We’re hoping to catch the German Christmas markets on a first trip but can only travel in the second half of November. Is that too early - are the big markets in Nuremberg, Cologne and Munich open and in full swing by then, or are we better waiting for December? For those who’ve been at that time, how did it feel?
Christmas Markets are always better in December.
This is an old article I wrote, but you can get an idea of when Christmas Markets run where.
I’ll try and update the article for this year.
I love Christmas markets! And having a late November birthday it is always how I’d chose to celebrate.
I’ll be honest though, the markets can still be a bit quieter in November and maybe don’t have the full Christmas feeling, and some of the smaller or independent markets don’t open til December in Germany.
That being said, Munich does have some opening on 20th November and given it’s such a bustling city, you will probably have more choice of open markets going there, so that would be my pick over Cologne and Nuremberg if you can’t travel in December.
I hope that helps! Have a lovely festive time 
