Christmas Market Itinerary Part 2

We go to the Xmas Markets every other year. Double check when the Cologne Markets close - it is either 12/21 or 12/22 usually. They have a great Market and the cathedral there is fabulous. Nuremberg is one of our all time favorite markets - if you need a good, convenient hotel, we love Hotel Victoria. The Market in Munich is NOT one of our favorites - be sure to check out the smaller VIKING/Midieval market - super unique with good food. I don't think you need 4 days in Munich unless you are planning a day trip to Dachau Concentration Camp (bighattours.com does a fabulous job). Frankfurt also is underwhelming to us. Vienna has MANY great markets if you want to add one. Strasbourg has a nice market too.

I'd suggest finding the days to do both Strasbourg/ Colmar AND Esslingen. They are the most unique markets I've ever seen! The decorations in Strasbourg are incredible, and the Middle Age theme of Esslingen is so much fun ( street performers in costume , live entertainment stage, children's games, etc.)
Do book lodging asap, as I was amazed to find some hotels fully booked when I was making reservations in June!
You have a great experience to look forward to. I'm jealous! Safe travels .

I would for sure add in Esslingen!
Frankfurt closes on 22 Dec. It has expanded and improved since Covid and is a lot nicer than it used to be. If you are there on a Wed. or Sat. evening, there is a brass band playing from the gallery of the Alte Nikolai.
Add in Mainz and or Wiesbaden as day trips from Frankfurt. I think Mainz was open until the 23rd, but check the city website.

be sure to check out the smaller VIKING market - super unique with good food

What is the VIKING market?

@Melissa

In Munich of course one should visit the market at Marienplatz but during the day is just fine. In my eyes, this is not the prettiest market in Munich.

I would suggest check out below ones as well - some showing in the video I've linked in the other post:

• Tollwood Winter Festival at Theresienwiese at the evening (very different from all the other markets)
• Medieval Christmas Market at Wittelsbacher Platz (taste the Feuerzangenbowle)
• Christmas Village in the Kaiserhof of the Residenz
• Haidhausen Christmas Market on Weissenburger Platz (many locals including myself)
• Schwabing Christmas markets at Münchner Freiheit (full of artisan stands)
• Chinese Tower in the English Garden (was closed in 2022!)

Have fun :-)

Even in winter you could easily spend more days in Munich. In case you need any ideas please just let me know.

YES to Strasbourg. You will not be sorry!

While in Stuttgart, you will want to get a local to guide you on Glühwein choices.

Be sure to try the Krampus Glühbier in Munich.

From Salzburg, take a visit to the Strobl / St. Wolfgang / St. Gilgen trio. My favourite was Strobl.