Most Christmassy Xmas Market in Europe dc 9 & 11! Wanted city close to airport, very traditional & would love snow!

[Stellanotbud]

Thanks in advance, want to book ASAP!

Snow - you need to think about Scandinavia or maybe Baltic states. Most of Central Europe won't guarantee snow, I can't remember the last time my family in Germany had snow in December apart from the odd snow shower to be gone very soon.

Even Austria and Switzerland aren't having a guaranteed snow in December.

We go this year with friends who never have been and gave them the choice of Hamburg, Munich and Berlin. All have airports close by and with direct public transport as we are only there for a weekend. They chose Berlin which has several markets and plenty to do as well.

Hamburg is lovely but smaller and Lübeck is a day trip by train for more.

Munich - I haven't been to the Christmas markets but as in Berlin, you have several and also lots to see as well.

Nürnberg and Dresden are in my opinion the most traditional ones but direct flights are a hit and miss and times are useless for us.

Tallinn

We got a freak snow storm in Amsterdam on Christmas, so if snow is essential, I think that is going to limit your options significantly.

Really want to go to Tallin but we're flying from Dublin & it looks like Ryanair aren't scheduling Tallin for winter 23😭 It looks incredible! Taking the dc out of school so hoping we can manage an late Thurs /early fri morning flight with late home Sunday evening..

Berlin & Munich are also options as flights are cheap at the moment..
Vilnius in Lithuania could be another option depending on flights..

You're not guaranteed snow in Lithuania in December either!

Salzburg. 100%

No I guess not! Tallin probably would be the best option.. I guess failing that I'd love a really traditional market thats easy to get to from Dublin, maybe with ice skating for the dc.. No sign of Ryanairs winter schedule yet only a handful of flights released..

Munich!

There probably will be snow.

There's even a market at the airport if you can't wait.

Whole city centre is turned into various themed markets. Huge range of warming alcoholic drinks and foods.

@AnnaMagnani is it really magical? And is the old part pretty? The dc have never been to Germany, could we fit much into 2 or 3 days?! Thanks.. Would love to see the Nutcracker or a classical Christmas concert too!

Fly to Helsinki with Ryan air and do the market there which is gorgeous and then do a day in talinn as it's only 2 hours by ferry from Helsinki!

@tilestoclean thanks, that's an option too. I'm quite interested in Munich & Berlin, Bratislava & Budapest are also options...

@Stellanotbud here is my definitive guide to Munich Christmas Markets:

The Residenz - this is a massive palace which is v much worth seeing itself. In the front they hold a market based on crafts eg glass. Personally I thought this tended to the tat, but children will prob think it is magical. This is the place to get your Nurnberg sausages and Eierpunsch

The Medieval market - this was probably my favourite. Full of medieval style stuff eg axes, but a lot of fun. Main drink - Feuerzangenbowle

Marianplatz - this is basically huge and spreads out all down the main street as well. There are separate zones specializing in different things including an amazing and expensive Nativity section. There are lots of places selling Gluhwein in various flavours, lots of traditional Christmas market food. Personal fave drink - Luamba.

Viktualenmarkt - not actually a Christmas market but a huge food market. It's gorgeous all year round.

All of these are in walking distance of each other.

My other top tip if it is snowing would be going to the Nymphenburg Palace. It's not far on the tram. The Palace itself is gorgeous but in the snow walking around the grounds and seeing all the random and over the top small buildings in the gardens is great.

There are various other Christmas markets spread all round the city which honestly I wouldn't bother with. I have v bitter memories of walking to the one in the Englischer Garten, freezing cold, and discovering it was pretty average. It is still our benchmark of how cold it is possible for a human to be.

Munich is also the home of world class opera and ballet. You can book the Bayerische Staats Oper on line - I'd be surprised if they aren't doing the Nutcracker and/or Hansel and Gretel (personally think Hansel and Gretel is more magical). Warning - opera is really popular in Germany so book early.

The other opera house is Gaertnerplatz - this is a bit cheaper but also v high standards. They are more likely to do operetta and musicals alongside more popular operas and ballets. Given you can't really see operetta in the UK, and it is much more approachable than a lot of operas this is worth a shout. They will certainly have a fun Christmas show.

The centre of Munich is really easy to walk around, all the museums are in the centre as well. You could easily pack a lot into 2-3 days.

We were in Salzburg and Munich last December the week before Christmas. There was snow when we arrived and plenty in the countryside but less in the cities.
It rained the day we left so all the snow was melting but Munich is brilliant anyway

If you have enough time (would need more than 2-3 days) you can get a train into the Alps from Munich. We did a lovely trip to Kochel in thick snow.

Vienna is magical. Lots to see. Classical concerts in baroque churches. Hapsburg palaces. Amazing cakes and pastries. Just everything Christmassy.

@Hobbesmanc thank you! There are direct flights to Vienna from Dublin, is it expensive there?

Yeah if you want to go to the cafes etc. but there were lots of really cheap or free concerts in the churches. Austria just feels so festive. Have a wonderful time

We went to Budapest at end Nov/ start December and had snow.

Vienna. Not guaranteed snow. Lots to see.

We've done both Munich and Hamburg and I would definitely recommend Hamburg. Much more festive in my opinion, Munich lacked atmosphere for us. Enjoy wherever you go!