A Good 7-Day Christmas Market Itinerary (Germany + France)
On the subject of festive, early winter journey, you actually cannot go incorrect with Christmas markets in Europe. The Christmas market custom dates again a whole lot of years, and has unfold throughout many European international locations.
Through the Christmas market season (which typically runs for the 4 weeks main as much as Christmas), cities massive and small throughout Europe flip into festive wonderlands, with picket market stalls adorned with greenery and twinkle lights promoting every little thing from meals to dwelling items (and naturally steaming mugs of mulled wine).
Christmas markets differ ever so barely from nation to nation, and there are A LOT of them – so I understand how overwhelming it may be to plan a visit to go to them (particularly when you’re like me and wish to see them ALL). Which is why I am sharing my thought of a excellent 1-week Christmas market itinerary that you would be able to be at liberty to make use of that can assist you plan a visit you will always remember!
When to take a Christmas market journey
A vital factor to know in regards to the timing of a Christmas market journey is that almost all of Christmas markets in Europe coincide with the non secular interval of Introduction, which is the 4 weeks main as much as Christmas. Which means most Christmas markets open in late November, and shut by December twenty third or twenty fourth!
There are a handful of markets that keep open by means of Three Kings Day/Epiphany on January 6, however the majority of them shut down by Christmas. So no matter you do, do not plan your Christmas market journey between Christmas and New 12 months’s, as you are more likely to be dissatisfied.
The very best time for a Christmas market journey in Europe is usually in early or mid-December, when all of the markets are open and cities are bustling with Christmas preparations.
1-week Christmas market itinerary
This 7-day itinerary focuses on southwestern Germany and the Alsace area of France, that are two of the easiest areas in Europe to go for Christmas markets. It is the right space for a first-time Christmas market journey, with an excellent steadiness of larger cities and smaller cities to actually provide you with a really feel for the season.
Highlights of this itinerary embody:
- Greater German cities like Frankfurt and Stuttgart
- Smaller German cities with charming markets like Heidelberg and Ludwigsburg
- The well-known markets of Strasbourg and Colmar in France
- Plus options of further stops so as to add in case you have extra time
And whereas this itinerary does focus totally on Christmas markets, I will remember to counsel some non-market actions in every metropolis, too, in case you get uninterested in mulled wine and Christmas cheer.
By automotive or prepare?
I’ve visited a number of of those cities greater than as soon as throughout Christmas market season, and this itinerary can really be accomplished both by automotive or by prepare.
Doing a Christmas market highway journey provides you extra freedom, and is the choice I might suggest so long as you might be comfy driving overseas and do not thoughts planning forward for the place to park. A Christmas market journey by prepare can be an excellent possibility when you do not wish to drive, so long as you might be okay with pre-planning your route and navigating trains in each Germany and France.
I will embody information for each driving and taking the prepare on this itinerary, so you possibly can resolve which one sounds higher to you!
When you want a rental automotive, I like to recommend Auto Europe (and you may choose up/drop off in Frankfurt, which implies you will discover glorious charges – it is really cheaper to lease a automotive for this journey than to take trains). And for trains, I like to make use of Trainline, as their app is sort of simple to make use of on the go (although you will wish to pre-book most of your prepare tickets to get the perfect costs).
Be aware: If you are going to be renting a automotive and driving, it’s best to get an Worldwide Driving Allow earlier than leaving dwelling. You legally want one in all these to drive in France on a US driver’s license. You will get one at any native AAA department – more info here.
Let’s get into the Christmas market itinerary!
Day 1: Arrive in Frankfurt
Frankfurt is a significant transit hub in Germany (and in all of Europe), that means it’s best to be capable of discover first rate flight offers in/out of FRA. When you’re coming from North America, you will possible be touchdown within the morning.
After going by means of border management and getting your baggage, you’ve two choices: you possibly can both choose up your rental automotive now so you do not have to do it on Day 2, or you possibly can maintain off and head into the town heart. The Frankfurt airport is well-connected to the town by way of prepare, so it’d really prevent cash to attend to select up your automotive till tomorrow.
To get into central Frankfurt by prepare, you will wish to observe indicators for the Terminal 1 prepare station within the airport, and make for the suburban prepare strains. Then you possibly can take both the S8 or S9 S-Bahn prepare into Frankfurt (in all probability to both the Hauptbanhof or Hauptwache station, relying on the place you are staying); purchase a ticket from a machine on the platform, after which the journey takes simply 15-20 minutes.
It in all probability might be too early to examine into your lodge room, however you possibly can a minimum of drop your baggage off (and/or park your automotive when you picked it up on the airport). After which it is time to begin exploring Frankfurt at Christmas!
Professional tip: Be sure you get some money out once you arrive; most Christmas market stalls (particularly those promoting meals/drinks) are cash-only!
Frankfurt is a big metropolis, however the metropolis heart is definitely fairly small and manageable – excellent for a jet-lagged first day in Europe!
Frankfurt Christmas markets
Frankfurt has an extended, lengthy historical past of internet hosting Christmas markets – way back to the 12 months 1393, a minimum of! And at present, the town hosts a number of Christmas markets all through its Outdated City.
Begin on the Römerberg, or historic market sq., the place the principle metropolis Christmas market is. Right here you will discover plenty of meals stalls, a carousel, a large Christmas tree, plus Frankfurt’s Römer (Metropolis Corridor). It is an incredible place to take some images and seize one thing to eat (most stalls open by 10 a.m., or 11 a.m. on Sundays).
From there, stroll north by means of Paulsplatz and in the direction of Hauptwache station; there are Christmas market stalls all alongside the streets and squares between Römerberg and Hauptwache. You may as well discover the Rosa Weihnacht, or “pink market” at Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz; that is Frankfurt’s LGBTQ+ market, although largely the one factor completely different about it’s pink lighting after darkish.
You may as well head the opposite course to seek out market stalls alongside the River Foremost, and I additionally loved the small market at Roßmarkt, which had market stalls, a Christmas pyramid, and even a small Ferris wheel with Frankfurt skyscrapers as a backdrop.
You may simply spend just a few hours strolling by means of all of the market areas, stopping right here and there for meals or a mug of Glühwein.
A observe on Christmas market mugs: At most Christmas markets in Germany and France, any sizzling drink you order might be served in an actual glass/mug, normally distinctive to that metropolis or market. You may must pay a deposit on these mugs (money required!) along with the price of your drink. (In German-speaking international locations, that is referred to as pfand.) When you return the mug after you end your drink, you will get your deposit again. If you wish to maintain the mug as a memento, take into account the mug deposit the price of the mug. (You may normally count on to pay €3-€5 as a deposit.)
Prime issues to eat/drink
In Frankfurt, look out for sausages of all sizes and shapes, pretzels, candied and roasted nuts together with Maroni (chestnuts) and Mandeln (almonds), potato dishes together with dumplings (Schupfnudeln) and pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer), Käsespatzle (a tacky noodle dish), and loads of tasty desserts together with Lebkuchen (a sort of German gingerbread).
To drink, you will discover Glühwein (mulled wine) all over the place. You may also see Feuerzangenbowle, which is mulled wine with a shot of rum poured over a sugar dice that is then lit on hearth. You may as well attempt Eierpunsch (a sizzling drink made with an egg-based liqueur; but it surely’s not eggnog!).
Different issues to do in Frankfurt
You may be drained after an in a single day flight, so truthfully I do not suggest planning a lot else at present aside from wandering the Frankfurt Christmas markets.
However if you would like a break, just a few different issues you are able to do with one day in Frankfurt embody:
- Cease in to the Frankfurt Cathedral (the Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus), the place German kings after which Roman emperors had been coronated beginning within the 1300s.
- Go to the Historisches Museum Frankfurt.
- See no matter displays are on inside Paulskirche (St. Paul’s Church).
- Tour the Goethe Home, the place German author/statesman Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born and grew up.
Whole driving time at present: When you drive from the airport into the town heart, it will take 20-25 minutes.
Easy methods to do it by prepare: You may take both the S8 or S9 S-Bahn prepare into Frankfurt from Terminal 1 on the airport. From the town heart, you possibly can attain all of the above really useful spots on foot.
The place to remain in Frankfurt (1 night time): I would suggest Motel One Frankfurt-Römer (near Outdated City; restricted paid parking out there), Scandic Frankfurt Museumsufer (near the principle prepare station; paid parking out there), or Steigenberger Icon Frankfurter Hof (a extra luxurious possibility near Outdated City).
Day 2: To Heidelberg
When you’re driving, you will wish to choose up your automotive this morning when you did not get it yesterday. After which it is time to bid farewell to Frankfurt and head for a smaller metropolis: Heidelberg, Germany!
Heidelberg is a vibrant college metropolis constructed on each banks of the Neckar River. It is dwelling to a ruined citadel and the oldest college in Germany. And it has a number of the most charming German Christmas markets!
When you’re driving to Heidelberg and staying inside the Heidelberger Altstadt (Outdated City), you will wish to discover a parking storage near your lodge and plan to go away your automotive there when you discover. (Your lodge can let you already know which storage is closest if they do not have parking of their very own.)
When you drop your luggage off, it is time to discover Heidelberg.
Heidelberg Christmas markets
Heidelberg has small Christmas markets on all of its small squares, with greater than 140 stalls promoting meals, crafts, and extra. There’s additionally an ice skating rink with citadel views, Christmas pyramids, seating inside big wine barrels, and rides for teenagers.
The squares you will positively wish to go to for market vibes are Karlsplatz, the place you will discover an ice skating rink with a view of Heidelberg Citadel on the hill above it; Marktplatz with a large wine barrel; Kornmarkt, with some illuminated Christmas timber; and Universitätsplatz, the place you will discover a carousel and plenty of market stalls.
You may come across all of those naturally when you simply go for a wander round Heidelberg’s Outdated City. You may as well go to a Käthe Wohlfahrt store in Heidelberg, which is mainly a Christmas explosion of ornaments, picket pyramids, and different decor.
Prime issues to eat/drink
You may discover related meals right here to what there was in Frankfurt, together with sausages, potato dishes, candied nuts, and loads of Lebkuchen. The truth is, Heidelberg had a number of the prettiest Lebkuchen stalls I noticed in Germany!
To drink, you will discover Glühwein and Feuerzangenbowle right here, too.
Different issues to do in Heidelberg
Even with only a partial day in Heidelberg, you possibly can tick off just a few non-Christmas issues since it is a small metropolis. The highest issues to do embody:
- Go to Heidelberg Citadel (Schloss Heidelberg), the place you possibly can take a guided tour or self-guided tour utilizing the Monument BW smartphone app. More info here.
- Experience the historic Heidelberg Bergbahn/Mountain Railway, two linked funicular railways that may take you to Heidelberg Citadel, and additional as much as Königstuhl (I solely suggest going all the best way as much as Königstuhl in case you have further time and the climate is obvious).
- Go for a stroll alongside the Philosophenweg (Thinker’s Method) throughout the river for glorious views of Heidelberg.
And if you wish to eat one thing aside from market meals tonight, I can suggest Weinstube Schnitzelbank for glorious schnitzel and beer.
Whole driving time at present: 1 hour 10 minutes
Easy methods to do it by prepare: From Frankfurt’s principal prepare station (Frankfurt (Foremost) Hbf), you possibly can catch a prepare to Heidelberg. There are direct routes on ICE trains, or routes that may embody a change on regional (RE) trains. Journey time to Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof might be 1-1.5 hours with direct trains, or barely longer when you’ll must switch. From there, it is a very brief taxi journey into the Outdated City. Check Trainline for instances/costs.
The place to remain in Heidelberg (1 night time): I like to recommend staying in or close to the Altstadt/Outdated City so you possibly can stroll to all of the Christmas markets. I stayed at Hotel Villa Marstall, which is easy however good (parking in a public storage close by). Different good choices embody Hotel Europäischer Hof Heidelberg (luxurious possibility with paid parking on web site) and ArtHotel Heidelberg (personal parking out there).
Day 3: To Strasbourg
At present we’ll be saying goodbye to Germany (for just a few days, a minimum of!) and heading to Strasbourg within the Alsace area of France. This metropolis not far off the Rhine River has nicknamed itself “Capitale de Noël,” or the Capital of Christmas, and it really is magical throughout the holidays with dreamy Christmas decor and plenty of market stalls.
Strasbourg’s historic metropolis heart is situated on an island (the Grande-Île de Strasbourg), and it is largely closed to vehicles (and doubly so throughout the Christmas market season). So if you are going to be driving and staying within the heart, you will wish to examine along with your lodge to seek out out whether or not they supply parking, or the place they suggest you park. (You may as well keep barely outdoors of the town heart, although, and nonetheless be capable of simply attain all of the Christmas markets.)
You will not want your automotive at present, and probably not tomorrow both after you arrive in Strasbourg.
Good to know: Strasbourg takes safety severely throughout the vacation season. When you’ll be driving into the town heart, you will must have a pre-approved allow to take action (your lodge may help with this), and must cross by means of a police/navy checkpoint the place they will wish to look in your trunk. It additionally shouldn’t be unusual to see armed police strolling across the Christmas markets right here for safety.
When you get to Strasbourg and drop your baggage off, get out into the town – particularly the historic metropolis heart and Petite France on Grande-Île de Strasbourg! There’s a lot to see, together with all that iconic decor and a number of other Christmas markets.
Strasbourg Christmas markets
Strasbourg has greater than half a dozen Christmas markets of various sizes all throughout the Grande-Île de Strasbourg. Be aware that the market stalls (referred to as chalets right here!) do not normally open till 11:30 a.m. every day.
Begin with the markets close to the Strasbourg Cathedral (the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg). There is a market proper in entrance of the cathedral (and increasing into Place du Château and down Rue des Hallebardes), and one other close by at Place du Marchéaux-Poissons referred to as the Le Quai des Délices (go right here to style native Alsatian wine!). Not far-off, there’s additionally the Chrìstkìndelsmärik on Place Broglie close to Hôtel de Ville (Metropolis Corridor).
From there, I like to recommend crossing the Grande-Île de Strasbourg to see the small markets and decor round Petite France (like on Place St-Thomas and Place Benjamin Zix).
If in case you have children, they will in all probability love the Introduction Village, too, the place they’ve storytelling reveals and kid-friendly Christmas crafts, together with native merchandise on the market. And close by, there’s normally a extra different market at Place Grimmeissen, the place distributors are arrange in delivery containers as an alternative of chalets on the Le Marché OFF.
After darkish is the time to go to Place Kléber to see the Grand Sapin, or Christmas tree. This market is all the time very busy after darkish, however that is as a result of there is a mild present on the tree on the hour each hour between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m.
You may obtain a information and map to all of the Strasbourg Christmas markets here.
Prime issues to eat/drink
We’re within the Alsace area of France now, which implies a completely completely different meals tradition! Well-liked issues to eat at Christmas markets right here embody flammeküeche or tarte flambée (a savory flatbread), pretzels, sausage and potato dishes, mushrooms, ache d’epice (spiced bread, like a gingerbread), and bredele cookies.
To drink, the Alsace additionally does mulled wine (referred to as vin chaud right here), together with different sizzling drinks like chocolat chaud (sizzling chocolate), and even spiced juices – I had a spiced orange juice that was really fairly good!
Good to know: Like in Germany, drinks are served in particular Christmas market cups in Strasbourg. They’re plastic right here, although, so do not count on a cute ceramic mug to take dwelling as a memento!
Strasbourg Christmas decor
And now I will share a maybe controversial take with you: whereas Strasbourg has completely good Christmas markets, I really suppose the town does Christmas decor higher than precise Christmas markets! When you go to all of Strasbourg’s markets, you will begin to discover that there are a LOT of chalets promoting the very same meals, drink, and items at most of them.
However the Christmas decor in Strasbourg? It alone is value visiting to see. Store fronts explode with festive decorations, and streets are draped with twinkle lights and different illuminations.
A number of the streets with the perfect Christmas decorations in Strasbourg embody Rue du Maroquin (discover the well-known homes coated in teddy bears right here), Rue Mercière (for the lighted angels in entrance of the cathedral), Rue du Chaudron, Rue des Orfèvres, and Rue des Hallebardes. Additionally take a look at Galeries Lafayette (outdoors, a minimum of), and the streets in Petite France.
Different issues to do in Strasbourg
Visiting the assorted Christmas markets and taking a look at all of the decorations right here can simply take you a full day, however if you wish to break it up, I additionally suggest you:
- Go to the Strasbourg Cathedral, the place you possibly can climb as much as an commentary platform or watch the astronomical clock “carry out” at 12:30 p.m. every day (every comes with a small entrance charge).
- Take a ship cruise with Batorama across the Grande-Île to sightsee (the boats are coated and heated within the winter).
Whole driving time at present: 1.5 hours when driving from Heidelberg
Easy methods to do it by prepare: Taking a prepare from Heidelberg to Strasbourg would require a minimum of 1 change, possible from a Deutsche Bahn prepare to at least one operated by the French SCNF. It’s very do-able in 2-3 hours, however will take a bit of extra pre-planning. Strasbourg’s principal prepare station is simply to the west of the town heart. Check Trainline for choices.
The place to remain in Strasbourg (3 nights): I like to recommend utilizing Strasbourg as a base to your time within the Alsace. If you wish to keep on the Grande-Île de Strasbourg at a spot that gives valet parking and can provide help to get hold of the entry allow to mean you can drive onto the island, I can extremely suggest Hôtel & Spa Le Bouclier d’Or in Petite France, which is historic and beautiful. Different good choices embody Hotel Hannong & Wine Bar (centrally situated, with a parking low cost at a close-by storage) and Hotel Cour Du Corbeau Strasbourg MGallery (not on the island however inside strolling distance; public parking close by).
Day 4: Christmas in Colmar
You may simply spend a second day in Strasbourg, however most individuals who come to the Alsace for the vacations dream of visiting the fairytale-esque Colmar. This city seems like one thing straight out of Magnificence and the Beast at any time of 12 months (and actually it is stated that cities like Colmar did actually encourage Belle’s little French village), but it surely’s even higher at Christmas.
Some Christmas market itineraries would possibly inform you to remain in a single day in Colmar so you possibly can see the city within the early morning when it is much less busy, however I personally do not love altering lodges each single day, and there are merely extra lodge, parking, and eating choices in Strasbourg.
When you keep in Strasbourg, it is tremendous simple to take a day journey to Colmar to absorb all of the Christmas vibes. And, even when you’re self-driving on this journey, I like to recommend taking the prepare to Colmar. That is what I did, and it was 100% the appropriate resolution, because it’s actually powerful to seek out parking in Colmar when the Christmas markets are on.
Get an early begin from Strasbourg, and benefit from the 30-minute prepare journey to Colmar. When you arrive, it is a brief 15-minute stroll into the Outdated City space; stroll by means of the Parc du Champ-de-Mars on the best way.
Colmar Christmas markets
Colmar appears like one big Christmas market explosion when you get into the historic a part of city, however there are literally half a dozen distinct Marche de Nöel (Christmas markets) to take a look at. You may come throughout all of them when you simply wander round Colmar’s compact Outdated City.
There are decent-sized markets on Place de l’Ancienne Douane and Place des Dominicains, indoor distributors on the Koïfhus at Ancienne Douane, and you will not wish to miss the charming market stalls in Petite Venise/Little Venice (there’s additionally a cute kids’s market right here).
My favourite market in Colmar is the Marché Gourmand, or Connoisseur Market. Final 12 months, this market was alongside the Rue de la Montagne Verte, close to the Grande roue de Colmar (Ferris wheel). Right here, native cooks compete in challenges and serve up really connoisseur Alsatian meals. If you are going to eat in Colmar, make it at this market!
Prime issues to eat/drink
Get pleasure from Alsatian meals right here like tarte flambée, crepes, sausage with cabbage, Galette de pommes de terre (potato pancakes), and ache d’epice. Additionally look out for Mannele, or man-shaped brioche breads, that are standard within the Alsace and historically eaten on Saint Nicholas Day.
And you will find extra vin chaud, Alsatian wines, and chocolate chaud to drink right here.
Colmar Christmas decor
You may additionally discover glorious decor all all through the town – some well-known spots you have possible seen images of are alongside Grand Rue, Rue Saint-Nicolas, and in Petite Venise (particularly alongside the Quai de la Poissonnerie).
Through the Christmas season, one other distinctive custom you possibly can catch in Colmar is performances by the Kaysersberg College of Music, the place kids carry out carols from small boats at they traverse by means of the Petite Venise canals. Catch these performances on Tuesday and Friday evenings in December. Final 12 months, Saint Nicholas additionally made an look at these live shows.
Different issues to do in Colmar
To be completely trustworthy, you possible will not wish to do something in Colmar throughout the holidays past wandering the attractive streets and procuring at varied Christmas market stalls. However, when you DO wish to add something to your to do checklist, you might:
- Store on the Marché Couvert Colmar, which is a traditional on a regular basis native market promoting meals items.
- Go to a museum just like the Unterlinden Museum (non secular artwork + native historical past), Bartholdi Museum (sculpture artwork), or Choco Story Museum.
- Take a flat-bottomed boat tour on the canals in Petite Venise and the Quai de la Poissonnerie (booking ahead recommended).
You may simply spend your entire day in Colmar, after which catch the prepare again to Strasbourg within the night.
Whole driving time at present: I do not suggest driving to Colmar except you resolve you are going to change lodges and keep in a single day right here. It is too arduous to seek out parking throughout the holidays to make driving for a day journey value it! (If you are going to keep in Colmar, the drive from Strasbourg takes about an hour.)
Easy methods to do it by prepare: You may catch a direct prepare from Strasbourg to Colmar. A number of trains run per hour, and the journey takes half-hour. You may pre-book tickets, or buy once you get to the prepare station (however know that you’re going to get monetary savings reserving forward).
The place to remain: When you resolve to remain in Colmar, some lodges that supply parking choices embody Hotel Le Colombier in Little Venice, and La Maison Des Têtes for one thing a bit fancier. In any other case, I like to recommend this be Night time 2 in Strasbourg for you.
Day 5: Alsace small cities OR wine route
Nonetheless utilizing Strasbourg as a base, at present you possibly can select between extra Christmas markets in some smaller Alsatian cities/villages, or occurring an journey alongside the Alsace Wine Route. Each are glorious choices relying on whether or not you suppose you will want a break from Christmas markets by this level or not!
Small cities to go to within the Alsace
There aren’t any scarcity of Magnificence and the Beast-esque cities to discover on this area, all with their very own small Christmas markets. You may go to a number of in sooner or later, however I might suggest simply selecting 1-2 that sound the perfect to you so your day is not too rushed.
Self-driving is the most suitable choice right here, as there’s just one city with a straightforward prepare connection to Strasbourg (Obernai). When you aren’t driving however nonetheless wish to go to a number of of those, a guided tour like this would possibly really be a greater possibility!
All of those cities are about an hour from Strasbourg (aside from Obernai, which is simply half-hour away). They’re brief drives from one another, too, and all have parking heaps/garages near the city facilities – you’ll find parking listed on Google Maps!
- Obernai – That is my high choose for a smaller Alsatian city to go to from Strasbourg, since it is simple to achieve, very charming, and never tremendous crowded! It has a singular Christmas market that focuses on native meals and crafts – I had the BEST vin chaud right here, served out of a large cauldron.
- Eguisheim – This small medieval city is claimed to be one of many prettiest in France, and has a small (30 stalls) Christmas market on its principal city sq. that includes native artisans.
- Riquewihr – I will not lie; I didn’t love visiting Riquewihr on a weekend throughout the Christmas season. It is on many bus tour routes, and it was SO crowded once I visited in December that it virtually wasn’t pleasant. The Christmas market simply outdoors of the city heart is definitely very good, with distinctive issues on the market. However the village itself gave me Disney World vibes – and never in a great way. Go to on a weekday when you go!
- Kaysersberg-Vignoble – With a Christmas market that solely runs Friday-Sunday, Kaysersberg is a good possibility for a quieter, much less industrial market. The distributors listed below are fastidiously chosen every year.
- Ribeauvillé – One other fairytale village, Ribeauvillé hosts a really distinctive Medieval Christmas market on two weekends yearly (December 7-8 and 14-15 in 2024). This market options medieval performers, music, and meals – however observe that it does are inclined to get very, very crowded, and I personally have prevented it.
Be aware: When you’re staying in Colmar, there is a Christmas shuttle that runs to a number of of those cities on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays – however observe that these would be the busiest days to go to!
Alone Christmas market highway journey, we visited Obernai and Riquewihr in sooner or later, and that was truthfully sufficient!
Alsace Wine Route
Alternatively, you might take a break from Christmas markets altogether at present and go on a wine tasting tour alongside the Alsace Wine Route as an alternative. It is a very fashionable wine route in France, and makes for a beautiful day journey from Strasbourg.
If you are going to do that, I do not suggest self-driving in any respect, as France has very strict drunk driving legal guidelines. As a substitute, you possibly can ebook a tour and let another person do the driving.
Listed below are two good choices:
Whole driving time at present: It relies upon what number of cities you wish to go to, however you possibly can count on to spend wherever from 1-3 hours driving at present.
Easy methods to do it by prepare: I do not suggest utilizing the prepare at present, except you solely wish to go to Obernai. In that case, you should buy a ticket on the Strasbourg prepare station.
The place to remain: Nonetheless in Strasbourg tonight, I like to recommend Hôtel & Spa Le Bouclier d’Or in Petite France (parking out there), Hotel Hannong & Wine Bar (centrally situated, with a parking low cost at a close-by storage), and Hotel Cour Du Corbeau Strasbourg MGallery (not on the island however inside strolling distance; public parking close by). When you choose to remain in Colmar, have a look at the Hotel Le Colombier in Little Venice, or La Maison Des Têtes for one thing a bit fancier.
Day 6: To Stuttgart
I hope you bought your fill of French meals and wine, as a result of we’re headed again throughout the border into Germany at present! To Stuttgart, particularly, which makes one other nice base to go to quite a lot of Christmas markets.
The drive shouldn’t be an extended one, however when you needed to interrupt it up, you might cease in Karlsruhe to go to its Christmas market on the best way. The markets in Karlsruhe embody superbly adorned stalls on Friedrichsplatz, and an enormous skating rink in entrance of Schloss Karlsruhe.
As soon as in Stuttgart, you possibly can drop your baggage at your lodge after which head out to go to a number of the Christmas markets right here.
Stuttgart Christmas markets
Stuttgart is not all the time a metropolis that seems on lists of must-visit Christmas markets in Germany, so be ready to be pleasantly shocked right here! The markets in Stuttgart have a number of the most superbly adorned market stalls I’ve seen wherever in Europe, with elaborate scenes depicted on high of every one. There’s even an award every year for essentially the most lovely Christmas market stall.
There are Christmas market stalls (virtually 300 of them!) unfold all through Stuttgart’s metropolis heart, together with on Schlossplatz, Schillerplatz, Karlsplatz, and Marktplatz.
The center of the market is round Schlossplatz, with a big lighted tree in entrance of the Königsbau procuring heart, and different illuminated mild shows between it and the Neues Schloss citadel. There are rides right here for the youngsters, a tall Christmas pyramid, and plenty of adorned stalls promoting meals and items. You may additionally discover a bit of eco-friendly winter village surrounding a skating rink right here – in 2023, it was all curler skates!
From Schlossplatz, you possibly can observe the crowds and meander down the pedestrian-only streets to different components of the market.
Prime issues to eat/drink
We’re again in Germany and again to German market meals! Together with sausages of all sizes and shapes, pork sandwiches, Flammkuchen, candied and roasted nuts, potato dishes, and loads of tasty desserts together with Lebkuchen (a sort of German gingerbread) and Stollen (a Christmas bread). You may discover non-regional meals right here, too, like Langos (deep fried flatbread) and chimney muffins.
And to drink, we’re again within the land of Glühwein!
Different issues to do in Stuttgart
Stuttgart is understood to individuals like my husband Elliot as being the center of the German automotive business; each Mercedes-Benz and Porsche have each headquarters and museums right here. So there’s loads of non-Christmas issues to do! You may:
Whole driving time at present: About 2 hours
Easy methods to do it by prepare: There are a pair trains per day that may get your from Strasbourg to Stuttgart with none modifications, but it surely’s extra possible that you just might need to alter trains a couple of times. On a direct prepare, the journey will take about 1.5 hours; with stops, count on 2-2.5 hours in transit time. You may check Trainline for all of your choices.
The place to remain in Stuttgart (2 nights): The EmiLu Design Hotel is a good possibility proper within the metropolis heart, inside strolling distance to a lot of the principal markets and sights (personal paid parking out there). Different good choices embody Jaz in the City not removed from the principle prepare station (paid parking out there, however that you must reserve prematurely), or the Waldhotel Stuttgart, which is outdoors of the town however has free parking and is near a U-Bahn metro cease.
Day 7: Ludwigsburg and Esslingen
Staying in Stuttgart for 2 nights means you may make simple journeys to different close by cities which have actually distinctive Christmas markets. There are greater than two to select from, however I am recommending you go to Esslingen and Ludwigsburg. You may attain each of those cities utilizing the S-Bahn prepare from Stuttgart in lower than 20 minutes, that means no driving mandatory at present!
Esslingen medieval market
I like to recommend beginning the day within the city of Esslingen, which you’ll be able to attain from the Stuttgart Hbf (principal prepare station) utilizing the S1 S-Bahn prepare in lower than 20 minutes.
As soon as in Esslingen, it is a 10-15 minute stroll to the Marktplatz (Market Sq.) space, the place all of the Christmas motion occurs. You may cross a picture-perfect canal, after which discover extra conventional Christmas market stalls across the Marktplatz and Stadtkirche St. Dionys.
However when you stroll a bit of additional in the direction of Rathausplatz, you will enter into the true cause individuals go to Esslingen at Christmas: the well-known Mittelaltermarkt, or Medieval Market of Esslingen.
The Medieval Market right here makes you’re feeling such as you’ve really stepped again in time, with distributors wearing interval clothes, artisan demonstrations, performers, and conventional meals on the market. There is a very cool space designed for teenagers with medieval-style video games and even some outdated rides, together with a small hand-cranked Ferris wheel.
Wander the streets on this a part of Esslingen, and you will be met with extra medieval market stalls arrange amongst half-timbered homes, lamps and torches lit with actual flame, and even a dwelling nativity scene with reside animals. Be sure you take a look at the beautiful Rathaus (Outdated City Corridor) constructing, too.
I like to recommend visiting Esslingen first, because it’s positively the busier of the 2 cities you will go to at present. It will get very crowded within the evenings and on weekends (my images had been taken on a weekend night), so go to this one within the late morning/early afternoon; the market stalls open at 11 a.m.
Ludwigsburg Christmas market
From Esslingen, you will in all probability want to go again to Stuttgart to alter prepare strains as a way to go to Ludwigsburg subsequent (it is served by the S4 and S5 S-Bahn strains). From Stuttgart Hbf, it takes about quarter-hour to get to Ludwigsburg.
From the prepare station, it is a brief 10-minute stroll by means of city to the Marktplatz/Market Sq., which is perched between the Zur Heiligsten Dreieinigkeit and Evangelische Stadtkirche Ludwigsburg, two lovely Baroque church buildings.
On the sq. in between these church buildings, you will discover one of the crucial charming Christmas markets in all of Germany: the Ludwigsburg Baroque Christmas Market. The market options large wings constructed from twinkle lights that stand up above the market stalls, which promote a variety of regionally made items, crafts, and meals. Of all of the Christmas markets you will go to on this journey, this one can have essentially the most precise native items!
The meals in Ludwigsburg can be glorious, with every little thing from sausages to langos to smoked and fried fish out there. You may as well attempt Maultaschen (a sort of dumpling) and Stockbrot (bread cooked round an extended stick). And, alongside gluhwein and beer, you will additionally discover loads of different sizzling drinks and cocktails – I had a sizzling Hugo (a well-liked spritz-style cocktail) right here.
Whole driving time at present: None is important! It is manner simpler to only take the S-Bahn.
Easy methods to do it by prepare: Take the S1 S-Bahn line to Esslingen in about 20 minutes. Take both the S4 or S5 line to Ludwigsburg in about quarter-hour. You need not pre-buy tickets; you should use both the VVS Cellular or SSB Transfer app to buy tickets proper in your telephone.
The place to remain: Keep in Stuttgart once more tonight. The EmiLu Design Hotel, Jaz in the City, and Waldhotel Stuttgart are all good choices.
Day 8: Return to Frankfurt
And that is the top of this weeklong Christmas market journey! It is going to be time to head again to Frankfurt at present. You may both ebook your flight out of Frankfurt this afternoon or night, or spend yet another night time in Frankfurt earlier than flying dwelling.
I’ll warn you, although, that it’s extremely possible you will catch the Christmas market bug on this journey; this may not be your final time in Europe for the vacations!
Whole driving time at present: It’ll take you nearly 2 hours to drive from Stuttgart again to Frankfurt.
Easy methods to do it by prepare: From Stuttgart to Frankfurt, you possibly can catch a direct ICE prepare that can take between 1.75 and a pair of hours. Check Trainline for all of your choices.
The place to remain in Frankfurt: When you’re staying one other night time in Frankfurt, I like to recommend Motel One Frankfurt-Römer (near Outdated City), or the Scandic Frankfurt Museumsufer (near the principle prepare station). Or you might ebook a room at an airport lodge just like the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel, which is correct within the airport.
Make it a 10-day Christmas market journey
Do you possibly have a bit of extra time to dedicate to a Christmas market journey in Europe? Nicely, there are infinite methods you might add some further days to the above itinerary. However I will counsel only a few that may be my high picks.
Add on Munich
The simplest add-on to the above itinerary can be to go to Munich from Stuttgart, and spend 2 nights within the coronary heart of Bavaria for some extra glorious Christmas markets.
Munich is one in all my favourite massive cities in Germany to go to throughout the Christmas season, because it has a number of distinctive markets unfold all through the town heart. My favorites are the principle market on Marienplatz (head up one of many surrounding towers for a wonderful overhead view), the small market with nice meals on Rindermarkt, a medieval market on Wittelsbacherplatz, the market within the courtyard of the Residenz palace, and the pink market at Stephansplatz.
You may additionally go to the Residenz palace when you’re in Munich, or head out to Nymphenburg Palace for a tour.
Whole driving time at present: From Stuttgart to Munich, it is just below 2.5 hours of driving time.
Easy methods to do it by prepare: From Stuttgart to Munich, there are direct trains that can take about 2 hours. Check Trainline for all of your choices.
The place to remain in Munich: In Munich, my high picks are close to the principle prepare station (it is really a pleasant space!), with my go-to being the NH Collection München Bavaria. Different good picks embody Hotel Metropol (additionally close to the prepare station) and Hotel Torbraeu (close to the Outdated City).
From right here, you might both fly dwelling from Munich, or make your manner again to Frankfurt to go dwelling.
The complete 10-day itinerary on this case would appear to be:
- Day 1: Arrive in Frankfurt
- Day 2: Heidelberg
- Day 3: Strasbourg
- Day 4: Christmas in Colmar
- Day 5: Alsace small cities
- Day 6: Stuttgart
- Day 7: Esslingen and Ludwigsburg
- Day 8: To Munich
- Day 9: Munich
- Day 10: Again to Frankfurt/dwelling
Different Christmas market choices
When you’d favor so as to add some extra smaller cities to the 7-day itinerary as an alternative of going to Munich, the 2 I might counsel are Trier and Freiburg im Breisgau (each in Germany). When you added these two on, you might additionally go to smaller markets in Rüdesheim am Rhein and at Ravenna Gorge.
On this case, your itinerary might appear to be this:
- Day 1: Arrive in Frankfurt
- Day 2: Trier by way of Rudesheim
- Day 3: Strasbourg
- Day 4: Christmas in Colmar
- Day 5: Alsace small cities
- Day 6: Freiburg im Breisgau
- Day 7: Ravenna Gorge
- Day 8: Stuttgart
- Day 9: Esslingen and Ludwigsburg
- Day 10: Heidelberg
- Day 11: Again to Frankfurt
Be aware: Including in these further stops does make this itinerary barely trickier to do effectively by prepare. It is not not possible, however is certainly simpler when you’re renting a automotive and driving!
Trier (with cease in Rudesheim)
Get an early begin at the present time, and head west from Frankfurt. Cease within the late morning within the city of Rüdesheim am Rhein, which is a really cute city on the Rhine River in wine nation. It is value a brief stroll by means of the Christmas market stalls and city.
From Rudesheim, proceed west virtually all the best way to the border with Luxembourg. Right here you will discover Trier, which is the oldest metropolis in Germany! Town itself has plenty of historic websites to see, together with the Porta Nigra gate (constructed by the Romans virtually 2000 years in the past), Roman ruins, and the Trier Saint Peter’s Cathedral.
The primary Christmas market in Trier takes place on Hauptmarkt, spilling over into the sq. in entrance of the cathedral. This market is small and really local-feeling, however completely magical after darkish. It is one in all my favourite Christmas markets in Germany!
The place so as to add it: Day 2, proper after Frankfurt
Whole driving time: It is 1 hour from Frankfurt to Rudesheim after which an extra 2 hours to Trier, making it 3 hours of whole driving time at present. (Be aware that this route additionally features a brief automotive ferry journey throughout the Rhine River in Rudesheim; you will pay once you get on.) From Trier to the subsequent cease in Strasbourg, it is a 2.5-hour drive.
Easy methods to do it by prepare: Truthfully I might in all probability skip this cease when you’re touring by prepare. You *can* do it, however to get from Frankfurt to Trier by prepare takes almost 4 hours and would require in all probability 2 modifications. (When you’re going by prepare, I might skip the cease in Rudesheim and go straight to Trier.) From Trier to Strasbourg, a prepare journey would take wherever from 4-6 hours; so once more, not value it in my view for only a 1-night keep!
The place to remain: The most suitable choice in Trier is the Romantik Hotel zur Glocke, a historic lodge with lovely rooms and an excellent restaurant. The lodge doesn’t have parking, however there’s paid parking not far-off.
Freiburg/Ravenna Gorge
The opposite addition I can suggest is the city of Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany (AKA Freiburg). It is not removed from the Alsace area in France, and has a number of busy Christmas markets all through its Altstadt (Outdated City). Freiburg’s Outdated City can be a part of a UNESCO World Heritage Website, and has plenty of lovely structure to see, together with medieval gates, the Freiburg Cathedral, and the Historic Retailers’ Corridor.
Freiburg can be an incredible base for visiting the very distinctive Ravenna Gorge Christmas market, which takes place beneath a railroad viaduct in the course of the Black Forest. This Christmas market is likely one of the most unusual in Germany – and is the one market I do know of the place it’s a must to pre-book tickets as a way to go to.
Visiting Ravenna Gorge takes some pre-planning (that you must get tickets in October, and it solely runs on weekends), however when you can match it into your itinerary, I actually do suppose it is value it! I wrote an entire submit about how to visit the Ravenna Gorge Christmas market, with all of the necessary particulars.
The place so as to add it: Day 6 and seven, in between Strasbourg/the Alsace and Stuttgart; keep in Freiburg for each nights.
Whole driving time: The drive from Strasbourg to Freiburg is about 1 hour. When you drive to Ravenna Gorge from Freiburg, that can take half-hour with no site visitors (however throughout Christmas market weekends, count on it to take 40+ minutes). From Freiburg, the drive to Stuttgart is simply over 2 hours.
Easy methods to do it by prepare: Strasbourg to Freiburg is less complicated to do by prepare, and can take wherever from 1-2 hours, relying on the route you select. Check Trainline for choices. From Freiburg, the journey to Stuttgart by prepare takes about 2 hours by ICE prepare, possible with one change.
The place to remain: Good lodge choices right here embody the Park Hotel Post (paid parking out there) and the Colombi Hotel (luxurious possibility with paid parking out there). Simply observe that you’re going to wish to ebook as far prematurely as potential when you’ll be visiting over a Ravenna Gorge market weekend.
How a lot does a Christmas market journey value?
The price of a visit like this could fluctuate vastly relying on the place you propose to go to, what kind of transport you utilize, and the way far prematurely you ebook. For a mean weeklong Christmas market journey in Germany, you possibly can count on to spend someplace round $3500 for two individuals.
My pal Tamara has a wonderful value breakdown for a visit like this, together with the typical value of flights, lodging, transport, and meals. Learn it right here: Christmas market trip budget. You may as well take a look at this video of mine for a way of how a lot you would possibly spend on meals/drinks at markets.
What to put on at Christmas markets
When you learn my Christmas market tips submit, you might need famous that you’re going to be spending loads of time outdoor at Christmas markets. The truth is, they’re ALL outdoors, with little or no cowl from the weather. So that you positively wish to gown for the climate!
The climate for a visit like this could fluctuate vastly. You would possibly expertise temperatures wherever from the 20s-50s F (-7 to 10ish C), and every little thing from shiny sunshine to rain to even snow. So absolutely the necessities to pack embody:
- Heat layers – The climate can fluctuate, but it surely’s more likely to be pretty chilly. So pack layers! I normally go for a merino or moisture-wicking base layer below a sweater/cardigan on high, and doubtlessly fleece-lined leggings (like these) below denims or different pants on the underside. You may additionally desire a good jacket, too, both a light-weight down jacket or heavier winter coat, relying on the temperature. (Final 12 months, I wore this one.)
- Heat, waterproof sneakers/boots – Your footwear may be crucial merchandise in your Christmas market wardrobe! Be sure you carry a minimum of one pair of heat and waterproof sneakers/boots that may sort out any climate. (These Columbia boots are my go-to.)
- Hand/toes heaters – Talking of staying heat, these HotHands hand/toe warmers are must-packs for me for any winter journey. You may put them in your gloves or boots, and so they’ll keep heat for as much as 8 hours.
I’ve a full Christmas market packing list you possibly can take a look at for extra particular options and outfit concepts!
Take a look at these different Christmas market posts:
And there you’ve it! I commend you when you’ve made it this far on this itinerary, however hope that in case you have you are now extra assured in planning your personal excellent Christmas market journey! I promise you positively will not remorse it, and hope you’ve a magical time when you go!
Which Christmas market(s) would you be most excited to see?
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Harmful Enterprise Journey Weblog. She has traveled to greater than 60 international locations on 6 continents from her dwelling base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and considerate journey by means of the US, Europe, and remainder of the world. Amanda solely shares suggestions primarily based on her private experiences and locations she’s really traveled!
