Munich this December

We go to the Xmas Markets every other year and often fly back home from Munich.

There are 3 Xmas Markets around Marienplatz - they aren't our fav in Germany, but they are worth seeing - we esp like the Medieval one - it's very small, but unique with great food.

Nuremberg is one of our fav markets in all of Europe - great items and food and 3 gorgeous cathedrals.

Regensbeurg main market is OK, but their private THURN & TAXIS market is one of the best in all of Europe - there is a small fee to enter, but it is SO worth it - some of the best items and food of all the Xmas markets. The town is also worth exploring. Don't miss the bridge and the oldest sausage shop in all of Europe. I'd get to the THURN & TAXIS market around 2:30-3 & stay till dark as they light lots of fires - it is stunning.

We also love Salzburg and the market there.

I, personall,y don't think Neuschw. Castle is worth the trip and if you read other's posts about it, many agree.

I do think a trip to Dachau Concentration Camp is VERY worth it. I think it's crazy to be so close and be in Munich and Nuremberg where Hitler was and not visit a camp. We go every Dec when we are there - as we usually have friends with us who have never been. I also think a guided tour of it is worth it. We've used Radius Tours and BigHatTours for it and we thought BigHatTours did a great job. He also does great Third Reich tours of Munich.

In Munich, we love Hotel Schlicker and Platzl Hotel = both very close to all 3 Munich markets and Marienplatz.

I would like to suggest that you consider the Deutschland Ticket also known as the "D" ticket). This covers local public transportation and regional trains throughout Germany in one calendar month for 49 euros per person. It is nice that from the moment you land at the airport to when you leave, you know you have your transport costs covered. It will even cover your trip to Salzburg.

To purchase. Download the MVV app and open an account for each person. Around November, purchase the D ticket for December. You will receive a QR code in the app that is your ticket. You will also receive an email that includes the link for cancelling your "subscription" The D ticket will auto-renew unless you cancel it. About 5 minutes after receiving the December ticket (QR code), use the link the email and cancel the subscription effective December 31. That's pretty much all there is to it. You can use this ticket on everything except high speed intercity trains, but I don't think that you are planning any trips like that.

If you base out of Munich you can easily do Nuremberg, Regensburg, and Salzburg on the DM ticket. Plus it lets you use the S bahns around the cities.

I find Dachau depressing and advise giving that a pass in DEC. You may want to consider Augsburg though. Easy to reach by train and the market is a easy walk into the old town from the main station.

Thanks for the suggestions - will have to review these with my traveling companions and get planning !

Here are some insider tips to enjoy.
Walk through the English garden . Even in Dezember it’s lovely and easy to mange with good boots.
The restaurant SEEHAUS with a more refined Bavarian cuisine is a 2 mile walk pretty much straight from the HOFGARTEN / ODEONSPLATZ.. It’s worth it. Make a reservation
Enjoy brunch on Sunday’s at the REITSCHULE in SCHWABING.. It’s frequented my the locals and you need to make a reservation. Also very fun the Greek Restaurant in the same house below with more upscale greek delights.
If you love Lebkuchen / gingerbread , go to SCHMIDT , in the winter they have outlets everywhere. I highly suggest you spend the extra euro on ELISEN Lebkuchen. Of course there are lots of Lebkuchen in the Christmas markets to enjoy with GLÜHWEIN ( hot sweetened red wine) and sweet nuts.
For a nice late evening cocktail, go to the recently reopened TRADER VICS ( back street of Maximilian Street . You might spot some celebrities . Café Brenner on the others side in the backs of Maximilian street is also a fab meeting spot for lunch or dinner.
If you like chocolate, you need to try Elly Seidel . It’s THE best pralines I have ever purchased.. Try their rum -, whisky -, or my favorite , the Champagne truffle , and eat it slowwwwly . It’s like an entire desert in a couple of bites. My husband takes home the chocolate covered marshmallows every time we go.
And since we are on food , take a stroll through DALLMAYR as well as visit the VIKTUALIENMARKT. It’s a must.
Check out art exhibitions if that’s your thing. Love the PINAKOTHEK DER MODERNE and the MUSEUM BRANDHORT. Last one is small but has an entire hall of CY TWOMBLY .
Also very cool, the LENBACHHAUS with a very large show of KANDINSKY , group member of the BLAUE REITER who lived in the University part of Schwabing.

BTW , a stroll around the University and it’s two massive fountains on LEOPOLDSTRASSE as well as the streets behind it , Amalienstreet , Tuerkenstreet and so on, is fun. You can see a bit more of the real Munich away from the tourism sites and it’s an easy walk from there to downtown.

Dezember might be also a good time to check out classical concerts or the opera.