5 Most Amazing Christmas Markets in Germany
Get into holiday mood with most amazing Christmas markets in Germany. With New Year and Christmas approaching, the country transforms into a magical winter wonderland. Adorned with twinkling lights, festive decorations and the mesmerizing aroma of mulled wine, you are sure to be captivated by its beauty that you will never want to leave.
If you are planning a festive getaway from UK, exploring the enchanting German Christmas markets is an absolute must. But before setting off on this enthralling journey, make sure you obtain your Germany Tourist Visa for a worry-free experience. Here are the 5 most charming Christmas markets that are worth visiting before or during Christmas. Packed with holiday cheer and brimming with mulled wine, the experience will surely be memorable for you.
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt: A Timeless Tradition
Nuremberg which is referred to as Christmas City, hosts one of the oldest and most renowned Christmas markets in Germany. The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt dates back to 16th century and boasts over 180 charming wooden stalls. You can taste the famous Nuremberg sausages and gingerbread cookies while enjoying the delightful festive atmosphere.
Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market: A Majestic Background
Set against the breathtaking background of Cologne Cathedral this market is going to give you a visual spectacle. It features over 150 stalls that offers everything from handmade crafts to delectable treats for you get the real Christmas in Germany feel. Don’t miss the chance to skate on the ice rink and enjoy panoramic views of the cathedral.
Munich’s Marienplatz Market: Bavarian Splendor
Munich’s Marienplatz is transformed into a sublime paradise during Christmas. It captures the essence of Bavarian culture with its traditional wooden stalls, festive lights and live music. Sip on some Glühwein (mulled wine) as you explore the handcrafted ornaments and Bavarian delicacies and enjoy your Christmas holidays to the fullest.
Dresden Striezelmarkt: Germany’s Oldest Christmas Market
For a touch of history, you may head to Dresden and see the oldest Christmas market dating back to 1434. Marvel at the stunning architecture of this beautiful city while savoring Dresden Stollen which is a famous Christmas cake. The tallest Christmas pyramid in the world, a must-see sight, is the main attraction of the market.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber: A Fairytale Christmas
Visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a mediaeval town with Christmas market that seems to be pulled straight out of a storybook. With its quaint mediaeval setting, horse-drawn carriage rides and an extensive selection of handcrafted goods, this wonderful market attracts a lot of tourists every year.
Visa Information
Before you plunge into the festive cheer apply for your Germany Schengen Visa to ensure a smooth journey. You will first have to schedule your Germany Visa Appointment London to begin your enchanting adventure and explore these magical Christmas markets. Make sure you check the latest visa requirements and processing times to avoid any delay in your travel plan.
Apart from the above mentioned markets to explore there are a lot of traditions and places to explore in Germany. Here are the top places to visit and famous tradition that you must know before going there:
1. Baking Traditional Cookies
One of the best German Christmas traditions is undoubtedly getting together with the loved ones and baking Lebkucken or traditional German Christmas biscuits. Preparing and getting their creative best with the cookies decorations is an age old custom which you must experience if you get a chance while in Germany. Speculoos, coconut macaroons, nut cookies and vanilla crescents are the most popular pastries and biscuits that you’ll see in almost all homes and shops in Germany during Christmas.
2. Cleaning Boots for Santa Claus
Santa Claus or St. Nicholas is said to visit homes on 6th December and German people put cleaned boots on their doorstep as a tradition to welcome the Santa. Particularly children take this tradition very seriously as they feel that Santa Claus will hide a few Christmas presents inside those boots and if not cleaned, there will be no gifts.
3. Attending Service in Church on Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve services are held in churches and chapels across Germany as Christmas is still a religious and sacred festival for many Germans. Attending one of these services at least once when you are already in Germany is highly recommended even if you are not religious. They are a treat to watch and also give you a true feel of traditional Christmas in Germany.
4. Giving Christmas Gifts
In Germany Christmas gifts are given by gathering around the Christmas tree in the evening of 24th December. They give each other gifts and unwrap under the Christmas tree only. Besides giving gifts children play instruments as well as sing poems sing poems and Christmas carol. This is a beautiful tradition where families do all the activities to enjoy jolly time together.
5. Enjoy Traditional Meal
In addition to present, this is what most German people look forward to during Christmas and New Year time. It’s a custom when people gather and indulge in a variety of treats. It is a tradition in which people gather and savour a variety of treats. Christmas food in Germany differs from region to region but the most typical dishes include sausages with Potato salad, roasted goose or duck with red cabbage and Potato dumplings and fondue.
These German Traditions and markets will surely entice you with several other activities to make your Christmas holidays truly a memorable experience.
Conclusion
Germany’s Christmas markets and traditions offer an exceptional and unique festive environment. Blending timeless traditions with vibrant holiday spirit, the country is undoubtedly going to make you feel mesmerized. From historic Nuremberg to the fairytale setting of Rothenburg, each market has its unique charm and each tradition has its unique story. Plan your trip, secure your Germany visa and get ready to create lasting memories.
FAQs
Q1. Is it cold in Germany at Christmas?
Ans1. Unlike Portugal Germany’s weather during Christmas is quite chilly. The average temperature you should expect is between 0-5 °C. You can also expect rains frequently and daylight for around 8 hours only.
Q2. Is Christmas a good time to visit Germany?
Ans2. With all the traditional wines, sausages, dazzling markets and wonderful traditions, Christmas is the best time to visit Germany.
Q3. What are some fun facts about Christmas in Germany?
Ans3. Here are some interesting facts about Christmas in Germany:
- In 2019 Germany made more than 150 million chocolate Santa Clause.
- Germans are huge fans of mulled wine and drink 50 million litres of it every year.
- In Germany, tonnes of printen and gingerbread cookies are produced every year.
- According to the tradition it is not Santa clause who brings presents but it is the baby Jesus.
- Germans spend an average of 281 EUR on Christmas presents every year.
- Erfurt hosts the most exquisite Christmas market in all of Germany and Nuremberg, the largest and most popular.
- In Germany, there are over 3000 Christmas markets that generate 5 billion euros in revenue annually, employ over190000 people, and host 80–90 million tourists from across the globe.
Q4. Does Germany have snow in December?
Ans4. You can expect snowfall in Munich and in other regions with high altitude like the central uplands and Alps.
Q5. How do you say Santa Claus in Germany?
Ans 5. Weihnachtsmann, is the generic term used to refer Santa Clause in German.
Q6. How can I get German visa appointment fast during Christmas?
Ans 6. If you want next week Germany visa appointment London during Christmas, the only way out it apply through https://www.germanyvisa.co.uk/. They are quite amazing in their job and can help you obtain the express appointment so that you can enjoy the holiday season in your favorite country.
Q7. Is it worth visiting Germany in winter?
Ans 7. Winters in Germany are a blend of heavy snowfall and subzero temperatures. But extremely beautiful as well with several different things to do including skiing and exploring local Christmas and New Year markets and traditions. Apart from this if you are looking for tranquility and mental peace, Germany has got you covered.
