Originally Posted by
JPG3392
A comment on #1. The best-known Christmas market is in Nuernberg, though the one in Munich (which I've been to) is also quite good.
Nuernberg sounds appealing to me. I have been to Munich before but it was during Autumn. I will research this including the logistics but the idea for me is to use the European Airpass of Star Alliance to go through different parts of Europe.
Originally Posted by
fassy
I would prefer France, Swiss, Italian or Austrian Alps, also it is much more practical to go there if you want to see a Christmas market in Southern Germany (as said Nürnberg is great or try Salzburg in Austria).
Thank you for this. I will definitely want to go to Swiss Alps - Lucerne is that right?
Originally Posted by
MSPeconomist
I agree. Rothenberg (on the Romantik Road) also has a famous Christmas market and year round Christmas stores. Munich and Vienna are magical around Christmas (so is Paris). You could take the train for the scenery and stop for a few days in Salzburg. Heidelberg and Freiberg would be fun around Christmas too. Or try to visit a less well known and more local Christmas markets, in smaller towns, such as Bonn.
If you can, try to stay (or at least stop for a drink or tea) at some of the iconic historic palace hotels (Imperial in Vienna, Crilllion, Plaza Athenee and others in Paris, etc.) to see their Christmas decorations. Old churches and cathedrals often have interesting antique Christmas decorations as well as special musical performances. Candlelight can make it special. Touristic castles can also show Christmas decorations representative of their time.
Don't miss the special seasonal foods either, such as goose in Vienna and wild game in Germany, as well as the special pastries.
Remember that northern Europe has short dark days at this time of the year. It can be depressing.
Gosh reading your comment makes me want to do this Europe Winter trip this year... Thanks for the comments and suggestions.