What date do German Christmas markets start?

Most markets run in the four weeks leading up to Christmas, from late November to late December. Some even continue up until New Year. The most common starting date is the Friday before Advent Sunday which, in 2025, is the 30th of November. Typically, most markets close on the 23rd of December.

What date do Christmas markets start in Germany?

In the bigger towns and cities you will find Christmas markets cover the entire Advent period. They usually start in the last week of November and continue up until a day or two before Christmas day.

What is the most Christmassy town in Germany?

Nuremberg in Advent is a place to share with friends and family and anticipate the joy that Christmas brings … because Nuremberg is Germany's Christmas City!

Are Christmas markets in Germany cash only?

Germany is a country that loves cold, hard cash so don't be surprised if small stallholders refuse to take cards. One good way to stick to your budget is by taking cash and only spending what you have. You could budget around €30 to €50 for each market, which should be enough to buy drinks, bratwurst and other snacks.

How to dress for German Christmas markets?

When Do The German Christmas Markets Start? - Germany Made Simple

What do Germans eat at Christmas markets?

How to dress like a local in Germany?

Don't wear yoga pants

A dark pair of slim or skinny jeans, a nice top and a cardigan, with a scarf thrown over the top, will do well in any German city. I have joked with my husband there is a German Dad uniform on the weekends: chinos in a dark colour, t-shirt or collared shirt, and a v-neck jumper on top.

Can you keep the mugs at German Christmas markets?

You'll get the full amount of Pfand back if you return your mug. It's commonly accepted, though, that you can keep the cup if you don't return it for the Pfand amount. This is a perfect way to collect a cup to remember your trip with.

Is it illegal to not accept cash in Germany?

Retailers cannot refuse cash payments unless both parties have agreed to use a different means of payment.

Is it safe to go to Christmas markets in Germany?

For years, Germany has been strengthening security measures around Christmas markets in reaction to an attack in 2016 in which a man killed 12 people by driving a truck into a market in central Berlin. The police have deployed more uniformed and plainclothes officers.

What do Germans call Christmas?

Weihnachten (German: [ˈvaɪnaxtn̩]) is the observance of what is commonly known in English as Christmas in the German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

What is the most famous Christmas shop in Germany?

Käthe Wohlfahrt - the world famous Christmas Store. Käthe Wohlfahrt and Nuremberg have had a close relationship for many years. In 1999, the famous Christmas specialist retailer opened a shop at Königsstraße 8 between St. Lorenz Church and Hauptmarkt, which is open all year round.

What is the number one Christmas town in the world?

Rovaniemi, Finland (Santa Claus Village)

Often called the best Christmas town in the world. Village Inspiration: Snowy rooftops, log cabins, Santa's Workshop.

Which city in Germany has the best Christmas market?

Historic Nuremberg is a Christmastime classic in Germany.

Arguably one of the most famous Christmas markets in the world, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is visited by millions each year.

Which is the oldest Christmas market in Germany?

Every year since then, the tradition continued and grew to more than just a meat market. Therefore, the oldest Christmas Market in the world, known as Striezelmarkt in Dresden, was born.

Can you wear flip flops in Germany?

You will not see many Germans wear shorts unless it's very hot out. Second, Germans wear slippers inside the home, so you may want to bring your own pair (flip-flops are also fine for the summer).

What is one invention invented by German people?

Johannes Gutenberg was a German craftsman and printer who invented the first printing press with movable type in 1450. This invention revolutionized printing, making it simpler and more affordable. Printed materials were made available to the masses for the first time in history.

Is it okay to wear jeans in Germany?

Top style tips for Germany

Clothes in dark or neutral colors are always a great choice when packing for Germany. Jeans are very popular, but they are always smart and clean rather than distressed or ripped styles. Black/navy tailored jeans would be a good choice.

What do Germans eat for Christmas breakfast?

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 do Germans drink during Christmas?

Glühwein, as mulled wine is known in Germany, is essentially red wine heated with spices, lemon and sugar - generally cinnamon and cloves are used in all recipes, with some adding aniseed or vanilla. A variation on the mulled wine is the Feuerzangenbowle.

What is the German dessert at Christmas markets?

Strudel

Maybe one of the most classic Austrian and German desserts is the simple strudel. This is a flaky, layered pastry, usually filled with sweet items inside. Apfelstrudel (apple) may be the most common variety, but they can be stuffed with all kinds of varieties of fruits or nuts.

What to buy in German Christmas market?

So, whether it's a Glühwein mug, an ornament, a paper star, a sheepskin, a candle holder, flavored liquor, or cozy winter accessories, each item carries with it the essence of a German Christmas market, ready to infuse your home and life with the enchantment of the season. Happy shopping!

Can tourists drive in Germany?

Road conditions and safety

If you hold a valid U.S. driver's license, you can drive in Germany for up to six months without acquiring a German driver's license. Many German traffic laws and traffic signs are different from those in the United States.

Where was the Christmas market crash in Germany?

A car plowed into people at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on Friday, killing at least two people and injuring dozens more, officials said.