German Christmas Markets

Beth, in terms of chalet rentals have a look at www.interchalet.co.ukEvery German town has got a Christmas market and they're all really pretty. Have you found your flights yet? I suggest once you know your airport of destination in Germany you start looking for the actual area of your stay. Since both Lufthansa and Delta serve the Atlanta to Frankfurt leg you might want to stay in that area. Frankfurt's christmas market has got an over 800 years old tradition. But outside of the city, in Heidelberg, Deidesheim, Freinsheim and other small towns the Xmas markets are even more romantic. However, since you're only planning on being on the ground for around a week it wouldn't really make a lot of sense driving for a day out and another day back to a more remote part of the country. So again, it depends on where you fly into. The following airports are served from the US: Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Hamburg and Berlin.

Thank you so much for the information. I'll be sure to check out the website you mentioned.

I agree with Lee: Emirates are a great airline and usually offer rather low fares. Another "secret" deal like that is Singapore Airlines from JFK to Frankfurt. Plenty of amenities, free bar, great food, excellent service (the beautiful Asian flight attendant asked me sitting in coach during the plane's taxiing to the runway whether I'd prefer to have Thai, Chinese, Arab, Malaysian, German or American for lunch!!).

I cant comment on the southern part of Germany but I am familar with the Christmas season in the northern portion.

Hamburg has a huge Christmas market at in the Rathous area that is very nice as expected from a larger city. Going farther north, there are also large markets in Heide and Husum. Both have food, crafts, and rides for kids. Heide usually has an ice rink too. All three are worth the trip.

Christmas is a special time in Germany as they truely celebrate it for a month. You'll have a blast.

on another note, we took the direct flight from NYC to Hamburg on Emerites and found it was awesome. Great food, great service, and many ammenities that made the flight enjoyable. Recommend it highly (and the price is usually pretty good during that time of year).

Beth,
My husband and I did a Christmas Market cruise a few years ago and it was great. We started in Prague and spent two night there and then took the train to Vienna and spent one night. The next day we got on the riverboat and cruised the Danube to Germany. We stopped and visited many Christmas markets along the way. We would like to go again and take our adult kids. We like southern Germany the best. Munich, Rothenburg, Regansburg and Nuremburg. Have a great time.