The winter season specially decorates the German landscape with unique festive traditions and festivals that are unique and native to Germany. Having a unique festivity within the region, you will enjoy Christmas and the magical ambiance of the season to the best when you are in Germany in November and December. You will find numerous Christmas Markets at every street corner and some of the most amazing squares as you blend with the locals while enjoying a healthy conversation with some fine German wine as the snow falls at its own pace that will keep you hooked to this magnificent destination. Let’s take you through some of the best things to do in Germany in December.
Weather in December
The European region experiences a chilly winter season during November and December. The Germany weather in November is somewhat similar to December. The temperatures hover around 5oC. You can expect intermittent rains, which limits bright sunlight to only eight hours a day. The nights are freezing cold, but the festive ambiance makes it a great time to travel to Germany.
Does it snow in Germany in December?
You will likely be welcomed by a snowy flurry in most parts of Germany, especially if you are visiting the hilly peaks, snowy mountains, and southern regions like the Black Forest or the Bavarian Alps. Get ready to be buried under several layers of snow as Christmas festivities are further enhanced with a round of snow.
Things to do in Germany in December
Savor the magical ambiance of the Christmas Markets
The Christmas Markets in Germany have a special place for every visitor who browses through the numerous Christmas Markets decorating the streets. The ambiance is further enhanced if you visit these beautiful markets during snow. There are numerous stalls where you can purchase local arts & crafts, souvenirs, decorations, collectibles, seasonal gifts, accessories, and clothing unique and specific to Germany.
Savor some traditional Christmas flavors
It’s time to enjoy traditional German flavors like Stolen, a simple fruitcake kissed with a small layer of sugar icing. This gives a rich, moist, and sweet flavor. Several traditional delights such as the Black Forest cake, Burgers with melted cheese, Bratwurst, Black Forest Ham, Lebkuchen, and other marzipan-based bakery items sold in no time during Christmas.
Sip a hot and warm Gluhwein during your Christmas discovery
As you look to uncover various aspects of the Christmas Markets, you can catch hold of a hot and steamy Gluhwein to keep yourself warm during your Christmas discovery. Gluhwein is prepared using orange slices with cinnamon sticks, vanilla flavor, cloves, star anise, and sugar to red wine. This wonderful mixture is slowly warmed, which gives sufficient time for the flavors to infuse together. Several Christmas Markets serve Gluhwein with an alcohol-free punch and mulled cider, and several stalls serve in numerous mug designs.
Enjoy the tradition of a Christmas Tree
You will find numerous versions of the Christmas Tree decorating and dotting the German landscape this season. Not many know, but the Christmas Tree originated from Germany. The decorations cover the entire area from top to bottom with amazing decorations, souvenirs, stockings, twinkling lights, stars, and much more. Many German regions, especially in the smaller towns and villages, create chocolate box designs
Enjoy a bout of history by visiting the museums in Germany
Germany has fascinating museums that give you deep insights into German culture and history. The Museum Island in Berlin houses the most prominent museums to visit in Germany, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites amid a River Spree. The Mercedes-Benz Museum, Neues Museum, New Palace, German Christmas Museum, Madame Tussauds Berlin, and Lenbachhaus are other amazing museums to visit in Germany.
Bring out the sporty adventurer in you
Winter offers several amazing opportunities to dive and enjoy winter sports. Getting the adventure kick off going inside you is among the best things to do in Germany in December. Winter hiking, tobogganing, skiing, and snowshoeing reached an all-time high in demand. The Bavarian Alps, Black Forest, and the Southern ski slopes are great destinations for winter adventure sports.
Savor the snowy wonderland
The German landscape becomes a wonderland buried under several blankets of snow. You will be welcomed by snowy flurries in most German regions. The landscape transforms into a magical sight as snow captures hill peaks, mountains, hillsides, and picturesque villages. For the best snowy experience, head to the Black Forest or Bavarian Alps.
Where to go in Germany in December
The top German destinations is a long list. But you can try to capture some of them during your winter holiday in Germany.
Baden-Baden
Often known as the German spa town, Baden-Baden has the highest number of natural thermal springs in the region. One of the top bubble destinations is Caracalla Spa, which offers an array of whirlpool treatments, an aroma steam bath, and a rock grotto. Don’t miss Friedrichsbad, the modern global thermal bath destination.
Berlin
The capital city of Germany is known for its beautiful Christmas Markets and shopping. You will find numerous sound and light installations to feel the festive mood in the city. The Berlin Zoo is one such destination that you can’t miss out. A dip in the Berlin Plotzensee is a destination to check if you have nerves of steel to challenge the freezing winter.
Dresden
This eastern German destination is renowned for its marvelous baroque architecture, beautiful Christmas Markets, and quaint medieval towns, making it an ideal winter getaway. Enjoy the liveliness of the streets as you engage in various activities that get the festive season in full swing.
The Bavarian Alps
The majestic mountains offer an ideal winter getaway for enjoying some winter adventure, such as snowboarding, skiing, or hiking the mountain trails. You will find numerous mountain lodges where you can enjoy a cozy meal as you finish your exploration journey.
The Rhine Valley
This tourist destination is among the top holiday destinations. The picturesque landscape, beautiful vineyards, royal castles, and charming towns are leisurely settled around the Rhine River. If you are a nature lover, then this is heaven for you.
Elmau Valley
This winter wonderland has gorgeous castles, lakes, and hiking trails dotted in its landscape. The Schloss Elmau is one of the finest wellness hotels in Germany, and it is ideal for a winter vacation. This wellness resort has several spa zones that cater to every global traveler’s taste. Qi Gong, the Karwendel Mountains, Zugspitze, and other winter sporting opportunities will be tapped.
The Romantic Road
Germany offers several scenic road trips featuring the top attractions in central locations through high-quality roads. The Romantic Road features among the top scenic road trip in Germany that you should indulge in during your winter vacation. This southern province of Baden-Wurttemberg and Bavaria is a tourist hotspot. Apart from picturesque vistas, you will find alpine mountains, charming villages, iconic castles, and leafy vineyards along the way.
The Black Forest
A magical destination to visit in any season, the Black Forest casts a magical spell on every visitor who looks to explore this grand destination. The snowy and dense forests give a picturesque background to the fairytale villages that will surely woo the tourist audience. Whether skiing, ski resorts, ice skating, snowboarding, or indulging in a sleigh ride, this place has everything you can ever dream of in a winter wonderland.
What to eat in Germany in December?
The German Christmas is renowned for its fine delicacies that melt in your mouth. Enjoy a round of roasted turkey, duck, or goose served with bread dumplings and stewed kale, which is quite popular in the region. The top German delicacies you must try during your winter holiday are Bratwurst, Maultasche, Apple Strudel, Mulled Wine, Stollen, Kartoffelpuffer, Spatzle, and Schnitzel.
What to wear in Germany in December?
The season demands clothing and accessories to keep you warm, cozy, and dry. Some clothing essentials you should pack include a synthetic insulated jacket, wool base layered innerwear, wool socks, sturdy boots to navigate through the snowy landscape, waterproof outwear or umbrella, and accessories such as hat, scarf, and gloves. Jeans would be a good choice for this season.
Conclusion
Visiting Germany in December is a great idea. It is special primarily because of the busy Christmas markets, festive atmosphere, and unique traditions, making it far less commercialized than other modern European destinations like the UK, Rome, and Paris. The festivity in the streets is unique in nature, with numerous sound and light installations that make it ideal for enjoying a relaxing and rejuvenating winter holiday.