Christmas markets are opening early, Alba’s truffle season is in full swing, and Burgundy’s most famous wine auction falls on the second weekend. All six events are an easy transfer from a major airport.
1. Christmas Markets in Vienna — Vienna, Austria
When: Schönbrunn Palace market: November 6, 2026 – January 6, 2027 (both weekends). Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt: November 13 – December 26, 2026 (covers November 14–15).
More than 90 decorated huts fill the forecourt of Schönbrunn Palace, selling crafts and regional food and drink, with a free children’s ice rink, ice curling, a carousel and a Ferris wheel. The flagship market in front of the Gothic City Hall opens November 13, along with smaller markets at Spittelberg, Am Hof and Karlsplatz.
Nearest airport: Vienna International (VIE), about 18 km / 20–30 minutes to the city centre.
Getting there: The City Airport Train reaches Wien Mitte in about 16 minutes. From there take the U4 to Schönbrunn or the U2 to Rathaus.
Good to know: Weekend evenings at Rathausplatz get very crowded; weekday afternoons are calmer.
More info: christkindlmarkt.at
2. International Alba White Truffle Fair — Alba, Piedmont, Italy
When: October 10 – December 6, 2026. The Alba White Truffle World Market is open every Saturday and Sunday (both weekends).
At the World Market you can see, smell and buy certified white truffles alongside other Langhe specialities, with weekend cooking shows at 11:00 and 18:00. Around town there are Barolo and Barbaresco tastings and chef-led dinners.
Nearest airport: Turin Airport (TRN), about 80 km / 1 hour 15 minutes by car. Milan Malpensa (MXP) is about 2 hours away.
Getting there: Train from Torino Porta Nuova to Alba, usually changing at Bra (1–1.5 hours). A rental car is easier if you want to visit the wine villages.
Good to know: Market tickets are €6.30 online for a timed slot and include the truffle museum. November weekends are busy, so book ahead.
More info: fieradeltartufo.org
3. GLOW Eindhoven — Eindhoven, Netherlands
When: November 7–14, 2026, every evening 18:30–midnight (covers November 7–8 and Saturday, November 14).
A free light-art festival along a walking route of about 5 km through the city centre, with installations and projections on squares, in parks and on the Catharinakerk. The 2026 edition, themed CONNECT, adds Eindhoven’s first drone show, at Philips Stadion.
Nearest airport: Eindhoven Airport (EIN), about 8 km / 20–25 minutes. Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) is about 1 hour 20 minutes away by direct train.
Getting there: Bus 400/401 runs from EIN to Eindhoven Centraal, a short walk from the start of the route. From Schiphol, direct NS trains run to Eindhoven Centraal.
Good to know: The route is free; the drone show has its own tickets. Opening-weekend evenings are very crowded.
More info: gloweindhoven.nl
4. Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction weekend — Beaune, Burgundy, France
When: November 13–15, 2026, with the 166th auction on Sunday, November 15.
Sotheby’s runs the charity sale of more than 500 lots from the Hospices’ own vineyards in Beaune’s covered market hall. Over the weekend the town fills with cellar open days and tastings, and the Fête des Grands Vins brings together about 100 Burgundy appellations.
Nearest airport: Lyon-Saint Exupéry (LYS), about 175 km / 2 hours by car.
Getting there: From LYS, take Rhônexpress or a train to Lyon Part-Dieu, then a TER north to Beaune (about 2 hours in total). From Paris, take the TGV to Dijon, then the TER to Beaune (20–25 minutes).
Good to know: Many cellars run paid tastings over the weekend. Beaune hotels fill early, and Dijon is a common place to stay instead.
More info: hospices-de-beaune.com
5. Manchester Christmas Markets — Manchester, England, UK
When: November 6 – December 22, 2026; Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens stay open until January 3, 2027 (both weekends).
One of the UK’s biggest Christmas markets, spread across 10 city-centre sites including Albert Square, Cathedral Gardens (with an ice rink), St Ann’s Square, Exchange Square and the new Lincoln Square. Expect food and drink stalls, mulled wine in collectible mugs, and crafts.
Nearest airport: Manchester Airport (MAN), about 14 km / 20 minutes.
Getting there: Frequent trains run from the airport station to Manchester Piccadilly in 15–20 minutes, and the Metrolink tram also reaches the city centre.
Good to know: Entry is free. Weekend evenings are packed; weekday daytimes are much calmer.
More info: manchester.gov.uk
6. Christmas in Tivoli — Copenhagen, Denmark
When: November 13, 2026 – January 3, 2027 (covers November 14–15).
The historic Tivoli Gardens is decorated with thousands of lights and more than 70,000 ornaments, with market stalls, an ice rink, Santa’s house and Christmas-themed rides alongside the regular attractions.
Nearest airport: Copenhagen Airport (CPH), about 8 km / 15 minutes.
Getting there: A regional train runs to Copenhagen Central Station in 13–15 minutes, and Tivoli’s main entrance is directly opposite.
Good to know: Paid entry is required, with ride passes extra. Weekend evenings are busiest.
More info: tivoli.dk
Dates, prices and schedules can change. Check the official event site before you travel.
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