Christmas Markets in Germany - Dates & Locations - German Christmas Fairs and Xmas Markets - For the Original Christmas Markets visit Germany

Christmas Markets

Authentic German Christmas Markets 2008

Christmas Markets
Introduction

The magic of a traditional German Christmas is casting more UK visitors under its spell every year. Historic Christmas Markets, held in cities, towns and villages throughout the country, are becoming increasingly popular, due, no doubt, to the enchanting Festive Season atmosphere they evoke.

The Christmas fairs and markets of Germany are unique. If you're tired of commercialism taking over this holiday period and would like to get right away for a real traditional Christmas you might consider heading to Germany where gifts are not mass-produced but craftwork of real quality.

Here you can buy all kinds of Christmas merchandise and gifts, especially traditional things such as crib figurines, toys, wood carvings, marionettes, candles and lambskin shoes. Many are difficult to resist - as will be the glass of delicious mulled wine you are offered and the baked apples that are very welcome on crisp winter days.

The ambience is further enhanced by the aromas of hot chestnuts, grilled sausages and other tasty snacks. Youngsters especially will be attracted to the gingerbread biscuits known as Lebkuchen, marzipan figures and other sweets.

With so many Christmas Markets through out Germany the most difficult decision to make is indeed where to go. The best solution is to sample at least two markets preferably a city for some serious shopping and a small town or village if you are looking for something a little bit more romantic.

Most Christmas Markets start in the last week of November and run through to Christmas Eve or a day or two before. They are usually open every day from 10am to about 8 or 9 pm.

Please note that the fith Sunday before Christmas is "Totensonntag" a Remembrance Day in Germany (23.11.2008). For many German cities (mainly Catholic areas) this day is a public holiday with many attractions closing. Christmas markets may also be affected. As the decision is usually made at short notice, we advise you to contact the local tourist office to check if the market will be affected.

The History of German Christmas Markets

Painting of Maria, Joseph and baby Jesus Christ Each year Christmas Markets spring up around Germany in the weeks before the Christmas holidays, signalling the beginning of Advent.

The centuries-old tradition reaches back to a time when regular seasonal markets took place throughout the year. Christmas markets were a welcome occurrence during cold-weather months. They were joyful occasions for weary villagers and added a bit of light to long winter nights.

The first markets were little more than winter markets that lasted a couple of days. Instead of the cosy stands that line market alleys today, traders in some cities laid their goods out in the streets.

Through the years, each market has stayed Historic Santa Clause decorating a Christmas Tree true to its own particularities, with each specializing on local delicacies and traditional products. In the past, only local tradesmen were allowed to sell their wares at the city’s market, which led to the distinctive regional character of today’s markets.

Today, German Christmas markets serve much the same function that they have for centuries — as a festive meeting place for locals and a market for homemade Christmas ornaments and decorations.

Some of the most traditional German handicrafts can be found here in the weeks before Christmas — from nutcrackers, wooden figurines, straw stars and smokers, to cookie tins, glass balls, toys, and tin tree ornaments.

Despite the widespread belief that Christmas has only recently developed into a feast of commercialism, it may be shocking to find out that, as early as the 17th century, gift-buying at Christmas Markets had already become a main pre-holiday activity.

Martin Luther Usually, the Christmas markets were held around the city’s main church to attract church-goers. But they were so enticing that a priest in Nürnberg in 1616 complained that he could not hold the afternoon service on Christmas Eve because no one attended.

It is likely that the markets drew more visitors when religious reformer Martin Luther instituted new customs for Christmas. Before Luther, the exchanging of presents took place on the saint days of St. Nicholas, December 6, or of St. Martin, on November 11.

It was Luther who suggested that children receive presents from “the Christ child,” hence the name “Christkindlsmarkt,” a popular name for the Christmas Markets in Germany.