The top 5 cities for MICE events at Christmas time

As the days get shorter and the smell of roasted almonds, mulled wine and gingerbread wafts through the streets, cities are transformed into true winter wonderlands. This magical atmosphere not only offers tourists a unique experience, but also opens up very special opportunities for MICE events.

The pre-Christmas period in Germany, Austria and Switzerland uniquely combines tradition with modernity, business professionalism with festive flair. Christmas markets with their unmistakable atmosphere provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable corporate events, team-building activities or customer events.

In this overview, we present the best MICE destinations with their famous Christmas markets in the DACH region. We will show you how you can use the festive atmosphere to turn your events into something very special. We place particular emphasis on first-class seminar hotels and event locations that combine state-of-the-art conference technology with a Christmassy ambience.

Discover with us:

• Nuremberg, home of the world-famous Christkindlesmarkt
• Vienna with its imperial Christmas magic
• Zurich, where Alpine charm meets innovative power
• Munich and its Bavarian coziness at Christmas time
• Salzburg, the romantic city of Mozart in winter dress

Each of these cities not only offers unique Christmas attractions, but also a variety of high-quality seminar hotels and extraordinary event locations. From historic palaces to ultra-modern conference centers – we present the best addresses for your MICE events in the run-up to Christmas.

Let us inspire you and find out how you can use the magical Christmas atmosphere of the DACH region for your next corporate event. With the right planning and the right locations, you can create events that your participants will remember for a long time to come.

Nuremberg: tradition meets modernity

Nuremberg, the second largest city in Bavaria, is transformed into a true Christmas fairytale during the Advent season. The city offers a unique blend of medieval charm and modern infrastructure, making it an ideal location for MICE events.

Accessibility

Nuremberg is easy to reach:

• Airplane: Albrecht Dürer Airport Nuremberg offers direct connections to many major European cities. From the airport, you can reach the city center in just 12 minutes by subway.
• Train: As an important ICE hub, Nuremberg is optimally connected to the German and European rail network. The main train station is centrally located and is the starting point for all inner-city connections.
• Car: Nuremberg is located at the intersection of major highways (A3, A6, A9) and is therefore easily accessible by car or bus.

The world-famous Christkindlesmarkt

Every year, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Germany, unfolds in the heart of the Old Town. With a history dating back to the 17th century, the market enchants visitors from all over the world every year.

• Over 180 festively decorated stalls invite you to stroll, enjoy and be amazed
• Famous Nuremberg specialties such as gingerbread and grilled sausages
• Daily appearances by the Nuremberg Christ Child

Exclusive MICE experiences

Nuremberg offers unique opportunities to combine your event with the flair of Christmas:

• Exclusive reception in the historic town hall with a view of the festively illuminated main market square
• Private bratwurst tour through the old town with a tasting of the famous Nuremberg Rostbratwurst sausages
• Team-building workshop in a traditional gingerbread bakery

Recommended seminar hotels and locations

Nuremberg offers a variety of first-class venues that combine professionalism with a Christmassy ambience:

1. NCC Ost in the Exhibition Center:
   • Flexible room concepts for large events
   • State-of-the-art conference technology
   • Direct subway connection to the airport and city center
2. Sheraton Carlton Hotel Nuremberg:
   • Central location on the edge of the old town
   • Elegant rooms and suites
   • 7 flexible meeting rooms with daylight
3. Hotel Schindlerhof:
   • Innovative conference hotel on the outskirts of the city
   • 12 creative meeting rooms, some in the garden
   • Awarded for service quality and sustainability

Nuremberg uniquely combines medieval charm with modern conference infrastructure. The festive atmosphere of the Christkindlesmarkt provides the perfect setting to make your MICE event something very special. Whether you are planning a conference, a team-building event or a Christmas party – Nuremberg offers the ideal conditions for unforgettable experiences in the run-up to Christmas.

Vienna: Imperial Christmas flair

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is transformed into a true winter wonderland during the Advent season. The city combines imperial splendor with modern flair and offers a unique backdrop for unforgettable MICE events at Christmas time.

Accessibility

Vienna is easy to reach:

• Airplane: Vienna-Schwechat Airport is an international hub with connections all over the world. The City Airport Train (CAT) takes you to the city center in just 16 minutes.
• Train: Vienna is an important hub in the European rail network. The new Vienna Central Station offers direct connections to many major European cities.
• Car: Vienna is accessible via a well-developed highway network (A1, A2, A4, A22) and has an efficient park-and-ride system on the outskirts of the city.

Variety of Christmas markets

Vienna has over 20 Christmas markets, each with its own unique charm:

• The Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz is the largest and best known, with over 150 stalls and an impressive sea of lights.
• The Christmas market in front of Schönbrunn Palace offers a majestic backdrop and high-quality craftsmanship.
• The Altwiener Christkindlmarkt on the Freyung impresses with its traditional atmosphere.

Cultural highlights for business travelers

Vienna offers a wealth of cultural attractions that can enrich your MICE event:

• Exclusive concerts in one of Vienna’s famous palaces
• Private guided tours through the art treasures of the Kunsthistorisches Museum
• Romantic horse-drawn carriage rides through the festively illuminated city center

Recommended seminar hotels and event locations

Vienna offers a wide range of first-class event venues:

1. Hotel Sacher Vienna:
   • Luxurious 5-star hotel with a history steeped in tradition
   • 4 elegant event rooms with a view of the State Opera House
   • Famous Sacher cake as a special highlight for your guests
2. Steigenberger Herrenhof:
   • Central design hotel in the old town
   • 10 conference rooms with natural daylight and state-of-the-art technology
   • Historic ambience meets contemporary luxury
3. Max Brown Hotel:
   • Trendy boutique hotel in the 7th district
   • Creative rooms for innovative meetings and events
   • Roof terrace with panoramic views over Vienna, ideal for networking events
4. Zeitgeist Vienna Central Station:
   • Modern design hotel in the immediate vicinity of the main train station
   • Flexible meeting rooms with state-of-the-art equipment
   • Perfect location for participants arriving by train
5. Anantara Palais Hansen:
   • Luxurious 5-star hotel in a listed palace
   • Elegant meeting rooms and ballrooms for up to 150 people
   • Combination of imperial charm and modern comfort

Vienna combines imperial tradition with modern flair in a unique way. The festive atmosphere of the numerous Christmas markets and the cultural diversity of the city provide the perfect setting for extraordinary MICE events. Whether you are planning an international conference, an exclusive customer event or an atmospheric Christmas party – Vienna offers the ideal mix of professional infrastructure and Christmas magic for unforgettable experiences during the Advent season.

Zurich: Alpine charm and innovative power

Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, is transformed into an enchanting winter wonderland during the Advent season. The city offers a unique blend of alpine charm, modern urbanity and Swiss precision – ideal conditions for unforgettable MICE events at Christmas time.

Accessibility

Zurich is easy to reach:

• Airplane: Zurich Airport is one of the most important air transportation hubs in Europe. You can reach the city center by train in just 10 minutes.
• Train: Zurich main station is one of the largest and most modern in Europe with excellent connections to Switzerland and other European countries.
• Car: Zurich is accessible via a well-developed highway network (A1, A3, A4) and has numerous parking facilities in the city center.

The unique Christmas market at the main railway station

An absolute highlight is the Christkindlimarkt at Zurich Main Station, Europe’s largest covered Christmas market:

• Over 150 festively decorated stalls
• The famous Swarovski Christmas tree as a glittering eye-catcher
• A wide range of Swiss specialties and handicrafts

The city also offers other charming Christmas markets, such as the romantic Christmas Village at Bellevue or the atmospheric Vienna Christmas Village on Sechseläutenplatz.

Creative team building activities

Zurich offers a wide range of creative options for team-building activities:

• Chocolate workshop with a renowned Zurich chocolatier
• Winter boat trip on Lake Zurich with fondue experience
• Guided snowshoe tour in the nearby mountains
• Visit to the “Singing Christmas Tree”, a large Christmas tree with an integrated choir

Recommended seminar hotels and venues

Zurich impresses with its first-class conference infrastructure:

1. Zurich Marriott Hotel:
   • Central location directly on the Limmat
   • 12 modern function rooms for up to 600 people
   • Breathtaking view of the Alps and the old town
2. Renaissance Zurich Tower Hotel:
   • Modern high-rise building with spectacular city views
   • 10 flexible meeting rooms for creative events
   • Innovative “R.E.N. Meetings” concept for inspiring events
3. Hotel Schweizerhof Zurich:
   • Traditional 5-star hotel on the Bahnhofplatz
   • Elegant banquet halls and modern conference rooms
   • Perfect combination of Swiss hospitality and international flair
4. The Circle at Zurich Airport:
   • Innovative event space directly at the airport
   • State-of-the-art technology and flexible room concepts
   • Ideal solution for international conferences and events

Zurich combines alpine charm with urban sophistication in a unique way. The festive atmosphere of the Christmas markets, combined with the efficient infrastructure and diverse cultural offerings, make the city a first-class destination for MICE events in the run-up to Christmas. Whether you are planning an international conference, an innovative team-building event or an elegant Christmas gala, Zurich offers the perfect setting for events that combine professionalism with Christmas magic.

Munich: Bavarian coziness

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, enchants visitors during the Advent season with a unique blend of tradition and modernity. The city offers a perfect combination of Bavarian coziness and a cosmopolitan atmosphere – ideal conditions for unforgettable MICE events at Christmas time.

Accessibility

Munich is easy to reach:

• Airplane: Munich Airport, one of Europe’s most important air traffic hubs, can be reached by S-Bahn in around 45 minutes from the city center.
• Train: Munich Central Station is a central hub in the German and European rail network with excellent connections.
• Car: Munich is accessible via a well-developed highway network (A8, A9, A92, A94, A95, A96) and has an efficient park-and-ride system on the outskirts of the city.

The Christmas market on Marienplatz square

In the heart of the city, on the historic Marienplatz, the famous Munich Christmas market unfolds every year:

• Over 140 festively decorated stalls
• The imposing Christmas tree in front of the town hall is a central eye-catcher
• Daily carillon at the New Town Hall
• Diverse range of traditional Bavarian specialties and handicrafts

Munich also offers other charming Christmas markets, such as the medieval Christmas market on Wittelsbacher Platz or the romantic Christmas market in the inner courtyard of the Residenz.

Combination options with sights

Munich offers a wide range of opportunities to enrich your MICE event with cultural highlights:

• Exclusive guided tour of the Pinakotheken outside regular opening hours
• Private tasting at the world-famous Hofbräuhaus brewery
• Visit to BMW Welt with a tailor-made program for your group
• Winter sleigh ride in the English Garden

Recommended seminar hotels and event locations

Munich has a first-class infrastructure for MICE events:

1. Sofitel Munich Bayerpost:
   • Former royal post office in the heart of Munich
   • 20 conference rooms on 1,800m² for up to 800 people
   • Largest ballroom in Munich with state-of-the-art equipment
2. LOUIS Hotel:
   • Boutique hotel in a central location at the Viktualienmarkt
   • Unique event locations such as the LOUIS Grillroom or the LOUIS Roof Terrace
   • Perfect combination of Bavarian tradition and modern design
3. Design Offices München Macherei:
   • Innovative space concept in a modern office complex
   • Flexible rental space for conferences and creative meetings
   • State-of-the-art technology and inspiring design

Munich uniquely combines Bavarian tradition with cosmopolitan flair. The festive atmosphere of the Christmas markets, combined with the efficient infrastructure and diverse cultural offerings, make the city a first-class destination for MICE events in the run-up to Christmas. Whether you are planning an international conference, an innovative team-building event or a stylish Christmas gala – Munich offers the perfect setting for events that combine professionalism with Christmas magic and Bavarian coziness.

Salzburg: Mozart’s winter dream

Salzburg, the birthplace of the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, is transformed into a true winter wonderland during the Advent season. With its picturesque alleyways and world-famous Christmas market, the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town offers a unique backdrop for unforgettable MICE events.

Accessibility

Salzburg is very easy to reach:

• Airplane: Salzburg Airport W. A. Mozart is only 4 km from the city center and offers numerous international connections. You can reach the city center in about 20 minutes by bus.
• Train: Salzburg Central Station is an important hub in the Austrian and European rail network with excellent connections.
• Car: Salzburg is easily accessible via the A1 (Vienna-Munich) and A10 (Tauernautobahn) highways. The city has several Park & Ride facilities on the outskirts.

The Christmas market on Domplatz and Residenzplatz

Every year, the Salzburg Christmas Market, one of the oldest and most beautiful Advent markets in the world, unfolds in the heart of the Old Town:

• Over 100 festively decorated stalls
• Impressive Christmas tree in front of the cathedral
• Atmospheric “starry sky” lighting
• Daily concerts and choir performances

Salzburg also offers other charming Christmas markets, such as the Advent market at Hohensalzburg Fortress or the romantic Sternadvent at Sternbräu.

Unique supporting programs

Salzburg offers a wide range of opportunities to enrich your MICE event with cultural highlights:

• Exclusive Mozart dinner concerts in the baroque hall of St. Peter’s
• Winter horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow-covered landscape of the Salzkammergut
• Guided tour through the Getreidegasse with a visit to Mozart’s birthplace
• “Silent Night” tour to the original locations of the famous Christmas carol

Recommended seminar hotels and venues

Salzburg boasts a first-class infrastructure for MICE events:

1. Hotel Imlauer & Bräu:
   • Central location in the old town
   • 6 modern conference rooms for up to 200 people
   • Rustic ballroom in the brewery restaurant for atmospheric events
2. Hotel Imlauer Pitter:
   • 4-star superior hotel near the Mirabell Gardens
   • 12 event rooms on 1,200m² for up to 500 people
   • Spectacular SKY Restaurant & Bar with panoramic views
3. Hotel Sacher Salzburg:
   • Luxurious 5-star hotel directly on the Salzach river
   • 4 elegant conference and seminar rooms with a view of the old town
   • Perfect combination of tradition and modern comfort
4. Salzburg Congress:
   • Modern congress center in the heart of the city
   • 15 event rooms on 15,000m² for up to 2,500 people
   • Flexible room concepts and state-of-the-art technology

Salzburg combines cultural heritage with Christmas magic in a unique way. The romantic atmosphere of the old town, the festive Christmas markets and the diverse cultural offerings make the city a first-class destination for MICE events in the run-up to Christmas. Whether you are planning an international conference, an exclusive customer event or an atmospheric Christmas party – Salzburg offers the perfect setting for events that combine professionalism with Austrian hospitality and Christmas flair.

Conclusion: Christmas MICE events in the DACH region

The DACH region offers a unique backdrop for MICE events at Christmas time. Each of the cities presented – Nuremberg, Vienna, Zurich, Munich and Salzburg – combines tradition and modernity, festive ambience and professional infrastructure in its own unique way.

Tips for planning Christmas MICE events

1. Early planning: The Christmas season is in high demand. Start planning your event at least a year in advance.
2. Choosing the right location: Consider the size of your group, the desired atmosphere and proximity to Christmas attractions.
3. Integration of the Christmas market: Plan time for a visit to the local Christmas market – whether as part of the official program or as an optional activity.
4. Seasonal features: Think about winter team building activities or festive food concepts to enhance the Christmas spirit.
5. Traffic and logistics: Bear in mind that city centers are often very busy at Christmas time. Plan sufficient transfer times and check parking options.
6. Flexibility: Weather can be unpredictable in the winter time. Always have a “Plan B” for outdoor activities.

The MICE Service Group is at your side as an experienced partner to make your Christmas event in the DACH region an unforgettable experience. With our extensive network of local partners, our expertise in event planning and our feel for the special requirements of the Christmas season, we support you every step of the way – from the initial idea to successful implementation.

Be inspired by the magical atmosphere of the Christmas season in the DACH region and create events that your participants will remember for a long time to come. The perfect blend of festive ambience, cultural richness and professional infrastructure makes the DACH region the ideal choice for your Christmas MICE events.