German Christmas Market experts we need your input
 

We plan to arrive in Munich on 12/20 and we have enjoyed the Christmas markets in Munich, Salzburg, Heidelberg, and a couple in France before. My question for those of you who have experience here is "How different is the big one in Nuremburg?" Is it worth taking a day to either go on the train or rent a car from Munich? I don't want ot take the time and the expense only to find it has more Gluhwein stands. Thanks for your thoughts.

aisleseat: I will be in Freiburg for Christmas. Have you been to Colmar or Strasbourg? Which market did you prefer between those two? Thanks!
I have been to Nurnberg and loved it (mmm; lebkuchen!) but not for a Xmas market. Sorry I can't help you.

Aunt Annie, We did a loop from Paris to Germany and Austria two years ago at Christmas but we got to Colmar on the way back after Christmas. I can't comment on the Christmas Market there because we missed it but on the way we spent a night in Riems and we enjoyed the small Christmas Market there as much as any of them. We bought a little veal loaf for our dinner at one of the stalls and it was delicious with the bottle of cheap wine we picked up at the grocery store.

I've been to many Christmas Markets in Germany over the years. We went to Nuremburg one year and I have to say, the crowds were so bad, I got very frustrated and spent my afternoon in an Irish pub nearby. It was a weekend, though, which explained the massive numbers of people. Maybe during the week it would be more manageable. I've heard its a very good market. Overall to be honest though - it kind of gets to the point where you've been to 10 markets, you've been to them all.

Our plan is to hit the Nurenberg market on Thursday or Friday. Other than it's size is there something that you recommend about the Nuremburg market? Are there any others that are unique?

Aisle seat: Thanks for the response. My mouth is watering thinking of veal loaf!

AisleAnnie, the Nburg market is huge but CROWDED. Seriously crowded. Have you considered going to the markets in Regensburg or Passau instead?

I realize they are not near where you will be, but my Son has booths in Christmas markets in three German cities. He says those in Cologne and Aachen are the best. (Of course he would, wouldn't he?)

Here is a link for the site in Aachen:

http://tinyurl.com/y9l7ao

Things are really tough in Germany right now so have fun and spend a LOT!

:-)

BTilke, Ragensburg and Passau are interesting and if we drive from Munich to N'burg we may loop back that way. Any special things we should look for there.

AuntAnnie, I have been wishing I had a place to buy those veal loafs here at home. They had to be really bad for youo because they were REALLY good.

Regarding the Strasbourg and Colmar markets; I have been to both the past 2 years and I like the Colmar market better. The Strasbourg markets are scattered throughout the large city while in Colmar most of this small city is a part of the market. It is almost like one big market. If you stay at one of the city center hotels you can quickly and easily take a break back at your hotel whenever you want or when it is cold. Another thing I don't like about the Strasbourg markets is that there seems to be some sort of restriction about food kiosks in the markets to protect the local restaurant owners. This is not true in Colmar and there are lots of food kiosks. That's my primary objective at the Christmas markets. I have also enjoyed the Freiburg, Germany market and the Heidelberg. Both beautiful cities. In Freiburg I especially enjoyed staying at the Novotel Hotel with it's great view of the old town and the forest. I was on the top floor.

This year I will do the markets at Paris, Nice, Monte Carlo and Aix En Provence. Going to be warm most of the time this year. Sorry I have not yet made it to the Nuremburg markets. So many places, so little time.

Have a great Christmas and enjoy the markets.

Larry J

One more thing. While you are at the Colmar markets take a 25 minute bus ride to the little medieval Alsace village of Riquewihr. Super nice Christmas market with lots of local crafts and homemade food items. It makes a great daytrip from Colmar. The Tourist Office can advise you of the bus stops near the center city.

Larry J
Larry J

AisleSeat: like you, I've been to Christkindlmarkts throughout Germany & Austria. I've been to Nuremburg's twice and, although I enjoyed it, I would honestly say that other than its size & crowds, it's no different than most of the others.......

AisleSeat: we will also be in Munich around the same time, 12/18-12/20 give or take a day. I'm also in need of a recommendation to which Christmas market would be best for us. We originate our trip in Frankfurt and via rail, are traveling to Paris, Strasbourg/Colmar, then Munich. Because we just recently change from car to rail based on other Fodorite's suggestions, my concern is finding a good Christmas market we can enjoy...and not walk the entire city in doing so. Any suggestions?

I agtee tha N'burg ismostly bigger not beter. How about a change of pace and hit a couple of the small, rural markets. They are may favorites. They have a totally different feel. A bit less commercial and more the feel of a "get together. I love Michelstadt and Bad Wimpfen but these are closer to Frankfurn than Munich. Perhaps others could suggest small markets near Munich.

There are Christmas markets in nearly all German Cities or towns starting this year Dec. 2, 2006. The big ones like Nürnberg, although famous are very crowded. Go to Augsburg or Stuttgart or better to Baden-Baden. They all serve Glühwein (Mulled Wine) Bretzels, Stollen and all the other Christmas goodies. So look for other activities like choral singing etc.

Second hand information from my German friend when I was visiting last week. She doesn't like the market in Nürnberg. Says there are just bus loads of tourists and multiple stands selling the same thing from large commercial operations, not the assortment of more local items found at the smaller markets.

The info I can find online says the last day of the market in Freiburg is Dec. 23rd. (we arrive on the 22nd and will hit it the first night!) For Strasbourg and Colmar it looks like they run through Dec. 31. We were tentatively planning on going into France for the day on Dec. 24th. Will there really still be booths open on the 24th on Colmar and/or Strasbourg? Does anyone have experience with this?
Thanks!
I am getting so excited!

We have enjoyed Regensburg (3 markets, the "romanisches" market at the Turn & Taxis palace features handmade wares) and Munich (there is one market just devoted to Christmas cribs.

We have done the opening ceremonies at Nuremburg 2 times. Crowded, but fun.

A good small one is Rothenburg. Great small town to enjoy the season and not so crowded as the larger cities.

Interesting about Rothenburg! I didn't think the market there was worth much. Mostly food and drink stalls. The town, on the other hand, is a Christmas shopper's joy. Many interesting shops up and down the street, culminating in the Kathe Wolfart store(s.) Have a great trip. CJ