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Germans love Christmas markets. And why wouldn’t they? Usually located in the city center, Christmas markets bring families and friends together over sweet and savory delicacies like sausages, German gingerbread “Lebkuchen” and mulled wine “Glühwein.” Live music and wooden huts selling crafty goods, decorations, winter clothes and kitchen utensils complement the program that people come to see from all over the world. Every single town, no matter how small, has one. Most village markets only open for one Advent weekend so make sure to check your local postings beforehand but larger markets often last for the entire month and some even stay open until the New Year.
Some of our favourites in the KMC area:
Alzey
(Nov. 17 – Dec. 24,
Dec. 27 – 30)
Otterberg
(Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 10, 17)
Mannheim
(Nov. 29 – Dec. 23)
Saarbrücken
(Nov. 27 – Dec. 23)
Landstuhl
(Dec. 2 – 3)
Zweibrücken
(Dec. 6 – 10, 15 – 17)
Kirchheimbolanden
(Dec. 8 – 10)
Ramstein
(Dec. 8 – 10)
And some of the most spectacular ones across the country: So enchanting that not even the Grinch’s two-sizes-too-small heart could stand a chance. If you intend on making a weekend out of it, make sure to plan ahead and book your hotel in advance.
Dresden
(Nov. 24 – Dec. 22) dating back to 1434, the Striezelmarkt is one of the oldest markets in Germany and has perfected the art of holiday cheer.
Heidelberg
(Nov. 27 – Dec. 22) five beautiful market squares host this festival for all senses, which includes a view of the illuminated castle.
Munich (Nov. 27 – Dec. 23) go back in time with this medieval market on Wittelsbacherplatz and sip your mulled wine amongst knights, kings, jugglers and damsels.
Rothenburg
ob der Tauber
(Dec. 1 – Dec. 23) whose medieval architecture adds a unique charm to the experience. The world’s largest Christmas store, Käthe Wohlfahrt, is also located here.
Ravennaschlucht
(Dec. 1 – 23, only open from Friday to Sunday) is set up in a romantic gorge, surrounded by snow-covered mountains and dipped in fairylights.
Nuremberg
(Dec. 1 – Dec. 24) famous for its gingerbread and “Prune People.”
