It won’t be long before we are back in the middle of the festive season. And that means: people will be strolling to their heart’s content. To make sure you don’t get bored, we have looked for some very special Christmas markets in Germany. Ho ho ho!
Dog Christmas market at Gertrudenhof | Hürth
There are many things we love about Christmas markets. It’s bustling, there are intense smells everywhere and, of course, mulled wine is a must. However, all of this can also be quite overwhelming for our dearest friend. That’s why a dog Christmas market has been held at Gertrudenhof in Hürth for several years. Whether you are looking for chic dog bowls, a dog photo booth or an information stand on animal welfare – if it has something to do with dogs, you will find it at the market. And of course, not only four-legged friends but also two-legged ones will enjoy delicious snacks and warm drinks. So, in case it hasn’t been made clear yet: dogs (on a leash) are expressly welcome!
08.-10.11.2024, Dog Christmas Market, Gertrudenhof, Hürth
The Alpaca Christmas Market | Bühlerzell
Don’t worry, it’s still fluffy in this list. Because in Bühlerzell there is simply a Christmas market on an alpaca farm!? On the first weekend of Advent, the Bühlertal Alpakas farm opens its doors and the South American ungulates get into the Christmas spirit. The Christmas market has everything you would expect: delicious punch, a great Christmas atmosphere and cute arts and crafts. And of course, alpacas! You can even catch a glimpse of them behind the stable door. There are even guided hikes to the alpaca pastures on the program. So, we’re practically on our way.
30.11.-1.12.2024, Alpaca Christmas market, Bühlertal Alpakas, Bühlerzell
Gluten-free Christmas market | Sasbachwalden
As someone who suffers from an allergy myself, I can say that food restrictions can sometimes be really annoying. But whether you’re forced to or choose to, the “classic” Christmas cuisine in particular is a real challenge when it comes to abstaining. Because it’s not just the tongue that tastes good here, but also the heart. There are simply a lot of feelings attached to Christmas treats. At least in the Black Forest, it’s a little easier. That’s because the gluten-free Christmas market takes place in Sasbachwalden on the first two weekends of Advent. And the name says it all! Only gluten-free products are offered here, and they are also produced in a gluten-free environment. Cross-contamination is virtually impossible. And it gets even better: many dishes are not only gluten-free, but also lactose-free or even vegan. All of which goes without saying: they are also delicious.
29.11.-01.12. + 07.+08.12.2024, Gluten-free Christmas market, Kurpark, Sasbachwalden
Forest Christmas | Halsbach
A real forest is, at best, not a creepy place, but pleasantly homely. A surefire way to ensure that: simply pack in a Christmas market. This is what happens year after year in Halsbach, Bavaria. The Halsbach Forest Christmas takes place here on the forest stage over a period of a good two weeks. An entire village, complete with charming wooden huts and inviting stalls, is magically created where otherwise there is nothing but forest as far as the eye can see. There is even a cultural program with a Christmas choir, piano concert and elf dance.
29.11.-15.12.2024, Forest Christmas, Waldbühne, Halsbach
Scandinavian Christmas | Hamburg
Ah, the Nordics. We are really in love with the Scandinavian countries. Real dream destinations. But at Christmas time, you don’t have to go to Norway, Sweden or Denmark for a bit of northern European flair. No, a trip to Hamburg is enough. That’s because one of the many Christmas markets in the Hanseatic city is decorated in a Scandinavian style. In the four seafarers’ churches at the harbor, everything revolves around the Yule festival on two weekends in November (so basically before the Advent season, but let’s not be too strict). And for those who can’t get enough of it, December 10 and 16 should be marked in the calendar. On those dates, you can enjoy a Swedish Lucia concert in front of the main church of St. Peter, accompanied by the sight of countless candles. We say “God Jul”!
November 15-17 + 22-24, 2024, Scandinavian Christmas, Seemannskirchen, Hamburg
You can find the most extraordinary Christmas markets in Europe at our sister magazine travel EXCLUSIVE. And if you want the full package, just get the new Christmas market magazine.
