Planning a family Christmas Markets tour. Will spend a few days in Berlin, a few days in Nuremburg, a last few days in Prague, and a few days in small towns (considering Regensburg, Bamberg, Quedlinburg). On past trips to Germany we have found that on religious or national holidays, things really shut down. We will be there 24-26 December and likely New Years too. Wondering what may/may not be open then and how to entertain my family (youngest will be 21) on these days. Thanks!!
Posted by
7679 posts
We lived in Southern Germany for four years and always went skiing after Christmas.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
8946 posts
Well, most of the markets will have shut down on the 22nd or 23rd. Very few are open on the 24th. This year, the 24th is on a Monday which means the stores will be jamming on the 22nd since stores are closed on Sundays. On the 24th, expect most museums to be closed and restaurants will either be closed the entire day or close at 1400. Stores will be open, but will close at 14:00 at the latest. If you want dinner on the 24th, check out what is on offer at nicer hotel chains and make your reservations now. The 24th is when Germans celebrate Christmas, with gift opening, nice dinner, church. They often go out to eat on the 25th and 26th and many restaurants do a booming business on those days.
The 25th and 26th are official holidays and stores will be closed. Museums may or may not be open, so check their website. Many small restaurants may just close down over the holidays, returning after the 1st of the year.
Have your youngest check out what they would like to do. That is what the internet is good for.
Posted by
New York, NY
4007 posts
Go to a Christmas mass. Church will be open Christmas Day!