Rudesheim

Personally, I find Rüdesheim to be just about the most touristy place around. Have been there a few times with relatives to take the chairlift ride to the top of the vinyards with the fantasic view that you get, but I wouldn't want to spend much time there. All the food and drink is way overpriced for similar menus in comparison to anyplace else, and the multitude of souvenir shops just annoy me.

Your family may just enjoy smaller Christmas markets rather than the larger ones, and there are 100's to choose from. The atmosphere will be different depending on the surroundings, who you are with, the weather, etc. Other than that, the items being sold, and the food and the drink are going to be pretty much the same. Some cities do control the amount of food and drink stands, others only allow items made in Germany to be sold. Some towns have medieval markets where lanterns and candles are used, which creates a totally different scene. Some are held in castles or palaces. All of them sound better to me than going to Rüdesheim. At the end of the day, it is still just my opinion.

Rüdesheim is one of very many small towns all close to each other in the Rheingau valley. It doesn't matter if you like Rüdesheim or not, it's just a 10 minutes drive to the next small, lovely town. So go there, find out for yourself how much you like it... www.rheingau.de

Jo and Andreas, I appreciate your input. Sometimes it's hard to understand why you like a place, or dislike it for that matter. Sometimes you're tired, cranky and can't find a bathroom, so your opinion of a place is subconsciously lowered. My children's appreciation for Rudesheim could have been strongly enhanced by the charming local man who gave them his time and attention.

I'm with Jo on describing Ruedesheim as the most touristy place around. We were really glad when our boat was finally there so we were able to leave.

However, the atmosphere completely changes when you have a Christmas Market in town. I could certainly see the appeal of visiting just then. AND the tourist crowds are much smaller in winter.

We stayed there for two nights one time and really liked it. I enjoyed jogging down by the river. We didn't get that good of food there, but we still had a good time. Were there in March, and have also been there in December. We didn't think the prices were that bad. We have stayed all up and down the Rhine Valley. I think it is all very touristy, but that is OK. Every town has its own personality.
Pam and Bill

Rüdesheim gets VERY crowded with visitors in summer because its location is really convenient to major nearby cities, and it's fairly small. But it is also very charming, IMO, and it's extraordinarily charming before Christmas when the market is operational - one of the more atmospheric of the Christmas Markets I've seen. If you're in the area in December, don't miss it. Mainz' market is very good too!

Again, I appreciate the additional insights. I also noticed on another thread that it is one of the famous Norm from Ottawa's guilty pleasures. I think since we are going the first week in December for only the Christmas Market aspect, we will be fine.