Christmas market breaks in southern Germany

Spend your winter getaway surrounded by the beautiful Alpine scenery of Munich, where you're never far from fun and festive happenings. Enjoy strolls through the English Garden (Englischer Garten), the largest urban park of its kind.

Be sure to visit Munich's Christmas market on the 11^th and 18^th of December to see the Krampus, a terrifyingly devilish creature and companion of Santa, running amok around the city.

Munich Christmas Market dates:
27^th November – 24^th December 2017

Possibly the most enchanting of all day trips in Germany and with Munich as your base, the fairytale castles of Füssen are a must-visit during your winter city break. Enjoy the romantic views of Ludwig II’s childhood home Hohenschwangau Castle, as well as taking a romantic horse-drawn carriage up to his masterpiece Neuschwanstein Castle.

Füssen is not without its own quaint Christmas Market. You’ll find it within the courtyard of the St. Magnus Abbey.

Füssen Christmas Market dates:
8^th - 10^th and 15^th - 17^th December 2017

See the world’s most famous Christmas market in Nuremberg. The Nürnburg Christkindlesmarkt is a Yuletide extravaganza. Taking place in the main city market place (Hauptmarkt) you’ll be whisked away to a Christmassy dreamland of glittering lights and the sweet smells of Spekulaas and Glühwein.

Nuremberg is well worth visiting for sightseeing alone. The 15^th century Kaiserburg fortifications offer fantastic panoramic views of the city. Nearby, the house of painter Albrecht Dürer is another rustic charm.

Nuremberg Christmas Market dates:
1^st December to 24^th December 2017

• Choose from 3, 4, 6 or 8 days of rail travel within 1 month.

• As soon as you're in Germany, hop on and off as many trains as you like using just one rail pass.

• You'll arrive at city centre locations just a few steps from the nearest Christmas market. Leave everyone else to battle it out for car parking spaces!