What is a German Christmas market?

A Christmas market is a street market associated with the celebration of Christmas during the four weeks of Advent. These markets originated in Germany, but are now held in many countries. Some in the U.S. have adapted the name to the quasi-German Christkindlmarket, substituting market for German Markt.

Why is it called German Christmas market?

Luther's tradition quickly took hold among protestant families who also began exchanging gifts on December 24^th. As this custom spread, many Christmas markets began calling themselves Christkindlmarkts, especially in the south of Germany.

What do you do at Christmas markets?

Christmas Markets

The Christmas Market features a range of traders selling local sourced and handmade crafts, Christmas shopping staples and delicious food and beverage.

What is sold at a German Christmas market?

German traditional handicrafts are as ubiquitous as its many Christmas markets – the best place to buy authentic gifts in the form of wooden figurines, tree decorations, nutcrackers and sweet treats.

Where are German Christmas markets?

7 Must-See German Christmas Markets from Nuremberg to Dresden

What is the most famous Christmas market in the world?

The main Christmas market in Nuremberg, Germany – Christkindlesmarkt – is one of the oldest and best-known markets globally. It's known for its array of handcrafted goods for sale and for its fantastic German Bratwurst, gingerbread, and other traditional treats.

Where is best Christmas market in Europe?

Are German Christmas markets good?

Germany is a go-to destination for Christmas markets, and justifiably so: not only do many festive traditions originate here, it also happens to have an endless number of scenic castles, impressive cathedrals and charming town squares to serve as fairytale backdrops.

Where is the most famous of the German Christmas markets?

One of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in the world, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, or “the little city of wood and cloth,” is held each year on Nuremberg's Main Market Square.

What is the most beautiful German Christmas market?

The Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of Germany's most impressive. The Römerberg square is transformed into a magical wonderland, featuring over 200 beautifully decorated stalls. With its sheer size and vast number of visitors, the Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the largest and best Christmas markets in Germany.

Do I need cash for Christmas markets?

Should you use cash or card at Christmas markets? While more and more Christmas market vendors are equipped with chip and pin machines, this can't be relied upon, so make sure you don't take just plastic.

How should I dress for a Christmas market?

Jeans and a Nice Coat

Teddy style shaggy jackets are a popular choice this winter and they are so, so warm. If you want to look more sophisticated then we're loving a midi length tailored coat finished with a faux fur collar. Style it up with stiletto boots and skinny jeans, to be looking chic from head to toe.

Do I need cash at European Christmas markets?

While more and more vendors take credit cards, it's wise to have cash, including small change for mug deposits, pay-to-pee bathrooms, and so on. Keep an eye on valuables: Pickpockets enjoy Christmas markets just as much as shoppers do… probably more. Most Christmas markets open up around mid- to late November.

What is the biggest Christmas market in Europe?

The Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz is the largest and most popular, boasting over 150 stalls and live music performances. Make sure to try the Glühwein (hot spiced wine) and the traditional Austrian gingerbread cookies. Don't miss out on the stunning Christmas lights at Karlsplatz.

Is Berlin or Munich better for Christmas markets?

You will have fun in either city, but if you're more interested in the traditional German Christmas market atmosphere, you'll find more of that in Munich.

Why is Christmas a big deal in Germany?

Although it is a Christian festival to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, Germans with no particular religious beliefs also celebrate Christmas. Last year, 81 percent of the people living in Germany celebrated Christmas. Celebrating this festival is an important family tradition.

Is Dresden Christmas market worth it?

We visited 4 cities in Germany and Dresden has the very best market. Everyone we saw was enjoying the experience. They had a small building where children were being taught how to make cookies. The decorations on the booths were so well done and so varied.

Is it worth it to go to Germany in december?

December is one of Germany's coldest months with temperatures often just below freezing. If you come in early December, you'll miss the tourist rush while still being able to enjoy the dazzling Christmas markets with their sparkling holiday lights, delicious foods, hot cider and more.

When to visit German Christmas markets?

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 2023, is the 24th of November.

What are some interesting facts about Christmas markets in Germany?

Some of Germany's existing Christmas markets trace their origins as far back as the 15th and 16th centuries. Dresden's market first opened for one day on Christmas Eve in 1434. Meanwhile, the oldest evidence of Nuremberg's Christmas market dates it to 1628, though some suspect it stretches back at least to 1530.

Which city has the best Christmas market?

What are the dates of the German Christmas markets 2023?

Which European city has the most Christmas markets?

Berlin, Germany

Berlin doesn't take Christmas festivities lightly, with over 100 Christmas markets taking place across the German city each year. The Christmas market on Alexanderplatz is particularly popular, with the scents of Bratwurst, gingerbread and mulled wine wafting through the popular square.

What is the most romantic Christmas market in Europe?

Braunschweig - Germany

With its 500-year tradition, the Braunschweig Christmas Market is amongst the Most Romantic Christmas Markets in Europe. Each year, it attracts several hundred thousand visitors.

What is the Christmas Capital of Europe?

Strasbourg, Capital of Christmas.