Country Christmas
A Guide to the German Christmas Markets – Christmas Markets for everyone
German Christmas Markets bring magic and festive cheer to the whole family
Each year Santa Clause does his rounds he seems to leave Germany with that little bit more magic. The traditional German Christmas Markets are becoming more and more popular each year with the magic of Christmas spread throughout the countries many villages, towns and idyllic cities. Nobody celebrates Christmas like the Germans, with lavish displays of fine festive food and light displays that fascinate more and more visitors each year.
In the UK we are used to commercialised Christmas’s where each household spreads the same decorations and consumes the same food; we seem to have lost the real essence of Christmas. If you are looking to get away and experience a romantically traditional Christmas, then Germany is the place for you.
Christmas Markets Guide and Event Information
If you want to experience the romanticism of the Christmas festivities then the Berlin Christmas Market is the one for you. Germany’s capital is packed with visitors each year with seven equally festive markets to choose from. The Charlottenburg Castle Christmas Market is a spectacular location steeped in history and tradition, the Christmas market is located in its grounds and includes over 150 vendors from Germany and all over Europe. The equally impressive market at the Sony Centre in Potsdamer Platz is also a beautiful location with many gastronomic stalls selling local delicacies, handmade ornaments and beautifully carved decorations. Together with markets at the Gendarmenmarkt, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, Spandau, Staatsoper and Opernpalais, Berlin have all you could want at Christmas time.
Along with Berlin, Cologne attracts millions of visitors each year who come to experience some of the most traditional festivities that Germany has to offer. Cologne has eight spectacular Christmas Markets to choose from with the largest located beneath the city’s Gothic Cathedral, the Alter Markt, Neumarkt and on the Rudolfplatz, each attracting almost 2 million visitors. The largest Christmas tree in the world can be found at the enchanting market shadowed beneath the towering Cathedral with over 140 stalls selling a wide selection of festive treats and handcrafts. The Santa’s Grotto located at the centre of the market at the Old Aldstadt is equally as iconic and a popular destination for families with young children.
As one of the most picturesque cities in the world and known locally as the ‘Venice of the North’, Hamburg is a beautiful city at Christmas time with glamorous buildings and quaint maritime ships docked along the city’s river ways. The largest market is located outside the town hall that is the hub of entertainment for the city. The many stalls are extravagantly decorated with sparkling Christmas lights and decorations with the air filled with sweet fragrances and the sound of merry music. The city’s quaint bridges and architecturally brilliant walkways make getting around the city easy and accessible.
With one of the oldest, most traditional Christmas Markets in the world, the cosmopolitan city of Munich transforms into a Winter Wonderland at Christmas time. Draped in shimmering snowflakes and festive decorations, the Christmas Markets in Munich are commonly known for the outlandish decorations and activities on offer.
German Christmas markets at locations such as Mainz, Nuremburg, Potsdam, Stuttgart and Wiesbaden along with many others are known for their extravagant traditions, setting them apart from other European Countries. Christmas in Germany is a magical experience and the perfect answer for a winter getaway whether it is a romantic trip or a family holiday, the festivities in Germany are sure to impress.
About the Author
DERTOUR is a UK based travel agency with 50 years of experience specialising in German Christmas Markets, taking travellers to the heart of Europe. DERTOUR caters for a large range of budgets, ensuring that anyone can experience the true culture of Germany and other popular destinations within Europe.
Loretta Lynn, Country Christmas
