German Christmas Markets

Your trip to Germany begins with an overnight transatlantic flight to Munich.

Arrive in Munich at the peak of the Christmas Market season. If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a YMT representative will welcome you at the airport and transport you to your hotel. Today, relax on your own and then get to know your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner where you will learn about the exciting days ahead. (D)

Enjoy a city tour of Munich, known for its hearty German cuisine, beer specialties and the original Oktoberfest. Look forward to seeing iconic sites including the Olympic Park, Schwabing, Marienplatz, Frauenkirche, and Glockenspiel. Much of city’s beautifully preserved architecture will be lit up in colorful Christmas lights. Afterward, spend some time in Munich’s Christmas Market. This festive event is full of music, colorful lights, and yuletide treats like flavorful mulled gluhwein and gingerbread. The center of the action is in the Marienplatz, where you will see an enormous decorated fir tree. This evening, there’s an optional dinner at a traditional beer tavern. (B)

Note: In Munich and other cities on this tour, you will spend most of the day outdoors exploring Christmas markets. This might involve walking on uneven terrain or cobblestoned streets, and it’s highly likely you’ll encounter snow, sleet, given the time of the year.

Visit Nuremberg’s Christmas Market, Germany’s biggest. Set along the cobblestone streets of Old Town, this market is full of garland-lined wooden stalls, old-fashioned carousels, and sparkling white lights. Along the checkered red and white tables, you can shop for vintage toys and crafts, or snack on the roasted almonds whose sweet smells fill the crisp air. The market is presided over by a local student elected into the high office of Christkindl. It’s her job to recite the famous Christmas speech to open the market, and make appearances throughout the market’s run in her crown and flowing white and gold dress. Later that day, take an illuminating tour of the beloved historical village that was once the preferred seat of German kings. See the formidable Nuremberg castle, the magnificent 13th century St. Sebald Church, the stunning 14th century Schöner Brunnen fountain in Nuremberg’s Historical Mile, and important sites from WWII. (B)

Note: During the two-hour guided tour of Nuremberg, the walk to the historic center and Christmas Market is downhill, over uneven terrain and cobblestones. Given the time of year, snow or ice may be present.

En route to Dresden, visit the Erfurt Christmas Market. The delightful town is already one of the best-preserved medieval villages in all of Germany. Add to its charm a spectacularly lit Christmas tree, a giant Erzgebirge pyramid, and a Nativity scene with human-sized figures for a true Winter Wonderland! (B, D)

On the banks of the swiftly flowing Elbe River, the city of Dresden is lushly green and filled with parks, forests, and splendid gardens. Dresden is also rich with cultural and artistic history, which you will learn about during today’s exciting city tour. Visit Frauenkirche, the beautiful Lutheran house of worship featuring one of the largest domes in all of Europe, and Hofkirche, an 18th century Baroque church. See the sprawling grounds of Dresden Castle and Zwinger Palace, an 18th century sandstone palace built for Augustus the Strong. After lunch on your own, visit Dresden’s Christmas Market. Opened in 1434, the Dresden Striezelmarkt is Germany’s oldest holiday market. It is centered around a 45-foot-tall Christmas pyramid, a huge carousel, and the world’s biggest nutcracker. Full of handicrafts, pottery, and handmade toys and ornaments, this market is a favorite among shoppers as well as foodies who cherish the seasonal specialties. (B)

Take a scenic drive to Berlin, stopping for lunch and free time at the Leipzig Christmas Market. This market dates back to the 15th century, and has over 200 stalls centered around the town’s historical square. Make sure to try apfelglühwein (hot cider spiked with apple brandy), fruit brandy liquors, grilled sausages, chocolate, gingerbread, and traditional mulled wine! (B)

It’s time to say goodbye and travel back home with plenty of memories from Germany’s breathtaking Christmas Market season. You’ll always remember the Weihnachtsfreude, or Christmas Joy, from your time in Deutschland! (B)