German Christmas Markets

Tame your festive wanderlust with the smells of Glühwein and Stollen on this magical journey that begins in Frankfurt. After checking in this afternoon, join your Travel Director on an orientation tour of the city's dynamic financial center and medieval Römerplatz. Later, join your fellow travelers for a light dinner and drinks.

Stunning Bavarian landscapes line your journey to the medieval walled town of Rothenburg where you’ll enjoy an orientation walk with your Travel Director past picture-perfect half-timbered houses and the Old Town Hall. Savor a mouthful or two of Schneeballen or shop for gifts at the Reiterlesmarkt before continuing to Nuremberg with its mighty ramparts and St. Sebald’s Church. Our next stop is the famous Christkindlesmarkt where sweet gingerbread hearts hang from the stalls and the famous Zwetschgenmännle prune men pose in all their Christmas splendor.

Ramble past sizzling Bratwurst and steaming vats of Glühwein as you soak up the magical atmosphere of Erfurt’s medieval market, where the towering Weinachtspyramiden welcomes you into a world of schnitzel, gingerbread and warming egg punch. Enjoy views of St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Severus Church, then take in the market Ferris wheel and stroll across the iconic Merchants’ Bridge – the longest inhabited bridge in Europe. Your final stop on today’s festive foray is the UNESCO World Heritage town of Weimar, where we end the evening with dinner at your hotel.Note: Tours that start on Thursdays and Fridays will also have the opportunity to experience the Eisenach Christmas Market, held at the storied Wartburg Castle. You can expect an atmospheric setting filled with traditional crafts and cups of steaming Glühwein as the castle’s courtyards come alive with centuries-old festive charm.

Feel the festive spirit come alive as you stroll through Leipzig’s Christmas market, where over 300 glowing stalls light up the heart of Marktplatz. Sip warming glühwein, browse handcrafted treasures and soak up centuries of tradition. Then, you’re off to Dresden, the ‘Florence on the Elbe,’ where history comes to life. See the incredible post-war restoration and take in the city’s charm before returning to your hotel. The evening is yours to explore more of Dresden at your own pace.

Germany’s Christmas traditions take center stage today as we Dive Into Culture and wander through Dresden’s Striezelmarkt, Germany’s oldest Christmas market. Admire the dazzling display of twinkling lights, handcrafted decorations and Christmas carols. If you’re lucky enough to visit on the second weekend in advent, pay homage to the original Dresdner Christstollen.

Discover Berlin’s powerful past and dynamic present with your Local Specialist. Hear the stories of East and West Berlin on a sightseeing tour to see iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, Unter den Linden, the Reichstag and the sprawling Tiergarten. Don’t miss the vibrant shopping and entertainment scene on Kurfürstendamm, it’s Berlin at its best. In the evening, why not join a memorable Optional Experience? Enjoy delicious German food, wine, beer and music in great company before you take a magical drive through the city at twilight. Watch Berlin’s iconic landmarks light up the night sky—a great way to see this remarkable capital.

Today is yours to explore Berlin at your leisure, or join an Optional Experience to discover Berlin’s secret past. With your Local Specialist, uncover the city’s hidden history as you visit the Holocaust Memorial, touch a section of the Berlin Wall, and see Checkpoint Charlie. Gain a fascinating understanding of Berlin’s WWII and Cold War past on this guided tour. As your journey draws to a close, enjoy a Be My Guest experience with Luis and Camilla at their cozy cafe, Raum Schwalbe. Over a traditional three-course German dinner, your hosts will share stories about their dishes and inspiration—a perfect farewell to your Christmas adventure.

For now, it’s time to bid a festive farewell to our travel companions as we return home filled with magical memories.