Christmas Markets Galore: Christmas 2018
Since 2018 could be our last year in Europe, we wanted to go to loads of Christmas markets!
The Idea
Dating to last year’s Christmas markets, we wanted to explore all the German markets. Originally, we would fly into southern Germany and spend our Christmas and New Year’s break exploring the tiny villages and big cities. We would go crazy on the markets!
However, unbeknown to my research, all German markets end on 23-24 December… We would begin our trip on 22 December!! Thus, we went back to the drawing board…
Luckily, Bavarian region shares a border with France that also has very good markets. Slowly, our plan was taking shape!
Where?
Since we still wanted to see German markets, we kept Nuremburg and Munich in our list. Because the markets end on 23 December (Sunday), we would have to make it quick!
Next, we heard lovely things about Strasbourg, France. Because we know from experience that France shuts down over holidays, weekends, and in general, we decided to make our base in Strasbourg while exploring the other little villages.
In the top lists, they highlighted Selestatt and Colmar for great markets. Obviously, we marked those towns now! Next, we had to decide what to do over New Years…
As I traced possible routes, I noticed the ancient city of Metz and a “little” World War 1 battlefield called Verdun.
Champagne country, in Reims, appeared to be a short drive away.
From Reims, we could easily take a train to Paris.
Once in Paris, it would be a short train to London!
Slowly, it appeared we had our Christmas Market Galore 2018 trip!!
How?
Travel:Since I had work until the Friday before Christmas, we would begin our journey early Saturday morning. By early, I mean we were one of the first flights out of Luton to Munich! Mary Frances was not pleased!
Once in Munch, I read renting a car could be a faster and cheaper way to Nuremberg. For the most part, it was but it was a big hassle! From Munich, we would take a direct train to Strasbourg on the 24th. Since Strasbourg was our base, we would rent a car for our day trips and to drive to Reims.
In Reims, we would ditch the car and then train everywhere!
Hotels:
Originally, I booked us hotels in every city since I thought it would easier. As we approached the trip, I quickly switched to AirBnBs to save us some money! A ten day trip will quickly add up and break the budget!!
By far, our favorite AirBnB was in Reims, but we enjoyed all of our stays!
Itinerary:
Day
Date
City
Saturday
12/22/2018
Nuremburg
Sunday
12/23/2018
Munich
Monday
12/24/2018
Strasbourg
Tuesday
12/25/2018
Strasbourg
Wednesday
12/26/2018
Selestat
Thursday
12/27/2018
Colmar
Friday
12/28/2018
Metz
Saturday
12/29/2018
Verdun
Sunday
12/30/2018
Reims
Monday
12/31/2018
Reims
Tuesday
1/1/2019
Paris
Wednesday
1/2/2019
Paris