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When it comes to Christmas markets in Europe, myrrh is the best for this traveler.
Meet American Jackie Rezk, who loves European Christmas markets so passionately that she recently took the train from Vienna to London, stopping at more than 20 markets along the way.
Eager 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 many as possible, so I decided to plan the most epic two-week train trip. I flew to Vienna and took a train back to London, where I live.
‘I traveled 2,700 kilometers and spent more than 24 hours on trains.
‘Using my interrail passI got unlimited train travel throughout Europe to save money.
“It even worked on the vintage Belle Epoque train and the Eurostar and cost around €335 (£276/$350) for 10 days of travel.”
Here, Jackie has revealed even more: the pros and cons of each location. Scroll down to see which one you would 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 fancy venues.
Markets visited: Rathausplatz, Belvedere, Karlsplatz, Schönbrunn Palace, Stephanplatz, Maria-Theresien-Platz and Weihnachtsmarkt am Hof
Classification: 10/10
Advantages
Jackie revealed that the main reason she wanted to visit Vienna was because of the giant heart that “floats” every 30 minutes on Rathausplatz, a square in front of the city hall.
“It was purely magical,” said Jackie, adding: “Vienna is a beautiful city and I loved how some of the markets were located right in front of the most elegant places like Schönbrunn Palace. I highly recommend going inside to see the beautiful interiors .
“There are more than 20 Christmas markets in Vienna, so there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the festive atmosphere.”
Cons
Jackie noted that the markets are “more expensive 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 Christkindles Market
Classification: 5/10
Advantages
Jackie told MailOnline: ‘Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest and most traditional markets in Germany.
‘I loved the selection of food. The famous Nuremberg sausages, mushrooms (mushrooms), reiberdatschi (potato pancakes) and lebkuchen (gingerbread) were highlighted.
Cons
Jackie went during the opening weekend, “which was probably a mistake.”
The influencer explained: ‘The crowd was beyond crazy which made the experience less enjoyable. Furthermore, the market seemed too commercial and, in my opinion, the city itself was less picturesque than other European cities.’
Day 5: Day trip to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Rothenburg was Jackie’s ‘last favorite Christmas stop’
Markets visited: Rothenburg Reiterlesmarkt
Classification: 10/10
Advantages
“Rothenburg was my favorite Christmas stop,” Jackie said. ‘The main reason is that I hate how crowded the other markets have become and Rothenburg is quite manageable in terms of crowds. I love a hidden gem and this place is definitely less 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.”
Cons
“The Christmas market itself was quite small,” Jackie revealed, “but I think it was great anyway because I love the intimate feel of it.”
Day 7-9: Cologne, Germany
Jackie described the Cathedral Market setting (above) as “stunning”
Markets visited: Cathedral Market, Angel Market, Harbor Market, Heinzels’ Winter Fairy Tale
Classification: 7/10
Advantages
Colonia has multiple themed markets, explained Jackie, who praised each one for being “so unique.”
He added: ‘The Cathedral Market, in front of the iconic cathedral, is impressive. I also loved the Angel Market – there were costumed angels blowing glitter and the feuerzangenbowle (flaming mulled wine) was a highlight.’
Bonus points were awarded for markets that are within walking distance of the city center.
Cons
“In my opinion, the city itself, apart from the markets, is not very interesting,” Jackie said. “And the Cathedral Market was especially busy.”
Day 10-12: Bern
Bern’s Christmas markets were “not crowded at all” and “high-quality handmade products” were sold
Markets visited: Berner Sternenmarkt, Waisenhausplatz Christmas Market, Münsterplatz Christmas Market, Oscar Elch in Ringgenpärkli Park
Classification: 10/10
Advantages
Jackie said: ‘The markets weren’t crowded at all, which made me happy. And they sold high-quality handmade products, which made them feel much more authentic.
‘There were several markets, all very close to each other. It’s a small city, but nice to explore.’
Cons
Food and drink prices were higher, Jackie said.
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: Montreux market featured a “flying” human Santa Claus
Classification: 10/10
Markets visited: Montreux Noël
Advantages
“I was able to take the Belle Epoque train straight to the market,” said Jackie, adding: “It was a dream of mine to travel on this vintage train and it was included in my Interrail pass. Otherwise a first class seat will cost you €40 (£33/$42).
‘And at the market, there was a real human Santa Claus who “flies by” in a sleigh every hour of the night! “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 located next to Lake Geneva, which was one of the most picturesque settings on the trip.”
Cons
Swiss markets are not for those on a budget.
Jackie revealed: “Swiss markets are by far the most expensive; elsewhere small snacks cost as much as full meals.”
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
Advantages
“A mix of French and German influences makes Alsace markets really special,” Jackie said.
Any favorites?
She revealed: ‘Colmar and Eguisheim were very picturesque, with half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. Eguisheim was my favorite because it had fewer people and had more charm. Meanwhile, Kayersberg had more unique gifts and handmade items.’
LEFT: Kayersberg “had the most unique gifts and handmade items.” RIGHT: Jackie loved the half-timbered houses of Colmar
Cons
It’s a predicament.
Jackie explained: “The popularity of Colmar and Strasbourg meant crazy crowds, shoulder to shoulder.”
Day 16: Paris
Jackie, pictured above at the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann department store, loved the “beautiful” Paris decorations.
Markets visited: La Défense, Tuileries Garden
Classification: 7/10
Advantages
“The decorations were really beautiful to see, especially the lights lining the Champs-Elysees avenue and the luxury window displays of stores like Dior,” Jackie said.
‘The city itself is emblematic and a must-visit destination. Also, Notre-Dame is back in business after five years and I was one of the first to see it.’
Cons
Jackie commented: ‘The markets themselves are not that good compared to other European markets, but the Christmas decorations in Paris are more attractive.
“Although I was disappointed by the Christmas decorating effort compared to London.”
Day 17: London
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
Classification: 10/10
Advantages
When it comes to decor, the UK capital seems to be a world leader.
Jackie explained: ‘In my opinion, Christmas decorations are the best in the world. London goes out of its way to decorate the facades of buildings and has plenty of festive experiences throughout the city. “The iconic angels of Regent Street are a sight to see.”
And the markets?
Jackie loves Novikov Mayfair Restaurant’s three-day “out of this world food” market. “At night it becomes a party and it snows every hour,” he added.
Cons
The problem for London is stiff competition from the continent.
Jackie explained: ‘Christmas markets in London aren’t very good compared to countries like Germany and France. They are more marketed in London. And it can be very busy during the festive period.
Jackie’s epic Christmas train ride
The best and worst stops.
Best stop: Rothenburg, Germany
Jackie said: “I loved the fairytale atmosphere here and it was truly an under the radar town full of Christmas atmospheres and fantastic unique gifts.”
Honorable mentions
Eguisheim for fairy tale vibes
Bern for authenticity, handmade products and small crowds
Montreux for the cool flying Santa Claus
Vienna
The worst stop: Nuremberg, Germany
“Because there were too many people, it ruined the experience for me,” Jackie said. “I also didn’t fall in love with the city itself and the items for sale in the market seemed more commercial to me.”