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Started By
Message
re: European Christmas Markets
Posted on 11/6/25 at 10:16 pm to gringeaux
Posted on 11/6/25 at 10:16 pm to gringeaux
My favorite part of the Christmas markets was being there at night. We did Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, and Bratislava and had an amazing time. Spent a couple of days in each city and took the train between them.
This post was edited on 11/6/25 at 10:17 pm
0
Posted on 11/8/25 at 6:08 pm to gringeaux
I haven't tried them, but Nicko river cruises seem to offer attractive pricing as low as 399 euros/person for 3 nights.
Posted on 12/16/25 at 8:47 am to AeroFan
Just wanted to followup...let me know of any questions:
My two week Europe Christmas Market tour. I will try and be brief, but will answer any questions you may have. Yes, lots of Gluhwein, Hot Chocolate with Rum, Apple Cider with rum, pretzels, sweets, sausages, various fried potates, etc..
Rothenberg ob der Tauber – started off the trip here as I had been here prior not during Christmas. We stayed at Der Reichsküchenmeister which is very centrally located and a good restaurant and good breakfast. For those who have never been here, it is worth a day trip. Kathe Wolkfhart has a large store here that if you ever been to a Xmas store, it cannot compete with this place. All kinds of decorations. Also, has a small museum inside dedicated to the history of Xmas in Germany. The city itself has a nice small Xmas market with a great walk around the city. Also, not exactly Xmas, but they do have a museum that goes into old jail punishments.
Munich – We then went to Munich and stayed at the Nh Collection Munchen Bavaria which is located across the street from the main train station. Actual good breakfast and attentive staff, but nothing fancy. As for the markets, obviously Marienplatz is a must stop. Also, really enjoyed Munich Residenz market, Medeival Xmas Market had great stalls and different foods, Rindermarkt was close to Marienplatx but not as crowded but has about evrerything, Sendlinger Tor was med to me, beside seeing the historic gate could have skipped it, and a very small market we enjoyed for drinks was Feuerzangenbowle market which you could sit at and get a nice meal. And people loved the drinks there. We did the Third Reich Walking Tour as the wife had not done it, and it was about 2.5 hours, so as a history nerd, I gave it a B+. New places we tried, one was Der Pschorr near the Viktuellienmarkt which had traditional Bavarian food. Nothing great nothing bad, just typical hearty food. Also had dinner at Theresa Grill which was up in the University area for American Thanksgiving. I know reviews are mixed on it, but wife had some bone marrow dish that she ordered double and she never does that. My steak was very good and drinks were top notch.
Salzburg – did a day trip there from Munich as had been there prior. But the markets were beautiful and very well done. Wife really loved the mugs they give you there. There is a little market near Mirabell was cozy and a good stop off on the walk from the train station to Old Town. Also, lots of carolers outside the chuch when we were there. Went to the Salzburg outpost of Restaurant Meissl & Schadn for Schnitzel and it was 5 stars as always, as you can get it made the old tradition way with lard. Also, great desserts. Also, forgot to take our passports and they actually did a check on the train but they let us pass without the fine.
Nuremberg – Sheraton Carlton was near the train station. Nothing fancy but convenient. We went there specifically for the grand opening and to see the Christkind speech. LINK It was crowded but worth it. If you go, make sure to explore all around as they have one section full of stalls from other countries. The Nuremberg sausages were terrific.
Vienna – took the train from Nuremberg directly to Vienna. Really recommend 1st class if you have luggage. We stayed at the Moxy Vienna City East which was average, but very convenient to the U Bahn so was able to get everywhere. I could write a 10000 word essay on the Xmas markets here, but the main market at the City Hall (Rathaus) was incredible. We did about 15 markets there and all were wonderful. Also went out to Laxenburg for Illumina which is a light show done by all kinds of artists with little stops along the way for drinks and food. Pretty damn good. We did tours of Schonbrunn (2nd time for me, the wife loved it), Imperial Apartments (terrific and matches well with Schonbrunn) and did the horse show which was very impressive if you are into that type of thing (my wife said it was a favorite for her).
Bratislava – did the day trip from Vienna. They say it takes about 2-3 hours to tour the town, and that was about right. It is a Medieval town and the main Xmas market was good not great. I liked the other market near the Opera house. We did the Bratislava Flagship restaurant which is touristy but wanted to try a variety of Slovak food and did the job. Very good beer.
Budapest – Finished the trip with 3 days and nights while staying at the Hilton Garden Inn which was great location wise. One thing I liked about the hotel is they had glass bottles in the room to fill up water from their machines which I thought was a nice touch Lots of great markets, I liked the Basillica one the best, Fashion St had lots of great lights. We did the Pest side also, doing the parks and again seeing the holocaust memorial along the Danube and it is still a haunting tribute but a must see. The victors park gives the old school communism vibes and enjoyed area and had a George Washington statue. Also near the Parliament they had another park that had a Reagan and GHWB statues. I had been here before but never knew that. We spent the day up on Buda doing the tours there of the castle and churches, one thing we missed out on as we did not get reservations was the underground bunker so highly recommend to book ahead of time if you are into WW2 and Cold War History. One restaurant we really enjoyed was Pörc & Prézli Étterem near the Basillica. Terrific Hungarian food and great staff, but they do convince you to drink Palinka. Also got to go to a private show of Havasi. I had never heard of him before but the show and music was really great with the dancers, lights, etc. The wife really enjoyed and when he comes to the US I would see him. Also went to a a few Ruins bars, and I am way too old for them but glad to see them but if you are younger person, it would be a crazy night in there.
My two week Europe Christmas Market tour. I will try and be brief, but will answer any questions you may have. Yes, lots of Gluhwein, Hot Chocolate with Rum, Apple Cider with rum, pretzels, sweets, sausages, various fried potates, etc..
Rothenberg ob der Tauber – started off the trip here as I had been here prior not during Christmas. We stayed at Der Reichsküchenmeister which is very centrally located and a good restaurant and good breakfast. For those who have never been here, it is worth a day trip. Kathe Wolkfhart has a large store here that if you ever been to a Xmas store, it cannot compete with this place. All kinds of decorations. Also, has a small museum inside dedicated to the history of Xmas in Germany. The city itself has a nice small Xmas market with a great walk around the city. Also, not exactly Xmas, but they do have a museum that goes into old jail punishments.
Munich – We then went to Munich and stayed at the Nh Collection Munchen Bavaria which is located across the street from the main train station. Actual good breakfast and attentive staff, but nothing fancy. As for the markets, obviously Marienplatz is a must stop. Also, really enjoyed Munich Residenz market, Medeival Xmas Market had great stalls and different foods, Rindermarkt was close to Marienplatx but not as crowded but has about evrerything, Sendlinger Tor was med to me, beside seeing the historic gate could have skipped it, and a very small market we enjoyed for drinks was Feuerzangenbowle market which you could sit at and get a nice meal. And people loved the drinks there. We did the Third Reich Walking Tour as the wife had not done it, and it was about 2.5 hours, so as a history nerd, I gave it a B+. New places we tried, one was Der Pschorr near the Viktuellienmarkt which had traditional Bavarian food. Nothing great nothing bad, just typical hearty food. Also had dinner at Theresa Grill which was up in the University area for American Thanksgiving. I know reviews are mixed on it, but wife had some bone marrow dish that she ordered double and she never does that. My steak was very good and drinks were top notch.
Salzburg – did a day trip there from Munich as had been there prior. But the markets were beautiful and very well done. Wife really loved the mugs they give you there. There is a little market near Mirabell was cozy and a good stop off on the walk from the train station to Old Town. Also, lots of carolers outside the chuch when we were there. Went to the Salzburg outpost of Restaurant Meissl & Schadn for Schnitzel and it was 5 stars as always, as you can get it made the old tradition way with lard. Also, great desserts. Also, forgot to take our passports and they actually did a check on the train but they let us pass without the fine.
Nuremberg – Sheraton Carlton was near the train station. Nothing fancy but convenient. We went there specifically for the grand opening and to see the Christkind speech. LINK It was crowded but worth it. If you go, make sure to explore all around as they have one section full of stalls from other countries. The Nuremberg sausages were terrific.
Vienna – took the train from Nuremberg directly to Vienna. Really recommend 1st class if you have luggage. We stayed at the Moxy Vienna City East which was average, but very convenient to the U Bahn so was able to get everywhere. I could write a 10000 word essay on the Xmas markets here, but the main market at the City Hall (Rathaus) was incredible. We did about 15 markets there and all were wonderful. Also went out to Laxenburg for Illumina which is a light show done by all kinds of artists with little stops along the way for drinks and food. Pretty damn good. We did tours of Schonbrunn (2nd time for me, the wife loved it), Imperial Apartments (terrific and matches well with Schonbrunn) and did the horse show which was very impressive if you are into that type of thing (my wife said it was a favorite for her).
Bratislava – did the day trip from Vienna. They say it takes about 2-3 hours to tour the town, and that was about right. It is a Medieval town and the main Xmas market was good not great. I liked the other market near the Opera house. We did the Bratislava Flagship restaurant which is touristy but wanted to try a variety of Slovak food and did the job. Very good beer.
Budapest – Finished the trip with 3 days and nights while staying at the Hilton Garden Inn which was great location wise. One thing I liked about the hotel is they had glass bottles in the room to fill up water from their machines which I thought was a nice touch Lots of great markets, I liked the Basillica one the best, Fashion St had lots of great lights. We did the Pest side also, doing the parks and again seeing the holocaust memorial along the Danube and it is still a haunting tribute but a must see. The victors park gives the old school communism vibes and enjoyed area and had a George Washington statue. Also near the Parliament they had another park that had a Reagan and GHWB statues. I had been here before but never knew that. We spent the day up on Buda doing the tours there of the castle and churches, one thing we missed out on as we did not get reservations was the underground bunker so highly recommend to book ahead of time if you are into WW2 and Cold War History. One restaurant we really enjoyed was Pörc & Prézli Étterem near the Basillica. Terrific Hungarian food and great staff, but they do convince you to drink Palinka. Also got to go to a private show of Havasi. I had never heard of him before but the show and music was really great with the dancers, lights, etc. The wife really enjoyed and when he comes to the US I would see him. Also went to a a few Ruins bars, and I am way too old for them but glad to see them but if you are younger person, it would be a crazy night in there.
Posted on 12/16/25 at 10:11 am to tccdc
Thanks for the recap
Posted on 12/16/25 at 2:22 pm to swampgrizzly
quote:This is fake news, BTW.
I hate to be the messenger of disappointing news, but Germany just announced that they are canceling all their Christmas Markets this year because of the high cost involved in trying to secure the different sites.
Posted on 12/18/25 at 2:27 am to Big Scrub TX
I'm in a town in Germany and our market is going strong. They (not here in our town) have made some arrests of people who were planning attacks...
Posted on 12/18/25 at 8:50 am to Big Scrub TX
quote:
Several German towns have canceled their traditional Christmas markets this year, pointing to the mounting costs of new security requirements introduced after a series of terror attacks. Local organizers argue that they are unable to comply with the government’s anti-terror measures, such as installing barriers, setting up surveillance systems, and posting additional guards, all of which have become prerequisites for hosting public events.
In Overath, a town of 27,000 in North Rhine-Westphalia, the stalls will remain closed this year. The local festival association says it cannot afford the necessary counter-terrorism measures on its own, yet the local government refuses to contribute financially, according to Rheinische Post. For the past year and a half, the association has been in talks with the town’s administration regarding who will cover the costs of the necessary security measures, the newspaper quotes Andreas Koschmann, chairman of the Overath marketing association.
The situation is very similar in Kerpen—also located in North Rhine-Westphalia—where the traditional Christmas market has also been called off, as reported by the German newspaper Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger.
René Hövel, chairman of the Kolpingstadt Kerpen Action Group (AGK) complained:
We were informed that we would have to cordon off the marketplace from all sides. At the same time, we’re not receiving any financial support from the city and must shoulder all the costs ourselves.
The organizers are now considering turning the Christmas market into a smaller “pleasure market” focused on food and local products, in order to comply with regulations and reduce costs. The move drew sharp criticism from the right-wing Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), saying it represented an unnecessary erosion of Christian traditions.
The debate over security at Christmas markets and other large public events has been simmering for years. Stricter regulations were introduced following the Islamist terrorist attacks on Christmas markets in Berlin in 2016, and in Magdeburg in 2024, which together claimed 19 lives. In addition, during an attack in Solingen during a street festival last year—only about 65 kilometers from Overath and roughly 60 kilometers from Kerpen—a Syrian national killed three people.
On Tuesday, November 4th, Jörg Urban, AfD parliamentary group leader inSaxony said that the government is standing idly by as Christmas market culture threatens to collapse.
The CDU has long since capitulated to the Islamists.
Posted on 12/18/25 at 8:53 am to gringeaux
Colmar is my favorite one
Cologne was also insane
Cologne was also insane
Posted on 12/18/25 at 2:48 pm to gringeaux
Nuremberg and Munchen. Nuremberg is the best one I have been to but we lived 70 km away so it was also the easiest one for us to get to. Rothenburg is also fantastic and is one of the best tourist traps in Europe. Surprisingly the Stuttgart and even Kaiserslautern markets were also very nice. Lot of expat US citizens in both but they maintain the German spirit pretty nicely. I have been to bunches of small village Christmas markets in Germany and they are all very nice and fun. Nuremberg is widely considered the bar to measure by though....its really big. No matter where you go nothing says Christmas more than Glühwein, Lebkuchen (ginger bread) and brats. Nuremberg brats are hard to beat and the Nuremberg ginger bread is by far the bar by which all other is judged.
Know ahead of time that at all of them I have ever been too there posted closing time is a drop dead closing time. There will be 10,000 people in line to buy something when the church bells ring at closing time the vendors will shut down and refuse to sell anything else. This was so at all of them in my experience. I was told it was a strictly enforced law because they were not truly businesses but all I know is at 5 minutes to 9 they will be selling shite as fast as money can change hands and at 5 after 9 every stall is shuttered and the place will be nearly empty.
A funny anecdote about German Christmas Markets. We lived in Germany nearly 7 years so we went to a bunch of them. We truly enjoyed them. There was one Christmas ornament collection that was present at all of them we ever went to and my wife was like an eagle seeking out the latest addition to the collection from that one company. We have about 50 of them and they weren't cheap....about 50 euros a piece if memory serves. Appear to be handcrafted and in fact they are claimed to be. About the third Christmas after she began buying them I was putting them away after Christmas and a card fell out of one of the boxes....made in Charleston, SC LOL. I did not tell her. She had the same thing happen about a year after we returned from Cuba. She took it well, keeping in mind that her search for these SC made christmas ornaments took us to Christmas markets all over Germany LOL....
Know ahead of time that at all of them I have ever been too there posted closing time is a drop dead closing time. There will be 10,000 people in line to buy something when the church bells ring at closing time the vendors will shut down and refuse to sell anything else. This was so at all of them in my experience. I was told it was a strictly enforced law because they were not truly businesses but all I know is at 5 minutes to 9 they will be selling shite as fast as money can change hands and at 5 after 9 every stall is shuttered and the place will be nearly empty.
A funny anecdote about German Christmas Markets. We lived in Germany nearly 7 years so we went to a bunch of them. We truly enjoyed them. There was one Christmas ornament collection that was present at all of them we ever went to and my wife was like an eagle seeking out the latest addition to the collection from that one company. We have about 50 of them and they weren't cheap....about 50 euros a piece if memory serves. Appear to be handcrafted and in fact they are claimed to be. About the third Christmas after she began buying them I was putting them away after Christmas and a card fell out of one of the boxes....made in Charleston, SC LOL. I did not tell her. She had the same thing happen about a year after we returned from Cuba. She took it well, keeping in mind that her search for these SC made christmas ornaments took us to Christmas markets all over Germany LOL....
Posted on 12/18/25 at 3:03 pm to gringeaux
quote:
My wife and I are starting to plan a trip to Europe next year. We would like to visit the Christmas markets. She seems set on going to multiple cities and taking the train between them. I’ve also seen a few river cruises with itineraries that would allow us to do the same. Any recommendations? Which would be better? Any suggestions for markets we shouldn’t miss?
TIA
If you plan to take trains they are great but they ain't cheap for 2. Its almost cheaper to rent a car if it is more than 1 person. Parking is expensive but if you look and don't mind walking it can be free. Flying between cities is very affordable but it entails airports so there is that stress and then of course you have to get to the city from the airport. Trains for 2 versus renting a car is about a push in my opinion....but the trains will put you right in the city center, The down side to that is the city center is usually also the night life and red light district in Germany especially....almost all of the red light districts are located adjacent to the main bahnhof (train station). The areas are perfectly safe and they are actually fun but they can also be noisy and boisterous....getting away from them is easier with a rental car. When we lived in Germany we traveled all over Europe for nearly 7 years and we intentionally book rooms in or adjacent to the redlight district because they are very safe and they are very cheap and the area is usually full of cheap places to eat and have a drink or 2....but they can be noisy and crowded.
Posted on 12/18/25 at 3:06 pm to LSUGrad2024
quote:
My gf and I did that last year. We didn’t know this ahead of time, but most of them sell all the same stuff. It was rare to see unique gifts etc. We planned on doing 5-6, ended up doing only 3.
It’s fun and enjoyable, but they lose their luster.
This is true. They are all very similar. All fun but all very similar. Some of the smaller towns will have more local live entertainment which can make them unique but finding those on a short trip is not easy to do unless you just luck into a couple.
Posted on 12/18/25 at 3:17 pm to gringeaux
German specific but Rothenburg and the Black Forest is what most Americans think of when imagining Germany. Rothenburg is in Bavaria but it is quintessentially German. Stuttgart and Karhlsrule are not in the Black Forest but they are kind of gateways into the region. The Black Forest region is what most people think of when they think of Germany.
Posted on 12/18/25 at 4:22 pm to AwgustaDawg
quote:
If you plan to take trains they are great but they ain't cheap for 2. Its almost cheaper to rent a car if it is more than 1 person. Parking is expensive but if you look and don't mind walking it can be free. Flying between cities is very affordable but it entails airports so there is that stress and then of course you have to get to the city from the airport. Trains for 2 versus renting a car is about a push in my opinion....but the trains will put you right in the city center, The down side to that is the city center is usually also the night life and red light district in Germany especially....almost all of the red light districts are located adjacent to the main bahnhof (train station). The areas are perfectly safe and they are actually fun but they can also be noisy and boisterous....getting away from them is easier with a rental car. When we lived in Germany we traveled all over Europe for nearly 7 years and we intentionally book rooms in or adjacent to the redlight district because they are very safe and they are very cheap and the area is usually full of cheap places to eat and have a drink or 2....but they can be noisy and crowded.
I rented a car to go from Munich airport to Rothenberg as I did not like the train connections, the worst part was the car return.
But for those wondering about pricing for trains, this is for 2 people:
Munich - Salzburg Day Trip/Round Trip - 40 euros 2nd class
Munich to Nuremberg One Way - 45 euros for two 2nd class
Nuremberg to Vienna One Way - 275 euros 1st class (worth it for luggage)
Vienna to Bratislava Day Trip/Round Trip - 40 euros 2nd class
Vienna to BUdapest One Way - 170 1st class, again because of the luggage
Posted on 12/19/25 at 1:47 am to AwgustaDawg
Warning: be very careful taking trains in Germany these days. Punctuality (lack of) and cancellations are off the charts. German Rail service has declined extremely over the last 10 or so years, and it's getting worse. Infrastructure was allowed to basically rot, and, under pressure, they've ramped up construction, leading to more cancellations and scheduling difficulties. Munich is really suffering from this these days.
On the bright side, you can get a Deutschland Ticket for, I think, around $60 for a year, but it's limited to regional trains. No highspeed trains and lots of connections. There are a lot of local group ticket deals that are economical, but you have to do some research, and human service in the stations is becoming rare. It really has become a mess, and I am truly thankful I'm retired and don't have to commute by train anymore.
On the bright side, you can get a Deutschland Ticket for, I think, around $60 for a year, but it's limited to regional trains. No highspeed trains and lots of connections. There are a lot of local group ticket deals that are economical, but you have to do some research, and human service in the stations is becoming rare. It really has become a mess, and I am truly thankful I'm retired and don't have to commute by train anymore.
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