The time of the last four Sundays leading up to Christmas are called Advent time and Christmas markets open. Rustic wooden huts, thousands of lamps and lovingly decorated fir trees transform towns and cities into a Christmas wonderland. The sounds of Christmas and the scent of cinnamon, mulled wine and roasted almonds fill the streets. Christmas markets invite you to stroll through those decorated and illuminated Christmas markets. Snowflakes may fall from the sky on those cold winter days. Hands are warmed on steaming cups of mulled wine or punch, sweet and hearty delicacies tempt you to feast and children’s eyes shine when they meet Santa Claus at the markets. Annual Christmas markets offer these very special experiences. We present six Christmas markets in different regions of Germany, including the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg.
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt – The most famous Christmas market in Germany
The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest and certainly the most famous Christkindlesmarkt in the world. At the opening ceremony of the Christkindlesmarkt in the heart of Nuremberg, next to the Frauenkirche, the Christkind, speaks to all visitors and wishes a lovely time of Advent. In the wooden stalls you will find traditional, often handmade Christmas decorations and sweet treats such as cookies, roasted almonds, sausages, punch and mulled wine. The original Nuremberg gingerbread oblate, a regional Christmas pastry that is popular with young and old alike, should not be missed. Carousels make children’s eyes shine.
Dresden Striezelmarkt – The oldest Christmas market in Germany
The Dresden Striezelmarkt is the oldest Christmas market in Germany and dates back to 1434. Its name comes from the Middle High German Striezel, the typical and protected Dresdner Stollen, a type of Christmas cake. This Christmas market not only attracts with its longest tradition, but with other highlights alike. The world’s largest, 14.61-meter-high Erzgebirge step pyramid is the world’s largest accessible candle arch. Lovingly decorated huts of the Striezelmarkt can be admired from above the historic Ferris wheel.
Christmas market at Thurn and Taxis Castle – Romantic Christmas market in Regensburg
The romantic Christmas market at Thurn und Taxis Castle takes place in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Regensburg in Bavaria. The picturesque backdrop with the castle of St. Emmeram gives this “Romantic Christmas Market” an incomparable atmosphere. The inner courtyard of the castle shines with countless candles, lanterns and torches in an atmospheric light. Traditional working craftsmen offer their goods in wooden houses, which are seasonal decorated. A culinary highlight is certainly the legendary “Regensburger Knackersemmel mit Allem”. A grilled sausage roll with “everything”. “Everything” means here, with cucumber, sweet mustard, and horseradish in a bun. Open fireplaces guarantee warmth and along with freshly made culinary highlights, such as woodfired grilled salmon, pork knuckle, roasted duck and traditional Bavarian desserts, giving you an absolute unique experience for all senses. If you are lucky enough, you will meet the countess Gloria of Thurn und Taxis in person.
Munich Christmas market on Marienplatz – Munich’s most famous Christmas market
The Christmas market at the Marienplatz in Munich has many stalls and craft stands in line. The Christmas market has its traditional Bavarian character and offers a variety of handmade items and treasures. The assortment ranges from Christmas decorations, hand-painted glass balls, poinsettias to nostalgic paper pictures. Biggest attraction of the Christmas market is the magnificent Christmas tree, which shines with countless candles in front of the New Town Hall. There is also plenty of traditional culinary delights on offer. The market traders offer fresh macaroons, snowballs, stollen, mulled wine and heart warming herb liqueurs.
Christmas market in Freiburg – Christmas market in the capital of the Black Forest
The Black Forest is a beautiful Christmas destination in itself and it gets even better. The Christmas market on the town hall square in Freiburg offers carved wooden figures, glass art, Cuckoo clock and regional delicacies. A highlight of the market is the backdrop of a supermarket, former historical merchant’s hall, first mentioned in 1378. Showmen and market people show their goods and skills. Grilled red sausages, mulled wine, cinnamon and roasted almonds scent the old place.
Historic Christmas market in Hamburg – Rustic Christmas village in front of the Hamburg City Hall
The historical Christmas market in Hamburg is really pulling the crowed. As at other Christmas markets, there are regional delicacies, delicious mulled wine and arts and crafts stands. It smells of roasted almonds, gingerbread and nuts. A special attraction is the flying Santa Claus, who at certain times hovers over the visitors on his reindeer sleigh. This is a special attraction for young and old.
No matter where in Germany, all Christmas markets invite you to feast and sip mulled wine in a Christmas atmosphere. Traditional and regional Christmas gifts can be purchased, but don’t forget to taste the differences yourself. In our opinion, the Christmas markets are particularly good to get you in the mode in those last four Sundays leading up to Christmas eve. No matter which Christmas market, you will be impressed and children’s eyes begin to shine.