Germany is often said to be the birthplace of the Christmas market, and some of their markets including Dresden and Nuremberg have indeed been noted to have been amongst the oldest operating annual festivals, as early as the 13th century. Many of these markets started as trade markets - in 1296, Duke Albrecht I authorized 14-day fairs in December in the neighbouring country of Vienna to allow civilians to stock up on supplies for the winter months – this ‘Dezembermarkt’ is generally taken to be a predecessor of the first Christmas market in Germany.
Visiting these festive gatherings is like stepping into a scene from a holiday fairytale. From decked-out wooden stalls with local fare and crafts on show to warm Glühwein (Germany’s answer to mulled wine), Christmas markets are the perfect way to get in the festive spirit and experience a different side of Europe than their illustrious summers and beaches.
While there are hundreds of Christmas markets, it is important to keep in mind that many markets run until the 23rd and that Christmas Eve and Day might be a different question in terms of having things to do. Speak to one of Conte's luxury travel advisors to consider the timelines and itinerary structure of your Christmas trip to Germany.
The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt: The Best for History
One of the world's oldest and most famous Christmas markets, Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt (translated as “Christ – children – market”) is a must-visit for its traditional fare and medieval backdrop - it truly is one of the Christmas Markets Germany is best known for. The market dates back to no later than 1628 and has been popular for visiting guests for centuries.
One of its standout features is the Nuremberg Christkind, or “Christ child” - a young woman usually dressed in white and gold, with wing-like sleeves and a golden crown – who usually opens the market each year with a speech from the balcony of the Frauenkirche church. Since 1969 Christkind has been elected from a selection of local girls between 16 and 19 years of age, although in past times it would have been a role played by an actress.
Whilst most markets are home to the traditional wooden stalls selling handmade ornaments and toys – each has something unique and local to offer. In Nuremberg, you might find yourself tempted to try their delightful lebkuchen (gingerbread), or famed Bratwurst. Nuremberg Rostbratwurst (grilled sausages) are famous for their smaller size and punchy flavour; when prepared the traditional way, they are grilled on an open beech wood fire and take on a robust smoke-like note. When at the markets, you’ll find them available at many stalls. Be sure to order them the Franconian way: “Drei im Weggla” – “Three in a bun” for a truly authentic experience.
If travelling from the U.S., Conte would recommend looking into a multi-stop trip. Flying into Berlin could allow for some cultural time in the capital city, which is steeped in history and contemporary art as well as numerous fine dining opportunities. After that, a short private charter to Munich provides a much-needed opportunity to explore both Nuremberg and Munich's Christmas Markets. For a final touch of relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the markets, make a quick pitstop in the Swiss Alps for winter European skiing and activities in the most luxurious of five-star accommodations.
Dresden Striezelmarkt: Germany’s Oldest Christmas Market
Dating back to 1434, Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is thought to be Germany’s oldest Christmas market and is a hot spot for holiday traditions and local pride – and it shows even from its unique name. In the 15th century, the “striezel” or “stollen”, a type of Christmas bread, became a significant part of the market's tradition and identity. Records show that the bread quickly became a gift of goodwill, with the city council providing Striezel or Stollen to the poor and sick. By the turn of the 16th century, the market became known as "Striezelmontag" or "Stollen Monday" because it took place on the Monday preceding Christmas.
The “Dresdner Christstollen” is still a significant draw for the market and is a popular local delicacy you will find in the stalls. Now more widely understood to mean a fruit bread with candied fruits, marzipan and spices, it is a popular treat to have in the festive period. Alongside sweet delicacies such as Kräppelchen (mini doughnuts coated in powdered sugar), be sure to try the local Sächsische Kartoffelsuppe (potato soup) and Käsespätzle (noodles with a variety of cheese toppings and onions).
Aside from the culinary delights, Dresden’s Baroque architecture provides a picture-perfect backdrop for the market which has numerous other highlights. Those particularly notable include the rotating wooden Christmas pyramid, now in the Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest in the world at 48 feet. Similarly, the Ferris wheel adds a fun illumination and activity. Wooden decorations, toys and the famed Pflaumentoffel (“prune people”) – small figurines made out of dried prunes – are key souvenirs and traditional crafts to keep an eye out for.
Cologne Christmas Market: The Most Modern & Varied
Although Cologne’s market is younger than the other two mentioned, having been opened in 1820, it has quickly caught up to become an equally well-known and popular Christmas Market in Germany. The market is set in front of the city’s imposing Gothic cathedral, offering one of the most dramatic Christmas market settings in Europe. In fact – it would be slightly incorrect to describe it as a singular Christmas Market, as there are seven distinct markets in this impressive city alone. This is not unusual – Dresden has previously been known to have as many as ten (although varying in size considerably), and Nuremberg has approximately seven each year.
The Weihnachtsmarkt am Dom market, sitting right underneath the cathedral’s spires with its iconic, red-roofed stalls, is the best market for food and gift shopping with over 120 stalls present. Heinzel’s Wintermarchen has more of a traditional feel, with its main highlights being the ice rink for those keen to ice skate, and the large beer hall for those less inclined. The kölsch beer, originating in Cologne, is worth trying as a local speciality. Ensure to keep an eye out for the traditional woodcarvings and other arts stalls during the day but enjoy the festive spirit and gluhwein in the illuminated evening lights.
The most picturesque of the markets, Nicholas Village is set like a fairytale alpine village, with popular food stalls serving locals' favourites such as reibekuchen (crispy potato pancakes). The Angels’ and Harbor markets win honourable mentions, and the Stadtgarden Christmas Market is notably the most popular with locals but is slightly more tucked away from the tourist centre of the city.
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