christmas market trip

We have been to the Christmas markets and our favorites were Nurnberg, Rothenburg, and Salzburg. There is lots of wonderful info over on the Graffiti Wall under the Christmas in Europe caption. You may want to check it out! Have fun!!

Hi Brooke... I think I am also going and I posted a question a few weeks ago and lots of info there for you to see. I think I put it in the General area. As I research it further I will let you know. I think I am also going to Paris as I have heard it is great for holidays. There are a number of people here who have said they were going to markets so I am sure there will be more info to follow. I was in the Cotswolds once over New Years and it was great. But any place in Europe would be a fun NY eve. I heard the Salzburg market is beautiful as well.

Here's a website that lists all the Christmas markets (Weinachtsmark) in Germany. It's in German only, but it's easy enough to get the relevant information... it would be nice if the towns were listed in alphabetical order, though: http://www.weihnachtsmarkt-deutschland.de/ Of about the 10 or so markets I went to last year, Darmstadt and Mannheim were probably the most elaborate. The nicest smaller town markets I visited were Seliginstadt and Bensheim. The single best market I have ever visited, though, is in Belgium. Hasselt's Winterland market/carnival is quite spectacular. I think the real attraction for adults at the markets isn't necessarily what's for sale (the merchandise is generally around the same sort you would find at a flea market in the US), but it's an opportunity to drink and socialize in a nice outdoor setting.

I have to say that I think Frankfurt is one of the best base cities to choose for Christmas Markets. It has one of the oldest markets, begun in 1393 and is in a beautiful location. Near-by cities that will have markets the whole Advent season are Mainz, Wiesbaden, Heidelberg and Ruedesheim. Other near-by towns that I can recommend as favorites would be Buedingen, Idstein, Seligenstadt, and Bad Homburg, but their market dates are limited. Most markets will close down on the 22nd or 23rd. The 24th will see almost everything shut down about 14:00, except for hotels and public transportation. So, you will need dinner reservations at your hotel for the 24th. The 25th and 26th are holidays with all stores closed, but some tourist attractions and museums may be open as well as restaurants. They actually do a good business on the 2 Christmas Days. Pick a city that may have some things to do in case the weather is yucky, but that also has some nice nature areas in the area for walks. Best spot for New Years is Berlin, hands down. That said, any town or city will explode with a zillion fireworks on New Years Eve, as they are sold here legally the 3 days before the 31st.

look at christmasmarkets.com It's in English. Definitely agree about it being an experience. I don't
really intend to buy anything (maybe just good intentions?)

Hi, I've been twice to the Christmas markets. The first time we started in Vienna, Salzburg, Rothenburg and Nurnberg. The second time Nurnberg, Rothenburg, Salzburg, Munich, then a few smaller ones on the Rhine with a river cruise. I highly reccomend Nurnberg and Vienna. They are large and wonderful. If you fly into Frankfurt you can catch the train right at the airport to Nurnberg. From there you can easily go to Rothenburg, a must. The market is not so large but the town is beautiful. Vienna has numerous Christmas markets and a lot of touring to do also. I always train my way across Europe.
Good luck.

I would second a vote for the Nurnberg market, although it's huge and can be a bit overwhelming so plan on getting there early while is quiet and then watching dusk fall and the lights turn on. That being said, if you're going to be as far up as Cologne, the Valkensburg market in the Netherlands is really neat. For things to be open on Christmas you should look at France, the UK or Ireland. Most of the rest has this thing about holidays being holidays. :) The Christmas markets start the weekend of Thanksgiving. I would come earlier, rather than staying through New Years if you really want to see cities and markets as far spread out as Berlin, Colonge and Munich. Perhaps arrive 5 december or so and fly out the 26th? Many of the Markets close down on the 22 or 23rd of December. Make sure to enjoy some of the other things in the cities besides the Christmas market. If you want a bit of a crazy time you can go to Rothenburg ob der Tauber and see the Christmas store and museum. Rothenburg has a very small main square and thus a small Christmas market but it has some wonderful history to see within the town.
Also consider Bernkastel Kues and Cochem for Christmas markets and wine. They're near to Cologne and accesible by train. Big wine area, so the gluehwein is particularly fine there. Try the white, or the blueberry (heidelbeeren).

We have visited markets the last three years and really enjoyed being in Germany this time of year. Not only are there great sights to see during the day but the markets are a bit magic after the sun goes down at about 4pm in the afternoon. We have been to Stuttgart and Munich for larger markets and enjoyed both; still, we like the smaller towns best. Rothenburg, Würzburg and Regensburg (day trip from Munich) were our favorites. We are happy to move every two days, not something that everyone would like. There is a certain sameness to the markets IMO. 2-3 weeks would get a little long if markets were the main focus. We choose cities and towns that we want to see, and take the markets as frosting on the cake. We stay at a place long enough to get a good feel for the town and its sights. Regards, Gary