Every city, every town, even the smallest, organizes its Christmas market, in the pure spirit of German tradition. It is not simply a kind of folklore but a highly anticipated moment for local communities.
In Germany, the phenomenon of Christmas markets has the deepest roots; to immerse oneself in the magical atmosphere of the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, the largest and oldest one, there are even those who arrive every year from America and the East. The list of German markets is very long and there are many curiosities and events that accompany them.
And although they are all united by the characteristic atmosphere, the period (Advent), the scent of mulled wine, and the offer of Christmas decorations, nativity scenes, toys and sweets, every Weihnachtsmarkt is different from the others: traditional and intimate is the one on Marienplatz in Munich, original is the Lucia Weihnachtsmarkt held in a brewery in Berlin in Prenzlauer Berg, the Kulturbrauerei.
Stuttgart Christmas Markets
Il Stuttgart Christmas market is one of the oldest in Europe, as well as one of the largest with its about 250 decorated stalls; it takes place in two squares, near the ancient fortress: Schillerplatz and Marktplatz. There is really everything: from the most classic Christmas items to sweets, up to Lebkuchen and bratwürst, typical dishes. What amazes about the atmosphere of the Stuttgart market is that the city, throughout its duration, sheds the guise of a metropolis to become a huge nativity scene, often snow-covered.
Stuttgart Christmas Markets
Next in size is the Nuremberg Christmas Market, beautifully illuminated by lights that make the city magical. The stalls are scattered all over the city, especially in areas around Hauptplatz, Burg, St. Lorenz Kirche, and Pfarrkirchen Sant Sebald.
The Nuremberg Christmas Market is a city pride to the extent that there is a strict regulation to exhibit here: it is forbidden to sell plastic objects or recorded music because everything must be handmade and authentic, preferably local, and in the case of songs and seasonal gifts, performed live.
Rothenburg Christmas Market
Moving a little, the Rothenburg Christmas Market is worth a visit; this city is itself suitable for various events, due to its narrow alleys which, during Advent, are practically always covered in white and, with lights and stalls everywhere, become a live nativity scene.
Munich Christmas Market
Very old is also the Munich Christmas Market held in Marienplatz. In addition to the many typical huts, a Christmas tree about 30 meters high is set up in the square, decorated festively. Then there is the Berlin Christmas Market, in Gendarmenmarkt; in the city there are other places where you can browse among the Christmas stalls but this square is special, it becomes truly magical and knows how to welcome tourists kindly. There are Christmas markets in Berlin also in Potsdamer Platz and Sony Centre, however, the charm of the old town is unmatched.
Frankfurt Christmas Market
The Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the most important in all of Europe, so much so that it was the inspiration for the city of Birmingham, England, to start the Christmas market tradition.
Koelni jõuluturg
Mis puudutab Koelni jõuluturgu, siis võib öelda, et see on kõige pidulikum ja laste poolt hinnatum, sest äkitselt hakkavad kõlama lasteraamatud ja ringmängud, mis haaravad kaasa ka kõige arglikumaid möödujaid. Turuplatsid, mis jagunevad neljale alale, algavad katedraali lähistel.
Ludwigsburg Christmas Market
Very special is the Ludwigsburg Christmas Market which, besides being lively and illuminated like the others, is particularly beautiful due to the baroque style of the city; consequently, the stalls and especially the rides adapt to this flair, bringing a baroque city to life even at Christmas.
Christmas Market of Constance
Another charming place is the Lake Constance, near which the Christmas market of Constance takes place: a succession of wooden huts, food stalls, lights, candles, attractions that, starting from the city center, make their way all the way to the port.
Freiburg Christmas Market
The Black Forest area also embraces the tradition: here stands out the Freiburg Christmas Market, strongly characterized by the raw materials of the territory. On the stalls, in fact, you can find objects derived from the millstones, handmade carved from local wood, small works of art made of woven straw.
If you are looking for a destination full of charm to discover the magic of Christmas markets, Germany is just ideal.
Dresden Christmas Market
For car enthusiasts, there is the traditional market with ice shows inside the Volkswagen Autostadt in Wolfsburg, while Dresden boasts the highest Christmas pyramid in the world (14 m), created by artisans from the Ore Mountains. Also in Dresden, guided tours are organized in pastry shops to uncover the secrets of Christstollen, the German Christmas cake equivalent to our panettone, but much heartier, richer in ingredients, more compact, and distinguished by its oblong shape.
Christmas Market in Nuremberg
Nuremberg is instead famous for Lebkuchen, the delicious gingerbread covered with icing or chocolate and now widespread throughout Germany. Tasting the sweets is a must for visitors to the Christmas markets, just as much as a glass of Glühwein (mulled wine) to warm up while browsing the stalls or listening to the Christmas songs and concerts that accompany the festive event everywhere.
What to buy?
Besides sweets, Christmas tree decorations, toys, nativity scenes, and handcrafted items. Those already familiar with the more famous markets can choose others set up in unusual settings, such as the one in the Autostadt (Car City) of Volkswagen in Wolfsburg or the floating market held in Cologne on a lit boat moored in the Rhine.
Many of the most captivating markets are found in the eastern regions, such as the one in the Wartburg fortress in Eisenach or the Seiffen market, the toy town; here skilled craftsmen make the most original Christmas decorations, from pyramids to smoking men, and nostalgic toys that seem to come out of a fairytale.
