The heavenly smell of pastries and mulled wine is in the air and a cup of steaming punch warms hands and stomach. There is nothing better than visiting a Christmas market in the run-up to Christmas to get into the Christmas spirit. These five Christmas markets in Germany are not to be missed!
Christkindlesmarkt Nuremberg
When the Christkind traditionally opens the Christmas market, you know: you are in Nuremberg. The Christkindlesmarkt in southern Germany is probably one of the most famous Christmas markets in the world. It has a long tradition, as it is said to have been mentioned in writing for the first time as early as 1628 on a flower-painted chipboard box made of coniferous wood.
And with the special feature that the Christ Child comes to the opening, with trumpet fanfares and choir singing – and collects the wish lists of the children. In general, the Christkindlesmarkt is very child-friendly: at a separate stand, the little ones can bake cookies, paint glasses, or ride the carousel and Ferris wheel on the nostalgic fairground. Dates: Nov. 26-Dec. 24, 2021.
Dresden Striezelmarkt
Along with the Christkindlesmarkt, the Dresden Striezelmarkt in eastern Germany is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany. Since the year 1434, it has been held in Advent mostly on the Altmarkt in Dresden.
Its name alone makes your mouth water: A Striezel is a stollen that is typical of Dresden and is known and loved throughout Germany as the Dresden Christstollen. The yeast pastry is a great souvenir for those at home – if you manage to transport it home untouched. It is easier to take home the pretty handicraft products from the Erzgebirge. The Striezelmarkt takes place from November 22 to December 24.
Lübeck Christmas Market
One of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the country is undoubtedly the one in Lübeck. The backdrop of magnificent churches and cozy alleys paired with countless poinsettias, fairy lights and decorated fir trees radiate pure Christmas spirit.
Not only is gingerbread eaten and mulled wine drunk here, but there are also extraordinary things to try: Marzipan cappuccinos or baked apples filled with marzipan are local specialties here! And should it then get too cold at the Christmas market in the far north of Germany, simply drop by the traditional confectionery Niederegger, where you can look behind the scenes of marzipan production. Dates: 22.11. – 30.12.2021
Christmas Market Münster
Things get especially romantic at Christmas in Münster. The student town in North Rhine-Westphalia has five different Christmas markets, which you can combine with a Christmas walk. You should definitely stop at the romantic sky of lights on the Platz des Westfälischen Friedens. A really Instagrammable stop!
Frankfurt Christmas Market
Between Römerberg and the historic Paulskirche, one of the most beautiful and most visited Christmas markets in Germany takes place every year. Creatively decorated stalls, a historic carousel and the huge, almost 30-meter-high Christmas tree decorated with hundreds of lights spread a festive mood. The special thing: In Frankfurt, people warm their hands with the hot national drink, apple wine.
Info. Last year, all Christmas markets in Germany had to be canceled due to the Corona pandemic. But in the winter of 2021, most of the country’s approximately 2,500 markets will open again and light up the cities. But in compliance with the Corona rules, so that the visit is also safe for everyone. Many Christmas markets are open to the public for free, while others follow the 3G or 2G rule (tested, vaccinated or recovered, respectively). Visitors should always research the conditions on the websites of each Christmas market and find out what rules must be followed to visit the market.
