This article is about famous Christmas markets in Germany with a popular Germany Christmas itinerary for 10 to 11 days. So you can go ahead and plan your Germany Christmas trip with this Germany Christmas market itinerary.
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Germany Christmas Itinerary – Germany Christmas Trip
Let’s check the best Christmas markets in Germany, the weather of Germany at Christmas, festive tours to take, and the day-wise Germany Christmas Itinerary.
Weather – Germany Christmas Market Itinerary
Germany experiences cold winter weather during Christmas, with temperatures typically ranging from 25°F to 40°F (-4°C to 4°C), creating a festive atmosphere accentuated by occasional snowfall.
Winter clothing is essential for those exploring the charming Christmas markets and historical landmarks.
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Best Christmas Markets In Germany (Germany Christmas Markets)
Germany is renowned for its enchanting Christmas markets, each offering a unique festive experience. Here’s a list of some of the best Christmas markets in Germany, along with things to do, locations, nearby hotel stay options, and recommended festive tours:
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
Location: Hauptmarkt, Nuremberg.
Things to Do:
- Enjoy the famous Nuremberg gingerbread.
- Explore the Children’s Christmas Market.
- Witness the opening ceremony led by the Christkind.
Nearby Hotel Stay: Hotel Victoria Nürnberg or Hotel Drei Raben.
Festive Tour: Take a guided walking tour to learn about the market’s history and traditions.
Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market
Location: Cologne Cathedral, Cologne.
Things to Do:
- Admire the backdrop of the impressive Cologne Cathedral.
- Shop for crafts.
- Try the local mulled wine.
Nearby Hotel Stay: Excelsior Hotel Ernst or Hyatt Regency Cologne.
Festive Tour: Cruise along the Rhine River to enjoy the city’s festive lights from the water.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market
Location: Marktplatz, Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Things to Do:
- Wander through the medieval setting.
- Experience the Night Watchman’s Tour.
- Try Schneeballen (snowball pastries).
Nearby Hotel Stay: Hotel Eisenhut or Hotel Gotisches Haus.
Festive Tour: Join a guided tour to explore the charming medieval streets illuminated with Christmas lights.
Dresden Striezelmarkt
Location: Altmarkt Square, Dresden.
Things to Do:
- See the world’s tallest Christmas pyramid.
- Indulge in Dresden Stollen (fruitcake).
- Witness the grand opening parade.
Nearby Hotel Stay: Hyperion Hotel Dresden am Schloss.
Festive Tour: Explore Dresden’s Christmas Garden.
Munich Marienplatz Christmas Market
Location: Marienplatz, Munich.
Things to Do:
- Skate on the ice rink,
- visit the Kripperlmarkt (Nativity Market),
- and enjoy Bavarian specialties.
Nearby Hotel Stay: Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski or Platzl Hotel.
Festive Tour: Join a Christmas lights tour to see the city sparkle.
Hamburg Christmas Market:
Location: Rathausmarkt, Hamburg.
Things to Do:
- Explore the historical carousel,
- visit the Fairytale Forest,
- and enjoy the ice rink.
Nearby Hotel Stay: Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten or Reichshof Hamburg.
Festive Tour: Take a harbor cruise for a unique view of the festive decorations along the waterfront.
Before planning your visit, check for changes or updates in event schedules, accommodations, and tours.
Enjoy your magical Christmas market experience in Germany!
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Germany Christmas Itinerary (Christmas In Germany Itinerary)
Day 1: Arrival in Nuremberg
Morning: Arrive in Nuremberg and check into Hotel Victoria Nürnberg or Hotel Drei Raben.
Afternoon:
- Freshen up and head to the Hauptmarkt for the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt.
- Explore the market, try Nuremberg gingerbread, and shop for unique Christmas ornaments.
Evening:
- Experience the opening ceremony led by the Christkind.
- Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant featuring Bavarian specialties.
Day 2: Nuremberg
Morning: Take a guided walking tour of Nuremberg to learn about the city’s history and Christmas traditions.
Afternoon:
- Visit the Children’s Christmas Market for family-friendly activities.
- Enjoy lunch at a traditional German restaurant.
Evening: Optionally, attend a classical concert or theater performance in the city.
Day 3: Travel to Cologne
Morning: Check out of your hotel in Nuremberg and travel to Cologne.
- Distance: Nuremberg to Cologne – approximately 250 miles (400 km)
- Commuting Time: Approximately 3.5-4 hours by train
Afternoon: Check into Excelsior Hotel Ernst or Hyatt Regency Cologne.
Explore the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market and the nearby shops.
Evening: Have dinner in a local brewery or restaurant.
Day 4: Cologne
Morning: Visit the Cologne Cathedral and enjoy the panoramic views from the top.
Afternoon:
- Take a stroll along the Rhine River.
- Explore more Christmas markets in the city.
Evening: Consider a Rhine River cruise for a different perspective on Cologne’s festive lights.
Day 5: Travel to Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Morning: Check out of your hotel in Cologne and travel to Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
-
- Distance: Cologne to Rothenburg ob der Tauber – approximately 220 miles (350 km)
- Commuting Time: Approximately 3-4 hours by train.
Afternoon: Check into Hotel Eisenhut or Hotel Gotisches Haus.
Explore the picturesque streets of Rothenburg.
Evening: Join the Night Watchman’s Tour for a unique perspective on the city’s history.
Day 6: Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Morning: Visit the Rothenburg Christmas Market on Marktplatz, within the city center.
Afternoon: Try the local specialty, Schneeballen, and explore more of the market.
Evening: Enjoy a cozy dinner in one of Rothenburg’s charming restaurants.
Day 7: Travel to Dresden
Morning: Check out of your hotel in Rothenburg and travel to Dresden.
- Distance: Rothenburg ob der Tauber to Dresden – approximately 250 miles (400 km)
- Commuting Time: Approximately 3.5-4 hours by train.
Afternoon: Check into Hyperion Hotel Dresden am Schloss or Vienna House QF Dresden.
Explore the city center and the Altmarkt Square.
Evening: Attend the grand opening parade at the Dresden Striezelmarkt.
Day 8: Dresden
Morning: Visit the Dresden Striezelmarkt and marvel at the world’s tallest Christmas pyramid.
Afternoon: Indulge in Dresden Stollen and explore the Kripperlmarkt.
Evening: Consider a horse-drawn carriage ride to experience the festive lights of Dresden.
Day 9: Travel to Munich
Morning: Check out of your hotel in Dresden and travel to Munich.
- Distance: Dresden to Munich – approximately 250 miles (400 km)
- Commuting Time: Approximately 3.5-4 hours by train.
Afternoon: Check into Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski or Platzl Hotel.
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Explore Marienplatz and the Munich Marienplatz Christmas Market.
Evening: Skate on the ice rink and enjoy Bavarian specialties for dinner.
Day 10: Munich
Morning: Take a morning stroll through the Christmas markets.
Afternoon:
-
- Visit the Kripperlmarkt and the Fairytale Forest in Hamburg.
- Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Evening: Join a Christmas lights tour to see Munich sparkle.
Day 11: Departure
Morning: Check out of your hotel and depart for the airport.
Fly back home, cherishing the memories of a magical Christmas in Germany.
This itinerary considers the distances and commuting times, allowing for a more realistic and efficient travel plan.
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Christmas Mass On Christmas Eve
Nuremberg: St. Lorenz Church – St. Lorenz Church is known for its beautiful Gothic architecture and usually holds a festive Christmas Eve Mass.
Cologne: Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) – Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hosts special Christmas Eve Masses with impressive choir performances.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber: St. James’s Church (St. Jakobskirche) – St. James’s Church, a medieval gem, offers a serene atmosphere for Christmas Eve celebrations.
Dresden: Dresden Cathedral (Katholische Hofkirche) – Dresden Cathedral, located in the city’s heart, hosts traditional Christmas services with a grand setting.
Munich: Frauenkirche – The Frauenkirche, or Cathedral of Our Dear Lady, is one of Munich’s landmarks and holds special Christmas Eve services.
These churches and cathedrals are architecturally significant and offer a spiritually enriching environment for Christmas Eve Mass.
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Germany Christmas markets, where the aroma of spiced mulled wine, the glow of festive lights, and the warmth of holiday traditions converge to create an unforgettable winter experience.
From the historic charm of Nuremberg to the fairytale allure of Rothenburg, exploring Germany’s Christmas markets is an unparalleled journey into the heart of festive magic.
I hope you loved reading about some stunning and famous Christmas Markets in Germany with the best Germany Christmas Itinerary(Christmas In Germany Itinerary).
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