8 day trip for European Christmas markets (Germany/Austria/Czechia)

At this late date you may want to find available lodging before you book airline tickets. I’m going to the markets this year for the first time - Bruges, Cologne, Strasbourg and Frankfurt will be my bases. I booked lodging in June and found even then there was an issue for availability. For example I was planning to base in Colmar, but found better options in Strasbourg.

I would focus on places with relatively easy transportation between them. That could be round trip to Frankfurt from SFO, taking the train upon arrival to Cologne. The markets there are supposed to be wonderful. Go to Strasbourg from there to experience a bit of France, then back to the Frankfurt area. Another option could be Munich and surrounds plus Salzburg. It’s an easy train ride between those places. A week will go by quickly.

Just be aware of this situation.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/germany/deutsche-bahn-expects-strikes-before-christmas

Perhaps limiting yourself to Austria and Czech Republic is the wisest option. One week will go quickly and there are plenty of options for Christmas markets in that region.

I go to the Christmas markets almost every year and I fly out of SFO. I recommend you fly into Frankfurt and out of Munich as they both have NonStop flights which is so important especially in winter. You can base yourself in Frankfurt, see its market and take day trips to the Rhine markets. Then head to Munich by way of Regensburg (with the great Thun and Taxis market) enjoy Munich’s market and take a day trip to Salzburg.
I have read about a possible train strike too. Hope it won’t affect my trip from Berlin to Munich on Dec. 13. Enjoy!

I agree with the above regarding lodging availability- when planning my 2019 Xmas markets trip, many of my choices were fully booked by June, especially on the weekends.
I think Munich, Salzburg, Vienna would be a great trip. Is it eight nights on the ground? You really need more time, if possible. I like these cities because there is so much to explore beyond the markets. If you are set on Prague, perhaps fly into Munich and out of Prague. I was in Prague for the Easter markets, and they were wonderful, so I can just imagine how much fun the Xmas markets would be. The Munich markets aren't my first choice, but you'll be flying into Munich to get to Salzburg.
Or
Frankfurt, ( so many small markets in the area), Salzburg, and Vienna?

I'll attach my 2019 Xmas markets Trip Report in which we had a fabulous time exploring Xmas markets in Switzerland, France, and Germany.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/christmas-markets-switzerland-france-germany-2019

I hope it all works out. You'll have a magical time!

I would do the Imperial Tour. There is a reason it's so popular. Prague, Vienna, Budapest + Germany. A little bit of four cultures, but takes a minimum of 2 weeks.

Here is a VERY different thought and especially If you find that hotel availability is slim. Have you considered a river cruise on the Danube from Regensburg Germany to Budapest Hungary (or vice versa). If booked during late November and early December, I bet there would be shore excursions for the Christmas markets.

For what its’ worth, I have not gone on a river cruise yet but am seriously thinking about one in 2025

Low water at that time could be an issue.

I’ve been on many river cruises for Christmas markets! Check with Uniworld (luxury) or Grand Circle (all retirees) or Gate 1 (budget option but still very nice) and more.

The first Christmas Market trip my husband & I took (2019) was to Munich and Salzburg. We flew from San Francisco to Munich round trip. Arrived in the morning and trained to Salzburg. Spent 3 nights there and trained back to Munich for 3 nights. We had the best time. The Christmas Markets were fabulous. From Salzburg we took a day trip to by bus to visit the Christmas Markets in Strobl, St. Wolfgang and St. Gilgen. We travelled between the towns on Wolfgangsee (lake) via a small ferry. We also had dinner (with a concert) at the Salzburg Fortress. From Munich, we did a day trip by train to visit Fussen and Neuschwanstein. Visited three different beer halls for dinners.

Whichever cities you choose, don't have them too far apart by train. You don't want to spend a whole day on the train travelling from city to city with only a week for you visit.

We enjoyed the German/Austrian markets so much that I am now planning a two week trip there for 2024

Have fun!

St. Wolfgang, St. Gilgen, Strobl along the Wolfgangsee near Salzburg. An absolute WIN in the markets. These three are nestled in the Alps, so you have scenery. Each market is slightly different in feel. You can travel among them by ferry across the lake. They aren't crowded like Nuremberg, and Salzburg is also right there.

Munich's main markets are more crowded (not as bad as Nuremberg, but still full), but you also have more variety and more original markets off the beaten track.