Looking to visit Germany this Christmas from about the 20th-26th.
Most cities have lots of events.
Looking for the most festive/interesting/authentic/fun city to visit.
What recommendations do y'all have?
We're traveling from Phoenix, Az.
Thanks!
Posted by
San Diego, California
5618 posts
Do you know that many markets close midday Dec 24, ( if not Dec 23) and that almost everything is closed Dec 25 and Dec 26? This means restaurants included.
Any way you can back up your trip by a few days? The markets are truly magical.
Posted by
Berlin
3008 posts
In large cities you will find few markets open between the years (example Berlin). Large cities will also have a lot of open restaurants just because not all people celebrate Christmas. Traditionally it is celebrated on Christmas Eve (24th). Sights opening are individually.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9221 posts
Most markets close on the 22nd or 23rd.
Pretty much everything closes down on the 24th around 1400, with many things like museums and restaurants not open at all. This is the main day for celebrating in Germany. The 25th and 26th are official holidays and stores are all closed, museums and restaurant may or may not be open. If a restaurant is open, they will be busy as it is a popular day to eat out.
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
1488 posts
Christmas in Germany is a family holiday, the celebrations are with family.
Christmas 2024 falls in the middle of the week, that's going to be a problem for tourists who don't understand how things are different here. Sundays almost everything is closed. Hotels and some restaurants in bigger cities will be open, and churches, but almost everything else will be closed. 22 DEC is a Sunday. 24 DEC is usually, at best, a half day. Nothing will be open Christmas day, and 26 DEC is a German holiday when all businesses are closed. This is not only going to impact where you stay, and what you eat, but also how you travel, because the airport, taxi's, and trains will be very limited.
Some of the Kristkindlemarkt may be open, but you're going to have to look very carefully at the dates and times when they get posted. I expect that most of them will close on the 23rd, although with 22nd being a Sunday I expect that will also be a popular ending date.
Posted by
44 posts
Hamburg offers some very nice Christmas Markets. The Harbor is very nice and offers nice Harbor Ship Tours. If you like to visit restaurants you have to check opening hours in advance!. In most restaurants you would need a reservation. Best way to find places to eat (24th and 25th) are big hotels with own restaurants AND a reservation. It could be very expensive.
I guess, but not sure, Fast Food restaurants are open for few hours.
Berlin offers some very nice Christmas Markets, too.
Can be a 3- 8 day River Rhein or Donau or Mosel Ship Cruise something for you? You would visit several places you like in an easy way.