Hello friends! Are you ready for more fun? I hope so because today we’re taking a look at the magical German Christmas Markets!
If you want to learn more about the German Christmas Markets don’t forget to download our activity package:
Click here to download our German Christmas Markets learning guide (English)
Click here to download our German Christmas Markets flashcards (English)
Click here to download our German Christmas Markets quiz (English)
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Click here to download our German Christmas Markets learning guide (Spanish)
Click here to download our German Christmas Markets flashcards (Spanish)
Click here to download our German Christmas Markets quiz (Spanish)
Christmas Markets in Germany
There are literally thousands of Christmas markets all around Germany, from the large and traditional to the small and quirky. And all of them offer the classic German Christmas spirit: glistening fairy lights, merry German Christmas carols, steaming cups of cheering Glühwein, and the sweet aroma of roasting chestnuts
History of Christmas Markets in Germany
Christmas markets usually open on the Friday before the first Advent and close one or two days before Christmas Eve. And they are known as Weihnachtsmarkt, Christkindlesmarkt, Christkindchesmarkt, and Christkindlmarkt.
Originally, the purpose behind these early markets was to stock up for the long winters and to add a bit of joy and light to the dark months. The oldest markets date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. A long, long, long time ago!
Of course, the first markets were not as enchanting and fun as they are today. During the centuries Christkindlmarkets became a place to buy Christmas presents and an opportunity for local artists to sell their work.
In case you’re wondering, yes, there’s more than presents and handicrafts in these amazing markets.
German Christmas traditions
Like the classic Christmas carols, often performed by local orchestras and musicians, colorful decorations, nutcrackers, crib figurines, marionettes, candle arches from the Erzgebirge, and toys.
And if you are feeling a little hungry, you can also find homemade chocolates, candy floss, candied almonds, roasted chestnuts, cookies, gingerbread, and of course all variations of Bratwurst and hearty food.
And for your parents, there’s also mulled wine (Glühwein), hot cider (Äpplewoi), and other hot drinks to keep them warm.
Of course, some of the food and things you’ll find in the Christmas markets depend on their location.
But if you’re looking for some extra fun, don’t worry, because you can even find rides in some of these markets! Like the mini Ferris wheel and steam railway at Nuremberg’s market, or the historic merry-go-round at Frankfurt’s market!
By the way, did you know that the Frankfurt Christmas Market is so famous that is held in Great Britain as well? Yeah, over there is known as “Frankfurter Weihnachtsmärkte.” Frankfurt’s Weihnachtsmarkt is one of the oldest in Germany, it dates back to 1393 and attracts more than 3 million visitors every year! That’s a lot of people!
Some other awesome and fun markets are the Augsburg Christkindlesmarkt, the Bamberg Christmas market, the Leipzig market, and Rothenburg’s Reiterlesmarkt!
But hold on just a minute! How can visit these markets? Don’t worry, it’s easy to visit them since they are held in nearly every town and city. And the best way to get to them is by booking a commercial tour that visits the markets from major cities like Frankfurt, Berlin, Munich, and other European capitals. You can also admire the beautiful winter landscapes on the way!
Well, friends. That’s just a little bit about the German Christmas Market. It’s an experience that surely you will remember all your life!
Ciao friends!
