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Christmas Markets in December - Itinerary suggestions? Will be starting in Munich.

Posted by (California ) on

Hello! My boyfriend and I will be traveling to Germany, France and Switzerland in December and although we have both been to Germany and France, and he has been to Germany in the winter, we have no been to the Christmas markets together and its something I have wanted to do for years. My birthday is the day we land (December 10) in Munich and we are there until December 14 before continuing on to Strasbourg, France. Along the way to Strasbourg, we plan to stop in Baden Baden for the thermal spa and to just break up the long drive. My questions to you all would be:

  1. Any day trip suggestions from Munich? I am open to going to Neuschwanstein Castle, however, this is not really on my "must see" list so if this doesn't fit into our schedule, I am ok with missing it. Honestly, it seems a little too touristy for me. I am interested in going to see the smaller, more local Christmas markets. We are not interested in doing an overnight trip from Munich during the 4 days we are there (we try to keep our vacations to just 2-3 hotels during our trip. Just personal preference!), however we are ok with taking a train and will not renting a car until we are ready to leave Munich and head to Strasbourg on the 14th. I will be doing most of my Christmas shopping for my family while I am on this trip and I really want to find unique, locally made gifts (hence why I would like to get out of Munich to see a smaller town.

  2. That being said, are there any "must see" things along the route between Munich, Baden Baden and Strasbourg? We enjoy German food, of course and I love sweets (my boyfriend not so much but he will try them!) and I am always looking for a unique experience.

  3. Finally, advise about the Christmas markets would be great too. I have been watching a lot of youtube videos, including Rick's on the topic and know I should plan on bringing cash for most booths and expecting a deposit for the cups we use for the gluhwein. Any other advise? Things we must eat at the Christmas markets in Munich?

Any and all suggestions are welcome! After Strasbourg, we head to Basil, Switzerland for just a day before heading home, so not much time to see Switzerland but it will give me a taste! (My boyfriend has been to Switzerland before!) Thank you for the help!

Posted by
1209 posts

We go to the markets every other yr. The best are in Germany & Austria. There are 3 good markets in Munich very close to each other and close to Marienplatz -- the main one, the Residenz, and a small Medieval one which is unique w/very good food.

Salzburg has excellent markets. Nuremberg does also - actually one of our favorites. Regensburg's private THURN & TAXIS market is one of the best in all of Europe w/very unique items you won't see in other places - you do need a ticket to enter which you can get online. The cathedrals in all those towns are worth seeing. Dachau Concentration Camp is an easy train trip from Munich and I think everyone should see one (especially since you will be in Hitler territory).

Posted by
4246 posts

break up the long drive

Do you want to travel by car? In case you shall book winter tires.

sweets ... always looking for a unique experience

Christstollen is a beloved Christmas related pastry. You will find also whole stands on the markets with sweets and gingerbread hearts. The closer you will come to France pay attention for Crepes stands at Christmas markets. The very sweet lovers take one with Nutella (hazelnut cream).

In Waldenbuch, 20 kilometers South of Stuttgart, you can visit HQs of Ritter Sport.

Posted by
9615 posts

Near Munich as a day trip would be Regensburg.
On the way to Strasbourg, I would consider a stop at both Stuttgart and Esslingen. If you only have time for one, then Esslingen.

Posted by
44 posts

Near-ish to Munich there's also the Christmas market in Chiemsee (actually at the Fraueninsel) which would work with your dates and is a rather special experience. (I'd never been on a boat in the snow before!) Definitely doable as a day trip though it's on the train line to Salzburg, which gets crowded.

Edited to agree with Ms Jo on Esslingen vs Stuttgart for Christmas markets.

Oh, and re: Waldenbuch, it's fun, but half the charm is the setting, so unless you really like Ritter Sport (and the shop is impressive), I'd give it a miss if the weather is iffy.

Posted by
1549 posts

In Munich we liked the Haudhauser Weihnachtsmarkt just for the local flavor that DJ mentioned.

We also liked the market in Schwabing, which is more of a craft fair. The night that we were there they had a Reggae band. The atmosphere is different and it is a nice change from the usual.

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