Travel Tips

Experience the magic of Germany in December: Weather, food & festivities

Christmas markets, festive food, and scenic towns… Here’s why UK travelers are calling Germany in December a magical winter wonderland!

Snow-dusted rooftops, the sweet scent of fresh pretzels, and the warm glow of Christmas market stalls lighting up the night… December in Germany feels like stepping into a fairy tale.

From sipping mulled wine (Glühwein) in historic squares to unwinding in thermal baths and skiing in the Bavarian Alps, Germany’s winters are truly enchanting.

In this guide, we’re sharing what to expect from a trip to Germany in December, including what the weather’s really like, the must-try festive foods, and the best things to do to soak up the winter magic.

In this article

Weather in Germany in December

The weather in Germany in December is crisp, chilly, and perfectly suited for all things cozy. Average daytime temperatures hover between 0–5°C (32–41°F), though this can vary depending on where you are.

The north (including Hamburg and Berlin) tends to be a little milder but windier. Meanwhile, the south, especially in Bavaria and the Alps, often sees colder temperatures.

If you’re wondering, “Does it snow in Germany in December?”, the answer is yes, but it’s not guaranteed everywhere.

The mountainous regions see abundant snow in December, and so, are popular skiing and snowboarding spots. Further north, you might see some snow, though in the big cities, snowfall quickly turns to slush.

Like the rest of Europe, winter brings short daylight hours, with the sun setting around 4 pm in December. At this time, the market stalls light up and the festivities truly kick in.

What to wear in Germany in December?

When packing for Germany in December, layers are key. Bring thermal tops and warm sweaters along with a hat, scarf, and gloves. And don’t forget a good-quality waterproof winter coat and water-resistant boots, as rain is common in December.

Style tip: Germans are masters of cozy practicality. If you want to copy their European winter chic look, think long wool coats, chunky scarves, and thick ankle boots.

What to eat in Germany in December

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Germany is the king of comfort food, and in winter, its festive eats do not disappoint.

At the heart of it all are the Christmas market classics. Wander through any market in Germany in December and you’ll be greeted with the scent of hot Glühwein, Germany’s iconic spiced mulled wine.

Pair it with a Bratwurst in a crusty roll, roasted chestnuts, or Gebrannte Mandeln (candied almonds) for the full winter experience.

Then, if you’re heading to a restaurant, look out for these winter comfort dishes:

Sauerbraten (slow-braised beef in a tangy sauce)
Käsespätzle (Germany’s version of mac and cheese, made with soft egg noodles and melted cheese)
Schnitzel (head to a Schnitzel house like Schnitzelei Mitte in Berlin)

Or cozy up in a cafe (such as Café Glockenspiel in Munich) with a hot chocolate and some Stollen or Lebkuchen (spiced gingerbread cookies).

Things to do in Germany in December

While the weather will be cold, you’ll still find plenty of fun and festive things to do in Germany in December. Here’s what we recommend:

Visit the iconic Christmas markets

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A fun fact about Germany is that it was the first country ever to have Christmas trees. The Germans started the tradition in the 16th century, and since then, Christmas has been a pretty big thing there.

Considering this, it’s no surprise that you’ll find some of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets in Germany, such as:

Dresden Striezelmarkt: Held at Altmarkt square in Dresden (191 km south of Berlin), this is the oldest Christmas market in Germany, dating back to 1434. It has a whopping 240 stands and attracts around 3 million visitors each year from all over the world!
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt: Considered one of the biggest and most famous Christmas markets in the world, you’ll find this Bavarian market at Hauptmarkt square in Nuremberg’s old town.
Cologne: The city hosts multiple festive markets, attracting over 4 million visitors each year. The Cologne Cathedral Christmas market (Weihnachtsmarkt am Dom) has around 150 stands. Meanwhile, the Heinzelmännchen in Cologne’s old town is like stepping into an old storybook, with themed alleys, a varied program of events, and a spectacular ice rink!

Try some winter sports

The Bavarian Alps in southern Germany are home to some world-class ski resorts. Garmisch Classic is the most popular resort here, with a high-altitude location (2,962 m), reliable snow, and slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, including beginners.

You can go skiing and snowboarding elsewhere in Germany, such as Sauerland (central Germany) and the Black Forest region of Baden‑Württemberg. These smaller resorts offer quieter and more peaceful alternatives to the big alpine experience in the Bavarian Alps.

For something a bit gentler, in all Germany’s biggest cities and towns, you’ll find seasonal open-air ice rinks, often at the Christmas markets.

Visit scenic winter towns

While the huge Christmas markets in Germany’s cities are impressive, there is something especially captivating about the smaller towns and mountain regions.

For example, Rothenburg ob der Tauber in northern Bavaria looks straight out of a fairytale in winter, when the medieval town is dusted with snow. Its cobbled streets and half-timbered houses make for one of the most enchanting winter destinations in Europe.

Meanwhile, Black Forest (in southwest Germany) becomes a peaceful winter wonderland in December. The area’s traditional villages, like Triberg and Gengenbach, are magical, with frozen waterfalls and dense white canopies.

Unwind in hot thermal baths

Another must-do in Germany in December is to visit one of the beautiful and historic thermal baths, such as:

Baden-Baden (Black Forest): This is THE spa town of Germany with a 140-year-old Roman-Irish bathhouse (Friedrichsbad) and a massive modern thermal complex (Caracalla Therme).
Therme Erding (near Munich): This is the largest thermal spa in the world, with endless impressive facilities like tropical lagoons, wave pools, and 28 slides!
Bad Füssing (Bavaria): Known for its healing sulfur springs, the town is home to three iconic spas, Therme Eins, Europa Therme, and Johannesbad Therme.

Travel tips for your Germany December trip

December is one of Germany’s busiest months, with millions of festive travelers heading to Munich, Cologne, and Nuremberg to experience the famous Christmas markets. So be sure to book your hotels, trains, and Christmas market tours well in advance.

Public transport in Germany is generally efficient and reliable, but check holiday schedules, as there is often reduced service on days like Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.

To save money on travel, consider Germany travel passes such as the Berlin WelcomeCard or the Bayern Ticket. These passes offer unlimited local transport (and often discounts on attractions, too).

Along with unlimited travel, secure unlimited phone data throughout your trip with a Holafly eSIM.

Activate your eSIM the moment you land (no need to queue for a physical SIM card). Then stay connected across the festive cities, scenic towns, and snowy ski resorts without worrying about roaming charges or spotty Wi-Fi.

Get your Holafly eSIM for Germany today.