We're thinking of Nov 26 (really 27th when we land) - Dec 7, so 9 nights. Here's our first draft of an itinerary:

3 nights in Vienna
2 nights in Salzburg
4 nights in Nuremburg (we have friends here, and we'd travel around to different areas by car)

Ok, let's have it! Would you change locations and/or number of nights in certain locations? Any advice would be great!

would you stick in 1 night in Munich in between Salzburg and Nuremberg or just do Munich as a day trip from Nuremberg?

Nürnberg is an excellent base for exploring the area.

You may do a daytrip to München from Nürnberg - the train takes just 1:02 (I strongly advise to take the train for this trip).

Other destinations in the area around Nürnberg:

- Würzburg
- Iphofen and other villages in the Frankenwein country
- Bamberg
- Rothenburg, Dinkelsbühl, Nördlingen

We have been to Germany twice in the last three years, at the same time you are going, to experience the Christmas Markets in the various towns.

Nuremburg is a beautiful town with a delightful Christmas Market. Have a great time and enjoy the season in Germany!

Are you definitely set on Vienna?

If not, I'd skip it this trip -- not enough time to do it justice and too much too-ing and fro-ing.

How about:

3 nights Munich (you could do a daytrip to Neuschwanstein, or whatever from there)

2 nights Salzburg

4 nights Nuremberg (with daytrips to Rothenburg, Wurzburg, Bamberg, etc)

Have a great time!