Christmas & New Year Tours in Germany
Germany during the holidays? We're talking pure magic! Picture exploring Munich's festive Christmas Markets, tasting traditional Lebkuchen, touring Dachau Concentration Camp with a guide, experiencing Munich's famous beer halls, and taking optional tours to Neuschwanstein Castle. Christmas spirit here is alive and well, with magic waiting around every corner.
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Lisa • traveled in December, 2024
Emmit was a great tour guide very knowledgeable and funny he was also very sweet and helped up with directions back to our hotel ❤️
Munich Christmas Markets - D
Darren • traveled in January
A wonderful tour where the staff did all they could to make our experience memorable. The food was amazing and the journey along the Rhine at Christmas something we shall never forget.
Christmas on the romantic Rhine (port-to-port cruise) - I
Imelda • traveled in January, 2026
An excellent river cruise experience! The food was delicious, the itinerary was great, and the cabin was very clean and comfortable. We enjoyed the cruise very much.
Christmas and New Year Rhine cruise: Dusseldorf - Dusseldorf - MS Vista Rio
10 best Christmas & New Year Germany tour packages
Compiled by
SteffGermany travel expert at TourRadar
- Munich Christmas Markets
- GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS 2026
- Southern Rhine Christmas 2027
- Rhine Christmas 2027
- Magical Christmas Markets of Germany 2027
- Christmas Cruise on the Rhine - AMADEUS Aurea (Cologne - Cologne)
- Christmas Markets on the Rhine 2026 Start Basel, End Amsterdam
- Christmas on the romantic Rhine (port-to-port cruise)
- 6 Days of Discovery: Berlin’s Stories Through Time
- Rhine Enchanting Christmas 2027
Munich Christmas Markets
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was very knowledgeable and funny, and the guide was very sweet and helpful with directions.”
Lisa, traveled in December
Duration 4 days Destinations Munich, Dachau, Neuschwanstein Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Euroadventures From
- US$449
Get into Bavaria's festive spirit with visits to Munich's Hofbräuhaus beer hall, the Munich Residenz Palace, and the lively Magic Tent at Tollwood Fair. You'll see Nuremberg Castle for city views, try unique red beer at Hausbrauerei Altstadthof Brewery, and join the famous Night Watchman's Tour through Rothenburg's medieval streets.
Duration 7 days Destinations Munich, Nuremberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Heidelberg Age Range Ages 6+ Operator EUROLATINO Tour Operators From
- US$1,596
Duration 6 days Destinations Cologne, Koblenz, Mainz, Frankfurt-am-Main, Bonn Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Operator A-ROSA From
- US$1,042
Duration 8 days Destinations Cologne, Cochem, Bernkastel, Koblenz, Frankfurt-am-Main, Mainz Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Operator A-ROSA From
- US$1,506
See Germany's Christmas Markets in Nuremberg's medieval Hauptmarkt, Bamberg's lit-up seven hills, and Rothenburg's walled town on the Romantic Road. Try mulled wine and handcrafted gifts at Wertheim's market beneath Gothic Stiftskirche, then visit Mainz's Old University Christmas Market and Frankfurt's winter wonderland Altstadt.
Duration 8 days Destinations Nuremberg, Bamberg, Wurzburg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Wertheim, Rudesheim am Rhein, Rhine Gorge, Koblenz, Mainz, Frankfurt-am-Main Age Range Ages 12+ Operator AmaWaterways From
- US$3,899+$280 upfront costs
Spend Christmas week on the festively decorated AMADEUS Aurea with a special gala dinner on December 25th and optional midnight mass at Speyer Cathedral. Browse traditional German Christmas markets in Koblenz and Speyer for gingerbread and Gluhwein, then help decorate the ship's Christmas tree and have festive celebrations.
Duration 7 days Destinations Cologne, Koblenz, Speyer, Strasbourg, Mainz Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From
- US$1,739
Christmas magic flows from Breisach to Cologne along the Rhine. Baden-Baden's romantic markets, Rüdesheim's festive offerings, and Cologne's renowned Christmas Market create unforgettable moments. Luxury river ship accommodation and regional holiday cuisine included.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range Ages 12+ Operator AmaWaterways From
- US$3,999+$245 upfront costs
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours in Germany
What are the most popular Christmas markets to visit during a Germany Christmas & New Year tour?
Germany's festive landscape comes alive with Christmas markets that draw visitors from across the globe. Strasbourg's Christmas market stands out for its scale and traditional charm while Munich's Marienplatz and Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt offer quintessential German holiday experiences. The markets at Berlin's Alexanderplatz and Gendarmenmarkt square are easily accessible from central accommodations like the Holiday Inn Express Berlin City Centre. Recent visitors particularly noted the evening ambiance at Strasbourg's market where strings of lights illuminate centuries-old wooden stalls.
Which cities offer the best New Year's Eve celebrations in Germany?
Berlin's Brandenburg Gate hosts Germany's largest New Year's celebration while Munich's Marienplatz and Frankfurt's riverfront put on impressive displays. River cruise operators like A-ROSA combine these celebrations with onboard galas as boats glide past lit-up city skylines. Guests who celebrated at the Brandenburg Gate describe it as an electric atmosphere with fireworks reflecting off the iconic monument while central hotels provide convenient bases for the festivities.
What's the weather like during Christmas & New Year tours in Germany?
German winter weather shifts across regions. Munich in the south sees temperatures from -2°C to 4°C often with snow while Hamburg's northern location brings milder conditions between 0°C and 6°C. The Rhine Valley where many holiday cruises operate maintains temperatures from 2-7°C. Visitors regularly emphasize the need for warm clothing and waterproof footwear especially in Berlin where winter brings notably cold conditions.
How many days should I plan for a Christmas & New Year tour in Germany?
German holiday tours typically span 5-14 days with most travelers choosing 7-8 day itineraries. River cruise operators like A-ROSA offer 5-8 day Rhine journeys while land-based tours through companies like WiseYatra extend to 14 days covering multiple cities. The Leonardo Hotel Dresden Altstadt serves as a comfortable base for week-long explorations with visitors noting that seven days allows time to experience both markets and celebrations.
When is the best time to book a Christmas & New Year tour in Germany?
The holiday season runs from late November through early January with Christmas markets operating until December 23rd. Cities like Munich with its illuminated Neues Rathaus Berlin and Frankfurt become centers of celebration. Hotels such as Munich's Jedermann and Cologne's Eden Hotel Früh am Dom fill quickly during this period. Tour operators recommend securing bookings six months ahead as holiday programs particularly river cruises reach capacity early in the season.
How much spending money should I budget for Christmas & New Year markets in Germany?
Daily market expenses typically range from 50-75 USD covering souvenirs food and beverages. At Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market handmade ornaments cost between 10-30 USD while Munich Christkindlmarkt's signature Glühwein served in collector mugs runs 8-10 USD. Restaurant meals at hotel venues like the Holiday Inn Express Berlin City Centre average 30-40 USD per person. Experienced market-goers suggest a 100 USD daily allowance covers market purchases holiday dining and unexpected finds.