Hello Everyone-
We are planning a trip in mid-late November to Germany in the Munich area. We are wondering when do the Christmas markets start? Which ones open the earliest? We are willing to do some train travel to get to them.
Thanks ahead of time,
Dan
Posted by
New York, NY
4074 posts
The first day of Advent which this year will be the first weekend in December. The markets are really Advent markets as they close December 24.
Posted by
Europe
18 posts
Hi Dan,
What Continental says is true, though most German Christmas markets will start a bit earlier, probably around the 25th of November.
I can definitely recommend the Christmas markets in Munich, Nurnberg, and Salzburg. From Munich Central Station there's lots of trains going there.
Posted by
Oberpfalz, Germany
1422 posts
The Advent weekends are religiously important in Bayern und Tiroler Österreich as some markets are only open that weekend or Sunday. You can visit the large markets, but the ones that are unique are smaller. These can be hard to find. Some were great as a small local market but got quickly overwhelmed with bus tours etc. and after a few years closed. Consider calling the tourist office near where you want to stay for Weihnachtsmarkt recommendations. Support the local county.
Posted by
NYC area
3026 posts
You may want to visit and stay in Innsbruck also. Probably our favorites during the Advent Markets. This year most opened on Nov. 15. Some others on the 25th. That’s was in 2022.
Posted by
Munich
564 posts
To really enjoy Christmas Markets in and around Munich December would be the better choice.
Posted by
OP
Rockford, IL, USA
98 posts
Thanks everyone-
I forgot to mention that a business obligation puts us in Germany from November 13 - 17th. We planned on travelling the week after and probably departing on the 25th for home. We have done a couple of markets in the past and were hoping we could catch a couple before we leave. We will keep an eye open for dates. If you see any that fall in that time frame, please let us know. Thanks!
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9329 posts
A lot of markets opened this year all over Germany around the 21st. There were a few that opened earlier, but most were closed on the 20th, because of the religious holiday. So check that for next year. Any town you want to visit usually has their markets listed. It might be a bit early right now, cause it is Jan. but soon. Do not trust the conglomerate websites, they are consistently wrong. Check the city websites.
Posted by
OP
Rockford, IL, USA
98 posts
Ms Jo- What holiday are you talking about?