Hi everyone! I'm planing a Christmas trip across Europe but haven't decided on the route yet. I am looking for something really festive: Christmas markets, beautiful streets cozy cafes. A couple of years ago I visited Strasboug, and the Christmas spirit there was just amazing. The markets, mulled wine, and the stunning light displays in the Saint Stephen's Cathedral were unforgettable. Now I’m wondering where to go this year. I’m thinking about Prague, Vienna, or Munich. Has anyone been there for Christmas? Or maybe you could recomend some less touristy places that are just as charming? I'd love to explore local traditions and try festive foods. Any suggestions would be greatly apprecited!

Well, Germany is the home of Christmas markets; you will find any German city of any size will have a market, and it will be festive. The high point is usually the 23rd December, and things are packed up the next day as Christmas is celebrated in families on the 24th. The next two days are holidays but shops are opening up again by the 26th. There are a couple of markets that extend beyond Christmas; someone did a thread about it earlier this year, so search for that one if that's what you are after.

In Germany I would look at Nuremberg, which has a market called the Christkindlmarkt. It's an extremely popular, well-known market that will be packed with people and atmosphere. I would also look at Dresden, which is where Christmas markets originated and has a different culture to the Nuremberg one. I would not really call any of these 'touristy', nor would I call your three (i.e. Prague, Vienna, Munich) touristy. They are there for locals and draw a tourist crowd incidentally. It's not all for the tourist market!

Lavandula

I’ve been to all your choices for Christmas markets but not at Christmas. I always go the last week in November to first week in December. I simply love Munich and it’s a close easy train ride to Salzburg where silent night was born if you want more cozy in my opinion. None of the 3 are small places but the Christmas atmosphere is still there and why I love Christmas markets in Europe.

Munich is always a solid choice and it offers some 10 markets across the city. If you're looking for small towns, you might consider taking the train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, but do check the dates as their market might only be open on certain weekends.

Then there's Bamburg, Regensburg, and of course Nurenburg, but it's quite busy and crowded.

Augsburg also has a great market and it's easy to reach from Munich.

If you're looking for something different, do take a look at the small towns of the Erzgebirge on the Czech-German border. We visited one year and it was a unique experience.

And of course there's Rothenburg o der Tauber.

And then there's Salzburg, which can keep you busy for a couple of days.

The options are endless.

if you visit Vienna then take a train to Budapest, it's pretty close and worth visiting, lovely city

Leipzig and Wittenberg. Colditiz Castle

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Vienna is a fantastic Christmas destination, you have to explore the city, the Christmas markets, the wine and of course the chocolate!