Nighttime in Bavaria?
 

DH and I are gonig to the German Christmas markets in December and will visit Nuremberg, Munich, Bamberg and Regensberg. I'm thinking the atmosphere will be best after dark when the lights show up. Question: when does it get dark in Bavaria in December?

I am biting my tongue trying not to be sarcastic. Once in Hawaii I heard a guy saying on the radio that a tourist had asked him when was low tide and he said, " when the reef starts sticking out".

So here's the real answer to your question. Sunset is about 5pm in December in Bavaria. The Christmas markets are fun anytime if the day. You can get great pictures of the stuff on sale during the day and the lights are pretty at night.

Sunset on December 1st in Munich is 4:22 PM. Other cities are further north and therefore a bit earlier.

If the weather is rainy or overcast it will be dark a bit earlier.

We sight-see during the day and do the markets in the evening. They are certainly more attractive under the Christmas lighting, especially if you blur your vision a bit with some Glühwein.

We have in recent years visited the towns you mentioned in Advent season. We enjoyed them all. I hope that you will as well. Regards, Gary

Gary,
Thank you for your helpful answer. Your plan sounds good, especially the Gluhwein. We're really looking forward to our first trip to the Christmas markets.
K

There are markets you might want to hit at sunset rather than much later. For example, the children's market at Chinesischer Turm in Englischer Garten in München has the tower lit up and has a toyland atmosphere. However, the path out of the park back to the city is pitch dark if the moon is not out. There are many families with small children doing the same, however.

Another good tip. Thanks, greg!

The Christmas markets in Germany and Austria are lovely. I hope you have a wonderful time. I thought that Munich had the "best" Christmas market (including the Glühwein!) and that Vienna had the most "beautiful" market. I also recommend a day trip from Munich to Oberammergau. It was possibly the most magical day of my life. In fact, my husband and I were reminiscing about it this evening.

Kim

If you don't want to walk back to the city center after visiting the Christmas market at the Chinese Tower/Turm, you can take the bus to the subway. Bus stop is appr. 100 yards from the Tower.
The main footpath/ park road leading back into town has street lights, though.

The Medieval Christmas market at Wittelsbacherplatz is best after dark, with all the fires buring. Gives it a bit more of a "realistic" atmosphere.

The market in Regensburg royal palace's courtyard has probably the most stunning setting. Like the one at Schönbrunn palace in Vienna.

The major market in Nuremberg is probably the most crowded. Especially on weekends it's a major day-trip destination. Try to visit Mon-Thu if you can.

KL467, Thanks for your input. We're definitely going to Munich but can't work in Oberammergau for the Christmas market although we have visited there before, enjoying the Passion Play.

Cowboy1968, You're my go-to authority for Germany, so I thank you for your reply. We're staying in Nuremberg for 7 days, so we'll have lots of choices for visiting the market. We'll be day-tripping out to several other markets including Regensburg, Bamburg, and Munich - then 2 days in Frankfurt before flying home. If you have further advice, I'd enjoy hearing it.
K