Christmas Markets

Within reach of Bayerisch Eisenstein are some of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany.

German Christmas markets tend to be half food and drink stalls and half present/decoration stalls. They are best in the late afternoon/evening when all the lights are on. For Germans, they are more a social occasion then a shopping opportunity, especially the local ones.

We have given the markets we have visited a 'star' rating based on how pretty they were and how much we enjoyed our visit.

Daily Markets

PASSAU (1 hour drive)
1st - 23rd December, Monday-Thursday 10.00-20.00, Friday-Saturday 10.00-21.00 Sunday 11.30-20.00
On the square in front of the cathedral in the middle of the romantic old town. Lovely setting, varied stalls. Performances by musicians every day at 15.00 and 18.00.
Star rating: ****

 

 

 

REGENSBURG (1 hour 30 minutes drive)
30th November - 23rd December, open daily 10.00-20.00

3 Christmas Markets:

Neupfarrplatz:
A 400 year tradition of Christmas markets here. Many local specialities, including berry Gluehweins from the Bavarian Forest and apple gluehwein from the Oberpfalz, local sausages (including 'half meter' sausage in a baguette!), Lebkuchen, toasted almonds, roasted chestnuts and more.
Star rating: ***

Haidplatz: Lucrezia Arts & Crafts Market

Thurn & Taxis chateau Medieval style market
Many craftsmen demonstrating their skills and a wide range of food and drink, including a hog roast. One of our favourities, very different from any other we have been to. Less commercial than the main market.
Star rating: *****

NUERNBERG (2 hours drive)
1st - 23rd December Monday-Wednesday 09.30-20.00, Thursday-Saturday 09.30-21.00 Sunday 10.30-21.00
The most famous Christmas market of all and one of the oldest. Plastic garlands and tapes playing continuous Christmas music are banned! 200 stalls selling traditional gifts, food and drink.
We rate this one of the very best. Very high quality stalls. The main market is in the Hauptmarkt. In a smaller area to one side is a market with stalls representing all of Nuernberg's twin towns, of which there are many including 2 in Italy, plus Macedonia, USA, China, Glasgow and many more. An added bonus is a ride on a horse drawn post coach, painted bright yellow. The short ride costs €3 per adult and €1.50 per child.
Star rating: *****

DEGGENDORF (40 minutes drive)
1st - 23rd December, open daily 10.30-20.00/Sundays 12.00-20.00
Apparently voted one of the 10 most beautiful markets in Germany. We thought it was very poor and not worth bothering with. Deggendorf itself has a very pretty central area and good shopping and is worth a visit.
Star rating: -

Also Christmas markets in Cham, Straubing.

Zwiesel
Christmas Market on 2nd Advent weekend. Stalls are set around the local church. An excellent selection of things to buy and a wider selection of food than at Nuernberg.
Star rating: ****

Regen
Christmas Market on 3rd Advent weekend. Very prettily set out on the market place in the old town. Wide range of things to buy, eat and drink.
Star rating: ****

Bodenmais
Christmas Market on 3rd Advent weekend. Very much a local event, most stalls serve food and drink.
Star rating: **

Bayerisch Eisenstein
2nd International Christmas Market on 4th Advent Sunday - 21st December 2008. 12.00-19.00

Star rating: *****

www.weihnachtsmarkt-eisenstein.de

 

 

Czech Republic

Prague
Christmas Markets 25th November-1st January 09.00-19.00
Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square.
Includes a mini zoo, crib and Christmas tree from the Sumava mountains (Bohemian Forest) and choirs from around the world singing carols on the old town square.
Mikulas Day (St. Nicholas)
5th December from 16.00
Old Town Square
Christmas Eve Mass
24th December 22.00
Old Town Square
New Year's Eve
31st December midnight
Fireworks at the Old Town Square and Charles Bridge

Plzen
Christmas Market 11th - 23rd December Mainly home made crafts and Bohemian food and drink. Less commercial than most German markets.

Ceske Budejovice
Old Bohemian Christmas Market 18th December

Contact us

Bavarian Forest Holidays
Waldschmidtstrasse 1
94252 Bayerisch Eisenstein
Germany
Tel. (Germany) +49 (0)9925 90 32 04 (UK) 07976 403434
Email: pyrabelisk@btinternet.com