Itinerary Summary
Open with arrival in Munich and its Marienplatz market, then ICE trains carry you to Nuremberg (Germany's best-known market), Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Cologne, with Glühwein, Lebkuchen and roasted…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Munich and market light at Marienplatz
09:00
2.5h
S-Bahn from MUC to Marienplatz
Take the S1 or S8 from MUC into Munich in about 40 minutes, adding the airport surcharge to your ticket. Drop bags near the old town and head out before the light fades.
📍 MUC to Munich
15:00
1.5h
Marienplatz Christmas market first look
See Marienplatz as the Christmas market lights come on, with the New Town Hall facade glowing above the stalls. The market runs from late November to 23 December.
📍 Marienplatz, Munich
18:00
2h
Käsespätzle dinner in the old town
Warm up with Käsespätzle and a dark beer at an old-town tavern. Munich kitchens serve until about 22:00, and the lanes around Marienplatz are less crowded after 20:00.
📍 Munich old town
💡 Pro Tip: Munich Airport connects to the city by S1 or S8 S-Bahn in about 40 minutes, with a small airport surcharge. Entry rules depend on your passport, so check the Germany visa section before booking. Christmas markets generally run from the last week of November to 23 December, and winter daylight fades by about 16:30, so plan outdoor sights for the morning. Germany is UTC+1.
Days 2-6 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$52035%
City hotels in market towns, 5 nights
Food & DiningUS$30020%
Glühwein, Lebkuchen, grilled sausages and pork knuckle
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly do Germany's Christmas markets open and close?+
Most open in the last week of November and run until 22 to 24 December, though a few continue past Christmas. Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt follows the Advent calendar. Confirm each city's dates for your year, as they shift slightly and some close for one day.
How cold is Germany in December and what should I pack?+
Expect roughly 0-5°C, with wind, rain and possible snow, and dark by late afternoon. Pack layers, a waterproof coat, warm boots with grip and gloves. Market stalls are outdoors, so hand warmers and a thermos help on long evenings.
Can this Christmas market route be done by train?+
Yes. ICE and regional trains link Munich, Nuremberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Cologne, though Rothenburg needs a change at Steinach or Ansbach. December trains are busy, so reserve seats and allow extra time for connections in bad weather.
How early should I book hotels for Germany's Christmas markets?+
Book several months ahead, especially for Nuremberg and Cologne and for Advent weekends, when prices rise sharply. Munich also fills around Christmas. Refundable rates cost more but protect you if market dates or travel plans change.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 6 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $1,200–1,790 (≈ €1,040–1,560), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best for: Winter Getaway
Budget Spreadsheet
Download the customizable budget template for this itinerary.
Unlock Budget DownloadPrint / Save as PDF
Open a print-ready version, then choose Save as PDF in the print dialog.
Unlock Print / PDFYou May Also Like
- Scenic Rail Journeys: the Romantic Road & DB Lines in 7 DaysGermany · 7 days · Comfort · approx. $1,350–1,940 (≈ €1,170–1,690), excl. int'l flights
- Germany Classic Highlights: Berlin, the Rhine Valley & Bavarian Castles in 12 DaysGermany · 12 days · Comfort · approx. $1,940–2,690 (≈ €1,690–2,340), excl. int'l flights
- Munich City Deep-Dive in 5 DaysGermany · 5 days · Comfort · approx. $1,050–1,500 (≈ €910–1,300), excl. int'l flights