Lake wolfgang sleigh ride
Christmas in Germany
Itinerary
14 December - Frankfurt
After checking into your hotel in the centre of Frankfurt, stroll to Paulsplatz, Mainkai quay and Römerberg square for your first experience of a traditional German Christmas market. And what better place to start than in this iconic town that hosts one of Germany's oldest and most popular Christmas markets. The festive atmosphere is enhanced through a wide range of entertainment around the 30-metre high Christmas tree that includes concerts, trumpet fanfares from the balcony of St. Nicholas's Church and the church carillon. Join a guided themed tour around glühwein, seasonal stories and delicious baked goods and discover the inside secrets and hidden delights of Frankfurt's Christmas market.
15 December - Heidelberg
Your day excursion to nearby Heidelberg and a visit to its famous medieval castle will be one of the highlights of your Christmas tour in Germany. After a short train journey you will arrive in this picture-postcard pretty city along the Neckar River. Take the funicular from the city centre up to the 13th Century castle. From either of the terraces one has an amazing view of Heidelberg, the Neckar River, and the valley far into the Rhine plain.
Heidelberg's Christmas markets extend across 5 town squares. A popular attraction at the Karlsplatz market is “Christmas on Ice”. Surrounded by trees, glistening with hundreds of stars, and a spectacular view of Heidelberg's castle, you can skate round the open-air ice rink to the accompaniment of Christmas music.
16 December - Berlin
Berlin offers you a choice of 60 Christmas markets, traditional historic or lively and modern. At the Charlottenburg Castle Christmas Market the castle and its park are immersed in a special romantic light and the stalls present carefully selected arts and crafts and ancient handicrafts. In the festively decorated cabins and exclusive glass pagodas you can enjoy delicious Christmas treats.
The 'Gendarmenmarkt' Christmas Market takes place in one of the most beautiful squares of the city. Apart from the interesting offerings at the stalls there is plenty of entertainment provided by jugglers, acrobats, fire artists, dance groups, choirs, classical, jazz and gospel ensembles and famous international artists.
Take a nostalgic carriage ride through 'old Berlin' past the delightful backdrops of the Christmas Market at the State Opera House and the Opera Palais. Children in particular will enjoy the crib with live animals, the 200 wooden stalls and an antique wooden horse carousel.
17 December - Berlin
Get to know Berlin's hidden sites during a half-day walking tour. See the city's main attractions including the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag parliament building and Checkpoint Charlie, as well as lesser-known places and hidden gems.
18 and 19 December - Dresden
Familiarize yourself with this city with a 'Hop-on/Hop-off' bus tour and visit the Zwinger Palace and Pillnitz Castle.
The 'Striezelmarket', Germany's oldest Christmas market, has its origins in the early 15th Century. Traditional Christmas gifts, toys and decorations were invented hundreds of years ago in the nearby Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains). Today most of the Christmas markets in Germany are still being supplied from this region and the traditional Dresden Christmas Market with its romantic and festive charm is a treasure trove of traditional handmade crafts. Admire Dresden's Christmas pyramids, smoking figures, printed textile products and pottery from Lusatia, gingerbread from Pulsnitz, filigree lace products from Plauen, Herrenhut Advent stars or blown glass tree decorations from Lauscha. Take this opportunity to watch the carvers, glass-blowers and bakers in action at the crafts market.
The focal point of the Dresden Christmas Market is the world's tallest Christmas pyramid, with a height of 14 metres and the world's biggest nut cracker.
20 and 21 December - Nürnberg
A pleasant walking tour through the Old Town offers insights into and information about the history of this ancient town, the castle, fortifications, wells and art treasures.
The medieval fortifications of the striking old town, Gothic churches, colourful market places and hilltop castle of the old imperial city are as awe-inspiring today as ever. Nürnberg is a beautiful, old city and has played an important role in Germany's history. This was where the Third Reich strutted in all of its pomp against an epic backdrop of grandiose marching grounds. It was also where an international war crimes tribunal later held that same Nazi leadership to account amidst the rubble of the defeated city.
Nürnberg has one of Germany's most famous Christmas markets. Its 180 stalls festooned with red and white cloth have given this Christmas market its name: Little town of wood and cloth.
22 - 26 December - Garmisch-Partenkirchen
The breathtakingly beautiful town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, at the foot of Germany's highest and ice-age glacier covered mountain, the Zugspitze, will be an ideal place to celebrate a traditional German Christmas. Stroll through this quaint little township and admire the traditional painted house facades and let the yule-tide spirit enchant you at the village Christmas market with Alpine music, festively decorated booths and culinary regional specialties.
You will have guaranteed snow on the mountain and can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, hikes in the snow and any kind of winter activities imaginable. For a thrill of a lifetime go tobogganing on the glacier. Or take a romantic evening torch-lit guided hike through the dramatic Partnach Gorge complete with a visit to a rustic mountain hut where some hearty refreshments await you.
Christmas Eve will be celebrated with a festive gala dinner and, if you like, you can afterwards walk through the silent village to attend midnight mass at a little local church.
Another of the highlights of your White Christmas in Germany holiday will be a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride into a picturesque valley, a winter experience that will fill your heart with peace and joy.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen has a lot to offer to non-skiers and skiers alike. During a one day excursion to nearby Neuschwanstein you have the opportunity to visit King Ludwig II fairy-tale castle Neuschwanstein.
Oberammergau, less than one hour from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, world-famous for its woodcarvers, richly painted houses and Passion Play, is well worth a visit.
27 December - Munich
Enjoy the view of the picturesque Bavarian mountains and villages during your train ride from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Munich airport.
Inclusions
Accommodation
- 13 nights in first class centrally located hotels
Travel
- First class train rides between destinations with seat reservations where required
- Transport from airport to hotel in Frankfurt on arrival
- Transport to airport Munich on departure by direct train
Meals
- 11 breakfasts
- 4-course special Christmas evening dinner with Christmas festivities
Sightseeing, activities and excursions
- Christmas markets in Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Berlin, Dresden, Nürnberg and Garmisch-Partenkirchen
- Excursion by train to Heidelberg
- Funicular ride and admission to Heidelberg Castle
- Guided half-day historic walking tour in Berlin
- Hop-on/hop-off bus tour in Dresden
- Admission to the Zwinger Palace and Pillnitz Castle in Dresden
- Excursion to King Ludwig's fairy-tale castle Neuschwanstein including priority admission tickets
- Horse-drawn sleigh ride
- Tickets for the cable car and cog-wheel train to Zugspitze and Alpenspitze mountains
Tour price 2024
All prices are per person
Twin share: AUD $ 6,250
We also cater for solo travellers, families and groups. Prices by application.
Return to White Christmas Tours overview
These prices and tour information are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.