місяці тому +1

    Heading to Prague in just a little over 2 weeks and then a river cruise in Germany and Austria.

    • @HappytoWander
      @HappytoWander  2 місяці тому +1

      Wow sounds like an amazing trip! Prague is a great city with lots to do - here is a video where I summarize the top must-dos in case you haven't seen it yet :) ua-cam.com/video/7YmieNOApvU/v-deo.html
      PS when in Prague, do watch out for a few tourist traps in the main areas like Old Town Square - many of the food vendors will show prices based on 100g quantities, and so when you order, they give you an absurd quantity and charge you SO much for it since most tourists don't know better. Definitely double check prices before you buy anything! And watch your pockets in busy areas, especially when there's distractions like during the Astronomical Clock show. Safe travels.

  • @johnreilly2901
    @johnreilly2901 2 місяці тому +1

    We’re going to Munich, Augsburg, and Salzburg in early December. We got the Christmas Market bug a few years ago when we went to Budapest and Prague.

    • @HappytoWander
      @HappytoWander  2 місяці тому

      Yay, that sounds like a great itinerary! I have a LOT of resources about Munich because I used to live there, so in case you haven't seen them yet, here are some extra videos for you...
      Munich Christmas guide: ua-cam.com/video/LNWhz3B8nbc/v-deo.html
      Things to do in Munich: ua-cam.com/video/J807hA-8DeQ/v-deo.html
      Munich 3 day itinerary: ua-cam.com/video/yl5lV3Q8_wc/v-deo.html
      Munich tips & must-knows: ua-cam.com/video/rvdfrwrJlKo/v-deo.html
      I'm actually headed to Budapest to see their markets in a week, so I'm super excited :) let me know if you have any recommendations!

  • @catherinemori4496
    @catherinemori4496 2 місяці тому +1

    We love Airalo!

    • @HappytoWander
      @HappytoWander  2 місяці тому +1

      it's so handy! glad you love them too :)

  • @laritaskipper7686
    @laritaskipper7686 2 місяці тому +1

    I’m going to Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna in a few weeks!

    • @HappytoWander
      @HappytoWander  2 місяці тому

      So exciting!! I hope you have an amazing time. I'll be going to Salzburg and Vienna this year too! You may have seen them already, but I have quite a few videos about Munich specifically so I'll think them for you in case you want more trip inspo:
      Munich Christmas guide: ua-cam.com/video/LNWhz3B8nbc/v-deo.html
      Things to do in Munich: ua-cam.com/video/J807hA-8DeQ/v-deo.html
      Munich 3 day itinerary: ua-cam.com/video/yl5lV3Q8_wc/v-deo.html
      Munich tips & must-knows: ua-cam.com/video/rvdfrwrJlKo/v-deo.html

  • @selinayan3566
    @selinayan3566 2 місяці тому +1

    me and my boyfriend are going to Germany for a week visiting the Christmas markets in Frankfurt, numerberg and Munich, any tips at these areas are much appreciated!

    • @HappytoWander
      @HappytoWander  2 місяці тому

      Yay, so exciting! I have a LOT of resources about Munich because I used to live there, so in case you haven't seen them yet, here are some extra videos for you...
      Munich Christmas guide: ua-cam.com/video/LNWhz3B8nbc/v-deo.html
      Things to do in Munich: ua-cam.com/video/J807hA-8DeQ/v-deo.html
      Munich 3 day itinerary: ua-cam.com/video/yl5lV3Q8_wc/v-deo.html
      Munich tips & must-knows: ua-cam.com/video/rvdfrwrJlKo/v-deo.html
      And I also have some written guides for Frankfurt and Nuremberg but it has been a while since I've visited those so I apologize in advance if they're outdated in any way:
      Nuremberg Christmas guide: happytowander.com/nuremberg-christmas-market-guide/
      Frankfurt Christmas guide: happytowander.com/frankfurt-christmas-market-guide/
      Safe travels!! I hope you have an amazing time :)

  • @nathanvela8972
    @nathanvela8972 2 місяці тому

    Headed to Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna in a few days.

  • @tanyarichardson9320
    @tanyarichardson9320 2 місяці тому +1

    Going to vienna Salzburg and Prague next week 🎉

    • @HappytoWander
      @HappytoWander  2 місяці тому

      Exciting!! I’m also headed to Vienna & Salzburg this year - so excited. I hope you have a great time.
      I do have a video all about the Xmas markets in Prague so here it is in case you haven’t seen it yet :) ua-cam.com/video/koQC_F5jPpw/v-deo.htmlsi=VMsnT4KMXMh1lNqN
      And a more general video with things to do in Prague: ua-cam.com/video/7YmieNOApvU/v-deo.htmlsi=ISKV3VI3QIYLu-Xs

  • @kerritidwell1155
    @kerritidwell1155 2 місяці тому +1

    Two weeks until Switzerland for me🎉

    • @HappytoWander
      @HappytoWander  2 місяці тому

      Ahh super exciting. I did a Swissmas trip in 2017 and really loved it. I hope you have an amazing time!

  • @BANNERMAN666
    @BANNERMAN666 2 місяці тому +1

    Budapest, bratislava and edinburgh

    • @HappytoWander
      @HappytoWander  2 місяці тому +1

      How exciting! I’m off to Budapest soon as well. Hope you have an amazing time!

  • @marybethconnors4828
    @marybethconnors4828 2 місяці тому +1

    We are going to Brussels and Cologne

    • @HappytoWander
      @HappytoWander  2 місяці тому

      Awesome - I hope you have a great time!! I do have videos covering both of those in case you need some extra inspiration for planning:
      Brussels: ua-cam.com/video/7izN92tQZmU/v-deo.htmlsi=4kGCe5VZQ05HeWOT
      Cologne: ua-cam.com/video/bXXhbZdcU7Y/v-deo.htmlsi=L0NMsohMj1klNy1v
      Safe travels!! 💛

  • @kessas.489
    @kessas.489 2 місяці тому +1

    9:58 Not anymore! A lot of them accept cards nowadays...

    • @HappytoWander
      @HappytoWander  2 місяці тому

      Ooh, interesting! That hasn't been my experience but I'm headed for some Austrian/Hungarian markets this week so maybe I'll notice it. How do they handle the deposit for mugs and things when you pay by card?

  • @Bgmutza
    @Bgmutza 2 місяці тому +1

    We leave in 3 days for Copenhagen!

    • @HappytoWander
      @HappytoWander  2 місяці тому +1

      Omg exciting!! Just catching up with comments so I assume you’re there now? I hope you have an amazing time 💛

    • @Bgmutza
      @Bgmutza 2 місяці тому +1

      @@HappytoWander Yes! We visited four markets yesterday and loved them all.

  • @LilyE-f7m
    @LilyE-f7m 2 місяці тому +1

    Headed to Florence and Rome!!! Any suggestions are welcomed. Thx

    • @HappytoWander
      @HappytoWander  2 місяці тому +1

      Ooh exciting! I haven’t been to either of those for Christmas but I’m sure they’ll be beautiful. Just to set your expectations, if you haven’t heard yet, they’re doing a lot of construction/restoration work around Rome right now so beware that some major monuments might be covered by scaffolding or closed.
      In any case, I have this video about the best things to do in Rome that I hope will help you with your planning! ua-cam.com/video/KJNMnKu0Mbc/v-deo.htmlsi=wKlT4UUmuS_97Yue
      And this video with general Rome tips: ua-cam.com/video/Ty7twp8ts8E/v-deo.htmlsi=99g2Ad1lYibsNuXy
      Safe travels! 💛