Nuremberg Christmas Markets

If you're really interested in trying the whole "do as the locals do" thing, visit Kristall Palm Beach. Not nearly as large nor as elaborate as the magnificent Therme Erding, but worth your time if you'll be in the city for a few days.

I personally found the Nürnberg Christmas Market no different but far more crowded than most German big-city markets, but since you'll be in town anyway, there's no reason not to go.

You might want to reserve a few hours of your time for the massive Germanisches Nationalmuseum. I've visited twice and still only made it through about half the museum.

The Deutsche Bahn Museum was a little disappointing to me, but if you run out of other things to see, give it a look.

There's a nice beer garden located on part of the city ramparts, but I doubt the outdoor section remains open in December.

Two of the better restaurants in the Alstadt are the Nassauer Haus Keller (I think that's the name) and Restaurant Heilig Geist Spital. You won't be the only tourists eating here, but the food is really good, so who cares?

The Nürnberg Christmas Markets are very popular and overwhelmed at times, especially evenings and weekends. Do your shopping at them during the day and visit at night for the atmosphere.

There is an arts and crafts section of the Christmas Market that is just inside the wall from the Train station. It has a little different items.

We like the the Goldenes Posthorn. Not too fancy. Good for wursts.

https://mcchelsea.smugmug.com/Other-3/Fraenkisches-Freilandmuseum/i-BzJhQdM/0/M/IMG_5054-M.jpg

It's a short tram ride to the Documentation Center and former Nazi parade grounds. The Nuremberg Trials courtroom is also nearby.

We LOVE the Nuremberg markets. Lots of people say it's too big and crowded . . . but for us, that adds to the fun & experience. It is huge and goes forever . . . you could easily spend all your time just exploring the Nuremberg OLD TOWN around the market. There are 3 large cathedrals that the markets surround that I would go in. There are also neat areas to explore a few streets over. A 1/2 day trip to the Documentation Center is possible.

As this person said, "There is an arts and crafts section of the Christmas Market that is just inside the wall from the Train station. It has a little different items." -- this was one of our favorite areas to explore. It is right across the street from the station, inside the wall that surrounds the OLD CITY, you'll cross a bridge and from there it is a fun and easy walk to the market with crepe and Gingerbread and sausage stands along the way. The food in the markets is wonderful . . . sausage, potato cakes, etc.