When it comes to Europe’s Christmas markets, it’s a case of the myrrh the merrier for this traveler.
Meet American Jackie Rezk, who loves European Christmas markets so passionately that she recently took the train from Vienna to London and stopped at more than 20 markets along the way.
Keen to help others find their perfect Christmas market experience, Jackie, who is from Atlanta but now lives in London, posted descriptions and photos of each location on her Instagram page. @joujoutravelsand even rated them out of 10.
Travel blogger Jackie told MailOnline Travel: ‘Every year I look forward to seeing all the Christmas markets in Europe. I really want to explore as much as possible, so I decided to plan the most epic two-week trip by train. I flew into Vienna and took a train all the way back to London where I live.
‘I traveled 2,700 km and spent more than 24 hours on trains.
‘Use me Interrail passI got unlimited train rides throughout Europe to save money.
‘It even worked on the Belle Epoque vintage train and the Eurostar and costs around €335 (£276/$350) for 10 travel days.’
Here, Jackie revealed even more – pros and cons of each location. Scroll down to see which one you’d like to visit the most.
Day 1-3: Vienna, Austria
Jackie described Vienna as ‘a beautiful city’ and loved how some of the Christmas markets were situated in front of elegant landmarks
Markets visited: Rathausplatz, Belvedere, Karlsplatz, Schönbrunn Palace, Stephanplatz, Maria-Theresien-Platz and Christmas market at the courtyard
Rating: 10/10
Benefits
Jackie revealed that the main reason she wanted to visit Vienna was for the giant heart that ‘floats’ every 30 minutes at Rathausplatz – a square in front of the town hall.
‘It was simply magical,’ says Jackie, who added: ‘Vienna is a beautiful city and I loved how some of the markets were located right in front of the most elegant landmarks such as Schönbrunn Palace. I would highly recommend going in here to see the beautiful interiors.
“Vienna has more than 20 Christmas markets, so there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy the festive atmosphere.”
Disadvantages
Jackie noted that the markets are ‘on the more expensive side for food and souvenirs’.
Day 4-6: Nuremberg
Jackie loved the food selection at the Nuremberg Christmas Market but said the crowds were ‘crazy’
Markets visited: Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
Rating: 5/10
Benefits
Jackie told MailOnline: ‘Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest and most traditional markets in Germany.
‘I loved the food selection. The famous Nuremberg sausages, mushrooms (mushrooms), reiberdatschi (potato pancakes) and lebkuchen (ginger cake) were standouts.’
Disadvantages
Jackie went during the opening weekend, ‘which was probably a mistake’.
The influencer explained: ‘The crowds were really crazy, which made the experience less enjoyable. Plus the market felt too commercial and the town itself was less picturesque than other European cities in my opinion.’
Day 5: Day trip to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Rothenburg was Jackie’s ‘ultimate favorite Christmas stop’
Markets visited: Rothenburg’s Reiterlesmarkt
Rating: 10/10
Benefits
“Rothenburg was my ultimate favorite Christmas stop,” Jackie said. ‘The main reason is that I hate how crowded all the other markets have become and Rothenburg is quite manageable in terms of crowds. I love a hidden gem and this place is definitely lesser known.
‘There were endless Christmas shops – don’t miss the Christmas Museum, which has the most impressive Christmas decorations and souvenirs inside – and the town really looks like a storybook with its medieval architecture.’
Disadvantages
“The Christmas market itself was quite small,” Jackie revealed, “but I think it was great anyway because I like the intimate feel it had.”
Day 7-9: Cologne, Germany
Jackie described the Cathedral Market setting (above) as ‘breathtaking’
Markets visited: Cathedral Market, Angel’s Market, Harbor Market, Heinzel’s Winter Fairytale
Rating: 7/10
Benefits
Cologne has several themed markets, Jackie explained, each of which she praised for being ‘so unique’.
She added: ‘The cathedral market, against the iconic cathedral, is stunning. I also loved the Market of Angels – there were dressed angels blowing glitter – and the feuerzangenbowle (flaming mulled wine) was a highlight.’
Bonus points were awarded for the markets that were within walking distance of the city centre.
Disadvantages
“The town itself, aside from the markets, is not super exciting in my opinion,” Jackie said. “And the Cathedral Market was especially crowded.”
Day 10-12: Bern
Bern’s Christmas markets were ‘not crowded at all’ and sold ‘high quality handmade goods’
Markets visited: Bern Star Market, Waisenhausplatz Christmas Market, Münsterplatz Christmas Market, Oscar Elch at Ringgenpärkli park
Rating: 10/10
Benefits
Jackie said: ‘The markets weren’t crowded at all, which made me happy. And they sold high-quality handmade goods, which made it feel that much more authentic.
‘There were several markets all close together. It’s a small city, but cute to explore.’
Disadvantages
The food and drink prices were on the higher side, Jackie noted.
Day 11: Day trip to Montreux, Switzerland
LEFT: Jackie was able to use her Interrail pass to travel to Montreux on the Belle Epoque train. RIGHT: The Montreux market featured a human Santa flying by
Rating: 10/10
Markets visited: Montreux Christmas
Benefits
‘I was able to take the Belle Epoque train straight to the market,’ says Jackie, who added: ‘This vintage train was a dream of mine to ride and is included in my Interrail pass. Otherwise, a first class seat will set you back €40 (£33/$42).
‘And at the market there was a real human Santa who flew by in a sleigh every hour of the evening! It was very cool to see.’
The Swiss chocolate and fondue stalls were also a hit – along with the scenery.
Jackie added: ‘Montreux Noël is located next to Lake Geneva, which was one of the most picturesque settings of the trip.’
Disadvantages
Swiss markets are not for those on a budget.
Jackie revealed: ‘Switzerland’s markets are by far the most expensive, with small snacks costing as much as full meals elsewhere.’
Day 13-15: Alsace, France
Jackie is pictured above in Eguisheim, which she described as ‘very picturesque’
Markets visited: Colmar (8.5/10), Strasbourg (6/10), Eguisheim (10/10), Kayersberg (9/10), Riquewihr
Benefits
“A mixture of French and German influences makes Alsace’s markets truly special,” Jackie said.
Any favorites?
She revealed: ‘Colmar and Eguisheim were very picturesque with half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. Eguisheim was my favorite as it had less crowds and the most charm. Kayersberg meanwhile had the most unique gifts and handmade items.’
LEFT: Kayersberg ‘had the most unique gifts and handmade items’. RIGHT: Jackie loved Colmar’s half-timbered houses
Disadvantages
It’s a tight squeeze.
Jackie explained: ‘The popularity of Colmar and Strasbourg meant insane shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.’
Day 16: Paris
Jackie, pictured above at the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann department store, loved the ‘beautiful’ decorations in Paris
Markets visited: La Défense, Tuileries Garden
Rating: 7/10
Benefits
“The decorations were really beautiful to see, especially the lights lining Champs-Élysées Avenue and the luxury storefronts of stores like Dior,” Jackie said.
‘The city itself is iconic and a must-see destination. Besides, Notre-Dame is back after five years and I was one of the first to see it.’
Disadvantages
Jackie commented: ‘The markets themselves are not that great compared to other European markets, but the Christmas decorations in Paris are more of an attraction.
“Although I felt overwhelmed by the Christmas decoration effort compared to London.”
Day 17: London
The Christmas decorations in London are ‘the best in the world’, said Jackie (pictured above in Covent Garden).
Markets: Winter Wonderland (Hyde Park), Southbank Center Winter Market, Covent Garden Christmas Village, Leicester Square Christmas Market, Christmas by the River and London Bridge
Rating: 10/10
Benefits
When it comes to decorations, the British capital is a world beater, it seems.
Jackie explained: ‘The Christmas decorations are the best in the world in my opinion. London adorns the facades of buildings and has so many festive experiences across the city. The iconic angels on Regent Street are a sight to behold.’
And the markets?
Jackie likes the three-day market with ‘out of this world food’ held by Novikov Mayfair restaurant. “At night it turns into a party with snow falling every hour,” she added.
Disadvantages
The issue for London is the hot competition from the continent.
Jackie explained: ‘The Christmas markets in London are not very good compared to countries like Germany and France. They are more commercialized in London. And it can get quite busy during the festive season.’
Jackie’s epic Christmas train journey
The best and worst stops
The best stop: Rothenburg, Germany
Jackie said: ‘I loved the fairytale vibes here and it really was an under-the-radar town full of Christmas vibes and great unique gifts.’
Honorable mentions
Eguisheim for the fairytale vibes
Bern for the authenticity, handmade goods and few crowds
Montreux for the cool flying Santa
Vienna
The worst stop: Nuremberg, Germany
“Because it was crowded, it ruined the experience for me,” Jackie said. “I also didn’t fall in love with the town itself and the items for sale at the market felt more commercial.”
