Germany Christmas markets

My wife has the impression that few did. We went 4 years, the last year being 2013. Things might be changing. We go mainly for the atmosphere and these are a couple great towns for that.

Many shops also carry Christmas items at this time of year and they are more likely to accept cards.

What a great surprise!! I'm heading there next week too, and from what I understand you will need cash for most of the markets, rather than relying on credit cards.

FYI, German Christmas Markets is the primary topic on the Dec. 02 'Travel with Rick Steves' podcast.

My question is how many vendors take credit cards ...? We will be in Bamberg and Nuremberg.

In Bamberg and Nürnberg no-one (apart from, maybe, vendors of very expensive things like woodcarved christmas cribs).

Thanks Going234 for the heads up about the podcast! I'm going to listen to it right now...

My first trip to Germany was 5 years ago. A friend in Berlin told me then that stores didn't take credit cards - not even Ikea. Many Germans use debit cards. Apparently most people don't want to pay the fees (which the vendors must roll into their prices). My recollection is that tourist sights and many restaurants did take credit cards and of course hotels.

A little disappointed in the product selection most stuff you can find in the Christmas shops

Here's the dirty little secret about Christmas markets... most of them sell essentially the same rather cheap merchandise. The attraction is more the atmosphere and outdoor socializing and drinking (a combination Germans love!), rather than a search for hidden shopping treasures. My most prized possessions from a Christmas market? The souvenir Glühwein mugs! The Glühwein was long since consumed, but each mug still holds unique memories.

Leaving soon ,thanks for the help. Looking forward to seeing Germany and festivities!