A few months ago, Aaron and I got a killer deal on tickets to Germany over Thanksgiving week thanks to emails that we get from Scott’s Cheap Flights. We fly out the day before Thanksgiving and will be in Germany, the Czech Republic, and Austria for about a week - I’m so excited!!! I’m MOST excited to visit a few Christmas markets while we are there! Sadly, we will be flying back to Texas before most of the markets open. But I have been able to find some that will be open while we are there and they are most definitely on our itinerary! I’ve compiled a list of 6 of the earliest opening markets for the 2018 season in case you, like us, booked a trip that ends before Christmas market season really gets into full swing, but still want to visit a few.

Strasbourg

Declared and the home of the first ever Christmas market, and undeniably quaint, Strasbourg market opens November 24, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. That’s a whole week before most markets open! Located on the French-German border, there are multiple markets to visit and the city offers a fairy tale mix of half-timbered buildings, Gothic cathedrals, and old world charm.

Salzburg

Sitting on the boarder between Germany and Austria, perhaps most famous for the American movie, The Sound of Music, Salzburg’s Christmas markets open on November 22. There is much to love about the city and sipping Glühwein on snow dusted streets in the shadow of the Salzburg fortress is definitely one of them.

Innsbruck

One of the earliest markets I found to open, the ones in the Altstadt and Marktplatz open on November 15! If you’re looking for an idyllic market set against the Austrian Alps, then don’t miss this market! Innsbruck wasn’t on our original itinerary, but now I may make sure we head there. I mean, with a market like this, how could we not go?!

Munich

The jewel of Bavaria, Munich’s Christmas markets open on November 27. One of the later ones, but it made my list because we are flying out of Munich on the 28th and I plan to eat my weight in kartoffelpuffer, wurst, and Glühwein, to mourn, I mean celebrate, the end of our vacation. While in Munich, make sure to visit the Hofbrauhaus, the Deutsches Museum, and the Englischergarten! All of these are Munich staples and not to be missed.

Zurich

The northern Swiss city has 8 separate markets visitors can choose from! Three of them open on November 22 and another two open on the 23rd. While Zurich is generally regarding as a banking center, don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about the ancient Roman city on a guided tour complete with traditional fondue!

Dusseldorf

One of the many cities sitting on the banks of the north-flowing Rhine River, Dusseldorf’s Christmas markets begin on November 22. There are seven different markets, all within walking distance of one another! For a truly unique experience while you’re in Dusseldorf, check out the Classic Remise where you can watch classic cars being restored and see them on display.