Germany Christmas Markets

If you search back around a year or a bit more, Ms. Jo in Frankfurt am Main did a really comprehensive study on German Christmas Markets right here on this Forum - all based on first hand experience.

Nürnberg, Regensburg and Rothenburg are three of our favorite Christmas Market towns. Not familiar with the other 2. Regensburg and Nürnberg also have well developed shopping areas in addition to the Christmas Markets.

In Nürnberg we have stayed at the Altstadt Ibis and Hauptbahnhof Ibis, both basic good hotels. The Hauptbahnhof Ibis is a couple blocks outside the pedestrian zone and has a decent breakfast. The Altstadt Ibis is right in the sprawling Christmas Market area. I would skip the breakfast if you go there and eat at the Der Beck Bakery or other nearby locales.

In Regensburg we liked the Hotel Weidenhof multiple times. It is about 3 blocks from the train station and right in the pedestrian zone. They have a good breakfast and very nice staff. The main Christmas Market in Regensburg is at the Thurn and Taxis palace on that side of town. Still the whole Altstadt is very compact and very walkable.

In Rothenburg we have stayed at the Goldener Greifen and the Raidel. The Goldener Greifen is right at the market square and tends to fill up quick. It has a good breakfast and used to do a laundry, which could be handy. The Raidel is an interesting stop. The owner is very friendly. The Hotel is just off Schmied Gasse near most of the tourist shops. The tourist shops give over to Christmas items that time of the year and are better shopping than the Christmas Market itself.

HI Stephanie, as per Nigel's comment, here is a link to another thread on the forum that has some good suggestions posted on 8/17/14
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/germany/best-christmas-markets

Thank you all for your help. I appreciate it. Great suggestions and information!