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.

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