Xmas Markets - how's my plan?

I think Vienna’s Christmas Markets are some of the best in Europe!

Just a suggestion. Why not take two days off of Budapest and go to Salzburg after Vienna. Salzburg was one of our favorites. We’re be there in Nov and Dec.

Still no word on whether Christmas is cancelled this year

I would add another day to Vienna but NOT take it away from Budapest.

Good choices with Budapest and Vienna. We found that the Christmas markets are spread out across the Pest side. Vienna was fairly large and spread out also. I highly recommend Strasbourg's Christmas Market also but it is way out of your way. I can not speak of the other cities on your list. Enjoy!

Dan and John - I've been to both Salzburg and Strasbourg (and Colmar) in December.

Phred - good point. Any idea how long I should wait to book flights. I would probably book flights to/from TLV as soon as my plan is set. Worst case, I cancel and get a credit which I would use in the future. I might get a credit (that would probably go to waste) on other two flights, but the cost right now is $140 (exchange rates are favorable). If I wait, prices will only go up. Could flight schedules for the budget airlines change a lot?

Okay, Vienna stays in. Adding a day there might work if I start the trip on Dec 4, adds $55 to the ticket price. The only flight from Vienna to Nice on the 12th is on Austrian, the flight on the 11th is on Wizz Air. Staying a day longer adds $140 to the cost of the flight.

Now an airline question. There are flights from Nice to Barcelona on EasyJet and Vueling, for roughly the same price. EasyJet leaves at 9 am, Vueling at 10 am. Which would you choose?

Vienna's Christmas markets were amazing. Absolutely magical.

I have not heard Nice as a big spot for Christmas markets, but I may not know... if I were focusing on Markets I would be Germany for sure.

Happy travels! :)

Chani - here’s some inspiration for Vienna:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/austria/a-local-s-take-on-15-christmas-markets-in-vienna-2019

Hello Chani, you know what I am going to say: "I will see if I can plan my trip for the same days"

Sorry, I am not well enough traveled to say which markets are the best in Europe; that would require I go to a lot more markets, but I can tell you my impression and the few details I know about the Budapest market.

First there are two major markets, one at Vorosmarty ter and the second at Szent István tér; and you know where both of those are (a 5 to 7 minute walk between the two).

There may be a few booths set up elsewhere like Nagymező u in front of the Operett Theater and I think maybe on Frans Liszt ter; but if they exist they are really secondary; and there is a fairly large one in the square in Obuda which is more "local" in flavor and less touristy..... (M2 across the river then the H5 to Obuda)

Next, everything at Vorsomarty ter and Szent Istvan ter will have been reviewed by a committee to ensure they are all local products, arts and crafts. No imports allowed.

Food Stalls generally close on Christmas eve, but the vendors stay until New Year's Eve (and they were open last year so I have no doubt they will be open this year starting the weekend of the 18th of November I suspect).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvylwDspV9o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_L0Xp6b2R4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLy0mHxrXkA

And the one in Obuda: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUTpQhHMqk0

Now an airline question. There are flights from Nice to Barcelona on EasyJet and Vueling

EasyJet has the better overall reputation BUT they are currently on strike in Spain. Obviously, things can improve until the end of the year, but for now, I would lean towards Vueling. Luggage policies are similar (i.e., similarly annoying!), base fares do not include cabin luggage.

This year only buy changeable and refundable tix