Frankfurt Christmas Market

Haven't been to the one in Frankfurt, but the Christmas markets in general are interesting/fun. Very convivial atmosphere, with a happy vibe. Lots of drinking, eating, some light shopping (handicrafts, simple traditional gifts, sweets, etc), and people milling around, enjoying themselves. I did a spur of the moment Christkindlmarkt trip to Munich & Salzburg a couple years ago, and it was magical...snow, Christmas carols, Krampus run, singing, huge decorated trees, lots of lights at night....and mulled wine everywhere.

Looked up a week trip for her and I and it was 2k total. I was shocked.

She doesn't want to be home for Christmas and wants to go somewhere. She mentioned Germany and this is the first thing I thought of. She is 64 so I'd want it to be relaxing for her.

She walk all day but hopefully she knows it will be cold. I just know her in that she wants to relax and not be on the go all the time. I don't think she would mind the Salzburg trip. 3 hours to Munich might be too long for her and too long for me to deal with her in a confined space.

If a three hour train ride, sitting still, is too much for her, then how will she tolerate the flight? All of the Christmas markets are outdoors, so much walking is involved.

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Rather than Frankfurt, I'd go to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Nurnberg, Stuttgart, & Esslingen (Medieval). They're only 2 hrs from Frankfurt. The first two you'll get some German history. Frankfurt, not so much.

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Agreed, the Christmas Market is ok in Frankfurt, but compared to others, not so much I have not been to Esslingen, but Nurnberg is a favorite of mine.

I used to travel to Frankfurt quite a bit for work, and really not worth the trip if that is the only city you will see.

Or as others have said, you could go down and do the market in Munich and then over to Salzburg.

Euro trains are not like flying on a plane, not really close. You can walk around as much as you want, less people on them usually, and there are usually at least one restaurant/ bar car. The sights are often times really nice too, it's not like you are on an airplane high up. Obviously it's best to travel long distance to make best use of your time but I wouldn't sweat a 3 hour train ride much as far as discomfort.

Dublin weather would be terrible around Christmas, and you should only go to Provence in the spring or summer. Honestly... I would consider a warmer place that time of year. Consider southern italy, Spain, or Portugal.
Otherwise, the Munich/Salzburg trip would be quite manageable.

We are going to miss the markets but will probably take a Germany/Austria/Prague trip next winter.

If you're prepared for it, I just don't really mind winter vacations in Europe. Crowds are better and for tons of walking I'd prefer to freeze than sweat.