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German Christmas Markets
Get into Christmas mood - discover magic places in Germany
Experience the magic of German Christmas markets which are held in nearly every town and city. Christmas markets in Germany are unique. Historical town squares form a romantique backdrop to many markets. Streets, pedestrian malls, public buildings and shops are decorated with lights and Christmas trees and add to the beauty of the scenery.
Christmas markets are known as Weihnachtsmarkt, Christkindlesmarkt, Christkindchesmarkt and Christkindlmarkt. They usually open on the Friday before the first Advent and close one or two days before Christmas Eve.
The oldest markets date back to the 14th and 15th century. The original purpose of these early markets was to stock up for the long winters, and to add a bit of light to the dark months. The first markets were certainly not as enchanting as they are these days.
During the centuries Christkindlmarkets became a source to buy Christmas presents for children, and an opportunity for local craftsmen and artists to sell their work.
What can you expect from German Christmas Markets?
Romantic scenery, an easy-going atmosphere, German Christmas tradtitions and the smell of mouth-watering treats are the main attractions of a Weihnachtsmarkt in Germany.
If you don't like the pace of modern, commercialised Christmas, a visit to German Christmas markets is just right for you. There is no hectic, everything happens in a lower gear.
Come along and enjoy, join a tour, or discover the magic of Christmas in Germany on your own.
- Soothing traditional Christmas music, often performed by local orchestras and musicians.
- Colourful Christmas decorations, nutcrackers, crib figurines and cribs, marionettes, candle arches from the Erzgebirge and toys.
- Mulled wine (Glühwein), hot cider (Äpplewoi) and other hot drinks to keep you warm.
- Homemade chocolates, candy floss, candied almonds, roasted chestnuts, Stollen, delicious Christmas cookies, gingerbread and of course all variations of Bratwurst and hearty food.
Although it seems that all Christkindlesmarkets offer the same range of goods to buy, there are many local variations. Look around and find some unique Christmas gifts for your loved ones. Additonal cultural programs, local arts & crafts markets, the scenery and surrounding architecture make each German Christmas market unique.
One thing is for sure, you'll never leave a Weihnachtsmarkt hungry. I don't envy you the hard decision which market to visit! :)
Famous German Christmas Markets
There are hundreds of Christmas markets and fairs in Germany, larger cities even have more than one! Now where to start?
Below I am going to list a few of the most famous Christkindlmarkets, some in truly scenic towns. However, when you decide to visit Germany for her Christmas markets, you should also pay attention to markets in tiny villages. They are also worth a visit. Just ask in any major city for unique markets in their surroundings.
Weihnachtsmärkte in villages are often held on one weekend during the Advent season.
- Augsburg (Bavaria) - The Augsburg Christkindlesmarkt is held in front of the Renaissance town hall on the Rathausplatz (town hall square). It is one of the oldest markets dating back to the 15th century. Well-known and most unique is the "Angel's Play" performed on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 6:00 pm. The 24 angels turn the town hall into a giant Adventscalendar.
The Christkindlesmarkt is open from 21.11. - 24.12.2011.
- Bamberg (Bavaria) - The World Heritage City has the most romantic backdrop for the Christmas season. The Bamberg Christmas market is held on Maxplatz in the heart of the Old Town (24.11. - 23.12.2011). At the end of the square is a large nativity scene showing different scenes during Advent. Smaller markets are held only on one weekend throughout the historical city.
Bamberg is famous for its nativity trail. Discover more than 400 nativity scenes which are spread across 40 stations in Bamberg's old city, churches, museums, public buildings and the cathedral. The nativity scenes tell various biblical stories surrounding Advent.
Read more about beautiful Bamberg.
- Cologne (North-Rhine Westphalia) - Seven Christmas markets in Cologne attract millions of visitors to the city on the Rhine. The market at the Cologne Cathedral (21.11. 2011 - 23.12.2011) is the biggest, and with the majestic cathedral as a background, it is the most impressive Christmas market in Germany.
Read about all Cologne Christmas markets.
- Dresden (Saxony) - The Strietzelmarkt in Dresden (24.11. - 24.12.2011) dates back to 1434. The name Strietzel comes from the Dresdner Christstollen, that rich Christmas cake the city is also famous for. Although the Strietzelmarkt attracts many visitors, it is a very traditional market with a romantic and festive charme. Carved wooden items from the Erzgebirge and delicious ocal food is sold at the stalls. The world's largest Christmas pyramid (14 m high) stands at the heart of the market.
- Frankfurt (Hesse) - The Weihnachtsmarkt in Frankfurt (23.11. - 22.12.2011) is one with many superlatives. Dating back to 1393 it is one of the oldest in Germany, with 200 stalls on the Römerberg and surrounding lanes it is one of the biggest, and it attracts more than 3 million visitors. With a pretty scenery, a huge Christmas tree and yummy baked goods, it is one ofthe most beautiful German Christmas markets. Why else are "Frankfurter Weihnachtsmärkte" held in Great Britain as well?
Get more inspirations from my Frankfurt Christmas market page.
- Hanau (Hesse) - Compared with the big ones, the Christmas market in Hanau (25.11. - 22.12.2011) has a relaxed and personal atmosphere. Held on the market square, the wooden stalls offer arts and crafts, Christmas decorations and good food. The town hall is tranformed into an advent calendar, every night a new window is lit.
- Leipzig (Saxony) - The Leipziger Weihnachtsmarkt (22.11. - 22.12.2011) features the world's largest free-standing advent calendar, a fairytale forest and a medieval market.
- Nuremberg (Bavaria) - The famous Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt (25.11. - 24.12.2011) is held on Hauptmarkt square in the old town. 180 wooden stalls, decorated with red and white cloths gave the market its name "Little town from Wood and Cloth." The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is opened by a real "angel".
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber (Bavaria) - The romantic medieval town is home to one of the prettiest Germany Christmas markets. Rothenburg's Reiterlesmarkt (25.11. - 23.12.2011) is held between the town hall and St. Jacob's Church with a lovely backdrop of old houses. With snow, it is a winter wonderland.
Colourful stall at the Weihnachtsmarkt in Hanau
Looking for a nice hotel after visiting all those beautiful Weihnachtsmärkte? Use the seach box to check out hotels and compare rates for any German city.
How to visit German Christmas Markets?
Once you are in Germany, it is easy to visit Christmas markets, they are held in nearly every town and city.
Okay, I guess you already have a plan, and you know which markets you want to see. Travel on your own using German rail is the easiest way to get around in Germany in winter. You'll never know what the weather is like. For the romantic feeling you wish there will be snow, but snow could spoil the fun getting around by car.
Don't want to visit Christmas markets in Germany on your own? No problem. Here are a few very inspiring Christmas market tours in Germany.
Four Day Christmas Delight - Leipzig, Dresden and Plauen
As this wonderful tour (4 days/3 nights) begins and ends in Frankfurt you'll have the opportunity to visit one of my favourite German Christmas markets (not part of this tour).
Day 1 - Frankfurt - Leipzig The tour begins early morning with a drive to Eisenach and a stop at the famous Wartburg Castle. Arrive in Leipzig in the afternoon and stroll around the Weihnachtsmarkt.
Day 2 - Leipzig - Dresden On your way to Dresden you are going to see one Germany's oldest porcelain factories in Meissen. Once you arrive in Dresden you visit the Frauenkirche, the Zwinger and the Semper Opera House, and of course the Strietzelmarkt.
Day 3 - Dresden - Plauen Visit Schneeberg and Annaberg, typical villages of the Erzgebirge with a long tradition in wood carving all these beautiful Christmas pyramids.
Day 4 - Plauen - Frankfurt The highlight of the day is certainly the visit in Bamberg, one of the most enchanting cities during Christmas time.
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Christmas decoration Source: iStock Photos
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