Why do Christmas markets close before Christmas?

Christmas markets, particularly in Germany and traditional European locations, close before or on Christmas Eve because they are designed for the Advent season, with most locals focusing on private family celebrations from December 24-26. They act as a festive buildup, not a post-Christmas shopping event.

Do Christmas markets end on Christmas?

When do they end? All the big locations traditionally stay open until at least December 23rd. Expect several markets to continue through the Christmas public holiday period as well. One or two may even stay open until late December or early January, often in the form of a New Year market.

Do any Christmas markets stay open after Christmas?

Yes, many Christmas markets stay open after Christmas, often until New Year's Eve or the first week of January, though some traditional ones close by December 23rd or 24th. Major cities like London, Edinburgh, Prague, and various French/German locations frequently run markets through the holiday period, sometimes rebranding as New Year's markets. It's essential to check specific market dates, as they vary widely. 

Why does Europe celebrate Christmas on 24th?

Christmas celebrations in the denominations of Western Christianity have long begun on Christmas Eve, due in part to the Christian liturgical day starting at sunset, a practice inherited from Jewish tradition, and based on the story of Creation in the Book of Genesis: "And there was evening, and there was morning—the ...

Do any Christmas markets start in November?

Yes, many Christmas markets start in mid-to-late November, kicking off the festive season with gifts, food, and drinks, with popular examples including Blenheim Palace, Winchester Cathedral, and London's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, alongside major European markets in cities like Düsseldorf, Berlin, and Cologne, offering unique artisan goods and seasonal cheer well before December.
 

AVOID THESE MISTAKES AT EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS | What Not to Do at Xmas Markets in Europe!

Where is the earliest Christmas market in Europe?

Dresden's Striezelmarkt was first held in 1434 and one of the first true Christmas markets; earlier markets of the season were "December markets". Early mentions of these "December markets" can be found in Vienna (1298), Munich (1310), Bautzen (1384), and Frankfurt (1393).

When was Jesus's actual birthday?

Jesus was likely born between 6 and 4 BC, not on December 25th, with many scholars pointing to the reign of King Herod the Great as a key indicator, as the gospels state Jesus' birth occurred shortly before Herod's death around 4 BC, though the exact date remains unknown and traditions vary.
 

Which country doesn't celebrate Christmas on 25 December?

These countries don't celebrate Christmas: Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bhutan, Cambodia, China (excepting Hong Kong and Macao), Comoros, Iran, Israel, Kuwait, Laos, Libya, Maldives, Mauritania, Mongolia, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Qatar, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, ...

What is the most Christmassy city in Europe?

Berlin, Germany. It's official – Berlin takes first prize as the most festive city to celebrate the holidays in Europe.

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).
 

How long are German Christmas markets open?

They usually start in the last week of November and continue up until a day or two before Christmas day. The first Sunday of Advent in 2026 is 29 November. Many Christmas markets start the Friday before the first Sunday of Advent – that is, on Friday 27 November in 2026.

Is 25th December a trading holiday?

On account of Christmas, all segments, equity, F&O, currency, and commodity markets will remain closed on December 25, 2025. Keep track of trading and settlement holidays here.

What are Stollen and Lebkuchen?

The Big Three: Essential German Christmas Candies and Cakes

Our 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.

Was Jesus born on Jan 6th?

While the Bible doesn't state Jesus' birth date, January 6th was an early Christian celebration, particularly in the East, known as the Feast of the Epiphany, marking the arrival of the Magi, and some traditions and early writings connect this date to his birth, though December 25th became the dominant date in the West, and the exact date remains unknown to historians. 

Why wait until Jan. 6 to take down Christmas?

The last day is known as Epiphany. Because the Christmas season doesn't traditionally end until Jan. 6 in Christian theology, many opt to keep their decor up for the full 12-day period. Epiphany marks the day when three kings traveled to Bethlehem to meet baby Jesus.

What do Catholics call January 6th?

Catholic Church

Where Epiphany is always celebrated on January 6, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is celebrated the following Sunday. During years where there are two Sundays between Christmas and Epiphany, the second is known as the "Second Sunday after Christmas".

How old was Jesus when he died?

When he died, Jesus was around 33 years old. Most scholars estimate his age by analyzing Biblical and historical accounts of him.

Why is the year 2033 so important?

During the Jubilee of Hope this year in Rome, many are already talking about the big Jubilee year of 2033 a.d, the year in which our calendar marks the 2000th anniversary of the passing and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

What languages did Jesus speak?

Now, it's virtually undisputed that Jesus spoke or at least understood three languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. The opinions begin to differ regarding what Jesus' primary language was. For years the academic and theological community has dogmatically taught that Jesus primarily spoke Aramaic.

What do Germans call Christmas markets?

The German name for a Christmas market often is “Christkindlmarkt” or “Weihnachtsmarkt”. The last name simply means “Christmas market” whereas the first name originates from the tale of the Christkind or Christchild.

Where is the most beautiful Christmas market?

There's no single "most beautiful," as it depends on preference, but top contenders for beauty often include Gdańsk, Poland (voted best in Europe for its unique charm), Cologne, Germany (iconic cathedral backdrop), Prague (historic Old Town Square), Vienna (Rathausplatz magic), and Bruges, Belgium (fairy-tale canals and light trails). Other favorites feature stunning settings like Winchester, UK (Cathedral close) and Strasbourg, France (oldest market).
 

What are traditional German Christmas foods?

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!