
Vacations By Rail
A Tale of Three Rivers: Danube, Main & Rhine
Nine-day Germany trip: Eurostar rail plus Danube, Main, Rhine cruise
Rail Escape

Discover Germany's Christmas traditions with our German Christmas Market Tour from Munich to Cologne with Rail Escape.
Welcome to Munich! After checking into your hotel for a four-night stay, head to the heart of the city at Marienplatz. Here, you'll find the main Christkindlmarkt spread out in front of the Neo-Gothic New Town Hall. Admire the towering Christmas tree, sip on some warm Glühwein, and soak in the festive atmosphere. For dinner, try some traditional Bavarian cuisine at one of the nearby restaurants. [Night in Munich]
Start your day at the Medieval Christmas Market at Wittelsbacher Platz, enjoying its historical charm. In the afternoon, explore the Christmas Village in the Residenz’s royal courtyard. Later, visit the Tollwood Winter Festival at Theresienwiese, known for its international flair and eco-friendly focus. If you have extra time, explore the city at your leisure. [Night in Munich]
Take a short train ride to Augsburg, one of Germany's oldest cities. Explore the charming Augsburg Christkindlesmarkt in front of the Renaissance Town Hall. Don't miss the unique "Engelsspiel" (Angel Play) where figures of angels appear in the windows of the Town Hall. Return to Munich in the evening. [Night in Munich]
After enjoying Munich's Christmas markets, today is about discovering the city's cultural gems. Start with a visit to Nymphenburg Palace and its stunning gardens. In the afternoon, explore the art collections at the Alte Pinakothek. As evening approaches, take a stroll through Marienplatz to admire the illuminated New Town Hall. If you wish, end the day with a cozy glass of glühwein at another Christmas Market or a local café. [Night in Munich]
After checking out of your Munich hotel, take a train to Nuremberg. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Start your Nuremberg experience with the world-famous Christkindlesmarkt in the Hauptmarkt square. Don't forget to try the local specialties: Nuremberg sausages and Lebkuchen (gingerbread). [Night in Nuremberg]
After your breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the Handwerkerhof (Crafts Yard), a small medieval-style village where you can watch artisans at work. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the atmospheric Old Town, beautifully decorated for the season. Don't miss a visit to the historic Nuremberg Castle, offering panoramic views of the city, and the impressive Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) on the Hauptmarkt. End the day exploring the Children's Christmas Market with its traditional merry-go-round and Santa's House. [Night in Nuremberg]
Check out of your Nuremberg hotel and catch a train to Cologne. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Start your Cologne Christmas market experience at the Cathedral Christmas Market, set against the backdrop of the magnificent Cologne Cathedral. In the evening, visit the Heimat der Heinzel (Home of the Heinzelmännchen - Cologne's legendary house gnomes) at the Alter Markt and Heumarkt. [Night in Cologne]
Today, you can start at the "Christmas Market in the City" at Neumarkt or the Harbor Christmas Market at the Chocolate Museum for a maritime feel. In the afternoon, visit the Angel's Christmas Market or opt for the relaxed atmosphere of the Stadtgarten Market. Alternatively, skip the markets and explore other city sights or just unwind at your hotel. [Night in Cologne]
On your final morning, take a last stroll along the Rhine promenade, perhaps picking up some last-minute gifts at the Christmas Market in the Stadtgarten. Bid farewell to the enchanting Christmas markets of Germany as you depart back home.

Vacations By Rail
Nine-day Germany trip: Eurostar rail plus Danube, Main, Rhine cruise

railtour suisse
Seven-day independent rail trip along Germany's North Sea and Baltic coasts

Eurailing Packages

Great Rail Journeys