Christmas Markets Munich, Salzburg, Vienna

I think it is safe to say that every town has a Christmas market. Last Christmas we did Strasbourg, Rothenburg, Munich, Nurnberg, and Prague. To a degree there is some sameness to all the market. The Germany markets all close on Christmas eve and Prague stayed open till Jan 6th. Don't know the times for Austria.

Most of the German Christmas markets will close before Christmas Eve, like on the 22nd or 23rd. Smaller towns may only have a market on a weekend sometime during Advent. The best thing to do is go to the town websites to see when their market is going to be, as they will have them listed. I would also email your hotels and ask them, as they are sure to know of some nice ones in the area.

Went with a friend, last year, to Prague, Dresden, Seiffen, Rothenburg, Nuremberg, Munich, Lauscha, Salzburg, Bamburg, Oberndorf. We enjoyed Seiffen the best - whole little village is one market - perfect especially if you are "dusted" with snow while visiting! Most were very similar- Dresden was interesting....two markets about 5 minute walk from each other. I also enjoyed Munich - it has three wonderful markets - one called a medieval market and lots of wonderful shops. This year we are going again to different locations - repeating only Nuremberg ... can't wait! You might try Bamburg. Have fun!

www.christmasmarkets.com
Has a list by country.

We hit Nurnberg, Rothenburg, dinklesbuhl, augsburg, Salzburg, Munich (arrived Christmas day, market was gone). These were the towns with markets, anyway, and Salzburg was open post-christmas. Many of the markets are not open until Epiphany, at least the ones that I looked up. Salzburg is a great market in a great setting.

The Christkindlmarkt in Vienna, beaneath the Rathaus, is great, btw. Really festive, pretty, especially at night. In general, xmas season is a great time to visit Vienna. You'll love the market in Salzburg, too, and hopefully, there will be snow, as was the case when we were there; really added to the festive atmosphere in Salzburg. Enjoy.

Hi Lynne, We visited the Advent/Christmas markets in Salzburg and St. Gilgen (Salzkammergut/lake District) last November. Salzburg has a number of different Christmas/Advent markets in and around the old town and St. Gilgen's market was very charming. Unfortunately, we didn't get to any others in the Salzkammergut. http://www.wolfgangseer-advent.at http://www.salzburg.info/en/art_culture/advent_new_years_eve We also visited the markets in Innsbruck, Hall in Tirol and Rattenberg, Austria. Paul

Thanks for all the great tips. We will work some of these into our trip for sure! You guys are great!