When it comes to Europe’s Christmas markets, it’s a case of the myrrh the merrier for this traveller.
Jackie Rezk, an American with a strong affinity for European Christmas markets, embarked on an extraordinary train journey from Vienna to London, making pit stops at more than 20 markets en route.
Hailing from Atlanta but currently calling London her home, Jackie is enthusiastic about guiding others in discovering their ideal Christmas market adventures. She shared insights and images of each market she visited on her Instagram account, @joujoutravels, complete with personal ratings for each destination.
In an interview with MailOnline Travel, the travel blogger expressed her annual anticipation for exploring the diverse Christmas markets across Europe. Her quest to experience as many markets as possible led her to meticulously plan a grand two-week expedition by train, commencing from Vienna and culminating in her London abode.
‘I travelled 2,700km and spent over 24 hours on trains.
‘Using my Interrail pass, I got unlimited train rides throughout Europe to save money.
‘It even worked on the Belle Epoque vintage train and the Eurostar and cost about €335 [£276/$350] for 10 travel days.’
Here, Jackie has revealed even more – pros and cons of each place. Scroll down to see which one you’d most like to visit.
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 Weihnachtsmarkt am Hof
Rating: 10/10
Pros
Jackie revealed that the main reason she wanted to visit Vienna was for the giant heart that ‘floats’ by every 30 minutes at Rathausplatz – a square in front of the city hall.
‘It was purely magical,’ said Jackie, who added: ‘Vienna is a beautiful city and I loved how some of the markets were situated right in front of the most elegant landmarks like the Schönbrunn Palace. I’d highly recommend going inside this to see the pretty interiors.
‘Vienna has over 20 Christmas markets, so there’s plenty of opportunity to soak up the festive atmosphere.’
Cons
Jackie noted that the markets are ‘on the pricier side for food and souvenirs’.
Day 4-6: Nuremberg
Jackie loved the food selection at the Nuremberg Christmas market, but said the crowds were ‘beyond crazy’
Markets visited: Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
Rating: 5/10
Pros
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, champignons (mushrooms), reiberdatschi (potato pancakes) and lebkuchen (gingerbread) were standouts.’
Cons
Jackie went during the weekend of the opening, ‘which was probably a mistake’.
The influencer explained: ‘The crowds were beyond crazy, making the experience less enjoyable. Plus, the market felt overly 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 favourite Christmas stop’
Markets visited: Rothenburg’s Reiterlesmarkt
Rating: 10/10
Pros
‘Rothenburg was my ultimate favourite Christmas stop,’ said Jackie. ‘The main reason is that I hate how crowded all the other markets have become and Rothenburg is pretty manageable in terms of crowds. I love a hidden gem and this place is definitely less well-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 truly resembles a storybook with its medieval architecture.’
Cons
‘The Christmas market itself was quite small,’ revealed Jackie, ‘but I think it was great anyway because I love the intimate feel it had.’
Day 7-9: Cologne, Germany
Jackie described Cologne’s Cathedral Market setting (above) as ‘breathtaking’
Markets visited: Cathedral Market, Angel’s Market, Harbour Market, Heinzels Winter Fairytale
Rating: 7/10
Pros
Cologne has multiple themed markets, explained Jackie, who praised each for being ‘so unique’.
She added: ‘The Cathedral Market, set against the iconic cathedral, is breathtaking. I also loved the Market of Angels – there were dressed-up angels blowing glitter – and the feuerzangenbowle (flaming mulled wine) was a highlight.’
Bonus points were awarded for the markets being within walking distance of the city centre.
Cons
‘The town itself, aside from the markets, is not super exciting in my opinion,’ said Jackie. ‘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: Berner Sternenmarkt, Waisenhausplatz Christmas market, Münsterplatz Christmas market, Oscar Elch at Ringgenpärkli park
Rating: 10/10
Pros
Jackie said: ‘The markets were not crowded at all, which made me happy. And they sold high-quality handmade goods, making them feel so much more authentic.
‘There were several markets all close to one another. It’s a small city, but cute to explore.’
Cons
The food and drink prices were on the higher side, remarked Jackie.
Day 11: Day trip to Montreux, Switzerland
LEFT: Jackie was able to use her Interrail pass to travel on the Belle Epoque train to Montreux. RIGHT: The Montreux market featured a human Santa ‘flying’ past
Rating: 10/10
Markets visited: Montreux Noël
Pros
‘I was able to take the Belle Epoque train straight to the market,’ said Jackie, who added: ‘This vintage train was a dream of mine to ride and was included in my Interrail pass. Otherwise, a first-class seat will set you back €40 (£33/$42).
‘And at the market, there was an actual human Santa who “flew” past in a sleigh every hour of the evening! It was really cool to see.’
The Swiss chocolate and fondue stalls were also a hit – along with the scenery.
Jackie added: ‘Montreux Noël is set along Lake Geneva, which was one of the most picturesque settings of the trip.’
Cons
Swiss markets aren’t 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
Pros
‘A mix of French and German influences make Alsace’s markets truly special,’ said Jackie.
Any favourites?
She revealed: ‘Colmar and Eguisheim were very picturesque with half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. Eguisheim was my favourite as it had fewer 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 adored Colmar’s half-timbered houses
Cons
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
Pros
‘The decorations were really beautiful to see, especially the lights lining Avenue of Champs-Élysées and the luxury storefronts of shops like Dior,’ said Jackie.
‘The city itself is iconic and a must-see destination. Also, Notre-Dame is back up after five years and I was one of the first to see it.’
Cons
Jackie remarked: ‘The markets themselves are not as great compared to other European markets, but the Christmas decorations in Paris are more of a draw.
‘Although I felt underwhelmed 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 Centre Winter Market, Covent Garden Christmas Village, Leicester Square Christmas Market, Christmas by the River and London Bridge
Rating: 10/10
Pros
When it comes to decorations, the UK capital is a world beater, it would seem.
Jackie explained: ‘The Christmas decorations are the best in the world, in my opinion. London goes all out decorating the facades of buildings and has so many festive experiences throughout the city. The iconic angels on Regent Street are a sight to see.’
And the markets?
Jackie loves the three-day market with ‘out of this world food’ held by Novikov Mayfair restaurant. ‘At night it transforms into a party with snow falling every hour,’ she added.
Cons
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 commercialised in London. And it can get pretty busy during the festive period.’
Mapped: 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 was truly an under-the-radar town full of Christmas vibes and great unique gifts.’
Honourable 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 overly crowded, it ruined the experience for me,’ said Jackie. ‘I also didn’t fall in love with the town itself and the items for sale at the market felt more commercial.’
