Christmas markets
 

When do Christmas markets start?

The ones in Berlin and Munich were open around the end of November US Thanksgiving week) when I visited those two cities last year. The one in Prague was also open.

The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt begins Nov 28, 2003.

Are you interested in one in particular?

here's a great resource for you listing all the dates, times and places:

http://www.germany-christmas-market.org.uk/index.htm

basically they start around nov 26-28,2003

Hi Cristina,

I'm leaving tomorrow for Germany and flying back on the 23rd. It sucked that most of the markets start that next week. I don't know where in Germany you're planning to be, but there are a few that open earlier. And while they may not be the most famous, may be worth checking out if you'll be missing the biggies. I'll be in the non-touristy northwestern area (north of Cologne), but it's nice because the big market in the city of Essen opens earlier... November 16th! Yay! So there are a few, and that would give you more time than trying to see 1 or 2 the last day you're there.

Debbie

Thank you all for your postings. I'll be in Switzerland and Austria from nov.7th until the 20th. Fortunately in Vienna the Christmas market will be open once I get there on the 16th. But in Switzerland I won't have any luck, seems like you all said, until after thanksgiving....

Does anybody have information on the Cologne, Duesseldorf, and Aachen Christmas markets. My wife and I are going to two of the three starting on Nov 24th. Are all of the booths open on the first day? What time of the day are these markets open. We are flying into Amsterdam on the 23rd and taking a train to either Dueseldorf or Cologne for three nights. Does anybody have any suggestions for hotels near transportation for $75 - $100 US? Thanks for your help.

jonny---look at the site i have mentioned above and i think you will get your answers...

does anyone have any information about the timing for a market in salzburg this year? thanks

For rhkkmk:

Salzburg Christmas Market
Nov. 20 - Dec. 24, 2003:
On Cathedral and Residenz Square, in Salzburg's historic city center.

Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8.30 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sundays from 9 a.m. - 8.30 p.m., December 24: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Program of events such as choral singing in front of the Cathedral, "Turmblasen" (wind instruments) on Residenz Square each Saturday, Nativity exhibits in the Residenz courtyard, and much more.

www.christkindlmarkt.co.at

Christmas market on Mirabell Square
Nov. 20 - Dec. 24, 2003:
Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., December 24: 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.

Musical entertainment program in front of Mirabell Palace on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 5:15 p.m.

JonnyRocket, of the three (Aachen, Cologne, Dusseldorf), Dusseldorf has the nicest market, with the greatest number of original, handmade items. Dusseldorf has a highly regarded arts school and many of its students and alumni exhibit at the market. Aachen is probably the worst of the three. Lots of mass made stuff from Asia.
For that region of the country, we suggest you also try Hattingen, a small medieval walled town near Dusseldorf/Essen. The old town is very attractive and since it's not in any guidebooks, you'll find the Christmas market caters to the locals, who won't tolerate mass market junk. Another very good market is in Muenster, about an hour north of Dusseldorf, and definitely worth a day trip.
As with all the markets, go on a weekday if you can--they often get very crowded on week-ends. And in addition to the gluhwein available everywhere, try some of the food specialties like grunkohl (local worst in dark greens) or fresh roasted sugared (not candied) almonds. Many stands serving beer will service it to you in a special mug. You can opt to buy the mug or return it--the prices are usually quite low, so the mugs make a nice souvenir.
BTilke (Brussels, but we spent most of last fall and winter in the Dusseldorf/Essen/Bochum area)

Forgot to add, do you want to stay in a big city like Dusseldorf? Or would you rather stay in a small town? Hattingen would also make a great base for three nights...it's a small medieval town with some very nice restaurants, shops, cafes, lots of atmosphere (picture having late night hot chocolate in a candlelit 16th century former schoolhouse, across the street from the medieval jail and a church with a steeple like a witch's hat).

Thanks for the info BTilke. I will look into your other suggestions. I just wish I had a couple more days. Thanks!