Christmas road trips offer a unique and magical way to experience the holiday season, combining festive stops, scenic drives, and the charm of each destination along the way. Whether you're exploring the enchanting Christmas markets of Europe or taking a scenic holiday drive in the USA, these road trips provide a more immersive and flexible way to enjoy the season.
In Europe, the short distances between towns make it especially interesting, as you can journey from one picturesque village to another, each with its own traditions, lights, and festive atmosphere. From twinkling market squares to snowy countryside views, a Christmas-themed road trip allows you to discover the joy of the holidays while exploring multiple destinations in a single adventure.
Here are some enchanting Christmas road trip routes in Europe and USA, each designed to last about a week, featuring scenic drives, festive pit stops, famous Christmas markets, and unforgettable holiday experiences:
Alpine Christmas Adventure: Munich to Innsbruck
Neuschwanstein Castle, Wikimedia
Start in Munich, Germany, home to one of the most famous Christmas markets in the world, the Marienplatz Christmas Market. Enjoy mulled wine, traditional crafts, and the city's festive atmosphere.
Scenic Route: Drive south through the Bavarian Alps along the Romantic Road, offering stunning views of snow-covered mountains and charming villages.
Pit Stops:
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany: Visit this picturesque town, known for its charming Bavarian-style buildings and winter sports, perfect for a cozy Christmas stop.
Neuschwanstein Castle: Tour the fairy-tale castle, which looks magical in winter, surrounded by snow and forests.
Destination: End in Innsbruck, Austria, where the Old Town transforms into a winter wonderland. Visit the Innsbruck Christmas Market under the Golden Roof, go ice skating, or take a cable car to see breathtaking alpine views.
Alsace & Black Forest Christmas Wonderland: Strasbourg to Freiburg
Colmar Christmas Market, by Office de Tourisme de Colmar
Start in Strasbourg, France, often called the "Capital of Christmas." Strasbourg boasts one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe, the Christkindelsmärik, held around the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral. Wander through the market’s wooden chalets, indulge in Alsatian treats, and take in the breathtaking decorations that light up the city.
Scenic Route: Drive along the Alsace Wine Route toward Colmar, a picturesque journey through rolling vineyards, charming medieval towns, and snow-dusted landscapes. The drive offers plenty of photo-worthy stops, especially with the half-timbered houses along the way.
Pit Stop:
Ribeauvillé, France: A small village known for its medieval charm, Ribeauvillé hosts a unique medieval-themed Christmas market, offering jousting shows, traditional crafts, and costumed performers in the festive streets.
Riquewihr, France: Another beautiful town along the route, Riquewihr is like stepping into a fairy tale, with its half-timbered houses beautifully decorated for Christmas.
Destination: Colmar, France, is the highlight of this route, known for its enchanting Christmas markets spread across the old town’s squares. Colmar's cobblestone streets and canals are decked out with festive lights, creating a magical atmosphere that feels straight out of a storybook. Don’t miss the Petite Venise area, where Christmas decorations are reflected in the water, or the fun activities for kids, including Santa visits and puppet shows.
Continue into the Black Forest, Germany, stopping at quaint German villages along the way. End your trip in Freiburg, Germany, a charming city at the edge of the Black Forest. Here, the Freiburg Christmas Market fills the medieval square with festive cheer, surrounded by the beautiful backdrop of the Black Forest mountains. Be sure to try the traditional German Christmas delicacies like stollen and mulled wine, and enjoy the local crafts.
This route blends the magical charm of France’s Alsace region with the beauty of Germany's Black Forest, creating an unforgettable Christmas road trip filled with scenic drives, festive markets, and holiday spirit.
Christmas Through Central Europe: Prague to Vienna
Prague Christmas Market, by Travis Wise on Flickr
Start in Prague, Czech Republic, a city known for its romantic winter atmosphere. Visit the Old Town Square Christmas Market and Wenceslas Square, where you’ll find beautifully lit trees, festive stalls, and street performances.
Scenic Route: Drive along the Elbe River and through the Bohemian countryside, a scenic route that feels like stepping into a storybook.
Pit Stops:
Český Krumlov, Czech Republic: A UNESCO World Heritage town, Český Krumlov’s cobbled streets and fairy-tale castle become even more magical during Christmas. Enjoy the Christmas market in the medieval town square.
Melk Abbey, Austria: Stop at the magnificent baroque Melk Abbey along the Danube River before continuing to Vienna.
Destination: Finish in Vienna, Austria, famous for its elegant Viennese Christmas Markets. Enjoy the magical lights at Rathausplatz, ice skate at City Hall, and warm up with a cup of Weihnachtspunsch (Christmas punch).
Amsterdam to Bruges: A Christmas Journey through the Low Countries
Bruges Christmas Lights, by Ricardo Samaniego on Flickr
Start in Amsterdam, Netherlands, where the holiday season transforms the city with the Amsterdam Light Festival. As you stroll along the famous canals, you'll encounter stunning light installations, and the Ice Village Amsterdam near the Museumplein is perfect for ice skating and Christmas shopping. Don't miss the De Bijenkorf Christmas Window Displays and the festive spirit at Dam Square, where a giant Christmas tree sparkles.
Scenic Route: Head south through the Dutch countryside towards The Hague. The Scheveningen Winter Festival features ice sculptures and a skating rink by the beach, adding a coastal twist to the festive season. From here, continue to Rotterdam, which offers a unique contrast with its modern architecture and bustling Christmas markets.
Pit Stop:
Dordrecht, Netherlands: Just an hour from Rotterdam, this charming town hosts one of the largest Christmas markets in the Netherlands, where you can find traditional Dutch treats and crafts.
Antwerp, Belgium: Continue south into Belgium, stopping in Antwerp, where the Christmas market lights up the old town. The historic Grote Markt is the center of festivities, and the famous cathedral adds a majestic backdrop.
Destination: Bruges, Belgium is your final stop, a true medieval gem. The entire town feels like a Christmas wonderland with its cobblestone streets, fairy-tale canals, and charming market squares. The Bruges Christmas Market is one of Belgium's best, with stalls selling waffles, chocolates, and mulled wine. Don’t miss the ice skating rink in the city center and the beautifully illuminated Belfry of Bruges.
Optional Day Trip: Extend your trip by driving to Lille, France, just across the border. This French city has a lovely Christmas market in the heart of its historic center and offers a unique French-Belgian festive blend.
This route takes you through some of the most festive and charming cities in the Netherlands, Belgium, and northern France, offering a mix of modern Christmas markets and medieval town squares illuminated with holiday cheer.
Nordic Christmas Charm: Copenhagen to Gothenburg
Liseberg Amusement Park in Gothenburg, by Benny Sjöstrand on Flickr
Start in Copenhagen, Denmark, with a visit to Tivoli Gardens, which becomes a Christmas wonderland filled with festive lights, ice skating, and Santa’s grotto. Explore the stalls selling Danish Christmas treats and crafts.
Scenic Route: Take the scenic Öresund Bridge across the strait to Sweden, enjoying the coastal views and snowy landscapes.
Pit Stops:
Malmö, Sweden: Explore the cozy Christmas market in Gustav Adolfs Square, where local crafts, festive foods, and twinkling lights create a perfect holiday atmosphere.
Helsingborg, Sweden: This charming coastal town features smaller markets and historic sites, offering a quieter Christmas vibe along the route.
Destination: End in Gothenburg, Sweden, where the city’s largest market at Liseberg Amusement Park boasts an enchanted forest, Santa’s workshop, and ice skating rinks. The market is renowned for its festive lights, cozy atmosphere, and traditional Swedish Christmas fare.
These routes are filled with scenic beauty, festive markets, and Christmas charm, offering unique ways to enjoy a magical European holiday journey.
California Coastal Christmas: San Francisco to San Diego
The Grove Mall in Los Angeles, by Loren Javier on Flickr
Start in San Francisco, where you can explore the Christmas market at Union Square, visit the Great Dickens Christmas Fair, and take in the festive lights at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Scenic Route: Take the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1), stopping at Half Moon Bay to explore its cozy holiday charm and seasonal events.
Pit Stops:
Monterey: Visit the historic Cannery Row, which glows with Christmas lights, and explore the holiday offerings at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Santa Barbara: Known for its Spanish-style architecture and festive markets, such as the European-style Santa Barbara Night Market. Enjoy some beachside holiday cheer while exploring the city's beautifully lit streets.
Head to Los Angeles: Immerse yourself in Christmas festivities like ice skating at Pershing Square and exploring the Los Angeles Christmas Market at Grand Central Market. For a magical holiday experience, visit the Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens.
Destination: Finish your road trip in San Diego, where the holiday season is in full swing with attractions like Balboa Park December Nights, festive Old Town celebrations, and the outdoor Christmas markets at Seaport Village.
Rocky Mountain Christmas: Denver to Aspen
Denver City and County Building, by Andy Smith on Flickr
Start in Denver, Colorado, where holiday festivities include the dazzling light display at Denver Botanic Gardens and ice skating downtown.
Scenic Route: Drive along the I-70, a scenic route through the Rocky Mountains, offering snow-capped peaks and vast wilderness.
Pit Stops:
Georgetown, CO: A charming Victorian town that transforms into a Christmas wonderland with the Georgetown Christmas Market.
Glenwood Springs, CO: Enjoy natural hot springs surrounded by snow before continuing your journey.
Destination: Finish in Aspen, where you’ll find world-class skiing, beautiful decorations, and kid-friendly holiday events, such as the "12 Days of Aspen."
New England Christmas Charm: Boston to Woodstock, Vermont
Public Garden Boston, by Massachusettes Office of Tourism on Flickr
Start in Boston, Massachusetts, where you can enjoy holiday lights at Faneuil Hall, skate on the Frog Pond, and visit festive markets.
Scenic Route: Drive along Route 2 (Mohawk Trail) to experience the snow-dusted forests and charming small towns of Massachusetts.
Pit Stops:
Concord, MA: See colonial decorations and visit historic holiday homes.
Manchester, NH: Enjoy a Christmas light show or holiday parade.
Destination: End in Woodstock, Vermont, a picture-perfect New England town where you can enjoy "Wassail Weekend" with horse-drawn sleigh rides, a festive parade, and decorated farmhouses.