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:
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.
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.
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!