In love with Christmas markets?
A Taste of a Real German Christmas
The real Glühwein recipe, the ten foods worth eating at a German Christmas market, and the small traditions most visitors miss. From a German-born travel advisor, sent straight to your inbox.
Experience the holiday season like never before!
The Glühwein recipe I grew up with, made the way we actually make it, plus the ten things worth eating at a real German Christmas market and five traditions most visitors never learn. I put this together to give you a taste of the real thing.
If it leaves you wanting the markets themselves, I lead a small group tour through Germany and France each December, capped at 8, so it stays personal. And if you have a different winter trip in mind, reach out and let's build it together.
Why you should visit a Christmas market in Europe
at least once in your lifetime! But yearly is possible too!
There is nothing quite like a European Christmas market. The markets are the thing I miss most when December comes around.
Walking between the little wooden stalls with a warm Glühwein cupped in both hands, the gebrannte Mandeln (roasted almonds), the lights strung over an old stone square, that is a feeling you only get over there.
If you have never stood in one on a cold night, it is hard to explain what you are missing. The photos never do it justice. I want more people to feel it for themselves.
This December I'm taking a small group through the German and French markets I know best, the smaller ones locals actually go to, all the atmosphere without the cruise ships filing in. It's capped at ten people, so it stays personal.
And if a group trip isn't your thing, I can still help you plan the whole festive trip your own way. If a Christmas trip to Europe is on your mind, let's talk and build one that’s exactly like you imagine it!
What you'll get with this guide:
The Real Glühwein Recipe
My real Glühwein recipe, made the way we actually make it at home, including the Mit Schuss and no-alcohol versions
The Little Traditions
Five market traditions most visitors never learn, like why you keep the mug
What to Eat
The ten things worth eating at a German Christmas market, from gebrannte Mandeln to warm Bratäpfel
A Taste of Home
The reason a German December feels the way it does, and how to bring a piece of it home this year
Your dream trip to Europe
A free call with someone who knows Europe firsthand
Whether you want the real magic of Europe's Christmas markets, a summer trip through the places most tourists rush past, or something in between, let's talk. On your free call, we'll cover:
The best route for you, built around your travel style and what you actually love
Where to go and where to skip, based on who you're traveling with
The smaller towns and local spots most visitors never find
Honest answers to whatever you're unsure about, with no pressure and no hard sell
Wow!!!
Sandy Colling is amazing - we traveled thru Europe for 3 weeks, all guided, informed, and booked with Sandy! What an incredible experience - she knew everything, and everyone, and every deal, and every outstanding place to see!! And was so easy to work with, so accommodating, flexible, and easy. I will NEVER travel again without Sandy's booking service - it not only saved us money, it saved us thousands of hours of research, hassle, and unknown on the road hiccups. Everyone should pack "Sandy" in their travel luggage - it is so much more fun and pleasurable to have someone so knowledgeable working with you!!!!
Scott and Batya
Holding such deep gratitude for Sandy
@JustTravelWithSandy for coordinating a most memorable trip to Southern Germany. She has such vast travel experience throughout the world, Europe and Germany specifically, that I trusted her implicitly, which was key!! She prioritized getting to know me as a client, so the trip reflected all my travel preferences. It felt collaborative. She also asked all the right questions early on and in doing so, tailored it to my specifications while saving me from all the stress and worry that often comes with international travel. It was my first time traveling to a non-native country and her coordination made it absolutely seamless. From navigating updated airline travel requirements, navigating train schedules and honoring German customs, she made this first trip a beautiful lifetime highlight. Many thanks, Sandy!!
Karen
Excellent service!
Sandy is the consummate professional. She listened to my wants, she offered suggestions, she found the right solutions for my needs. I so appreciate her advice, her flexibility, and her kindness. As a first time solo international traveler, I never felt alone knowing Sandy was just a text away with the support and information I needed. Sandy Colling is The Best! I definitely will be using her services again.
Wonderful job!
Sandy did a wonderful job advising us on where to stay, our priority was to be close to town and have somewhere comfortable, which she totally delivered on. She also went above and beyond, securing an early and late check-out that required her working very early in the morning, and even had a sweet dessert waiting for us as an anniversary treat! Highly recommend working with her.
Testimonials
John Doe
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Jane Doe
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