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)
28th November – 23rd December 2008.

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.
Star rating: ****

REGENSBURG (1 hour 30 minutes drive)
29th November – 23rd December 2008, 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.

27th November – 23rd December 2008 Monday-Wednesday 12.00-22.00, Thursday-Saturday 12.00-23.00m Sunday 10.00-22.00 Entrance costs €3.50-5.50, children 6-16 €1, under 6 free
Star rating: *****

NUERNBERG (2 hours drive)
28th November – 24th December 2008

Monday-Thursday 09.30-20.00, Friday-Saturday 09.30-22.00 Sunday 10.30-20.00 (Christmas Eve 09.30-14.00)
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)
28th November – 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: -

MUNICH (2 hours drive)

28th November-24th December 2008

Monday-Friday 10.00-20.30, Saturday 09.00-20.30, Sunday 10.00-19.30 (Christmas Eve 10.00-14.00)

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

Star rating: *****

www.weihnachtsmarkt-eisenstein.de