Hello all, we are planning a trip this December and wanted to get your feedback as far as our travel plans. We will be flying into Milan on December 3rd and taking a train to Verona for 2 nights. From there we are heading to Munich (3 nights), Strasbourg (3 nights), Basel (3 nights), Zermatt (2 nights) then Back to Milan to fly out on the 18th. We have never been to the Christmas Markets and we are looking forward to the trip (but for me, not so much looking forward to the cold!).
Does this look like a good game plan? I'm thinking the Christmas Markets may get "old" after a few, so we will be exploring the cities also. I'd appreciate any sage words of wisdom and/or suggestions for changes.
Thanks and have a great day!
Posted by
San Diego, California
5618 posts
You could fly multicity, into one city and out of another, such as into Munich and out of Zurich. It would also help if you block out travel times, as you have some distances to cover here. Download the related train apps.
If you're in Munich, then visiting magical Salzburg would be worthwhile. As Xmas markets started in Germany, I would focus on Germany and narrow your travel range. However, Strasbourg and Colmar are beautiful markets.
Basel has two markets and they are relatively small.
The Zurich main train station has the largest indoor market in Europe.
I'll attach my Trip Report in the event you may find it helpful.
Firm up your itinerary asap as lodging will be booking up quickly, especially on weekends.
Have a magical time!
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9221 posts
Do fly out of a different city so you don't have to go back to Milan.
When visiting Strassbourg and Colmar, try and do these on weekdays as weekends there can be overwhelming. You might look at visiting some smaller markets that are close to some of the larger cities. They can be so charming.
Posted by
Utah via SF Bay Area
365 posts
Consider researching restaurants and making reservations now or as soon as reservations open. Especially on weekends.
Dress warmly-- full on winter coat, hat and gloves. Scarf too. It gets cold. Warm boots/shoes that are waterproof in case there is snow or rain. No such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.
Out of the places you want to go to, I was in Munich for Chistmas markets. Marienplatz is packed. We walked to Chinese Tower in the English Garden and that was a wonderful market--it's a schlep or car ride but it was worth it. There were more handcrafted items there than at Marienplatz, where there were many foreign produced items knocking off real German items. I always wanted a beautiful Nativity scene and bought a beautiful set at the Marienplatz market and had it shipped to the USA. There is a sidestreet where all the Nativity, more Christmas themed items are.
Bring bubble wrap and tape-- you can keep the gluwein cups. They make for a wonderful souveneir. I even gave some as gifts. I had bubble wrap and tape and was able to get the cups and more fragile things home in my luggage. Forget carry on. I brought a big bag knowing I was going shopping!!!
If you see something you like in a market, buy it. I found the merchandise was different in each market, though there were some items that were everywhere. I was on a RS tour and we did Munich, Salzburg and Vienna.
Posted by
El Dorado Hills, CA
70 posts
FYI: Zermatt has no Christmas markets. However, the town is all decorated for Christmas. Gorgergrat was closed due to snow when we where there in early December. Cable cars to Klein Matterhorn where open.
Posted by
Narberth, PA
1255 posts
Hi. I may be in Verona about when you are. I have not yet worked out my itinerary but I will be heading up from Rome via train and most likely making Verona my first stop north. The train line north from Verona to Munich offers so many opportunities: Bolzano, Innsbruck and many more. If you are interested in the Dolomites (though you did not mention them so maybe not), you may want to look at the Throne and Vine website.
I am going to end in Paris later in December so I am like a kid in a candy store not being able to choose. Munich is one of my favorites. Shout out to Mo, I am pretty sure we were in MSV together. I found the Marienplatz market overwhelming and pretty unappetizing at night - super crowded. In contrast, I spent an evening at der Alter Peter church adjacent to Marienplatz for a special holiday "Night Fever" event. Church was packed with people and lit only with candles. Quite a contrast to the mayhem outside. I did not plan this, I stumbled on it, but now it is on my to-do list if the dates align.
I also walked from my hotel to the Alte Pinokothek museum on a Sunday morning. It was freezing. I passed the Theatinerkirche. I could hear singing. I went in and again, the church was packed and HEATED. Massive church must have a massive heating bill, but it was a welcome stop on my walk.
The creche museum in Munich is also a bit of a respite from the crowded markets. For the markets, my favorite was the medieval market - but there are so many I have not visited, so I am looking forward to some new experiences this time around. Oh, and the Krampuslauf - in Munich and the Tyrol, and in Salzburg, check for dates in early December. I have been at a Krampuslauf in Munich which was relatively tame and lots of fun, but nothing topped the Krampuslauf in Hallstatt which is held every December 5. Look for YouTube videos.
Since Paris is my goal, I am undecided yet whether to head up to Regensburg and then west or take the train through Switzerland and approach France from Innsbruck/Zurich. Tough decisions!! I hope you are enjoying planning as much as I am. Thanks to Ms. Jo for the tip on crowded weekends in Colmar. I would like to visit Unterlinden, but we shall see. And thanks, Pat for the link to your trip report. I look forward to that.
Best, Debbie