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Germany Christmas Markets

: Christmas Market in Germany

During pre-Christmas season, a popular tradition in Germany is visiting Christmas markets. In fact, it is impossible to imagine Christmas without Christmas markets in Germany today.

Almost any town with more than a ten thousand inhabitants has their own Christmas market so take your chances and go there.

The markets usually open their doors at the very end of November with the start of the Advent season. There, you will find snack shops selling glühwein (German mulled wine), hot meals and sweet things as well as stores for kitsch and souvenirs. Also children love Christmas markets as there are usually merry-go-rounds and other fun stuff available.

Christmas markets are normally held somewhere in the center of the town like the local market place or inside the old town, depending on the city. Historically, they were found to provide the citizens warm clothing and other needs for winter season.

It developed into a German tradition which became very popular with the German population and also outside of Germany. Especially the big Christmas markets in cities like Nuremberg, Dresden and Munich gained a lot of fame. They attract millions of visitors from all over the world. Below, you will find a short description of these markets.

Christmas Market Nuremberg

The so called Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg is probably the most famous Christmas market in Germany. It takes place at the Nuremberg Old Town and has over two million visitors from all over the world each year.

Christmas Market Dresden

In Dresden, the so called Striezelmarkt is not only one of Germany’s biggest Christmas markets, it is also Germany’s oldest. First mentioned in 1434, the Striezelmarkt is a living legend with over 250 stands and little shops caring for your appetite and entertainment.

Christmas Market Cologne

Right at the Cologne Cathedral you will find one of the biggest Christmas markets. Over five million visitors come to Cologne to see this event. Shops of skilled craftsmen, local delicacies and tasty glühwein care for Christmas atmosphere.