Things to Do in Germany in December

December Weather in Germany

4°C (39°F) High Temp

-2°C (28°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Christmas markets operate at peak season with full vendor selection, mulled wine (Glühwein) at perfect serving temperature 60-70°C (140-158°F), and authentic holiday atmosphere that draws 160+ million visitors annually
Hotel rates drop 25-40% compared to summer peak season, with luxury properties in Berlin and Munich offering December deals typically €80-120 per night versus €150-200 in July
Indoor cultural attractions operate extended December hours - major museums open until 22:00 (10 PM) on weekends, perfect for escaping 16-hour winter nights that begin at 16:30 (4:30 PM)
Snow transforms castle regions like Neuschwanstein and Rhine Valley into postcard scenery, with 60% probability of snow cover above 500m (1,640ft) elevation creating optimal photography conditions

Considerations

Daylight lasts only 8 hours daily (08:00-16:00), severely limiting outdoor sightseeing time and requiring careful itinerary planning around natural light
Outdoor attractions close entirely - Rhine boat cruises suspend service, castle courtyards close by 16:00, and hiking trails above 800m (2,625ft) become inaccessible due to ice
Weather unpredictability disrupts travel plans with Deutsche Bahn experiencing 15-20% delays during winter storms, and domestic flights facing frequent cancellations from Frankfurt and Munich hubs

Best Activities in December

Traditional Christmas Market Tours

December is the only month when Germany's 2,500+ Christmas markets operate at full capacity. Markets like Christkindlmärkte feature 200+ wooden stalls selling handcrafted ornaments, roasted almonds, and regional specialties. Temperatures of -2°C to 4°C (28-39°F) make hot Glühwein and Feuerzangenbowle essential experiences. Crowds peak December 15-23 but create authentic festive atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Self-guided market hopping works best - most markets charge no entry fee. Food tours covering multiple markets typically cost €45-65 per person. Book accommodation within 2km (1.2 miles) of major markets as public transport reduces service after 21:00. See current specialized Christmas market tours in booking section below.

Museum and Gallery Cultural Tours

Cold December weather makes indoor cultural exploration ideal. Museum Island in Berlin, Pinakothek complex in Munich, and Städel in Frankfurt extend winter hours until 20:00-22:00 (8-10 PM). December's low UV index and overcast skies eliminate harsh lighting concerns for art viewing. Tourist crowds shift indoors, creating busy but manageable museum conditions.

Booking Tip: Purchase museum day passes (typically €18-25) for unlimited access. Book skip-the-line tickets 7-10 days ahead for popular museums. Many museums offer special Christmas exhibitions only in December. Group tours cost €25-40 per person including guide and fast-track entry.

Castle and Palace Winter Tours

December snow creates magical castle backdrops, especially at Neuschwanstein, Heidelberg, and Wartburg. Interior tours avoid summer crowds while exterior photography benefits from snow contrast. Many castles decorate for Christmas with period-appropriate ornaments. Limited daylight requires morning visits (09:00-14:00) for best lighting.

Booking Tip: Book castle tickets online 4-6 weeks ahead - December is peak season for interior tours due to weather. Combination tickets covering multiple castles cost €35-50. Private photography tours typically run €80-120 per person. Check castle accessibility as some outdoor areas close during ice conditions.

Traditional Thermal Spa Experiences

December's cold temperatures make Germany's thermal spa culture particularly appealing. Traditional spas in Baden-Baden and Bavaria offer outdoor thermal pools heated to 36-40°C (97-104°F), creating dramatic steam effects in sub-freezing air. Many spas feature Christmas wellness packages with seasonal treatments using local herbs and oils.

Booking Tip: Day passes cost €25-45 for standard facilities, €60-90 for luxury resorts. Book treatments 2-3 weeks ahead during December peak season. Many spas require nude bathing - research policies beforehand. Combination spa and hotel packages offer better value, typically €120-180 per night including spa access.

Traditional Beer Hall and Brewery Tours

Winter is prime beer hall season when locals gather for warmth and socializing. Historic halls like Hofbräuhaus serve seasonal winter beers (Winterbier, Weihnachtsbier) available only November-February. December's cold weather makes indoor beer culture more authentic as locals use halls for genuine socializing rather than tourist obligation.

Booking Tip: No reservations needed for bar seating, but book table service 3-5 days ahead for groups over 4 people. Brewery tours cost €15-25 including tastings. Evening tours (18:00-21:00) offer most authentic local atmosphere. Budget €8-12 per liter for specialty winter beers.

Rhine Valley Winter Wine Tours

December is optimal for indoor wine cellars and tasting rooms along the Rhine. Vintners focus on recent harvest tastings while December cold keeps outdoor tourists away, creating intimate cellar experiences. Many wineries offer Christmas wine packages featuring Glühwein spice blends and holiday wine selections not available other seasons.

Booking Tip: Cellar tours cost €20-35 including tastings of 5-7 wines. Book weekend tours 2-3 weeks ahead as many vintners reduce December operations. Transportation between wineries requires planning - public transport limited on weekends. Private wine tours typically cost €90-140 per person including transport.

December Events & Festivals

November 25 - December 23

Cologne Christmas Market and Cathedral Illumination

Multiple Christmas markets surround Cologne Cathedral with special evening illumination ceremonies. The cathedral's Gothic spires provide dramatic backdrop for market photography. Features traditional Heinzel gnome decorations unique to Cologne's Christmas celebration.

November 29 - December 24

Dresden Striezelmarkt Christmas Market

Germany's oldest Christmas market (1434) featuring world's largest Christmas pyramid at 14.62m (48ft) tall. Famous for original Dresden Stollen fruitcake and traditional Ore Mountain wooden crafts. Market operates in reconstructed Baroque city center.

December 31

New Year's Eve Gate Celebrations

Berlin's Brandenburg Gate hosts Germany's largest public New Year celebration with live concerts, fireworks, and crowd of 1+ million. Munich, Hamburg, and Cologne offer smaller but significant celebrations with local beer gardens and public squares hosting organized events.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots rated for -10°C (14°F) - sidewalks ice over frequently and Christmas markets involve 2-3 hours of outdoor standing

Thermal underlayers (merino wool or synthetic) - essential for outdoor market browsing in temperatures averaging -2°C to 4°C (28-39°F)

Windproof outer jacket - German winter wind chill drops perceived temperature 5-8°C (9-14°F) below actual readings

Waterproof gloves that allow phone touchscreen use - crucial for navigation and photos during 12 rainy days monthly

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 40-50% faster, and limited daylight requires more flashlight usage

Slip-on shoes for museum visits - many attractions require shoe removal, and laced boots become impractical during multiple daily visits

Small daypack with insulated compartments - prevents water bottles from freezing during outdoor touring

Prescription sunglasses - snow glare can be intense even with UV index of 1, especially around reflective castle walls

Travel-sized dehumidifier packs - 85% humidity causes condensation in luggage and camera equipment

Emergency snacks - many smaller restaurants close 15:00-17:00 daily, creating food gaps during short daylight hours

Insider Knowledge

Deutsche Bahn offers 25% winter discounts on advance bookings made 14+ days ahead, but factor in 20% higher delay rates during December weather - always book flexible tickets

Christmas markets serve food until 21:00 but alcohol sales stop at 20:00 on weekdays, 22:00 weekends - plan Glühwein timing accordingly to avoid disappointment

Museum passes purchased after 15:00 often include next-day validity free due to limited December daylight - ask specifically about extension policies at ticket counters

Local heating regulations mean many hotels maintain 18-20°C (64-68°F) room temperatures - pack extra sleepwear as Germans prioritize energy conservation over comfort heating

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how early darkness falls - sunset at 16:00 means outdoor castle photography must finish by 15:30, yet tourists routinely arrive at 16:00 expecting golden hour lighting

Assuming Christmas markets operate identically - opening hours vary dramatically between cities, with some markets closed Mondays and others operating different weekend schedules

Relying on summer transportation schedules - regional buses and some train routes reduce frequency 25-30% in December, making day trips to smaller towns nearly impossible without careful planning