Christmas Markets in Germany

Every city, every town, even the smallest one, organizes its Christmas market, in the pure spirit of the German tradition. It is not simply a kind of folklore but a moment eagerly awaited by local communities.

In Germany, the phenomenon of Christmas markets has the strongest roots; to immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, the largest and oldest one, some even arrive every year from America and the East. The list of German markets is very dense, 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, each Weihnachtsmarkt is different from the others: traditional and intimate is the one at Marienplatz in Munich, original is the Lucia Weihnachtsmarkt held in a brewery in Berlin in Prenzlauer Berg, the Kulturbrauerei.

Stuttgart Christmas Markets

The Stuttgart Christmas market is one of the oldest in Europe, as well as one of the largest with its approximately 250 stalls; it takes place in two squares, near the ancient fortress: Schillerplatz and Marktplatz. There is truly 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 the entire event, sheds its metropolitan guise to become a huge nativity scene, often snow-covered.

Stuttgart Christmas Markets

Next in size is the Nuremberg Christmas Market, superbly illuminated by lights that make the city magical. The stalls are spread all over the city, especially in the areas surrounding Hauptplatz, Burg, the St. Lorenz Church, and the Parish Church of St. Sebald.

The Nuremberg Christmas Market is a city pride to the point that there is a strict regulation to be able to exhibit here: it is forbidden to sell plastic items or recorded music because everything must be handmade and authentic, preferably local and, in the case of songs and carols, played live.

Rothenburg Christmas Market

Moving a bit, the Rothenburg Christmas Market is worth a visit; this city is itself suitable for various events, due to its narrow alleys that, during Advent, are practically always whitewashed and, with lights and stalls everywhere, become a living nativity scene.

Munich Christmas Market

Also very old is the Munich Christmas Market that takes place in Marienplatz. In addition to the many typical stalls, a Christmas tree about 30 meters high is set up in the square, festively decorated. Then there is the Berlin Christmas Market, in Gendarmenmarkt; there are also other places in the city where you can browse through Christmas stalls, but this square is special, it really becomes magical and is able to welcome tourists in a friendly way. There are also Christmas markets in Berlin at Potsdamer Platz and the Sony Centre, but the charm of the historic center 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 example that inspired the city of Birmingham, in England, to start the Christmas market tradition.

Cologne Christmas Market

As for the Cologne Christmas Market, it can be said that it is the most festive and appreciated by children because easily, suddenly, nursery rhymes and ring dances start that also involve the shyest passersby. The markets, which develop on four routes, start near the Cathedral.

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 but especially the rides conform to this flair, creating a baroque city 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 harbor.

Freiburg Christmas Market

The area of the Black Forest does not shy away from 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 millstones, handcrafted items 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 the Christmas markets, Germany is just ideal.

Christmas Market in Dresden

For car enthusiasts, there is the traditional market with ice shows inside the Autostadt of Volkswagen in Wolfsburg, while Dresden boasts the tallest 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 more substantial, richer in ingredients, denser, and distinguished by its oblong shape.

Christmas Market Nuremberg

Nuremberg is instead famous for Lebkuchen, the delicious gingerbread coated with icing or chocolate and now popular 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 carols and concerts that accompany the festive event everywhere.

What to buy?

Besides sweets, Christmas tree decorations, toys, nativity scenes, and handicrafts. Those who already know the most famous markets might 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 anchored in the Rhine.

Many of the most charming markets are found in the eastern regions, such as the one in the Wartburg Fortress of Eisenach or the Seiffen market, the toy town; here skilled artisans create the most original Christmas decorations, from pyramids to smoking men, and nostalgic toys that seem to come out of a fairy tale.