Snowflakes, Castles & Christmas Markets: A Magical December in Bavaria

Written By Keri Leigh

There’s something truly magical about visiting Bavaria in December — snow-dusted castles, steaming mugs of Glühwein, and twinkling Christmas markets tucked into every corner. It’s one of those trips that makes you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a holiday postcard. Between exploring Munich, taking day trips to Salzburg and Neuschwanstein Castle, and trying way too much vegan-friendly food, this part of Germany quickly became one of my favorite winter destinations.

We actually kicked off our Central Europe Christmas trip here before heading to Prague (which you can read all about in this blog post!), so if you’re planning a multi-country trip, this itinerary fits perfectly as a starting point or stop along the way.

✨ Before You Go: What to Know About This Itinerary

Holiday Schedule: If you’re visiting around actual Christmas, most things close starting Christmas Eve and don’t reopen until after Boxing Day (December 26). Plan ahead, especially for meals and activities!

  • Grocery Stores: If you will be here around the holidays and plan to cook at the place you’re staying (which is what we did), be sure to get groceries as soon as possible. Most stores are closed on Sunday’s and also tend to close by Christmas Eve (for my fellow Americans, I know it seems crazy). We flew in on Saturday and after checking in to our AirBnB, we went directly to the grocery store to get what we needed for our Christmas dinner!

  • Vegan Options: Don’t worry, I’ve got your vegan cravings covered. I’ll list nearby vegan-friendly spots throughout this itinerary.

  • Layer Up: It is coooold, and you might get rain or snow. Bring waterproof boots, a warm coat, gloves, and something cozy for all that market-hopping.

🎄 Christmas Market Tips

Visiting Bavaria in December means one thing: Christmas Markets galore — and they’re every bit as magical as you imagine!

Here are a few tips to make the most of them:

🍷 Try the Glühwein:
Glühwein (hot mulled wine) is usually vegan and absolutely essential on a cold winter day. The markets typically serves it in a festive souvenir mug that changes every year. You’ll pay a small deposit when you get your drink — you can either keep the mug as a cute keepsake or return it to get your deposit back. (No judgment if you end up accidentally starting a collection.)

🥨 Look for Vegan Labels — or Just Ask!
More and more stalls are starting to label vegan options (yay progress!), but if you don’t see a sign, just ask. Most vendors know what “vegan” means and can tell you right away if something is or isn’t. From roasted chestnuts to pretzels and candied almonds, even chocolate, you’ll have no problem finding snacks!

🗓️ Check Market Dates:
Not all Christmas Markets stay open through the full holiday season — many close by the afternoon of Christmas Eve, so double-check the dates and hours when planning your trip to ensure they’ll be open while you’re there.

💰 Cash Money:
Bring some cash — some smaller stalls may not take cards, and you’ll want a few euros on hand for snacks, Glühwein, and souvenirs.

Overview of Itinerary:

DAY ONE: Dachau & Munich

Dachau Concentration Camp

🕐 Estimated Time: 3 - 4 hours

Getting There: Drive (30 minutes) or take the train from Munich (about 45 minutes).

Visiting Dachau isn’t easy, but it’s one of the most important places you can go while in Germany.

Opened in 1933, Dachau was the first Nazi concentration camp and became the model for many others. The site is now a memorial and museum dedicated to the victims — including Jewish people, immigrants, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and many others. You can take an audio or guided tour to fully understand the camp’s history and its impact.

🎟 Tickets: Admission is free and you don’t need to book anything in advance!

🧚Personal Note: It was strange and unsettling to see people taking selfies here — especially near such somber places like the crematorium. Taking photos of the memorial itself is fine, but please be respectful. I personally do not think this is a place for smiling selfies.

After spending time here, head back into Munich to start exploring the city.

💡 Helpful Hint:The hop-on/hop-off bus is perfect for getting around Munich and is valid for 24 hours — super convenient if you plan your sightseeing right.

Marienplatz

🕐 Estimated Time: 1–2 hours

Stepping out into Marienplatz feels like walking into a snow globe. It’s the beating heart of Munich and home to its famous Christmas Market — full of glowing lights, wooden stalls, pretzels, ornaments, and the smell of mulled wine in the air.

🧚Personal Note: Coming up from the train station into the square absolutely took my breath away. The atmosphere here is pure holiday magic.

Rathaus-Glockenspiel

🕐 Estimated Time: 30 minutes

Located right in Marienplatz, this clock tower comes to life every day at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. (plus 5 p.m. in summer). The 43 bells and 32 moving figures reenact scenes from Munich’s history — it’s charming, quirky, and totally worth catching a show!

St. Peter’s Church (Peterskirche)

🕐 Estimated Time: 45 minutes–1 hour

Munich’s oldest church, known for its incredible views of Marienplatz. The climb to the top is 300+ steps, because the view of the city is so worth it!

🎟 Tickets: Admission is free into the church, but if you plan to go to the top there is a small fee

🌱 Vegan Options in Munich:

  • Secret Garden (Fully Vegan)

  • LUSH Cafe

  • Ratskeller

  • Sasou

  • Glockenspiel Cafe

  • La Burrita

  • Kimbu Korean Kimbap & Burger

  • Hans im Glück (these are all over Munich/Germany)

DAY TWO: Exploring More of Munich

Continue your hop-on/hop-off adventure through Munich!

🧚Personal Note: This was Christmas Eve for us, so some spots closed early or weren’t open at all — definitely check hours ahead of time if you’re visiting then.

Nymphenburg Palace

🕐 Estimated Time: 1–2 hours

This massive Baroque palace was the summer residence of Bavarian rulers, and it’s as grand as it sounds. Even in winter, the grounds are stunning — think frozen ponds, snow-covered gardens, and a postcard-perfect palace backdrop.

🎟 Tickets: You can buy tickets here in advance to go into the palace, but they are closed December 24th - December 26th so keep that in mind!

Olympiapark München

🕐 Estimated Time: 45 minutes - 1 hour

Built for the 1972 Olympics, this park is perfect for a scenic walk or a ride up the Olympic Tower for panoramic views of the city.

BMW Welt

🕐 Estimated Time: 1 hour

Car lover or not, BMW Welt is fascinating. It’s a futuristic showroom with interactive exhibits, luxury models on display, and architecture that feels straight out of a sci-fi movie.

🎟 Tickets: You can buy tickets here

Asamkirche

🕐 Estimated Time: 30–45 minutes

A hidden gem right in Munich’s city center! This small Baroque church is jaw-droppingly ornate — full of gold, marble, and intricate detail on every surface.

🧚Personal Note: I only found out about Asamkirche after my trip, and I’m genuinely sad I missed it — it looks absolutely stunning.

Hofbräuhaus

🕐 Estimated Time: 1.5–2 hours

Munich’s most famous beer hall — and even if you’re not a beer drinker, the atmosphere is electric. Expect live Bavarian music, people in lederhosen, and communal tables full of laughter. There are a few vegan options too, so everyone can enjoy!

DAY THREE: Day Trip to Salzburg

Today will be spent going to where the hills are alive with music!

To get here, you can either drive or take a train; driving takes about 1.5 hours and the train takes almost 2 hours. We decided to get a rental car and drive! The reason why is because we were staying in a city on the outskirts of Munich, but if we were actually staying in the city we would’ve taken the train due to parking.

Salzburg Castle (Hohensalzburg Fortress)

🕐 Estimated Time: 2–3 hours

Perched high above the city, this medieval fortress is one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved. You can take the funicular up or hike for some scenic winter views. Inside, you’ll find exhibits on the castle’s history and sweeping vistas over the snow-covered rooftops.

🎟 Tickets: You can buy your tickets ahead of time here or once you get there

Walk Around Salzburg

🕐 Estimated Time: 1–2 hours

Salzburg is one of those cities where you just want to wander. Explore Getreidegasse (the old shopping street), visit Mozart’s birthplace, or stop for a vegan-friendly coffee and pastry!

Salzburg Christmas Market

🕐 Estimated Time: 1 hour

The Salzburg Christkindlmarkt in Cathedral Square is straight out of a holiday movie — rows of stalls selling handmade ornaments, roasted nuts, and more Glühwein!

🧚Personal Note: We visited on Christmas Day, since the fortress and Christmas market were open! We ended the day back at our Airbnb and made a cozy Christmas dinner — such a special memory!

🌱 Vegan Options in Salzburg:

  • Bio Bistro Spicy Spices (Vegetarian)

  • From Julia (Fully Vegan Bakery & Ice Cream)

  • Von Zehn bis Vier (Fully Vegan)

  • GustaV (Fully Vegan)

  • Organic Pizza

  • Lazarte Latin American Food

  • Ratio Coffee

  • Coffee House

DAY FOUR: Day Trip to Fairytale Castles

To get here you can drive, take a train, or join a guided tour! The drive takes about 2 hours; the train about 2.5.

Since we already had a rental car for going to Salzburg, we kept it to drive here!

Neuschwanstein Castle

🕐 Estimated Time: 2–3 hours

The fairytale castle that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. Built in 1869 by King Ludwig II, Neuschwanstein is perched high in the Bavarian Alps and looks absolutely magical surrounded by snow.

💡 Helpful Hints: In winter, the Marienbrücke bridge (where you get that famous postcard view) might be closed if it’s icy or snowy. It was unfortunately closed when we went due to ice.

Also, the buses up to the castle don’t run during winter conditions, so your only way up is to walk or take a horse-drawn carriage. I don’t recommend the carriages (for ethical reasons), so lace up your boots — the walk takes about 30–40 minutes uphill and is actually really pretty!

🌈 Fun Fact: This was the first castle in Germany to have running water!

Hohenschwangau Castle

🕐 Estimated Time: 1–1.5 hours

Just a short walk from Neuschwanstein sits Hohenschwangau Castle, the childhood home of King Ludwig II. While it’s less flashy than its famous neighbor, it’s rich in history and offers gorgeous views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. The interior is beautifully preserved, and you can still see original furnishings from the 1800s.

💡 Helpful Hint: If you plan to visit both castles, it is recommended to leave at least 2.5 hours between tour entrance times to ensure you have enough time to get from one castle to the other.

🎟 Tickets: You do have to buy a ticket for both castles, which you can do here. Be sure to book these a few months in advance as they can sell out quickly!

Füssen

🕐 Estimated Time: 1–1.5 hours

If you’re driving, make sure to stop in Füssen before heading back. This charming Bavarian town looks like it was made for postcards — pastel-colored buildings, cobblestone streets, and cozy little cafés perfect for a warm drink after a chilly day of exploring. It’s a great spot to grab lunch or dinner before returning to Munich.

🌱 Vegan Options in Füssen:

  • Cafe Baumgarten (Vegetarian)

  • Am Rathaus (Vegetarian)

  • Aquila

  • Caffè Lucca

Bavaria honestly felt like something out of a storybook — cozy, festive, and just the right amount of magical. Between wandering through Munich’s Christmas markets, sipping Glühwein under twinkling lights, and standing in front of castles dusted with snow, this place completely stole my heart and I hope it steals yours the same!

Even with the cold (and let’s be real, so many layers), it was one of those places that made the holiday season feel extra special. We wrapped up our time here full of good food, new memories, and that warm fuzzy feeling you get from exploring somewhere so charming. From here, we packed our bags and headed to Prague — which somehow managed to be just as dreamy in its own way.

Whether you’re following the same path as us or just spending all your time in Bavaria, I hope you have a wonderful time!

Until next adventure! 👋

Keri Leigh
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