Enchanting Christmas Markets in Germany: A Festive Guide

As winter blankets the landscape in a shimmering coat of white, Europe comes alive with the magic of Christmas markets. These centuries-old traditions have evolved into cherished seasonal gatherings, where locals and visitors alike come together to celebrate the holiday spirit. Among these, Germany stands out as the epicenter of Christmas market culture, boasting some of the most enchanting and iconic markets in the world. You can read here for the ultimate guide to visiting Christmas markets in Germany.

Christmas in Germany

Germany’s Christmas markets are steeped in centuries-old tradition, dating back to the late Middle Ages. The roots of these markets lie in the celebration of Advent, the period of anticipation leading up to Christmas. Everyone in town would gather to sell seasonal goods, crafts, and delicacies.

Over time, these gatherings evolved into the festive markets we know today, cherished for their unique blend of history and holiday spirit. Every country calls their Christmas markets something different, but in Germany, they’re called Weihnachtenmarkt.

From the bustling streets of Munich to the historic squares of Nuremberg, these markets offer an authentic glimpse into the heart of German holiday festivities. You can find thousands of Christmas markets within Germany, how many can you check off your list to visit?

When Are they?

Majority of the Christmas markets in Germany start around mid to end of November and last until right before Christmas. There are a select few that stay open until the beginning of January.

Keep in mind for closures on November 26th, if they open prior, and also on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Many smaller villages within Germany will have markets that last about a week or sometimes only a weekend.

Hours are dependent on each market, but the majority will have hours starting around 12:00pm and close around 8:00pm, give or take an hour. On weekends, they can end a little later. It’s always best to check each website separately for opening hours when planning your Christmas market trip.

Majority of Christmas markets in Germany are free to attend, but a few specialty markets, like Weihnachtenmarkt Ravennaschlucht, use timed entry tickets for every 2 hours. They also require shuttle or parking tickets as well for visiting.

Atmosphere and Decorations

Stepping into a German Christmas market is like entering a fairytale. Stalls are adorned with twinkling lights and intricate, handcrafted decorations. Traditional wooden nutcrackers, delicate glass ornaments, and intricate lacework transport visitors to a world of old-world charm and craftsmanship.

You can always find an enormous Christmas tree at every market that each town proudly finds to decorate and display. Usually on top of one of the stalls, you can also find a large wooden Christmas pyramid, called Weihnachtspyramide. These wooden pyramids are a traditional German decoration dating back to the 16th century.

For the children, there are usually quite a few amusement rides and games for them to play at the Christmas markets. From a merry-go-round or a Ferris wheel, the joys are endless. Some markets also offer ice skating rinks with remarkable views of the cathedrals and cities.

From the recent energy crisis that happened in Europe, some ice skating rinks turned into roller skating rinks for environmental purposes and costs. Rides and ice skating do cost extra euro.

Food & Drink

No visit to a German Christmas market is complete without indulging in the delectable array of seasonal treats. From sizzling bratwurst to crispy potato pancakes, the food offerings are an array of flavor. Sweet-toothed visitors can revel in the delight of freshly baked gingerbread, marzipan treats, and even crepes!

Warding off the winter chill, the markets offer an array of steaming, spiced beverages. Glühwein, a mulled wine infused with aromatic spices, is the most iconic beverage at the markets. There are options for white, red, or sometimes even rose glühwein.

For a non-alcoholic option, sample the fragrant Früchtepunsch, a fruity punch bursting with seasonal flavors. Another non-alcoholic option is heiße Schokolade, or hot chocolate. Options to add whip cream on top or even add in a cream liquor. There’s a drink for everyone, no matter the age.

Food and drink can range from €4 – €10. You pay a deposit on your glass, called a pfand, which is usually €2 – €4 in addition to the price of the drink. Once you’re finished with your drink, you can return the glass for your deposit back, or your can forfeit your deposit and keep the mug. People love to collect all the different mugs from the markets.

Certain mugs have the town name with the year on them, while others may have just the town name. There are quite a few people I know who have over a hundred mugs they’ve collected while visiting all the markets! If you’re traveling from outside of Europe, consider bringing something to cushion and protect your mugs in your luggage when traveling back home.

Unique Gifts and Handcrafted Souvenirs

The markets are a treasure trove of unique, handcrafted gifts and souvenirs. Artisans from all corners of Germany showcase their skills, offering everything from delicate lacework to intricately carved wooden ornaments. Take home a piece of the magic with a traditional nutcracker or a carefully crafted nativity scene.

A lot of Christmas markets in Germany offer jewelry of sorts and even warm accessories, such as hats, gloves, and scarves. Other items include advent calendars or German wooden pyramids.

Tips for Visiting Christmas Markets

For those of you who are planning to visit Germany, or even Europe, for the Christmas markets, here are some must-know tips for your travels and attendance to the markets.

Plan Ahead

Research the markets you want to visit, check opening dates, and consider accommodations in advance, as popular markets can get crowded during peak times. Most Christmas markets in Germany share their opening dates a few months prior. If you plan on road tripping through Germany to visit the markets, research parking options as well.

If you consider visiting a speciality market, such as Ravenna Gorge and need timed tickets, research when tickets will go on sale. For that specific market, some people will buy two back to back timed tickets if they feel like 2 hours is not enough time to enjoy there.

If you plan on purchasing a lot of souvenirs, consider also bringing a rolling cart to carry everything. It’s always smart to carry a reusable bag while attending the markets for if you buy smaller handmade items or even snacks and bottled beverages.

Dress Warmly, Pack essentials

Winter temperatures in Germany can be chilly and wet, so make sure to layer up with cozy clothing, gloves, and a warm and waterproof coat to ensure a comfortable visit. A few other clothing essentials to pack would be an umbrella, hand and toe warmers, and a scarf in case you easily get cold. Waterproof boots or shoes will be crucial for the rain, snow, or ice.

Other important essentials for the markets would be a battery pack, due to the cold draining your phone battery. A camera is also a must for all the stunning shots of the lights, decorations, and ambience. If you plan to buy any souvenirs, a reusable bag is another great essential to bring with you to carry everything.

Arrive Early or Late

Beat the crowds by arriving early in the day or on a weekday while a lot of locals are still at work. Weekday mornings are the least crowded. Or you can plan to visit in the evenings when the markets are beautifully illuminated, but have the risk of the crowds. Be cautious of parking when arriving later.

Bring Cash & Coins

If you haven’t caught on yet, Germany is a major cash country. They prefer euros over card for a lot of places, and that is no exception at Christmas markets. Some souvenir or decoration stalls at the markets may take card. Especially since the pandemic, some venders have moved to accepting credit cards. Food and drink stalls are euro only.

Why coins you may ask? Well, if you want to use the toilets at the market, it’s always good to have €0.50 or €1.00 coins on you for that reason. You usually have to pay for usage at any festival or market in Germany.

Dog Friendly?

While many people do bring their dogs to the market, there are things to consider before you choose to. Christmas markets can get packed with crowds at night and on weekends, so a daytime visit to protect your dogs from getting stomped on would be best. Also to consider is the potential for broken glass from people accidentally dropping their glass mugs on the ground.

Christmas markets in Germany and Europe offer a magical escape into a world of festive cheer, artisanal crafts, and mouthwatering treats. Whether you’re wandering the cobbled streets of Nuremberg or sipping glühwein in Berlin, these markets promise a truly enchanting holiday experience.

By following these tips and immersing yourself in the rich traditions of each market, you’re sure to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. So, bundle up, embark on this seasonal adventure, and let the magic of Christmas markets warm your heart.