What are the dates of the German Christmas markets?
German Christmas markets typically run from the last week of November (often starting the Friday before the first Sunday of Advent) until December 23 or 24, 2026. Major markets, including Dresden, Cologne, and Nuremberg, generally open around November 23–27, 2026, and close on Christmas Eve.What are the dates for Christmas markets in Germany?
Germany's Christmas markets usually start around November 20-25 or so, and the final date is almost always December 23, as Germans celebrate Christmas on December 24. Double-check the dates before you book your trip. Whatever you do, don't come to Germany and expect markets to stick around after Christmas!Which city in Germany has the best Christmas markets?
There's no single "best" city, as it depends on your preference, but Nuremberg (traditional/famous), Berlin (most markets/variety), Cologne (cathedral backdrop), Dresden (oldest/Striezelmarkt), and Munich (classic Bavarian) are top contenders, offering a mix of huge, historic, unique, or intimate Christmas market experiences with regional food, crafts, and festive cheer.What do Germans do on the 25th and 26th of December?
On December 25th (First Christmas Day) and 26th (Second Christmas Day, Zweiter Weihnachtstag), Germans enjoy official public holidays focused on quiet family time, large festive meals with traditional foods like roast goose or carp, exchanging gifts (which often happens on Christmas Eve), and visiting relatives, with most shops remaining closed as the celebration continues after the main gift-giving on Christmas Eve (Heiligabend).What is the most authentic German Christmas market?
Dresden. In the middle of Dresden's gorgeous altstadt (old town), featuring the world's largest rotating wooden Christmas pyramid, the Striezelmarkt has been an annual tradition since 1434 — it's considered Germany's oldest Christmas market.7 Must-See German Christmas Markets from Nuremberg to Dresden
What is the famous German Christmas town?
Quedlinburg, with its cobblestone streets and half- timbered houses, is like stepping into a medieval Christmas card. The town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, brims with history, dating back over a thousand years.Does Christkindlmarket cost money?
Admission to both Christkindlmarkets is free and prices for food, beverages and gifts vary based on the vendor and location.Is everything closed on 26th December in Germany?
December 26: Second Day of Christmas (St.Many people spend the day relaxing at home, visiting relatives, or enjoying another festive meal. As it is part of the Christmas holiday period, schools and most businesses remain closed.
What do Germans eat on Christmas Day?
The traditional Christmas meal features duck, goose, rabbit or a roast. This main dish is accompanied by German delicacies such as apple and sausage stuffing, red cabbage and potato dumplings. Dessert typically includes Christmas Stollen, considered one of the best Christmas pastries in the world!What happens on the nights of December 5 and 6 in Germany?
In Germany, children shine their shoes and boots on the eve of December 5 and put them outside the door if possible, or keep them inside near the door. St. Nicholas comes at night and fills their shoes with sweets, nuts, apples, oranges, and small toys. First thing in the morning children go and look what St.What should I buy at the German Christmas markets?
German Christmas markets are filled with gorgeous, often handmade, Christmas ornaments and goodies that you just won't find in your hometown. Think intricate wooden ornaments and traditional nutcrackers, through to delicate hand-painted glass baubles and mugs with the market name.What should I wear to a Christmas market?
Think oversized coats, statement accessories, and chunky knits that are easy, effortless, and perfect for whatever the weather throws at you. For a chic outfit for the Christmas markets, layer a chunky knit over leather-look trousers, finishing the look with a long wool coat and heeled boots.Is the Rhine or Danube better for Christmas markets?
The choice between Rhine and Danube Christmas markets depends on your preference for atmosphere: the Rhine offers a fairytale, cozy experience with castles and medieval towns (Cologne, Strasbourg), while the Danube provides grander, imperial city markets in major capitals (Vienna, Budapest, Prague) and a better chance for snow, with itineraries often giving more time in port. Rhine cruises focus on German/Alsatian charm and denser markets, whereas Danube cruises blend iconic cultural capitals with festive markets, often feeling more like a "real winter" holiday, though Rhine markets can be more crowded.Which German city is best for Christmas markets?
There's no single "best" city, as it depends on your preference, but Nuremberg (traditional/famous), Berlin (most markets/variety), Cologne (cathedral backdrop), Dresden (oldest/Striezelmarkt), and Munich (classic Bavarian) are top contenders, offering a mix of huge, historic, unique, or intimate Christmas market experiences with regional food, crafts, and festive cheer.What should I wear to a market?
Your average Farmers Market doesn't really have a dress code, but attendees usually dress casually in comfortable clothing. Shopping comfortably usually means wearing shorts in the summer and pants in the winter. It may also mean wearing a sun hat in the summer and a jacket in the winter.What are Stollen and Lebkuchen?
The Big Three: Essential German Christmas Candies and CakesOur selection includes the sought-after Original Dresden Stollen, known for its buttery dough, plump raisins, and subtle citrus zest. It's a staple you must have when you buy Stollen online. Lebkuchen: The Gingerbread Heart of Christmas.
What do Germans eat for breakfast on Christmas?
In Germany, a Christmas breakfast usually consists of hearty bread, cold meats and cheeses, and eggs, alongside a number of regional dishes; in the north, many families will have fish with their breakfast. After breakfast, there will be plenty of snacks to keep you from feeling peckish until dinner time.What food is must try at German Christmas market?
Be sure to visit one of the many Christmas markets and try one of these typical German foods on Christmas.- Stollen. This is a true Christmas food, that has been around since the 14th century. ...
- Glühwein. ...
- Dampfnudeln. ...
- Maronen. ...
- Flammkuchen. ...
- Kartoffelpuffer. ...
- Gebratene Champignons mit Knoblauchsoße. ...
- Eierpunsch.
What is Germany's most favorite food?
Germany's 30 Most Favorite Dishes- Dill Potatoes with Quark. (Pellkartoffel mit Dill und Quark) ...
- Potato Casserole. (Kartoffelauflauf) ...
- Duchess Potatoes. (Herzoginkartoffeln) ...
- Farmer's Breakfast. (Bauernfrühstück) ...
- French fries. (Pommes Frites) ...
- Fried Potatoes. (Bratkartoffeln) ...
- German Ravioli. (Maultaschen) ...
- Grießklöße / Grießknödel.
What do Germans do on December 26th?
On 25th December (Christmas Day) and 26 December, usually the family gets together for celebrations and also the religious Christians will visit Christmas mass during these days. The German festive season starts at the end of November or early December with the Advent celebrations.What are the free days in Germany?
The main public holidays in Germany are New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Ascension Day (40 days after Easter), Pentecost (50 days after Easter), German Unity Day (3rd October), Christmas Day and 2nd Christmas Day.What is the best food to eat during Christmas?
The most popular Christmas foods in America:- Roasted potatoes (91%)
- Scalloped potatoes (83%)
- Roast beef (77%)
- Red velvet cake (76%)
- Ham (76%)
- Christmas nuts (76%)