Which one to choose among the most beautiful Christkindlmarkt in Germany? Here is an useful guide to the right market for you.
The tradition of Christmas markets in Germany and Alsace was born around 1400 and possibly earlier. At the time people waited for the fairs to shop and in these areas the Christmas fairs in Europe took a very special meaning. There are thousands of Christmas markets in Germany, virtually in all the cities. They are usually open between 1 and 24 December, and represent one of the most deeply rooted and popular traditions in the pre-Christmas period.
In some cities, these markets are called Weihnachtsmarkt, while in others as Christkindlmarkt. These markets are not only opportunities to buy Christmas decorations or local handicrafts, but also to watch, stroll or to enjoy the Christmas culinary specialties, typical of the city or region. Often it is real popular festivities with local folklore performances. An indispensable ingredient not to be missed is the Glühwein or mulled wine that is offered almost everywhere, and that is the right way to keep warm in the cold days of December.
The Christmas atmosphere gives the best of itself, with Christmas cookies, Christmas carols and items related to Christmas. By the time the tradition has spread and has also reached entire Europe, but that's another story.
We do a tour of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany and importantly, bearing in mind that every village has its Christmas market and that in all you must drink the mulled wine.
1. NUREMBERG CHRISTMAS MARKET
The Christmas market in Nuremberg is the largest in Germany and according to many is also the oldest in Europe, which starts from 28 November to 24 December.
2. DRESDEN CHRISTMAS MARKET
According to some this is the oldest Christmas market in Europe and is famous for the Striezel or Stollen, a typical dessert of Dresden made with flour, lard, candied and dried fruit. Another feature of the Dresden Market stalls are the medieval style, which starts from 28 November to 24 December.
3. STUTTGART CHRISTMAS MARKET
At Stuttgart is the largest market in Europe with 250 stalls and is famous for its gastronomy, especially for gingerbread, which starts from 26 November to 23 December.
4. COLOGNE CHRISTMAS MARKET
The market of Cologne is a medieval market with a unique atmosphere. Among the German Christmas market it is famous because of the Christmas atmosphere, the tracks and medieval stalls, which starts from 21 November to 25 December.
5. MUNICH CHRISTMAS MARKET
The biggest Christmas market of Munich is at Marienplatz, but there are others. There is the medieval one, the one with the world of crafts and artistic one.
6. FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS MARKET
The Christmas market in Frankfurt takes place in the historical center in Römerberg, Paulsplatz and Mainkai. The market is particularly interesting because it combines different areas of the center into one big market.
7. HANNOVER CHRISTMAS MARKET
The Weihnachtsmarkt in Hannover spread throughout the historic center of Hanover for over 150 years. The lodges are located between 120 square Am Markt, on Ballhofplatz and Ernst-August-Platz, opposite Central Station.
8. MAINZ CHRISTMAS MARKET
The Christmas market in Mainz takes place from November 27 to December 23. Besides the classical atmosphere of the markets, gastronomy and irresistible crafts is the typical hand-carved nativity scene and the 11 meters high Christmas pyramid.
9. HAMBURG CHRISTMAS MARKET
Also in Hamburg are many Christmas markets. But here the sexy Christmas market is in the red light district of the city.
