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German Christmas Markets
2009 |
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German Christmas Markets The magic of traditional German Christmas
Markets is casting more visitors under its spell every year. Historic Christmas
Markets, held
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 and romantic Christmas Market you might want to 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. 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 (22.11.2009). For many German cities (mainly Catholic areas) this day is a public holiday with many attractions closing. Christmas Markets may also be affected. As this decision is usually made at short notice, we advise you to contact the local tourist office to check if any Christmas Markets will be affected.
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in cities, towns and villages throughout
the country, are becoming increasingly more popular, due, no doubt, to the
enchanting Festive Season atmosphere they evoke.
difficult decision to make is indeed where to go. The best solution is
to sample at least two Christmas Markets, preferably in a city for some serious
shopping and a small town or village if you are looking for something a
little bit more romantic. 
Each
year Christmas Markets spring up around Germany in the weeks before the
Christmas holidays, signalling the beginning of Advent. 
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.
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. 
In
the Middle Ages Aachen was the seat of emperors and kings,
and the scene of many coronations. Today much of this
history can still be seen, especially at the cathedral,
which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. On the border
to Belgium and Holland the Aachen Christmas Market is within
easy drive from Calais and the nearest real German Christmas
Market to the UK.
Augsburg is
an independent city in the south-west of Bavaria near to
Munich. The Augsburg Christmas Market is often regard as
one of the most traditional Christmas Markets in Germany
thanks to its typical baroque surroundings.
Baden-Baden
is located on the Edge of the Black Forest near to the
French border. It is primarily famous for its two thermal
spas and exceptional mineral waters. In Baden-Baden the
Christmas Market is surrounded by mountains and dense pine
tree forests.
Famous
for smoked beer, Bamberg is a medieval town located in the
northern part of Franconia. Due to its historic beauty, the
old town of Bamberg has recently earned its place as a
UNESCO World Heritage site. Visiting the Bamberg Christmas
Market is like stepping back in time.
Bernkastel-Kues
on the Moselle is a truly delightful little town. With a
history dating back 700 years the town is primarily famous
for great wines and a fantastic collection of well preserved
half-timbered houses. The surroundings of the
Bernkastel-Kues Christmas Market, especially at night, can
only be described as breathtaking
Former
capital of West Germany, Bonn is also the birthplace of
Ludwig van Beethoven. Highlights of the Bonn Christmas
Market are the historic town centre and town hall, a large
ice skating ring and of course numerous classical Beethoven
concerts. 
Bremen
is the city where the "German Fairy Tale Road" starts. Many
of the sights, including the Bremen Christmas Market are
found around in the Altstadt. With the oldest part of Bremen
starting from the beautiful Town Hall and Market Square and
ending at the “Schnoor Quarter” where the oldest house dates
back to the 15th century.
Only
30 minutes from Hannover, Celle is well worth a visit. Here
most of the 480 half-timbered houses date back to the 16th
century. Although the town is fairly small the Celle
Christmas Market does have well over 100 illuminated booths
which are all neatly placed around Northern Germany’s
highest Christmas Pyramid.
Coburg,
in northern Franconia, is a town which is very closely
related to the British Monarchy. The town is dominated and
overlooked by Germany’s biggest and most beautiful castle.
The
Cochem Christmas Market is located on the most scenic part
of the Moselle river. Cochem is surrounded by vineyards and
dominated by a large fairy tale castle. The town itself is
worth seeing for its narrow streets, twisty alleys and
lovingly restored half timbered houses but also because of
its medieval town gates, churches and walls.
The
Cologne Christmas Market is probably Britain’s most
favourite Christmas Market in Germany. There are no fewer
than 6 Christmas Markets to visit, including one on a River
Rhine Cruise Steamer and a Medieval Christmas Market in
front of Cologne’s Chocolate Museum.
Dinkelsbuehl Christmas Market on the Romantic Road is probably as
charming and as romantic as you can get. If you have ever
wondered what a perfectly preserved medieval town looks
like, heavily fortified with city walls, city gates and over
a dozen towers then the Dinkelsbuehl Christmas Market should
be the choice for you.
The
main attraction for one of Germany’s biggest Christmas
Market, with over 300 Christmas Market Stalls, is its mind
boggling 45 metre tall Christmas tree. Amazingly this tree
weighs 140 tonnes. It is decorated with 40 000 light bulbs
plus an angel on top measuring 4 metres tall and weighing in
a mere 200Kg.
The
oldest and most popular Christmas Market in Germany takes
place on the Altplatz in Dresden. Dresden is also known as
the Florence of the North with some incredible late baroque
architecture. Highlight of Dresden is of course the
Frauenkirche church, which only recently, had been rebuilt
from a big pile of rubble.
Duesseldorf's
hallmark is the upmarket Königsallee, Rhine promenade and
excellent shopping facilities. The Duesseldorf Christmas
Market is centred all around the Old Quarter. The old
quarter has quaint passageways, old churches, traditional
brewpubs, bars and restaurants. Many refer to the Old City
as the longest bar in the World. 
Located
in the geographical centre of Germany Erfurt has preserved
much of its medieval city centre. The townscape and the
Erfurt Christmas Market are towered by two magnificent
churches standing side by side. But what ever you do in
Erfurt you have to try a typical Thuringian Bratwurst
(Sausage)! 
Europa
Park is Germany’s largest and most popular theme park. The
park is home to nine roller coasters, including the
Silverstar, which is Europe’s highest and biggest roller
coaster. During the winter season no expense is spared to
provide guests with an unforgettable Christmas Season and
holiday experience. 
Essen
is located in the industrial heartland of Germany but not as
you would imagine. Many industrial monuments and landmarks
have been turned into amazing pieces of art. In 2010 Essen
is set to host the title of “Euopean Capital of Culture”.
With over 250 stalls the Essen Christmas Market is huge,
offering everything one could wish for Christmas.
Every
year the Frankfurt Christmas Market is set on the Römerberg,
the historic market square of Frankfurt. Here the Christmas
Market is surrounded by an unusual style of gabled and
timber framed houses. For buzz and beauty the Frankfurt
Christmas Market is very recommendable.
Freiburg
is a beautiful city set in a perfect location, only minutes
away from Germany’s longest cable car (Schauinsland) and the
Black Forest’s highest mountain (Felberg). The Freiburg
Christmas Market is located on a large market square, next
to a 12th century cathedral and in front of an old town
hall.
Founded
in 1150, Goettingen is home to Europe’s most visited
University. Goettingen's main characteristics are its many
cultural and educational institutions such
as
theatres, orchestras, museums and galleries.
Goettingen is located on the half way point of Germany’s
Fairy Tale Road. The Goettingen Christmas Market
can easily be found in the old town in front of the medieval
town hall and its charming market square.
Everyone
knows the legend of the Pied Piper from Hamelin. Being on
Germany’s Fairy Tale Road the scenery is just as pretty as
you would expect from a town where many fairy tale stories
have been written. In addition to the 70 odd Christmas
Market booths and 11 metre high Christmas Pyramid the town
also offers special Christmas cruises on the river Weser. 
Looking
at Heidelberg from across the River Neckar is with out doubt
a captivating sight. Together with historic city centre,
stone bridge and a castle ruin, towering high above,
Heidelberg certainly is a picture perfect sight, just like
its annual Christmas Market. With just over 120 stalls the
Heidelberg Christmas Market is actually surprisingly large
and very lively. 
The historic
Marketplace of Hildesheim was once considered one of the
most beautiful marketplaces in the world. During WW2 it was
completely destroyed but fortunately, between 1984 and 1990,
it was restored and reconstructed to its former glory.
Highlights of the Hildesheim Christmas Market include a
miniature railway for children, daily concerts and historic
walks in medieval costumes. 
Karlsruhe
is located on the Rhine in the northern part of the Black
Forest. Well worth seeing is its incredible palace and
market square which seems to have a distinctive imperial
style. Dominated by a permanent pyramid the Karlsruhe
Christmas Market takes place on the City’s market square. In
addition there is a separate Medieval Christmas Market and a
very large ice skating ring 
There
is a lot to discover in Kassel, including a magnificent
palace (Wilhelmshöhe), various stately homes, lots of
beautiful parks, internationally distinguished art galleries
and after a hard days work there is spa resort for relaxing.
The Kassel Christmas Market is themed around fairy tales, in
line with its status as capital city of Germany’s Fairy Tale
Road.
Colourful,
Rococo and Mediterranean with a Bavarian twist are just a
few words to describe Kempten in Allgäu (Alps). Kempten is
an attractive place to visit not only because of numerous
attractions within the town but also because of its
wonderful location: mountains, lakes and woods are all just
beyond the town gates. Just as colourful and wonderful is
the Kempten Christmas Market with well over 150 events and
activities taking place every year
Almost
an enclave, the town of Kleve is located only 5 miles from
the Dutch border, in all three directions. Full of Dutch
flavour, the town is overshadowed by the shape and silhouette
of a baroque castle. Remarkably the Kleve Christmas Market
is held in a large forest garden
Koblenz
is a city situated on both banks of the Rhine at its
confluence with the Moselle, where the Deutsches Eck (German
Corner) and its monument (Emperor William I on horseback) is
situated. The traditional Koblenz Christmas Market takes
place in several alleys and
squares in the picturesque ambiance of the historic old city
centre. Attractions include a toboggan run, a Christmas
bakery, live concerts and over 100 wooden booths selling
local arts and crafts.
Much
of Johann Sebastian Bach’s life was spent in Leipzig; the
city is also birthplace of Richard Wagner. The city's
musical tradition is reflected in the worldwide fame of the
Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra and the choir of the St. Thomas
Church. The history of the Leipzig Christmas Market goes
back to 1767. The main centre for activities is the spacious
and magnificent Market square, with row upon row of
illuminated stalls set out against the backdrop of the Old
Town Hall and the World's largest advent calendar.
Ludwigsburg
Palace is one of Germany's largest baroque palace and
features an enormous baroque garden. Just as attractive and
appealing is the town of Ludwigsburg which is located only
20 minutes from Stuttgart. The Ludwigsburg Christmas Market
is set on a large flamboyant market square in front of two
extravagant churches.
The
Queen of the Hanseatic League, was founded in 1143 as the
"first western city on the Baltic coast". Surrounded by
water on all sides, the old town has a historic centre
dominated by seven church steeples. It was inscribed on the
World Heritage list because of its superb Gothic red
brick architecture. Festive Christmas lights, stars and
beautifully decorated Christmas trees conjure up a magic
atmosphere on Luebeck's Christmas Market which was first
mentioned in 1648.
“White
gold", as salt was once known, is what turned the university
and Hanseatic town of Luneburg into an influential location.
Even today, the town's wealthy past is reflected in its
magnificent merchants' houses with their characteristic
gables and Germany's largest medieval town hall. Visitors to
the Lueneburg Christmas Market will be impressed by live
carol singers and traditional trumpeters.
Mainz
has been the communications centre of Germany for the last
500 years. It was here where the first mechanical printing
press was invented. During the Mainz Christmas Market the
historic market square is set in a blaze of lights against
the imposing and impressive backdrop of St Martins, a 1000
year old Cathedral.
On
the way to Würzburg and on the river Main, Miltenberg is a
small medieval and romantic town. Here the timber framed
houses and their gables are perfectly preserved, giving the
impression, as if being in Germany during the 16th and 17th
century. Just as sweet and romantic is of course the
Miltenberg Christmas Market.
South
of Aachen, Monschau is a little hidden gem in the Eifel
Mountains. The town looks like as if it just had come out of
a toy box. For Germany the medieval timber framed
architecture here is very unusual. Lovers of German
Bratwurst will love the variety of mustard, produced to old
recipes in a local historic mustard mill. 
Muenster’s
history goes back to 1200 years, reflected by a medieval
ground plan and numerous historical buildings. Most
impressive is Muenster’s St Paul’s Cathedral and the gothic
town hall where the “Thirty Years' War” peace treaty was
signed. The City of Muenster has no fewer than 250 stalls
and 5 different Christmas Markets all within walking
distance from each other and centred on the historic
Prinzipalmarkt.
The
first thing visitors to Munich will notice is the unusual
mix of old and traditional in contrast with modern and
hi-tech. Bavarian beer houses, oompah bands and lederhosen
are just a few of the old. A superb World Cup stadium and a
brand new BMW museum are some of the new. The Munich
Christmas Market, in front of the old town hall and the
onion topped Frauenkirche church, is true magic with a
Bavarian twist. But should you forget anything, there is
always an other Christmas Market at Munich Airport.
The
complete old town of Nuremberg is encircled by thick
medieval walls. Guarding the town are 80 towers and an
exceptionally beautiful castle located on a sandstone rock
in the north of the historical city. The Nuremberg Christmas
Market is without doubt
Germany’s most famous Christmas Market. About 180 wooden
stalls, festooned with red-and-white cloth, have given the
Christmas Market its name of "Little Town from Wood and
Cloth". 
Anyone
addicted to shopping will love Oberhausen and CentrO,
Germany’s largest shopping and entertainment centre.
Oberhausen is set in the industrial Ruhrland where many of
the industrial sights have been turned into very interesting
tourist attractions. At Christmas, the CentrO in Oberhausen
is transformed into a fairytale world of twinkling crystals,
colourful baubles, sweet scented fir trees and spectacular
fairy light displays.
Osnabrueck
is the only large city in Germany situated in the middle of
a nature reserve; it is also one of Germany’s historic
highlight. Osnabrueck’s historical Christmas market has
twice been ranked as one of the prettiest in the region.
Here you can marvel at the world’s largest musical box,
which plays 25 different Christmas songs, and a fully
functional nutcracker that is six metres tall.
The
tip of Passau is where two rivers join the Danube and from
the southern part of the city you can look across the border
to Austria. The view of Passau is immensely spectacular.
Drenched in history and distinctively Mediterranean it is
Bavaria’s answer to Venice. Passau is notably famous for its
many boys choir and organ concerts, held in St Stephen’s
Cathedral and in front of the Passau Christmas Market.
Next door to
Berlin, Potsdam is Germany’s largest "UNESCO World Heritage
Site". Around the city there are a series of interconnected
lakes, parks and unique cultural landscapes, including four
palaces, a Chinese Tea House, a Roman Bath and of course Cecilienhof where Churchill, Truman and Stalin decided how
to administer Germany after WW2. There are 5 Christmas
Markets in Potsdam, all worthwhile seeing and within
beautiful historic surroundings.
Since
2006 the old city of Regensburg has been a UNESCO world
heritage site. The main attraction of Regensburg is its
excellently preserved medieval city centre with the
cathedral and the stone bridge being the highlights, as well
as, the large number of Italian-style medieval merchant
houses and towers. The Regensburg Christmas Market has been
around for 200 years, here you can savour original
Regensburg sausages with some sweet mustard and a variety 40
different kinds of Glühwein.
The
Hanseatic city of Rostock is Germany's largest port on the
Baltics. One of the most picturesque places in Rostock is
the Old Town Hall and the Neuer Markt,
which has six original and beautifully restored gabled
houses from the 15th and 16th centuries. The Rostock
Christmas Market starts at the Neuer Markt and ends in the
Fishermen’s Bastion. Culinary Christmas Market highlights
include regional specialities such as smoked fish, smoked
sausage and schmalzkuchen (bite-size donuts).
Ruedesheim on
the Rhine has always been a great place for a good sing a
long weekend. Being amongst the best vineyards and wine
makers, Ruedesheim has many attractions to offer, including
a chocolate factory/brandy distillery, a castle, chairlift,
romantic Christmas boat cruises, a medieval torture museum
plus the Drosselgasse which is lined with traditional old
wine taverns. The Ruedesheim Christmas Market has 120 stalls,
including 12 stalls representing international gifts and
traditions. 
In
German Saarbruecken means Saar bridges, and indeed there are
a dozen bridges across the Saar river. The city is located
closely to the Luxembourg and French border, it has a very
strong cultural influence from both countries, especially on
the architectural and culinary side. The Saarbruecken
Christmas Market is located on the historical St. Johanner
Markt square. Every evening at 7pm, Father Christmas and his
reindeer sleigh hover over the market on a high wire and
tell the story of Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer. 
Gateway
to the Island of Ruegen, Stralsund has a unique island
character that emphasises the medieval charm of its Unesco
World Heritage and historic city centre. Most of the Red
Brick Gothic architecture dates back to the 13th and 14th
century. The Stralsund Christmas Market offers a sense of
Hanseatic tradition, stretching from the festively decorated
Alter Markt (Old Market Square), illuminated ice rink
and Gothic town hall to the historical town houses and shops
of the Neuer Markt (New Market Square). 
Stuttgart
is the only large city in Germany which is surrounded by
vineyards, producing high quality red and white wines. It is
also home to both Porsche and Mercedes-Benz, perfect if you
want to hire a car and explore the nearby snow covered Black
Forest. The Stuttgart Christmas Market ranks among the
biggest Christmas Markets in Germany. In front of the Old
Stuttgart Palace more than 250 stallholders offer a wide
variety of Christmas gifts, food and warming glühwein.
With
more than a 2000 year old history, Trier is the oldest
recorded town in Germany. On the banks of the Moselle River,
Trier is known for well preserved Roman and medieval
buildings, including the Porta Nigra city gate, roman baths
and amphitheatre. The Trier Christmas Market is held on the
main market square in medieval surroundings and in front of
the imposing backdrop of Trier’s Cathedral.
Tuebingen
is a good centre point for excursions to Stuttgart, Black
Forest and Lake Constance. The highlights of Tübingen
include its crooked cobblestone lanes, narrow-stair
alleyways picking their way through the hilly terrain,
streets lined with canals and well-maintained traditional
half-timbered houses. Unlike all other Christmas Markets the
Tuebingen Christmas Market is held by private individuals
only. It is unusual in the sense that everything is
homemade, cooked at home, baked, knitted, carved, turned,
painted and timbered at home
The
Gothic Minster with its gigantic west steeple is the
dominating feature in Ulm. With an impressive 161 metres, it
is the world’s tallest church building. Ulm is situated on
the river Danube, between the borders of Bavaria and
Baden-Württemberg. Very romantic is the Ulm Christmas Market
where there are more than a 100 stalls with Christmas
decorations, gifts, a glass workshop and a sheepfold with
real sheep. In the evenings there are carol concerts and
inside the cathedral, regular organ recitals take place
almost daily.
With
a very long list of famous residents, like, Goethe, Bach,
Wagner and Strauss, Weimar is naturally one of the great
cultural sites of Europe. Many of Germany’s favourite
Christmas traditions have their origins in Thuringia. In
1816, Weimar hosted the first public Christmas tree, erected
on the Market Square, for children whose parents could not
afford their own plus many popular Christmas carols were
inspired in this part of the world. 
Wernigerode
is a beautiful and historic town, full with quaint and
charming timber framed houses. Being in the heart of the
mysterious Harz Mountains, Wernigerode is a great starting
point to an extensive network of steam and narrow gauge
railways. The ultimate trip being an excursion to the
Brocken, northern Germany's highest mountain and formerly a
soviet listening post. With daily live concerts, the
Christmas Market in Wernigerode is located on a 15th century
historic market square, where 25 stalls and local
specialities fill the air with all kinds of glorious scents
and extraordinary aromas. 
Part
of Germany’s UNESCO world heritage collection, the Hanseatic
town of Wismar is a small medieval and port town located on
the Baltic Coast. The Wismar Christmas Market is held In the
centre of the old town where there is a huge market place,
which happens to be, with 10,000 square metres the largest
in Germany. The market square and the Wismar Christmas
Market is surrounded by elegant buildings ranging from
14th-century North German Red Brick Gothic style to
19th-century Romanesque revival.