Dresden Christmas Market. Photo: Shutterstock
Germany’s cities are filled with the glitter and aromas of Christmas. Not visiting the Christmas markets during the festive season in Germany is inconceivable. Meet up for a glass of mulled wine, some fruit punch, delicious snacks and a leisurely chat at the most beautiful Christmas markets, where you can also shop for the perfect Christmas gift.
Here are 5 of the most festive Christkindlmarkts in the country
Dresden Christmas Market
The Striezelmarkt (the main market) in the baroque city of Dresden dates back to 1434 and is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany. Striezel is another name for Stollen, the classic Christmas cake from Dresden. At the Stollen Festival on 9th December bakers from Dresden bake a huge stollen weighing almost four tonnes.
Worth seeing: 14 metres high, the world’s tallest Christmas pyramid from the Ore Mountains
Must try: Dresdener Christstollen, Baumkuchen
Souvenirs: Carved handicrafts from the Ore Mountains – Christmas pyramids, nutcrackers and incense burners, for example
Dates: 28 November – 24 December 2022
Nuremberg Christmas Market
Germany’s largest and most famous Christmas market attracts more than two million visitors and tourists from around the world. Nestled between the historical buildings of Nuremberg’s old town, a little city within a city emerges for four weeks of the year: 180 wooden stalls with red-and-white striped roofs are arranged in rows, traders offer delicacies and hand-crafted wares. Visitors, if lucky, may even meet the Christkind (German Angel believed to be a gift bearer just like Santa Clause).
Must try: Nuremberg gingerbread, Nuremberg bratwurst
Souvenirs: Prune people dollies, tinsel angels
Dates: 30 November – 24 December 2022
Munich Christmas Market
When darkness falls and the Christkindlmarkt begins to sparkle in a glowing sea of fairy lights, it is then that the atmosphere of the Munich city centre at the Marienplatz square is most enchanting. In the festive season, a 24-metre-high Christmas tree shines out amidst 160 market stalls.
Must try: Kletznbrot, a fruit bread made with dried fruits
Worth Seeing: Kripperlmarkt in front of St Michael’s Church, Germany’s largest market for skilfully carved Christmas crib figures
Dates: 27 November – 24 December 2022
Frankfurt Christmas Market
This is where the major banking city demonstrates its romantic aspect. A stroll round the Christmas market during the Great Pealing of the Bells on the Saturday before the first Sunday of Advent is unforgettable: At precisely 4.30 p.m., some 50 bells of 10 downtown churches ring in the festive season with a performance that’s heard across the city.
Must try: Marzipan Bethmännchen, hot cider
Worth Seeing: 33-metre-high Christmas tree
Worth Hearing: The Great Pealing of the Bells
Date: 26 November – 22 December 2022
Lübeck Christmas Market
Hanseatic Lübeck’s medieval quarter (a UNESCO World Heritage site) is the perfect setting for a Christmas wonderland. To put you in a festive mood are seasonal concerts in its five brick-built churches. The impressive Brick Gothic town hall forms a stunning backdrop for the Christmas market.
Must try: Lübeck marzipan, hot rum
Worth Seeing: Maritime Christmas Market in Koberg, the historical mariners
Date: 26 November – 30 December 2022
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