chchtrain

Hi. After reading the posts here I have initially decided on salzburg for christmas. We will be coming from Nuremberg ( to see its christmas market) on 23rd Dec. However I am also thinking perhaps we could instead go to Garmisch. Which town is better for family ? We have 3 kids aged 14, 8 and 7. Want to experience a fairytale white christmas but do not want to ski. Is there a lot to do in Garmisch on christmas eve and day? How long should we stay there? Accommodation recommendation please. Would like a very central location. We do not want to rent a car. Hopefully a place where we do not have to be split up into two seperate rooms. Garmisch better or Partenkirchen?
Also, is Nurember christmas market really that good? Should I just see the one in Munich?
Many thanks

Underhill

The Nuremberg Christmas market is one of the largest in Germany. The one in Salzburg is smaller and much more crowded because the city has so many visitors in December.

With three children I don't think you'll find many places with a room that would accommodate all of you; so consider adjoining rooms.

CarolJean

I would recommend a stop in Munich. Your children would enjoy the market and the large outdoor skating rink up the pedestrian street toward the train station. On the way to the skating rink (at that end of the market), there is a wooden toy stall which has "kletterfigur" which are little wooden mountain climbers who climb up a string. They are leftover from before the reunification (made in the DDR, and the quality is nice (very inexpensive.) A really nice young couple run the stall. The people in Munich are soo friendly.
I also recommend the Nuremburg market. It and Munich were my favorites of the ones I visited last Dec. Have a great time. CJ

traveldawg

We have done the opening of the Nuremberg Christmas market twice. Try to find the date and be there for the ceremonies. They turn out the lights, the band plays and the "Queen" of the market arrives. Fun event to see even if you do not understand the German.

Munich market is downtown. Also fun, but different atmosphere than the smaller towns. A quaint opening is Rothenburg. Then the market is stretched along the picture perfect town of Rothenburg. Not near as large as Nuremberg, but very much fun.

A hotel to check out in the Garmisch area is the HILLEPRANDT. Located in a neighborhood area near downtown. Nice people. Rooms 1 and 2 are downstairs, nice size and open to patio in the backyard.

The POST PARTENKIRCHER in Partenkirchen is also very nice.

cindymac

I second traveldawg's recommendation for the Hotel HILLEPRANDT. I'm glad someone recommended it because I couldn't remember it since it's been a few years. It's a great little hotel with vary nice service.
The town was also very quaint!

Enjoy!

hardwater

We visited over a dozen markets in Germany during the advent season of Dec. 04. There are actually 3 Christmas markets in Nurmburg, the big one in the platz, a small International market just off the platz and a sort of renaissance/medival market. I can't remember this location because it was after dark but I thought it was across the street from the train station. All are within walking distance. Nurmburg's Christmas market was just like the rest we visited, charming but much larger.

chchtrain

Thank you all for your wonderful suggestions. How about Salzburg christmas? Will many places be closed on 25th ? What can we do on this day?

noe847

We have been in Germany/Austria for Christmas/New Year's in 2005 and 2002 with our two children.

We loved Munich and its Christmas markets - there are several in the downtown area. The pedestrian streets are quite fun, and there is the skating.

In Austria and Germany the big celebration for Christmas is on December 24. Everything closes in the afternoon, and the big Christmas meal is that evening. You will want to check for restaurants that are open on December 24 (and 25) and make reservations. Plan your shopping and touring around when things are open.

The fortress Hohensalzburg is well worth a visit. http://www.hohensalzburg.com/www/main.htm
From its website it appears that it closes at 2:00 pm on December 24 but is open on December 25. That would make a great destination for the day. Your children will enjoy it - you pass through several gates/walls on your walk up to the top - it's very castle-y. There's lots to explore in the fortress. The restored rooms are very interesting.

Salzburg is a very beautiful city, even if you don't have snow it is quite picturesque. I have heard that all who visit Salzburg come away believing that they have seen it at the most beautiful time of year.