Christmas Markets
 

My husband and i are contemplating a trip to Germany next year. We are looking at spending a week in Germany and taking in a Christmas Market somewhere. Would prefer to only visit two or three cities at max and would like recommendations on where to go. I have been to Berlin and have no interest in returning there this trip. We are not into Musuems. thanks in advance.

We always enjoy the Christmas market in Regensburg. Regensburg is like a quaint Munich, a very pretty town, and is cozy in the winter. Even the small towns usually have markets. We have been to the Munich Christmas market many times, but find it a bit too large and crowded. Be sure to find out the beginning date for the markets as they vary a little each year. This year they typically began November 30th and 31st. But, often they begin a week earlier. Also, many of the items being sold are uninteresting typical "made in China" decorations. Yet, there also hand made crafts and the food and smells makes them festive and fun. Prague is one of our favorite places to go late November. The markets usually start earlier than in Germany and there are lots of hand made items. A Prague/Germany trip is fairly easy to do.

Most German cities have them, but I'd recommend a smaller city. My favorite is Heidelburg which actually has 2 markets.... one at either end of their long shopping street. Freiburg also has a good one in their rathaus square, and it's also a very fun city at Christmas.

hi there,<BR><BR>agrees with above, most vities and villages have one. Starting arround 1.-6.th Dec, ending about 22.-24th. The biggest is in Stuttgart, the oldest in Nuremberg, beautiful scenery You will find in Maulbronn (inside an old monastier) and Ludwigsburg (baroque town). Strasburg (I know, not Germany, is great, Freiburg too, Heidelberg too touristic.<BR>have fun<BR>Gar

Just returned from there. Did markets at Rothenburg, Heidelberg, Munich and Innsbruck, Austria. We based part of the time in Garmisch and easily saw Innsbruck (in old town) and then Munich that afternoon.<BR><BR>I think you would enjoy Munich for its size and Heidelberg for its location. If you want to avoid going to too many sites, headquarter in Munich and visit Salzburg also. <BR><BR>Rothenburg is not a large market but the town is fun to see decked out for the holidays. The Markusturm Hotel is fantastic in Rothenburg. <BR><BR>We did not do Nuremburg this year but have 2 times before. It is large and worth a visit and not that far from Munich. They all get to be somewhat alike though so you do not need too many to get the feel.<BR><BR>Have fun. We enjoyed this year. You do need to check the starting dates because each year varies. Rothenburg kicked off this year on Friday, November 30.