How to Plan a Christmas Market Trip in Germany – Tips for First-Time Visitors

You’ve seen the photos — glowing market squares, steaming mugs of Glühwein, and snow-dusted rooftops that look straight out of a fairytale.

Maybe you’ve already read about what German Christmas markets are all about. Now comes the harder part: actually planning the trip.

And here’s the truth most first-timers don’t realize: It’s not as simple as picking a few cities and hopping between them. These markets can be spread out, crowded, weather-dependent — and some close before Christmas Eve.

If you’re not careful, you’ll spend more time moving than actually soaking up the atmosphere you came for.

In this guide, we’ll help you plan a Christmas market trip that actually feels like a holiday — not a checklist.

So, you’re in the right place if you’re asking:

Planning Basics at a Glance

No time to read the whole thing? Here’s what you need to know up front:

When to Visit – Timing Is Everything

You might assume that the best time to visit Christmas markets is just before Christmas… but that’s actually when most of them are already closing. Surprise, right?

Here’s how the timing really works — and how to choose the best window for your trip.

Market Dates: When Do They Open and Close?

Plan your trip between November 27 and December 20 for the best combo of open markets and lively atmosphere

💡 Pro Tip: Want exact dates? → Check our post: When Do Christmas Markets in Germany Open?

Best Days of the Week to Visit

💡 We love going just before sunset (around 4 PM in December) — that’s when the lights come on, and everything feels extra magical.

🌦️ What’s the Weather Like?

Bring gloves, a scarf, and waterproof boots. The cold is part of the charm… but only if you’re dressed for it.

How Early Should You Book?

If you’re even thinking about a Christmas market trip to Germany, the time to start booking is probably… now.

These trips are very popular with international visitors . Add in river cruises, holiday group tours, and winter events, and things fill up fast.

📝 What to Book (And When)

💡 Bonus Tip: Want to stay connected while navigating trains or checking market hours on the go? We use Airalo eSIMs for Germany* — cheap, instant, and no swapping SIM cards at the airport.

🏨 Hotels – Book by Early September at the Latest

• Popular cities like Nuremberg, Rothenburg, and Cologne often sell out by early fall
• If you want a hotel in the Altstadt (Old Town), you’ll need to act fast
• Consider staying near a major station (Hauptbahnhof) for easy day trips

“We booked a tour and ended up cancelling it to go DIY — but by then, most good hotels were gone.” – Laura E.

💡 Booking tip: For the best selection of hotel rooms, book early via Booking.com*

🚆 Trains – Book Seats for Longer Routes

💡 Use the official DB Navigator* app to book your train tickets.

🚗 Car Rentals – with Discover Cars*

👉 Find great rental car deals here — Discover Cars*

✈️ Flights – Book by Summer if You Can

💡 Use Google Flights to track prices and set alerts.

How Long to Stay in One City (and Why One Base Is Better)

Let’s bust a big Christmas market myth right now:

You do not need to visit five cities in five days.
In fact, trying to do that might ruin the magic entirely.

We get it — there are so many amazing markets. Nuremberg! Rothenburg! Cologne! Munich! And your first instinct might be to hop between them like you’re speed-dating holiday towns. But here’s the thing: Christmas market trips are about soaking in the vibe, not ticking off a list.

We recommend: Pick a Base

Most travelers (especially first-timers) seriously underestimate how much time and energy gets lost in transit, packing, checking in/out, and figuring out new cities every day.

Instead, choose a base and stay there for at least 2–3 nights. 

For example:

You’ll get to explore a major city and visit smaller markets — all without dragging your suitcase across half of Bavaria.

“I like to spend at least 3 nights in each city. Last year we did 4 nights in Strasbourg and 3 nights in Cologne — perfect pace.”
— Beth Raguine

Budget & Booking Checklist – What to Expect and What to Book

So what does a Christmas market trip to Germany actually cost?

Short answer: It depends on how you travel — but whether you’re doing it on your own, with a tour, or on a river cruise, you’ll need to budget for the big five: flights, accommodation, transportation, food, and festive spending.

Let’s break it down:

Approximate Costs (Per Person)

💡 Reminder: Most Christmas markets are free to enter, but it adds up with every mug, snack, or handmade ornament (and yes, you’ll want one in every city).

What Not to Forget – First-Timer Mistakes

Even the most organized travelers make mistakes their first time. Some of them are harmless. Others? Not so much. If you want to make the most of your German Christmas market trip, here are the pitfalls to avoid — and the insider tips that’ll save you stress.

❌ Overplanning Too Many Stops

Trying to squeeze 5 cities into 5 days is a recipe for burnout. You’ll spend more time on trains than sipping Glühwein.

✅ Stick to 2–3 cities max — and use one as a base for day trips.

❌ Not Dressing Warm Enough

We see it every year — underdressed travelers shivering through the experience. It’s not just cold. It’s damp, breezy, and the kind of chill that sneaks into your bones.

✅ Think layers: thermal base, fleece or wool mid-layer, waterproof coat, gloves, scarf, boots. No fashion over function here.

→ Check our guide: Packing List for Winter in Germany

❌ Assuming You Can Use a Credit Card Everywhere

Some stalls accept cards, but cash is still king — especially in smaller towns.

✅ Always carry small bills and coins when going to a German christmas market. ATMs are easy to find near city centers and stations.

❌ Not Checking Closing Dates

Many travelers plan their trip to arrive on December 24… and find the markets have already packed up.

✅ Most markets end Dec 23. Always check dates for each city.

→ See our full list: When Do Christmas Markets in Germany Open

❌ Underestimating How Crowded It Gets

Markets can feel magical… and mobbed. Especially on weekends. If you’re claustrophobic or just like a little breathing room, timing is everything.

✅ Visit midweek, right at sunset. The lights are on, the vibe is perfect, and the crowds are thinner.

❌ Forgetting Travel Insurance

Winter = weather delays, illness, and the occasional icy slip.

✅ We always travel with insurance — even just basic coverage for peace of mind.

Final Thoughts – You Don’t Need to See It All to Fall in Love

If you’re still wondering whether you need to plan the perfect Christmas market itinerary… here’s your permission to breathe.

Start early. Keep it simple. Leave room for surprises.

You don’t need to visit every city. You don’t need to see ten different markets. You don’t need to schedule every minute.
In fact — please don’t. 

This trip isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about wandering, sipping, getting a little lost, and feeling like you’ve stepped inside a snow globe.

We’ve done this trip countless times — and it still gives us chills (the good kind, not the weather kind).

Enjoy your trip!

What’s Next?

Now that you’ve got the big picture in place, let’s help you build out the details:

✉️ Want our free planning guide + printable checklist? → Get it here

👉 Creative Ideas For Festive Moments: 29+ Christmas Instagram Post Ideas and Captions

👉 You Plan to Visit with Your Kids? Read: How Kid-Friendly Are Christmas Markets?