Yeah, a classic!

Of course Christmas has to do with Christianity. I said I didn't see what Christmas markets had to do with it.

Swandav, I love those pictures! Ha! That's me in the one with my scarf pulled over my face, my hat and sunglasses. It was a beautiful but very COLD day. I remember my face being so cold.

I am sorry for the OP that this thread has disintegrated into a pissing match about the intrinsic value of Christmas markets (and horse drawn sleighs). If you don't like them don't go to them! Many people enjoy them. And if you're coming from India for the first time I imagine that they could be quite special, as well as snow and holiday lights and even mulled wine.

Thanks everyone for your inputs. The discussion has take interesting turn. However getting back to the point for which I approached the fodor family:

Does this iterenary look ok:
14-17 Innsbruck (4 nights)
18-21 Garmisch-Partenkirchen (4 nights)
22-25 Nuremburg (4 nights)
26- 29 vienna (3 nights)

Do these bases look ok? should i replace any 1 with munich as a base?
What day trips can I take from these locations?
TIA

Are you traveling by train? I think your itinerary works, but do be aware the quickest travel time between Nuremburg and Vienna is about 4.5 hours.

I think your number of nights in each area looks fine too.

Regarding day trips - from Nuremburg you can easily reach Bamberg or Regensburg.

From Garmisch you can easily reach Munich, Mittenwald or Ettal (look up dates for their Christmas Market). And of course the Zugspitz is at your doorstep in Garmisch.

From Innsbruck you can easily visit Seefeld or Hall in Tirol, and there's plenty to do right there near Innsbruck - Igls, Hungerburg, Nordkette, the Alpine Zoo, Ambras Castle, Hafelekar, the Top of Innsbruck at around 2,300 m...you will not run out of things to see and do.

I've complied a list of Christmas activities and concerts that will be on during my particular dates in each area we're visiting. You might want to do the same for your dates. You'll find a wealth of information on each city's website.

You might also consider getting the Innsbruck Card. It's a pretty good deal.

https://www.innsbruck.info/en/sights...ruck-card.html

Again the question what you and your family envisage doing on NYE in Amsterdam?

NYE, all public transport stops after 8PM (no big deal in Amsterdam). Expect things to be lively all day, going really quiet in the evening, until about 11PM when people will already start annoying other people with their fireworks. Then it's midnight and all hell breaks loose. Good areas for being on the street with a bottle of bubbly to wish complete strangers a happy new year are the Nieuwmarkt area and Dam. Expect the fireworks to continue until well past 1 PM. Meanwhile there will be open air concerts and many, many NYE parties all over town.

Do be careful around fireworks.

We are back to India on for NYE. Changed the dates per suggestions on the group

Thanks...will surely look up the websites. Yes will be traveling by train. We have driven in Switzerland and Italy before but in summers. Have no experience of driving in winter's especially if there is snow. Is it tricky?

We've only driven in Germany/Austria in winter once - many moons ago. And yes, it presented a few issues as we were there during a huge snow storm.

We much prefer train and bus travel.

We're headed back to Switzerland in a few days for a 3+ week trip - all by public transport. We love the well oiled machine of Swiss public transport.

I am also reading a lot about Christmas in Dresden. Will it be similar to the places I am covering? Should I move some days around and include this instead of garmisch partenkirchen/ Nuremberg

Dresden throws a spanner in the works. Long way from the other places on your list. I suggest you stick with your current plan.

Rick Steves Christmas in Europe film

Hi a quick question...if we book our return tickets for 25th, will we get transport to the airport or will that be a problem too in Munich

Hi Bhavana,

Public transport runs on 25 Dec, just on a "Sunday/holiday" schedule. To find the possibilities, use any Sunday in Dec to see the journey.

Have fun as you plan!

s

I have two relatives with Jewish wives and trust me they go all out at Christmas celebrating both holidays. Christmas trees presents etc. I am Christian but don't go all out with Jesus is the reason for the season. He was born in summer according to some records and it is a huge commercialized stressful holiday. Why we love going away to Europe. The window displays and lights are my fav part but hope to attend a Christmas eve mass in Garmisch this year.

Judaism in Europe is different, because the Shoah happened here.

Hi please suggest a reliable website to check weather forecast for December for Germany and Austria. Is accuweather reliable?

Thanks

Yes.

Personally, I'd drop some of those stops and spend several days in Paris.

I LOVED Paris at Christmas!