Greetings from Innsbruck, Austria where the mulled wine has been flowing and chestnuts have been roasting at the holiday market since mid-November. I always love sharing this festive market with friends, colleagues and family who come to visit in Innsbruck. Earlier this week, I met up with Jacob Huseby, editor of the Enjoy Winter and Ski Post, at the Innsbruck Christmas Market. We had a fun dinner in the city and strolled through the market, catching up about his current role coaching the Australian Ski Team – in addition to everything he’s doing for Ski Post!

Meeting up with Jacob here reminded me of a visit from Corinne Prevot, owner of Skida hats, when she was in Tyrol a couple winters ago. For over 5 years, Lumi has offered Skida hats to guests as a gift for joining the trip. Skida’s iconic hats are fun for guests to wear and make it easier to find Lumi guests as they cruise past on the trail too. Corinne had the idea to photograph a new Skida collection on the trails in Seefeld, a short train ride from Innsbruck. Planning the shoot was like leading a Lumi trip for two, sharing my favorite trails and scenic viewpoints with Corinne and one of Skida’s product photographers, Florence Gross. Of course, we ended the day with mulled wine, or Glühwein, at the Seefeld Christmas market. This intimate, village-style market in the mountains has wooden stalls selling handcrafted gifts and local delicacies.

Christmas markets have a deep-rooted tradition in Europe, with origins dating back to the Middle Ages. The tradition started in Germany, specifically in places like Dresden and Nuremberg, where "Christkindlesmarkt" (meaning "Christ Child markets") were held to mark the Advent season. These markets were originally a way for people to buy food and crafts before the long, harsh winter, as well as a place to gather and celebrate the coming of Christmas. Over time, they evolved into festive social events, filled with music, food, and handcrafted goods, all in the spirit of holiday cheer.

If you haven’t been to one before, the charm of European Christmas markets lies in their combination of history, culture, and tradition. They often take place in picturesque town squares or historic settings, with beautiful medieval architecture and twinkling lights creating a magical atmosphere. Local artisans sell everything from hand-carved wooden toys and delicate ornaments to warm wool scarves and handmade candles, making them ideal places to find unique gifts.

But it's not just about shopping—the food is a huge part of the experience! You’ll find seasonal treats like gingerbread cookies, roasted chestnuts, bratwurst, and of course, Glühwein. The markets also serve as gathering places for locals and visitors alike to celebrate the joy of the season together.

Whether you love visiting different holiday markets or want to go to one for the first time, strolling through the Seefeld or Innsbruck markets feels like a magical alpine wonderland, with the scent of gingerbread and spiced mulled wine filling the air. Many holiday markets in Europe are open until January 6, the day of the Epiphany and the last of the “12 Days of Christmas,” so guests on Lumi’s Tour de Ski and Seefeld & Seiser Alm trips next month will still have the chance to experience the holiday markets.

We recently announced 2026 Lumi trips, including trips to the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Val di Fiemme, Italy, with a $300 / person discount for booking before March 31. Where will you ski next winter? We look forward to hosting you on your next or first Lumi Experiences cross-country ski vacation.

Happy Winter Solstice!
Garrott Kuzzy
Founder & Olympian
garrott@lumiexperiences.com