Why do Germans go crazy over Christmas markets?

Germans adore Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) because they are deeply rooted, centuries-old traditions that transform town squares into magical, nostalgic, and cozy winter wonderlands. They offer a unique social space to escape the dark, cold winter, offering warmth, delicious food like Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and Glühwein (mulled wine), festive decorations, and handcrafted gifts that create a shared sense of community and joy.

How long do Germans leave the Christmas tree up?

Once the tree has been decorated on Christmas Eve, the tree remains in the house for the 12 days of Christmas, which ends on January 6. Also known as Epiphany, the day which the wise men were said to visit baby Jesus. However, some Catholic parts of Germany keep their tree up until February 2nd (Candlemas).

Why are all Christmas markets German?

Christmas markets date to the Late Middle Ages in the German-speaking part of Europe and in many parts of the former Holy Roman Empire, which included many eastern regions of modern France. They became a popular Advent custom during the Reformation era.

What is special about German Christmas markets?

Christmas markets in Germany are unique. Historical town squares form a romantic backdrop to many markets. Streets, pedestrian malls, public buildings and shops are decorated with lights and Christmas trees and add to the beauty of the scenery.

Why are German Christmas markets so famous?

Germany knows how to celebrate the holidays, and the Christmas Markets are a true example of that. The smells, sights, sounds, and people gathering around the markets are what make them so special and bring that Christmas nostalgia to light.

The Magic of German Christmas Markets 🎄 (Everything you need to know!)

What is the number one Christmas market in the world?

The Best Christmas Markets Around the World

• Bath Christmas Market. November 27 – December 14 | Bath, England. ...
• Old Town Christmas Market. November 15 – December 23 | Innsbruck, Austria. ...
• Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt. November 28 – December 24 | Nuremberg, Germany. ...
• Christmas Wonderland. ...
• Christkindelsmärik.

What is the most Christmassy town in Germany?

While many German towns are festive, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is widely considered Germany's ultimate Christmas Town because it feels like a year-round fairytale, complete with medieval walls, cobblestone streets, numerous Christmas shops, and the famous year-round Christmas Museum (Käthe Wohlfahrt) and Reiterlesmarkt. Other top contenders include Dresden for its historic Striezelmarkt and multiple markets, and Quedlinburg for its enchanting medieval atmosphere and Advent calendar.
 

Which country has the best Christmas markets?

Here are 10 of the best Christmas markets in Europe in 2025 that you shouldn't miss.

• Berlin, Germany – Christmas Magic at the Gendarmenmarkt. ...
• Paris, France – Marché de Noël de La Défense. ...
• Cologne, Germany – Christmas Market at Cologne Cathedral. ...
• Vienna, Austria – Vienna Christmas Market at Rathausplatz.

What are 5 facts about Christmas in Germany?

17 weird and wonderful German Christmas traditions you need to know about

• Advent calendars. ...
• Stockings are filled on 6th December. ...
• Krampus night. ...
• Christmas Eve is the main day of celebration. ...
• Potato salad and sausages for dinner. ...
• Christmas Day is called 'Erster Weihnachtsfeiertag' ...
• Christmas trees are German.

What is Santa called in Germany?

Santa Claus - Der Weihnachtsmann

The term Weihnachtsmann is a very generic German term for Father Christmas, St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus. The German Weihnachtsmann is a fairly recent Christmas tradition having little if any religious or folkloric background.

What is the most beautiful Christmas market in Europe?

Berlin is one of the top destinations when it comes to the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. The former Gendarmenmarkt, now at Bebelplatz, is the embodiment of festive elegance. Enjoy the smell of roasted almonds and try specialities such as Berlin currywurst, potato pancakes or hot apple wine.

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 do Germans eat on Christmas?

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 do Germans call the day after Christmas?

Instead, Germans simply talk about der zweite Weihnachtstag or der 26. Dezember, and they mean something much quieter and more reflective than the British Boxing Day.

What happens if you compliment a Christmas tree in Germany?

In the south of Germany, especially in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, the custom is "Christbaumloben". People go from house to house praising the beauty of their neighbour's Christmas tree. As a thank-you for the compliments, they receive a small gift, such as a bottle of schnapps.

What is the German Christmas myth?

In Central European folklore, Krampus is a horned, anthropomorphic figure described as "half-goat, half- demon", who, during the Christmas season, punishes children who have misbehaved. This contrasts with Saint Nicholas, who rewards the well-behaved with gifts.

What is Christmas called in Germany in English?

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 do German people do during Christmas?

One of the most popular and best-known customs is to put up and decorate a Christmas tree. More than eight out of ten people in Germany put up a Christmas tree. One in three say they only feel really Christmassy once their home is filled with the fragrance of fresh fir and shiny baubles are glittering on the tree.

What is the most magical 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.

Where is the most beautiful Christmas market in the UK?

Bath Christmas Market is one of the Best Christmas Markets in Europe and the Best Christmas Market in the UK, set in the heart of Bath's UNESCO World Heritage city. Nestled among the cobbled streets and historic landmarks like Bath Abbey, it provides a magical, romantic atmosphere.

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 is the prettiest Christmas market in Germany?

Christmas markets in Germany offer a unique opportunity to experience German culture and tradition.

• The most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany. ...
• Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt (Nuremberg) ...
• Dresden Striezelmarkt (Dresden) ...
• Lübeck Christmas Market (Lübeck) ...
• Cologne Christmas Market at the Cathedral (Cologne)

Where is the prettiest Christmas town?

Christmas Towns at a Glance

• Vail, Colorado – Upscale winter Christmas destination.
• Santa Fe, New Mexico – Cultural holiday celebrations with southwestern flair.
• Nantucket, Massachusetts – Coastal Christmas with quaint charm.
• Branson, Missouri – Holiday shows and light displays.

What is the most charming city in Germany?

The 11 most beautiful old towns in Germany

• Heidelberg.
• Lübeck.
• Wismar.
• Goerlitz.
• Celle.
• Erfurt.
• Mulhouse.
• Bamberg.