If you love Christmas and shopping for hand made goods, consider visiting beautiful Weihnachtsmarkt, or German Christmas markets. Many towns and cities all over Germany put on Christmas festivals of sort, with seasonal treats like mulled wine and gingerbread, shopping, gorgeous light displays and various types of entertainment. Every Weihnachtsmarkt is different, and it’s recommended that for the full experience, you visit a good handful over the course of a week. See the Best European Christmas Markets we love.
Here are some of our favorite Christmas Markets in Germany
- In Hamburg, which is in northern Germany, you can experience a Weihnachtsmarkt with a circus theme. Drink punch served by a clown and let your children ride the carousel. Artisans, bakers and other craftsmen gather from all over Germany to participate in the festivities in Hamburg. Each Saturday during the season Advent features a Christmas parade through the streets of central Hamburg, and Santa flies overhead every evening to tell the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
- The Dusseldorf Weihnachtsmarkt, in western Germany, is famous for its “gingerbread houses” (replicas of historic homes) and its free ice skating. The chestnut trees are adorned with thousands of white lights, and the market is particularly geared toward children, with it’s carousel, reindeer and colorful lights. Bring the entire family to this festive market throughout the month of December.
- The fairytale Christmas markets of Kassel, located in central Germany north of Frankfurt, is based on the stories of the Brothers Grimm. The world’s tallest fairytale pyramid is a famous attraction, and the many vendors and shops create a magical experience.
- Munich’s Weihnachtsmarkt goes back to the 14th century, when the “Nicholas Market” was first mentioned. Located in the south of Bavaria, this Christmas market offers many traditional Bavarian Christmas gifts, such as glassware, woodcarving and gingerbread (pictured below.) There are free arts and crafts for children, and there are festive musical celebrations each day.
- In the eastern town of Dresden, visitors will be drawn to the world’s largest Christmas pyramid, as well as the world’s largest nutcracker. This market is known for its traditional hand-made crafts that originate just outside of the Czech Republic, including candleholders, smoking figurines, filigree lace, blown glass, Advent stars and pottery.
Whether you choose to visit German Christmas markets in large cities, smaller towns or tiny villages, you’re sure to have a wonderful and festive time. Because Germany is a small country, geographically speaking, and because the public transportation system is very good, it’s easy for you to visit more than one Weihnachtsmarkt in a weekend or even, if you desire, in a day. You could conceivably visit a smattering of markets in each region of the country, from the Rhine region of the west to Saxony in the east. Consider a Christmas Market Vacation. These markets are fun for people of all ages, this would make a great holiday vacation for the entire family!
