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First Christmas market trip - itinerary help

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My mom and I are planning a first time christmas market trip, and we'd love feedback on the itinerary! Torn between having a longer stay in one place vs changing hotels for the night. This is what we currently have:
- 3 nights in Cologne, with a day trip to Aachen
- 3 nights in Nuremberg, with a day trip to Regensberg (should we spend night here?)
- 3 nights in Strasbourg or Colmar, with a daytrip to Mulhouse and either Strasbourg or Colmar. Thoughts on best day trip, and where to stay?

Any suggestions or things to think about? I feel like we've gone in circles, but I think we are close. Looking at a balance of Classics with some smaller gems - open to any suggestions! thank you.

Also - The start and end are based on flying into Dusseldorf and out of Paris - pre-determined. We will have to plan another trip to cover Austria, Bratislava, Prague and Dresden!

Posted by
6639 posts

From my experience, I'd make a decision asap, as lodging will already be in short supply, esp on the weekends. I'll try to find some links, as this is a frequent topic.
I would suggest you look at Stuttgart/ Esslingen. Esslingen is one of the most unique markets I've seen, with vendors in period costume, and live entertainment.
There are frequent reports of extreme crowding at Nuremburg, so perhaps visit more smaller markets. Regensburg is definitely worthwhile.
Strasbourg has several markets, as its larger than Colmar. We stayed inside the old town in Strasbourg , and loved it.

Have a magical time.

Posted by
2203 posts

I think you have a reasonable plan for 10-11 days (including travel). I'd base in Koln, Nurnberg, and Strasbourg. remember the fests are best after 4pm, when it starts getting dark, if you want to see the lights. You can easily do Regensburg and back in one day if you take a later (8pm-10 pm) train. Just don't take the last train, in case you get stranded by DB. You should plan on two nights just in Strasbourg; it's bigger and more spread out than Nuremberg. Do plan something for the rest of the day, museums, etc. because the fests really don't start until the afternoon. I'm not sure I'd bother with Mulhouse, but since the French Automobile museum is there I'd probably go. The best time for Mulhouse is the Carnival in FEB.

Don't forget the holiday markets in Paris.

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