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Experience the magic of Germany in December: Weather, food & festivities
Germany in December means Christmas markets, festive food, and daytime temperatures of 0-5°C. Here's the weather, what to wear, and where to go.
The best places to visit in Germany in December are its Christmas market cities, Dresden, Nuremberg, and Cologne, along with Berlin, Munich, and smaller towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The best cities to visit in Germany in December depend on what you want from the trip: historic markets, big-city sights, or snow.
In this guide, we’re sharing what to expect from a trip to Germany in December, including the weather, where to go, and what to eat. A Holafly travel eSIM keeps you connected for maps, train times, and market opening hours along the way.
Weather in Germany in December
The weather in Germany in December is crisp, chilly, and perfectly suited for all things cozy. December weather in Germany also means short daylight hours, with the sun setting around 4:00 PM. At this time, the market stalls light up and the festivities truly kick in.
How cold is Germany in December?
The average temperature in Germany in December sits between 0-5°C (32-41°F) during the day, though this can vary depending on where you are.
Germany weather in December differs by region. 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.
Does it snow in Germany in December?
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.
What to wear in Germany in December?
When packing for Germany in December weather, 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.
Best places to visit in Germany in December
- German Christmas Markets are legendary. Where you go shapes the trip. The big cities have the largest markets and the most to do indoors, while the small towns and mountain regions are quieter.
- Dresden: Dresden is the choice for travelers who care about tradition. Its Striezelmarkt, held at Altmarkt square (191 km south of Berlin), is the oldest Christmas market in Germany, dating back to 1434. It has 240 stands and attracts around 3 million visitors each year.
- Nuremberg: Nuremberg is where to go for a classic Bavarian market. The Christkindlesmarkt, considered one of the biggest and most famous Christmas markets in the world, takes place at Hauptmarkt square in the city’s old town.
- Cologne: Cologne gives you several markets in one city, attracting over 4 million visitors each year. The Cologne Cathedral Christmas market (Weihnachtsmarkt am Dom) has around 150 stands. Meanwhile, the Heinzelmännchen market in the old town is like stepping into an old storybook, with themed alleys, a varied program of events, and an ice rink.
- Berlin: Berlin, Germany in December pairs big-city sightseeing with dozens of Christmas markets spread across its neighborhoods, including one in front of Charlottenburg Palace. Between markets, the museums on Museum Island give you a warm place to spend the short afternoons.
- Munich: Munich, Germany in December is a good fit if you want markets and mountains in one trip. The Christkindlmarkt fills Marienplatz in front of the town hall, and the Tollwood Winter Festival brings food stalls and live performances to Theresienwiese. The city is also a base for day trips to the Bavarian Alps and to Therme Erding.
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber: While the Christmas markets in Germany’s cities are impressive, there is something especially captivating about the smaller towns. Rothenburg ob der Tauber in northern Bavaria looks straight out of a fairy tale 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.
- The Black Forest: The Black Forest in southwest Germany becomes a peaceful winter wonderland in December. The area’s traditional villages, like Triberg and Gengenbach, sit among frozen waterfalls and dense white canopies. The spa town of Baden-Baden is in the same region, so you can pair the villages with a day in the thermal baths.
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
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. Most open in the last week of November, around the start of Advent, and close on 23 or 24 December, so plan your dates around them. Dresden, Nuremberg, and Cologne host the best-known ones.
Try some winter sports
The Bavarian Alps in southern Germany are home to some world-class ski resorts. Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the best-known resort town here, sitting at the foot of the Zugspitze (2,962 m), Germany’s highest peak, with 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 are quieter and more peaceful than the big alpine experience in the Bavarian Alps.
For something a bit gentler, you’ll find seasonal open-air ice rinks in Germany’s biggest cities and towns, often at the Christmas markets.
Unwind in hot thermal baths
Another must-do in Germany in December is to visit one of the historic thermal baths, such as:
- Baden-Baden (Black Forest): This is the country’s best-known spa town, with a Roman-Irish bathhouse that opened in 1877 (Friedrichsbad) and a large modern thermal complex (Caracalla Therme).
- Therme Erding (near Munich): This is the largest thermal spa in the world, with facilities like tropical lagoons, wave pools, and 28 slides.
- Bad Füssing (Bavaria): Known for its sulfur springs, the town is home to three spas, Therme Eins, Europa Therme, and Johannesbad Therme.
What to eat in Germany in December
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).
Travel tips for your Germany December trip
Visiting Germany in December takes some planning, so sort out these four things before you go:
- Book early: 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. Book your hotels, trains, and Christmas market tours well in advance.
- Check holiday schedules: Public transport in Germany is generally efficient and reliable, but there is often reduced service on days like Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.
- Save with travel passes: Germany travel passes such as the Berlin WelcomeCard or the Bayern Ticket offer unlimited local transport and often discounts on attractions, too.
- Sort out mobile data: Train times, mobile tickets, and market opening hours all sit on your phone, so set up internet in Germany before you fly.
Holafly’s eSIM Germany gives you unlimited data, 5G speeds, and 24/7 support. You can activate it the moment you land, with no need to queue for a German SIM card, and stay connected across the festive cities, scenic towns, and snowy ski resorts without worrying about roaming fees or spotty WiFi. It also includes Always On: 1 GB of monthly backup data at no added cost, which helps on a long layover or an unexpected extra day.
Peace of mind before you fly
Set up your eSIM before travel and get unlimited data on arrival.
FAQs about Germany in December
Yes. Germany in December is worth the trip for its Christmas markets, ski season in the Bavarian Alps, and thermal baths. The trade-offs are cold weather, sunset around 4:00 PM, and bigger crowds in market cities, so book hotels and trains well in advance.
It depends on what you want. Dresden has the oldest Christmas market in Germany, Nuremberg has one of the most famous, and Cologne offers several markets in one city. Berlin suits big-city sightseeing, while Munich pairs markets with day trips to the Bavarian Alps.
January to March is usually the cheapest time, once the Christmas markets close and visitor numbers drop. December is one of Germany’s busiest months, so hotels and trains cost more, especially in market cities like Munich, Cologne, and Nuremberg.
Cold, and often wet. Average daytime temperatures sit between 0-5°C (32-41°F), a little milder but windier in the north and colder in Bavaria and the Alps. Rain is common, the mountains see abundant snow, and the sun sets around 4:00 PM.
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Hi, I'm Mika, a South Korean writer living in the US. I cover travel and live events, focusing on the practical stuff that makes your trip smoother, whether you're navigating a new city or heading to a major international event.I'm also the founder of Search SEOul, South Korea's leading SEO conference, bringing together search marketing experts and speakers from around the world.
