We spent a few magical, snow-dusted days on a festive family getaway through Germany, with a brief but beautiful trip into Austria—an unforgettable European winter escape filled with mountain adventures, charming medieval towns, and twinkling Christmas markets.
If, like us, Lapland feels a little out of reach—whether because of the high costs or the freezing Arctic temperatures—this trip offers a wonderful alternative for a Christmas holiday. With just the right dusting of festive magic, it’s a heartwarming way to experience the joy of Christmas in Europe—without the extreme cold.
Flying Into Munich: The Start of Our Bavarian Christmas Adventure
Our winter adventure began with a flight into Munich, the ideal gateway to southern Germany’s festive charm. From there, we hired a car and hit the road toward Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a breathtaking alpine town tucked in the heart of the Bavarian Alps—but not before making a magical detour to Neuschwanstein Castle, the real-life fairytale fortress that inspired the iconic Disney castle.
Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, we spent a few days wandering around the festive streets and markets of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and soaking up the crisp air and breathtaking views from the top of Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain (we got the train from Garmisch to Zugspitze then took the cable car up the mountain). The kids were absolutely thrilled by the snow—especially the tobogganing, which quickly became a trip highlight. It was a true winter wonderland experience that felt magical for all of us.
We stayed at Hotel Zugspitze and it was absolutely beautiful—charming, cosy, and perfectly located for exploring the area. One of the highlights for the kids was the indoor pool, which gave them hours of fun and offered us all a relaxing break from the chilly mountain air outside. It was the perfect place to warm up and unwind after snowy adventures.
An Evening in Austria: Festive Fun in Seefeld
One evening, we crossed the nearby border for a visit to Seefeld in Austria—a gorgeous alpine town full of Christmas charm. With snow underfoot, cosy traditional eateries, a Christmas market and a giant nativity scene, it was the perfect short escape into a new country. It’s an easy and rewarding detour if you’re in the area during winter.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber: A Storybook Christmas Town
From there, we made our way to the fairytale town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of Germany’s most iconic medieval destinations. Staying overnight (we stayed at Altes Brauhaus) allowed us to truly soak in the magic of this picture-perfect Christmas village. We wandered cobbled streets lined with festive lights, visited the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Museum, and even met Santa Claus beneath the enormous Christmas tree in the old town square. Wrapped in scarves, sipping mulled wine and hot chocolate—it honestly felt like stepping into a Christmas card. For me, this was the absolute highlight and the most festive place I’ve ever been.
Munich Christmas Markets: The Perfect Ending
We wrapped up our trip back in Munich, where the city’s world-famous Christmas markets exceeded all expectations. We visited Munich Zoo, strolled through the festive stalls, admired the handmade decorations, and of course, brought home our adorable boot-shaped Glühwein mugs—the perfect souvenirs!
Why Choose Germany for a Family Christmas Holiday?
This trip gave us everything we were looking for in a festive break: snowy alpine scenery, family-friendly activities, historic Christmas markets, and the cozy charm of old Europe—all without the harsh conditions or cost of Lapland. It’s an ideal itinerary for those looking to combine snow-filled fun with cultural charm and holiday magic.
It was a snowy, heartwarming journey we’ll truly cherish for years to come.
I hope the this helps if you’re looking for some festive magic!
Kel x
