What would the holidays be like without a visit to a traditional German Christmas market ( Weihnachtsmarkt or Christkindlmarkt )?
This tradition has spread, which is why there are Christmas markets all over the world, in London, USA and Paris ( Marché de Noël ). But the best are still to be found in Germany, where old town squares and medieval castles are an enchanting setting for a favorite Christmas tradition.
History of the German Christmas markets
German Christmas markets date back to the 14th century. Originally, the fairs only provided practical food and supplies for the cold winter season. They took place in the main square around the central church or the cathedral and soon became a beloved Christmas tradition.
The Protestant reformer Martin Luther was helpful in transforming the holidays downtown around the 24th and 25th. Before his time, Nikolaustag (Saint Nicholas Day) on December 6 was the time to give gifts. But Luther suggested that children receive gifts from Christkind (the Christ child) around the time of Jesus’ birth. This also popularized the term ” Christkindlsmarkt “, a name for the markets most popular among religious and in southern Germany.
German Christmas markets usually follow the four weeks of Advent, which open in the last week of November and close at the end of the month. (Note that they may close or close early on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.) You can visit most from 10:00 to 21:00.
Attractions at the German Christmas markets
Strolling through festively lit streets, riding old-fashioned carousels, shopping for handmade Christmas decorations, listening to German Christmas carols and drinking mulled wine… Christmas markets are a fun and traditional part of every Christmas season in Germany.
Popular attractions include:
- Christmas pyramids (like the massive one in Dresden)
- Bethlehem ( Krippe )
- Nussknacker (nutcracker)
- Giant Stollen (also in Dresden)
- Zwetschgenmännle (figures made from dried plums)
- Riesenrad (wheel of fortune)
- Ice skating
- Caroling
- Weihnachtsbaum (Christmas trees, like the largest in Dortmund)
- Krampuslauf (this unique parade takes place in certain southern cities and celebrates the darker side of Christmas)
What to buy at a German Christmas market
Christmas markets are the perfect place to find a unique Christmas gift or souvenir, such as handmade wooden toys, local crafts, Christmas decorations (such as traditional straw stars) and decorations, nutcrackers, smokers, paper stars, and more.
Note that while some markets specialize in quality products, many markets offer cheap, mass-produced trinkets.
What to eat at a German Christmas market
No visit to a German Christmas market is complete without trying some Christmas goodies. Here is a list of German specialties that you should not miss:
- Stollen : traditional German Christmas bread with dried fruit, walnuts, spices and icing sugar
- Glühwein – mulled wine, a hot spiced wine
- Nürnberger Rostbratwürste – small grilled Nuremberg sausages
- Lebkuchen – gingerbread cookies
- Bratäpfel – baked apples
- Gebrannte Mandeln – roasted almonds
- Maronen – roasted chestnuts
- Marzipan – A large piece of marzipan, shaped like a loaf of bread
Also read our full list of sweets and drinks to enjoy at a Christmas market to heat it up from the inside.
The best Christmas markets in Germany
Almost all cities celebrate with at least one Christmas market. The city of Berlin has only 70 Christmas markets. So where do you start?
Famous Christmas markets are held in:
- Dresden’s Striezel Markt – Germany’s oldest market with a Stollen parade
- Christkindlesmarkt Nuremberg – It attracts about two million visitors a year to its charming wooden stalls with red and white striped tents
- Weihnachtsmärkte in München – The Bavarian capital offers a variety of charming markets
- Dortmunder Weihnachtsmarkt – features the largest Christmas tree, over 45 meters high
- Cologne Weihnachtsmarkt – More than 4 million visitors explore the many markets that cover the entire center of Cologne. In total, they are considered the largest market in the country.
- Berlin Weihnachtsmaerkt e – There are around 70 markets throughout the city highlighting unique design, crafts and gifts, and elegant Christmas cheer.
Also take a look at the most popular Christmas markets in Germany and discover the 6 best places to spend Christmas in Germany.
