The Cutest German Christmas Towns - International Traveller

If you’re looking for a magical winter getaway in Europe, it’s hard to find a better option than these festive German towns.

While the avalanche of Instagram posts of Aperol spritzes and glistening dishes of cacio e pepe might have given you serious envy Europe trip envy this summer, there is still time to gift yourself a seasonal treat and head there this Christmas. And no one – I mean absolutely no one – does festive cheer better than Germans.

With a Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) in almost every town, the ever-present whiff of lebkuchen (gingerbread-like bars) and the chance to sip glühwein (mulled wine) while watching the snowfall outside, Germany has the whole of December down pat.

Ready to pack up that sleigh? Here are the top German towns to get you inspired for your White Christmas.

1. Quedlinburg

Simply walking the snow-covered streets of the medieval German town of Quedlinburg will be enough to get you and the family in the Christmas spirit. And that’s before you even get to their famous Christmas markets at the old market square. Afterwards, check out the real-life Advent Calendar at the Quedlinburg town hall: where a new festive scene is unveiled each day.

a father carrying his child on his shoulders in a Christmas market in Germany on a winter day — Experience the wintery magic of Christmas in Germany.

To get away from the crowds, take a walk through Altstadt (Old Town) to see the town decked out like a season’s greetings card, before heading back down for a mulled wine.

Christmas lights covering the streets of the medieval town Quedlinburg — Christmas lights brighten up the snow-covered streets of Quedlinburg.

How to get there: Quedlinburg is in the centre of Germany and is connected by train to other major cities. For example, Berlin can be reached by train in approximately three-and-a-half hours. Alternatively, if you are coming from there, Hannover or Leipzig, it’s around a two to three-hour drive to Quedlinberg.

Want to explore more nearby? Go hiking in the wider Harz Mountains region or visit other towns of the area. A good starting point is the medieval town of Goslar.

a Christmas market in Germany on a winter day — No other place does Christmas quite like Germany.

2. Goslar

The under-the-radar town of Goslar receives far less attention from international travellers, while still being beloved by Germans for its gorgeous Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage site), half-timbered houses and long history as a major seat of power in the Holy Roman Empire era.

a vibrant atmosphere at Goslar's Christmas Market — Goslar’s Christmas Markets are truly spectacular.

But come December, it is the Christmas stalls in Marktplatz and the enchanting Advent Calendar House that are the centre of attention.

advent in the old town of Goslar — The old town of Goslar lights up during the Advent season.

How to get there: Goslar is approximately one hour by train from the town of Hannover and just under one-and-a-half hours by car – making it well worth tacking a day or two onto your trip to visit it.

3. Hamburg

While not a town, as one of Germany’s major cities, Hamburg goes all out for choice come the festive season.

a huge Christmas tree in Hamburg — Have a merry and bright Christmas in Hamburg.

Not only does it have a more traditional Christmas Market at Rathausmarkt (complete with ice-skating and an enormous Christmas tree), but it also has a Winter Pride Hamburg LGBTQ+ Christmas market, as well as at least half a dozen others. Elsewhere in the city, families should check out ‘Winterdom’: a seasonal amusement park filled with rides.

a Christmas market in Hamburg — Delight in mulled wine and roasted chestnuts at Hamburg’s Christmas markets.

How to get there: Hamburg is extremely well connected by train and by road. By train, it is under two hours to Berlin, and four-and-a-half hours to Frankfurt.

View over Hamburg Christmas market from the top of the Petri Church. — Hamburg goes all out for choice come the festive season.

If you want to see more wintery sites while here, seeing the romantic castle of Schwerin Schloss dusted in white snow like a Christmas cake ticks every box. It can be reached from Hamberg in just over one-and-a-half hours by train or car.

the Schwerin Schloss castle in winter — See the majestic Schwerin Schloss castle covered in snow.

4. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

When it comes to Christmas, it is hard to beat Bavarians for enthusiasm. Case in point: Rothenburg ob der Tauber in southern Germany.

a quiet street in Rothenburg ob der Tauber — The quiet streets of Rothenburg ob der Tauber are vibrantly adorned with Christmas decorations.

Not only might you spot a capering Krampus here, known as the dark twin of Saint Nicholas who gives out punishment to ‘naughty’ kids, instead of presents; but at Christmas time, the medieval town also gets a visit from the Rothenburg Reiterle in a nightly procession.

bright structures along the medieval German town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber — Take a leisurely walk along the medieval German town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Thought to be originally based on the ancient Germanic god Wotan, who would collect deceased souls each winter, today the hooded and cloaked horseback rider known as the Rothenburg Reiterle has been re-branded to a charming traditional gift giver. Still, when he has passed on by, you might need to calm your nerves with a sweet schneeball pastry and a strong glass of glühwein from the Reiterlesmarkt.

Christmas Market Rothenburg at night — Stroll down the streets of Rothenburg for old-fashioned Christmas cookies.

How to get there: Rothenberg is a three-hour journey by train and bus from Munich. Alternatively, a car trip from Munich will take just under three hours (but this option has the added potential of side trips).

Haven’t made it to the city of Nuremberg yet? It could be worth adding some days in Bavaria’s second-largest city, being just over an hour’s drive away (or just under two hours by public transport).

a German Christmas Market — German Christmas markets kicks off the festive holiday season.

5. Nuremberg

It might be known for its wartime history and medieval architecture most of the year. But come December, Nuremberg also attracts visitors from around the world for its Christkindlesmarkt.

a Christmas market in Nuremberg brightly filled with people — Pick up some festive gifts at Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt

The crowned ‘Christkind’ gift-bringer leads the opening festivities of the market, appearing every night afterwards. Make sure you buy a piping hot Nürnberger Rostbratwurst or a slice of local lebkuchen to try from one of the stalls.

a Lebkuchenherzen, or gingerbread hearts at a market stall in Nuremberg — *Lebkuchenherzen*, or gingerbread hearts, are popular in Nuremberg.

Did you think we were done? There is plenty else to do in Nuremberg for Christmas addicts. There is the Handwerkerhof craft village, the enchanting Toy Museum and a ride on the Christmas Tram to embark on. Cap it off by dropping a few euros to climb up the spire of St. Sebaldus Church. Up there, you will discover a marvellous view of the city lights.

children riding a Christmas tram in Nuremberg — Take the kids on the Christmas Tram.

How to get there: As a major city, Nuremberg is connected to many of Germany’s other towns. From Munich, it is only a one-hour train or two-hour drive.

half-timbered houses and artisan shops along Nuremberg Handwerkerhof — Find half-timbered houses and artisan shops in the Handwerkerhof craft village.

If you can’t get enough of the half-timbered houses that lend so much charm to the older villages in the region, take a trip to Bamberg. It’s famous for its early Medieval architecture, while still being considered less ‘touristy’ than other towns of its type and is only 35 minutes by train.

the Bamberg Old Town Hall — The Old Town Hall in Bamberg is notable for its medieval architecture.

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6. Munich

Again, not a town, but grab the chance to shop both the old and the new in the Bavarian capital of Munich. The ‘new’ can be found in the districts of Kaufingerstrasse and Maximilianstrasse, with festive displays lighting up the faces of shoppers. Fill up your bag with holiday produce from the Viktualienmarkt food hall, or at least take a break from the Christmas madness in its beer garden.

a Christmas market in Munich — Feel the magic of Christmas in Munich.

There are still plenty of Christmas markets here, with some of the most popular being Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz, as well as the Christmas Village in the Kaiserhof of the Residenz city palace.

children at Munich Christmas Market on a winter day — Bring your little ones to Munich in the festive season.

Warm up with a touch of ice-skating (or ice-slipping) at Karlsplatz/Stachus, or, if you prefer, with a heavy plate of traditional Bavarian roast goose and potato dumplings (kartoffelknödel).

a crowd of people at Munich Christmas market — Stop by Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz.

How to get there: Munich is accessible by air to countries all over Europe, making it a handy starting point. From here, you can take trains and buses to many of the cities across Germany, with Nuremberg being one of the closest.

7. Baden-Baden

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the markets. Instead, give yourself a ‘Christmas present for me’ and book a treatment at the southwestern town of Baden-Baden. Located in the Black Forest region, Baden-Baden has long been famous for its thermal baths, with Caracalla and Friedrichsbad both top options.

winter at Baden Baden Christmas market — Experience a wintery magical Christmas wonderland at Baden-Baden.

Refreshed? Time to go to the Christmas market at Baden-Baden’s Kurhaus or to take a stroll in the pretty nearby park of Lichtentaler Allee.

How to get there: Don’t miss the chance to explore the Black Forest. Perhaps best known for being the set of the dark fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm, this ethereal place is best explored by car.

the setting of Grimm's Fairy Tales at the Black Forest near Baden-Baden — Be transported into a Brothers Grimm fairytale in the Black Forest.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

The 7 cutest German Christmas towns to feel merry in