Are Prague’s Christmas Markets A Tourist Trap?
Our expectations were high. Unfortunately, our experience didn’t measure up.

With 50 countries across the regions of Europe, opportunities to explore feel almost endless.
For history buffs, there are battlegrounds, monuments, and museums. For cultural explorers, there are castles, markets, and immersive experiences. For foodies, there are Michelin-starred restaurants, cooking classes, and food markets. For outdoor and nature enthusiasts, there are mountains, parks, and fjords to explore.
Europe has it all. And we love it all.
From the food markets of Provence to the wineries of Tuscany, Europe is delicious. From Ireland’s green rolling hills to the pristine beaches of Albania, it is beautiful. From the couture capital of Paris to the hot springs of Budapest, Europe is a cultural playground.
There are several countries that we can’t seem to stay away from on our travels. We have written extensively about:
Some of our favorite articles about things to do in Europe come from destinations we’ve visited several times. They include:
Our expectations were high. Unfortunately, our experience didn’t measure up.
A towering 1000-year-old cathedral, millions of lights, the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread—these are the things that make the Aachen Christmas market.
Dancing fairy lights, the scent of sweet treats, and children laughing as they learn to skate—these are the hallmarks of the winter season in the Netherlands and just a few of the things that make visiting the Amsterdam Christmas markets so much fun.
Graz, Austria, is a low-key city packed with Christmas markets in easy walking distance and decked out with nativity scenes and lovely lights.
In the winter, it feels like the entire old town of Luxembourg City becomes a Christmas market.
Markets don’t get more unique than Valkenburg Christmas market in the Netherlands. Primarily set within two historic caves, this popular holiday attraction draws visitors from all over.
At the holidays, this grand city takes it to another level with seasonal performances, lively Christmas markets, and lights everywhere you look.
Christmas markets in Vienna, Austria, are among the very best in Europe. Against the backdrop of majestic palaces and churches or even set in city parks, they showcase the lights, culinary treats, and artistic treasures of the holiday season.
Christmas in Colmar is a dream. When you take a city that already looks like a gingerbread town and then deck it with wreaths, ornaments, and snow-covered trees, it’s hard to think of anything that feels more appropriate for the holiday season.
In a large square in the shadow of the city’s cathedral, the Helsinki Christmas market is not to be missed. Honestly, we were surprised how …