Hi,

Last year I took a trip with my GF and parents to the Christmas markets in Munich and Nuremburg. We spent about 2 days in each city. We had a wonderful time and we are considering a trip this year as well. I was hoping to get a few ideas for other Christmas markets to visit. The quaint, old-world quality of these markets was such a refreshing diverson from the cookie-cutter shopping centers we have here in the states!

Any suggestions?

There was a very recent thread on just this subject:


http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=577255


If you would like more information, doing a search will help you locate some older threads on Christmas Markets

And another one here:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=499032

I will be in the Rhine/Mosel area in early December. Any suggestions for Christmas markets worth visiting in this area? I know there are ones in Rudesheim and Bernkastel-Kues. Has anyone gone to these? I also like the small towns ones that are often only on weekends if anyone knows about any of those. Any comments on the ones in Trier, Luxembourg, or Saarbrucken or any others in that region? I have read both good any bad comments on Stuttgart's market, some saying it was their least favorite - just to big.

I've been to the Hamburg one which I really like. It seems better than the Berlins one I've been to, possibly because it is concentrated only within the town square and not many scattered locations, which seems to be the case in big cities like FRA or Berlin.

Any comments on the markets in Ruedesheim, Rhine area, Trier. Luxembourg, Saarbrucken, or Stuttgart?

Saarbrücken / Saarbruecken: more commercial market on the main market place in the old town from "1. advent" (02/12) until 23/12.
special saarbruecken christmas market traditionally (and additionally) on the 1st advent weekend (only!). worth going if you are in the area.
if you have questions re. SB, let me know.

mag, have you been either of the Saarbrucken markets? I would be in the area the time of the two markets, so I might check those out. Thanks.

Any comments on the markets in Ruedesheim, Rhine area, Trier. Luxembourg, Saarbrucken, or Stuttgart?
Stuttgart: big and full of Japanese, All my guests liked it.
Drop me a message, when you are going there, maybe we can meet for a Glühwein (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulled_wine).

Hi,

Last year I took a trip with my GF and parents to the Christmas markets in Munich and Nuremburg. We spent about 2 days in each city. We had a wonderful time and we are considering a trip this year as well. I was hoping to get a few ideas for other Christmas markets to visit. The quaint, old-world quality of these markets was such a refreshing diverson from the cookie-cutter shopping centers we have here in the states!

Any suggestions?

I would also recomand

Zurich (Switzerland): Nice lights along the famous Bahnhofstrasse.

Tallin (Estonia): Romantic christmas market in old town. Not so crowded.

mag, have you been either of the Saarbrucken markets? I would be in the area the time of the two markets, so I might check those out. Thanks.

i was born in SB... ;)

if you can, just go on the 1st advent and you will see both (actually, on this weekend it is going to be one biiiig market, spreading out in the whole old town of SB on both sides of the river saar.) ((big still means nothing compared to e.g. nuernberg))

make sure to try "dibbelabbes" at one of the food stands, a typical and only-to-be-found-there dish of the saar region (based on potatoes).
otherwise, try the french influenced local cuisine.

have fun!

Less famous but one of the best: Dresden's Striezelmarket. The city itself is worth a visit, too after the Frauenkirche and much of the inner city has been rebuild.
The christmas market features local crafts and food and is free from China imported mass products and therefore quite authentic. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Striezelmarkt)
Close by there is a Medeaval Christmas Market.
In the surrounding region in the Ore Mountains is the center of craftsmanship where all the Christmas ornaments and items are handcrafted. Recommended for a day trip.

There has been little mention of the Christmas markets in Luxembourg and Dusseldorf? Are there any of interest in these cities?

Zürich's market is awesome. They have it inside of the train station(Hauptbahnhof).There is also a huge Swavorski Christmas tree that is definetely a sight to see.If you do go to Zürich, also go to the following places. Get the Glühwein truffles at Sprüngli, and even go to the major grocery chains like COOP and Migros, as they have some terrific holiday cookies, candies, and chocolates. :)

The market in Vienna in front of the town hall starts at the end of November and it's absolutely wonderful.

The Christmas market in Luxembourg is fine, but not too special. It takes place in the central square, and has the standard stalls. It's modest compared to the markets in Germany, but nice. I wouldn't go out of my way to visit.

I went to the Christmas market in Ulm two years ago and was a bit surprised at the size; it was larger than I expected and packed.

We're going to Paris 11/28-12/5 and were considering going to Strasbourg overnight to hit the Christmas market and see family. Now it sounds like the family is making plans to be elsewhere during that time. Is it worth the trip to Strasbourg for the market, or should we stay in Paris and visit a market there instead?

TIA,
GG