I was finally able to herd the cats, aka my sisters, and we’ve booked our tickets to Munich as well.
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Tips although I did none of these since I’m a terrible shopper (my husband is worse) I really bought nothing. A gluwein mug or 2.
Pack another suitcase inside of a checked bag. Or bring an extra duffle. Bring bubble wrap and tape for ornaments.
Check and see if the things you want can be ordered in the states. I found lots that is readily available in the states, some of the stuff I liked was just as cheap in the US.
Enjoy the food and drinks! Wear waterproof boots and bring a warm coat. Hat and gloves. I was surprised how many were not prepared for the cold.
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Did most of the market vendors take credit cards?
We used cash. Everything I’ve read says that some accept credit cards. Europe is a pretty cashless place.
There are some European Christmas market facebook groups if you are interested.
Another tip. I wore a long down coat and that was what I saw everywhere. One that covers your behind. I packed long underwear bottoms. And a nice scarf.
The bathrooms, you will need euros for them. Be sure to have change. They cost.
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Thanks, we are coming from Boston, so we have down coats, etc.
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I’m from Michigan.
I was surprised by those in our group who were very unprepared. Even some from the east coast.
As someone who is used to the outside and spends time walking, the cold and damp was even a surprise for me in that a temperature that wouldn’t be cold here, felt more so there. It also gets dark around 4pm, something you are used to in MA. Also we spend a lot of time going from the house to the car, not being outside, moving slowly and being out for hours.
You wanted tips, I’m full of them 
Not Christmas markets but most outdoor markets we went to on our last trip took Applepay.
Found this article. Might be useful @kiddie
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thanks
Not sure if we’re allowed to post Facebook links but a “magical Christmas markets of Europe” popped up in my feed as a suggested page. Made me think of this thread. Maybe worth a look!
lol! It popped up in my feed too a few days ago, and I joined! We just booked a river Xmas markets cruise with my parents for 2025. This will be our first river cruise. My parents have done tons, but it’s been a few years since they’ve done the Xmas markets and they wanted to go back.
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I’m on the train right now, headed to Stuttgart. So far we’ve been to markets in Salzburg, Nuremberg, and Rothenburg ob der Tauber. A lot of similarities, but each one has its charms.
Nuremberg was insanely crowded; I don’t know how people with mobility issues navigate it.
Rothenburg is a charming town. The market is small and all in the center.
Salzburg is still my favorite. I love the city, summer and winter. Several markets, lots to see.
While in Stuttgart, we’ll visit Esslingen which has a medieval market. Only minutes by the s-bahn. I bought some knitwear there 5 years ago & I’m looking for a refresh.
We’ll be in Munich at the weekend, visiting a cousin who lives near there.
I need warmer boots haha.
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I just got home from our trip (OP here). We stayed in Munich but did day trips to Salzburg and Nuremburg.
Nuremburg this past Saturday was scary crowded. We got there early and was able to do all our market walking before the crowds. Loved the children’s market there - adorable!
Salzburg was charming - beautiful city. We loved the fortress.
Had a great time in Munich. Highlights were the tour of the law library in the new town hall and the Lenbachhaus museum.
Successful trip for us, thanks to those who offered planning advice.
BTW it was cold and the sky was grey the entire time we were in Munich, but I think that is typical December weather there.
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Welcome back home. So glad you went! Thanks for the trip report
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We had a very successful trip. Traveling with siblings is always an adventure haha, but we made it through without an argument.
The smaller markets were definitely my favorites because of fewer people and more handcrafted or local things. We found the art glass and wool scarves etc. we’d both bought 5 years ago and other sisters bought there as well. Good memories!
My cousin lives in Freising, so we did a visit there to the two markets and the Wiehenstephan brewery. It was a Sunday, so shops were closed, but definitely a place I’d return to.
I’m dreaming of apple strudel and coffee and cake in the afternoons.
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