Bavarian hole in our itinerary over Christmas. Ideas?

Salzkammergut region for superlative Christmas Markets and mountains.

Check the dates that the markets are open in the locations you plan.
I found that they closed about a week or so before Xmas - around mid-December
In Vienna, Munich, Oberammergau, Nuremburg.
I was a bit surprised - but what lucky that my tour was early enough to see them.

The information above is not correct! Please cite your source.

The Christmas Markets in Vienna shut down between Dec. 23 and 26.

Here is my source:

http://www.wien.info/en/shopping-wining-dining/markets/christmas-markets

If you would consider skiing, and you want guaranteed snow, look into Obertauern south of Salzburg. There should be snow at Garmisch-Partenkirchen but if early winter is particularly warm, it may not be ready by your visit. Obertauern sits at a much higher altitude. The disadvantage is that if anyone in your party is a non-skier, there's much less to do.

Thanks to all for your replies. Still trying to fill the hole, but leaning towards Mittenwald.

Hi swiss fan,

While we love Mittenwald, my suggestion would be to take your open 2 nights and combine them with you 2 nights in Salzburg. Base 4 nights in the area (we love the Berchtesgaden area) and stay for 4 nights. You can visit Berchtesgaden, Konigsee, Salzburg, the Salzkammergut, Hallein, etc. On your way to Salzburg area, stop at Prien on the Chiemsee and visit Ludwig's Neues Schloss/Herrenchiemsee palace.

We have photo's of our late Nov. / early Dec. 2010 and 2013 trips here:

www.flickr.com/photos/pjbassplyr/sets

Our favorite places to stay in the Berchtesgaden area are:

www.mayringerlehen.de

www.friedwiese.de/enska/isl.htm

Paul

I second Paul's suggestion of spending the time around Berchtesgaden. We just spent a week in Berchtesgaden and found so much to do. This also gives you options if the weather doesn't cooperate. You can spend the nicer days in the mountains and the not-so-nice days in Salzburg. The Salzkammergut - St. Wolfgang, Hallstatt, etc. - is an easy day trip, too. Years ago I took the boat trip on Konigsee to St. Bartholomae on a frosty December day and it was very memorable. Especially coming out of the cold into the warm, cozy biergarten while we were at St. Bartholomae.

We've been to Mittenwald a few times including over Christmas and love it--it's definitely a small town with comparatively few tourists, gorgeous mountains (if the weather lets you see them) and easy train access to ski towns in either direction.