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Munich or Paris around Christmas

We were in Munich last year before and after Christmas. Loved the Christmas Markets in many towns we visited.

I'm curious if anyone can compare the differences between Paris and Munich around this time? Do you have a preference?

Posted by
3938 posts

I've been to Paris 2X in mid December for a week and Munich at Christmas time also. While Paris is lit with many strands of lights and some arrondisement centers have decorations, there aren't the markets and food stalls that various neighborhoods and the center of Munich have.

There may be outdoor ice skating rinks set up at various venues and other recreational things that aren't normally available in each city. There will be opportunities for Christmas concerts in both cities. Both cities seem more festive in general, however, because of the shop decorations and the bustle of people. Both cities will have more traditional restaurant menu options for specials. Both cities will/can be chilly temperature wise, at least if you come from Southern California like me...

If you want a blend of a French city with traditional markets, Strasbourg is a nice base.

You might also consider Vienna, Austria as a base. We've been there at Christmas time and loved the markets, museums and music there too.

Posted by
362 posts

I have this same question as far as Munich Christmas markets. In Chicago we have a decent German Christmas market with authentic foods and ornaments. Are the Munich markets special or worth the trip???? I hope you get responses for those who have experienced both.
Two years ago was in Paris end November; lights were incredibly beautiful; didn't care for the shopping and crowds Champs-Élysées, seemed like everything repeated itself. The Ferris wheel views at night were wonderful. Galleries Lafayette (outside windows and inside), Au Printemps and boulevard Haussmann Christmas lights are not to be missed. The was a small market around Sacre-Coeur entrance with homemade items from a region outside Paris. As the weeks get closer to Christmas there are more markets that open in the neighborhoods.

Posted by
7980 posts

Haven't been to Munich for Christmas and am not a fan of Germany having lived there for a year once, but have been to Paris at Christmas a couple of times. It is a great Christmas town. The opera and other cultural events are in full swing; the lights are nice, there is the grande roue ferris wheel at Concord for fabulous views, ice skating at the Eiffel Tower and Hotel DeVille -- all good. And things don't close down at Christmas as they do in London.