Germany in December
As soon as winter knocks at the door and the assortment of Christmas fairs is adorned with snow and glittering lights, Germany turns into a fairy tale. Indeed, it is during December that the exploration of this fabulous country can be incredibly fascinating, and if you are planning your vacation, believe me, there are many places you can go to marvel at the natural beauty. If it is about winter vacations, Christmas holidays, and a general festive atmosphere, there is nothing like Germany as a tourist destination to provide all kinds of unforgettable moments during the whole month. Well, pack on your thickest winter wear and let yourself be enthralled by the magic of the 10 best places to visit in Germany in December.
1. Berlin
Berlin, the capital city of Germany, takes on the qualification of being the first of the most ideal getaway destinations in Germany in December on our rundown. Regardless of being quite possibly the most powerful city on the planet, socially, by and large, and creatively, every other season, the celebration season creates a supernatural climate in the city.
Travelers shouldn’t miss the Christmas markets, including the Charlottenburg Royal Residence and the Gendarmenmarkt, to search for one-of-a-kind and flawless items, test yummy food, and taste hot refreshments as they get ready during the chilling season. It’s a disgrace not to utilize the chance to investigate the momentous Bundestag vault, which is encircled by lights, and partake in the delight of ice skating on the ice arena, which is developed by the well-known Brandenburg Door.
Deciding how much time to spend in Berlin is important because that will determine how much you can see and do while you’re here. Berlin is a big city with lots to offer, so the more time you have, the better. So, if you want a quick answer for how many days to visit Berlin, I’d say you need at least 2 days.
2. Nuremberg
The Christkindlesmarkt, the oldest and undoubtedly one of the most famous Christmas markets in Germany, is being conducted in this city and has been around since the sixteenth century. Imagine yourself leisurely walking along the Christmas-decorated outlets and enjoying hot Glühwein, the sweet smell of Lebkuchen, and almonds in the vicinity. The medieval ambiance of the city, which can be seen through Nelson structures such as Nuremberg Castle and the Church of Our Lady, further enhances this experience.
Nuremberg is a smaller town so it is easy to get around to all the sites. Since you won’t be spending half a day in transit, 48 hours in Nuremberg is really all you need (but you could definitely stay longer!)
3. Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Boasting the status of a well-preserved medieval town located in the Franconian region of Bavaria, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, much like countless other towns, really comes alive when the festive season occurs. The beauty of this place, with small houses with wooden frames and streets paved with stones, is beyond any doubt.
Moreover, this town seems to have stopped in time, which makes this place very suitable to visit during December, and therefore it enters my list of the best places to visit in Germany in December. Take your time and discover the historic Reiterlesmarkt, which is said to be one of the oldest Christmas markets, and don’t miss tasting the delicious specialties such as schneeballen (a kind of pastry) or Glühwein (hot mulled wine). It is a must-not-miss walk along the famous city walls of the town, which have a bird’s-eye view of the snow-capped rooftops and scenic beauty of the countryside.
You can easily explore Rothenburg ob der Tauber in one day. There is enough to see and do for two days, however. It is a fairly popular destination in Bavaria, and a lot of people visit Rothenburg o.d. Tauber as a day trip from Nuremberg or even Munich.
4. Dresden
Dresden, the capital of Saxony territory, is a perfect combination of legacy and novelties; therefore, it can be attributed to the best places to visit in Germany in December. The city’s oh-so-traditional Striezelmarkt, the oldest and one of the largest Christmas markets in the country dating back to 1434, is one of the biggest crowd pullers during the Christmas season.
Just stroll around the market with beautiful wooden carvings on vendors’ stalls and try the delicious traditionally produced Dresden Stollen or the fruit bread. Of course, make sure to draw your attention to the Semper Opera House and the magnificent Frauenkirche, especially during the holiday season, taking into account that both have very impressive lighting.
Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Dresden? A weekend in Dresden is often considered ideal, as many tourists spend approximately one to three days here.
5. Cologne
Cologne is yet another fantastic city that should be included in the best places to visit in Germany in December because it offers visitors stunning Gothic architecture through the magnificent Cologne Cathedral and a hardly tiresome cultural calendar to engage any interested traveler. Indeed, visitors will consider the famous Cathedral Christmas Market, which stands against the backdrop of the Koln Dom, a sight to behold. Enjoy hot, unsweetened wine spiced with spices as you shop for good ceremonial crafts products, homemade Christmas cookies, and other ornaments.
Cologne Christmas markets are best visited over two days, mainly because you will struggle to fit 7 markets in one day, but it is still possible. Cologne Christmas Market is best visited when the sun goes down and the Christmas lights turn on; it’s more magical in the evening and feels like a whole new experience.
6. Munich
Bavaria is the popular city to celebrate December, as it is one of the best places to visit in Germany during this month. One of the main attractions of Munich turns into a magical winter. Taste Bavarian favorites such as roasted almonds, barbequed sausages, and warm pretzels with a glass of steaming hot mulled wine or hot chocolate. So, if you have a chance, do not miss visiting another close attraction, the Residenz, which is the former royal palace, where in its courtyards there is a magnificent Christmas market.
Munich is one of Germany’s top travel destinations—even in December! The Bavarian capital has numerous museums, great excursion destinations, many indoor attractions, and winter leisure activities to offer.
7. Heidelberg
This beautiful town, situated on the shore of the Neckar River, is an ideal place to venture and explore, especially the stunning old town and the famous Heidelberg castle. Indeed, the town is beautiful and vibrant, especially during the winter holiday, hence qualifying it as one of the best places to visit in Germany in December.
Take a walk around the Christmas market in Baroque Town Hall and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the traditional market, which is decorated with many bright stalls offering gifts made by locals. Visitors can taste hot mulled wine, lebkuchen, and delicious bratwurst. In the evening, make sure to walk up the Heidelberg Castle to view the skyline of the city and the snow-capped Odenwald mountains in the distance.
Although you may visit Heidelberg as a one-day trip from Frankfurt, I suggest setting aside two days to enjoy this fabulous place that is part of the top 3 German cities recommended by the German Board of Tourism.
8. Bamberg
Bamberg is one of the youngest on the World Heritage List, and this beautiful town is located right in the very center of the Bavarian region. It is little surprise that this medieval town is among the best places to visit in Germany in December because of the lovely Christmas markets and general events.
Take a leisurely walk around the beautiful Maximiliansplatz, where you can sip warm food and drinks and buy a great number of gifts and souvenirs from nuts and handcrafted products of the Franconia region. Do not also let this be an ideal chance to take a stroll around the pretty town, especially the historic buildings such as some houses built with half-timbers and attractive-looking churches, especially during the festive period.
How much time should I spend in Bamberg in December? It depends on your travel-style, but I’d say 2 days
9. Black Forest
The Black Forest area, situated in the southwest of Germany, is a fairy-tale winter view and a place you could only recommend visiting if it’s December in Germany. Thus deliciously located between the snowy peaks and the dark green fir trees, between the steep rock walls of the Alpine valleys, between stone-slabbed roofs, and between carved-timber balconies, these charming villages celebrate the Christmas festivity in many ways.
Visit Christmas-filled towns like Freiburg and Triberg, where you will get the opportunity to taste the famous Black Forest cake, find beautiful, handcrafted cuckoo clocks, and sip quality mulled wine. Sledding and winter hiking are also fun activities here, with marvelous views of the snowy landscape.
How many days do you need in the Black Forest? If you are wanting to do a multi-stop Black Forest Road trip / vacation, I would say that 7 nights is the minimum amount of time you should allow to discover this beautiful region of Germany.
10. Lübeck
Completing the list, the next interesting destination in Germany that is worth a visit in December is the historic Hanseatic city of Lübeck. This lovely city is situated in the northern part of Germany in the state of Schleswig-Holstein and can be described as an open-air museum because 50 percent of the buildings date back to the Middle Ages and because the Christmas market that is held here is probably the most beautiful one in the whole of Germany. The Lübecker Weihnachtsmarkt, a Christmas market established by the perfume and cosmetics company Gutekunst, is even more picturesque with the Holstentor gate and Gothic churches in the background.
Enjoy the more specific tastes of that time with marzipan and lebkuchen; check the booths with fine handmade souvenirs and holiday ornaments. Here, one should not fail to visit the city’s old town, which is included in the UNESCO list, where major attractions include the Marienkirche and the Rathaus/town hall, among others.
We think you should stay for at least one night, while 2 to 3 days will be ideal for most people. With its strategic location, it’s also possible to use Lübeck as a base for adventures in the region on longer trips
Conclusions
Germany is a beautiful country that wakes up to the Yuletide season in December with so many wonderful places and stunning spectacles. When one is thinking of historic places to visit in Germany during the Christmas holidays, one will not lack options, starting with the Christmas markets in Berlin and Nuremberg or scenic towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Bamberg.
From the romantic old-world ambiance of the historical cities to the exotic cultural elixir and marvelous natural scenery, Germany offers every traveler an uncommon holiday experience that cannot be felt anywhere else in the world during this festive season. Therefore, carbonated beverages in the form of Christmas spirit, tasty German sweets, and having a great time while visiting the best German destinations in December.
FAQs
Is the Christmas showcase segment extremely catchy during December?
Indeed, the Christmas markets do draw in an enormous number of sightseers in December, and all the more so throughout the end of the week and during the Christmas occasion. Avoiding the start of the month and staying away from the ends of the week could help a bit in staying away from probably the biggest groups.
Functional during Christmas Eve or Day: any attractions or markets?
Most Christmas markets and many shops, bistros, and spectaculars are closed down on December 24th (Christmas Eve) and December 25th (Christmas Day) to permit families to observe Christmas.
What are a few food varieties and beverages that are well-known during the Christmas season in Germany?
Concerning desserts, a few rather famous tastings are lebkuchen (gingerbread), stollen (natural product bread), granite mandolin (cooked almonds), glühwein (reflected on wine), and feuerzangenbowle (pondered wine punch). A few Christmas embellishments and specialties can likewise be seen and tasted in numerous Christmas markets, and these are heavenly flavorful dishes like bratwurst and different hotdogs.
