Nowhere else in the world does Christmas like they do in Germany. With rows upon rows of stalls selling delicious food, mulled wine, twinkling lights and all round merry mood. Christmas markets in Germany have been held for centuries since the late middle ages.
The first Christmas markets were held in 1384. These Christmas markets are typically held for four weeks leading up to Christmas and feature a nativity scene, carved nutcrackers, traditional cookies, bratwurst and glühwein, hot mulled wine or eierpunsch, an egg-based warm alcoholic drink.
For a twist on the traditional bucket list, here’s our top Christmas markets in Germany!
Berlin Christmas Markets
With over 60 Christmas markets around the city, there will definitely be something here for you. This is when artists, jewellers, musicians and stall vendors weave their magic to entice visitors with cheerful decorations, twinkling lights and wonderful scents of cooking food! There are traditional stalls such as those on Richardplatz or check out something different at the Advent Artist Station at Mexikoplatz. The Advent Artist Station is for art lovers and those looking for quirky Christmas gifts. Items here are one-off items made by local artists and cottage industries, truly a place to find a special gift for your special someone.
Dresden Christmas Market
The Dresden Christmas Market also known as Striezelmarkt is the oldest and definitely one of the best Christmas markets not to be missed in Germany! With a history of 600 years, it starts each year at the end of November in the city’s Old Town with the Church of Our Lady framing it. At this huge Christmas Market, highlights include the Stollen (cake-like fruit bread) Festival and Christmas Pyramid which features a 14 metre tower of candles and figures. At the centre of the Striezelmarket is a 20 metre high spruce that’s decorated in lights and sure to make for beautiful pictures especially at night because of the twinkling lights.
This market is located on the Altmarkt Square in the centre of Dresden. This square is accessible via tram or bus but do check on VVO Navigator (www.vvo-online.de), their public transport information website for tickets, prices and schedules.
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
Nuremberg’s Christmas market is also world famous for its beautifully charming settings with lovely wooden stalls amidst drifting snowflakes. If you’re visiting this market, you must bring your camera because every shot you take will be picture perfect. Other than sight, your sense of smell will definitely be tickled as well with the smell of gingerbread and roasted almonds along with fresh garlands decorated with red and white cloth in the chilly air. This market prides itself on quality so there won’t be plastic decorations or pre-recorded carols which makes for the best kind of Christmas ambience!
For updated information on Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, check out their website at www.christkindlesmarkt.de/en/ for details such as how to get there and what to expect!
Leipziger Weihnachtsmarkt
Leipzig’s Christmas market prides itself in being the second oldest Christmas market in Germany which dates back to 1458! Definitely not hard to miss, it’s located in the city’s historic centre in front of their Old Town Hall and packs 250 warm stalls. Here, there are holiday gifts and tempting foods to try set in a backdrop that’s bursting at the brim with culture, history and tradition. Don’t forget to charge your smartphones because you won’t want to miss the Christmas concerts performed by the St. Thomas Boys Choir!
The market is home to the world’s largest free-standing Advent Calendar and there’s also a Ferris wheel, perfect for those overhead shots or just to enjoy the chilly night air with your beau.
References: Culture Trip; Travel Away; Visit Berlin.
