German Christmas Markets

About This Tour

This December, start your yuletide season in authentic Europe by shopping in candy-cane striped stalls (Nuremberg), seeing an 85-foot Christmas tree in the land where the tradition began (Munich) and sampling an 8,000-pound fruitcake - one I promise you won’t want to re-gift (Leipzig).  Step back in time as you eat elaborate pastries straight out of a medieval cookbook, listen to lyrical midnight masses in Gothic churches, and participate in local (and often quirky) traditions at the Christmas markets. Enjoy the village atmosphere centered around visiting and socializing at local Advent markets held in the cathedral square from late November until Christmas Eve. So join me this year on a trip to Christian past and experience traditions that literally date back to the early medieval times!  Join us to celebrate Christmas and centuries of tradition on this authentic tour of Christmas markets of Europe:

• Visit at least 12 traditional Christmas markets: major markets in Berlin, Weimar, Erfurt, Leipzig, Nuremberg and Munich, plus number of smaller markets along the way
• Discover authentic local traditions that retain the original message of the Advent story at each Christmas market, including villages made famous by Martin Luther: Wittenberg and Wartburg!
• Get your Christmas shopping done!
• Visit some of the greatest European cathedrals and churches

Date & Price

December 2 - 9, 2025 - Sign Up Here

November 28 - December 5, 2026 - Sign Up Here

December 5 - 12, 2026 - Sign Up Here

Interested in something a little different? Check out our Capitale de Noël tour instead - Learn more here

 

PRICE: $2,700

• Our tours don't include airfare
• We are glad to assist with making your flight arrangements and airport transfers, if desired. Click here to let us know.
• Some tour members arrange to fly into Berlin (TXL) and out of Munich (MUC) — choose "multicity" on flight-booking websites.
• Booking round-trip to one city will require a connecting flight, train trip, or additional overnight stay in Germany.
• Fly in style: ask me how you can treat yourself to an extra legroom! Premium, business, and first class seats might be available. 

NOTE: at Go Global it is always Your Trip, Your Way.  Pick and choose from our vast listing of daily options to customize your German adventures! 

Pick and choose from our vast listing of daily options to customize your Christmas Markets adventure! 

What's Included

• A very small, friendly group of 6-10 people 
• Full-time services of a friendly guide and local experts who will make fascinating history, art and culture of large and small authentic German Christmas markets come alive for you
  
• Tour Highlights: visits to at least 12 different Christmas markets, BMW World in Munich, Berlin Wall, Alexander Platz, as well as optional trip to the Bavarian countryside and Romantic Road.
• All nights accommodations in memorable, centrally located, hotels.
• Note: Single rooms may be available - ask for a quote. Price is based on double occupancy room.
• Guaranteed tour price, locked-in the moment you submit your application and deposit.
• All trip related tips, taxes, and gratuities.
• ALUMNI DISCOUNT of $50 for each prior trip you have taken.
• Fine print: You are responsible for cost of your drinks, and free-time sightseeing and travel, and airport transfers. Tour price is based on double occupancy room.

Itinerary

Daily Activity Key:

• Light: 1-2 miles of mostly level walking 
• Moderate: 3-4 miles walking with some hills/stairs
• Strenuous: 4+ miles walking with hills, stairs, and uneven terrain

Day 1

Today is a long travel day; be as rested as possible before you head for the airport. Know your itinerary—if any of your flights are delayed or canceled, contact the airline authorities ASAP.

Walking: Light

(Daily itinerary specifics subject to change)

Day 2

Our orientation meeting with start at 3 pm at our hotel in London.  Our meeting we be followed with a walk to become more familiar with our neighborhood and its surroundings.  After Underground/Tube orientation, we we will explore few most memorable cultural and historical sights of London, including stops at the Hyde Park and the Oxford Street.  After dinner, take an optional trip to the Southbank neighborhood on the Thames.

Walking: light (moderate, if you join after-dinner walk).

Day 3

Today we will explore the City of Westminster. Our walk will start with the walk through St. James Park and up to the Buckingham Palace where we will experience the Changing of the Guards.  After a brief stop at the Guards Chapel and the Wellingtons Barracks, we will visit majestic Westminster Abbey.  After lunch, we'll visit the British Library.  Our evening is free; consider Evensong at St. Paul's, or go to a theater, or attended a football game.

Walking: strenuous.  After dinner, take an optional walk to the Tower of London.

Day 4

Today we will explore the City of London.  We will start at the medieval Tower of London where we will join a Yeoman Warder "Beefeater" for an entertaining tour and a close-up look at the magnificent collection of Crown Jewels.  After lunch, we will take a walking tour of The City, the oldest part of London and today one of the world's key financial centers.   This evening is free and perfect for the theater (book a popular show in advance online or pick up a ticket in London).

Walking: strenuous.  After dinner, take an optional walk to the Somerset Palace and the Covent Garden.

Day 5

Today, we travel to the English countryside and experience historic and academic-minded Oxford. We will explore the Broad Street as well as Museum fo Natural History where the original public debate over Charles Darwin' The Origin of Species took place.  We will also visit a number of unique college campuses that make up the Oxford University system and we will stop at the pub made famous by literary discussions between C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkin.  Your evening is free, allowing for more exploration of Oxford or an early return to London.

Walking: moderate to strenuous.  After dinner, take an optional walk to the Southbank.

Day 6

This is our travel day.  Heathrow and Gatwick airports can be easily reached by Tube, train, or taxi from our London neighborhood. For those not ready to return home yet, London is a great jumping off point to Paris, Dublin, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, and many other exciting destinations (ask us for help you with travel logistics and itinerary suggestions). Cheerio!

Itinerary specifics subject to change.