A Guide to German Christmas Markets

If you want this years Christmas to be really festive and filled with jolly spirits for the whole season – why not take a trip around the amazing and wonderful Christmas markets of Germany?

Every thing from roasting chestnuts and spicy mulled wine to hundreds of stalls for you to browse around displaying the best in German local craftsmanship. You’ll be mingling amongst horse drawn carriages and the sound of Christmas carolers everywhere you go. Its like stepping back in time, into your very own version of ‘A Christmas Carole’.

Berlin Christmas Market

Below are some of the best places in Germany to get a real taste of their legendary Christmas markets.

Berlin

Of course the nation’s capital is going to have some of the top Christmas markets, that goes without saying.  But although Berlin does not have the biggest ones, people often remark on how traditional they have kept their markets here.

You’ll find yourself meandering through a labyrinth of tiny, holly trimmed alley ways all crammed with hundreds of food, drink and craft item stalls. Also you have the chance to see all the amazing war monuments and memorials all around Berlin, whilst on a break here. The Opera here, is also a simply must for anyone wanting a real bite into German culture with many Christmas themed performances on from start of of October to really get you in the mood for the festivities.

Nuremberg

Nuremberg is home to some of the biggest Christmas markets in Germany and even Europe, so you’ve little chance of getting bored whilst browsing around here!

Nuremberg Christmas markets have thousands of stalls selling the best of Germany’s local produce and wines. You’ll also be able to buy hand carved Christmas decorations, knitted clothes, beautiful ornaments and special handmade toys for special presents for loved ones back home. Such things you won’t be able to find back in the UK, so at least you know you won’t be giving someone a present they’ve already got.

Don’t worry if you need a rest from shopping, Nuremberg has a wonderful variety of live music acts around the Christmas peroid ranging from traditional German folk songs to more modern day twists. Grab one of the famous litre glasses of beer and let your spirits get merry!

Dusseldorf

As well as having the vast array of traditional craft and food stalls, Dusseldorf Christmas markets also have a lot of other fun things to do – good news for people who don’t want to be just shopping all day with mum!

As well as a huge ice rink, you also have a great fair ground here with all manner of fun rides to keep the children entertained all day. You can also catch all the leading German choirs here singing a range of traditional caroles, whilst you warm up with some mulled wine or hot chocolate.

If you want a break from the old routine this Christmas and want to grab a few unique stocking fillers and presents – treat yourself to a well deserved break to one of the most chrismassy places on earth. Although Christmas is one of the best times of year, it can also be one of the most stressful.  Don’t let things get on top of you and always remind yourself of what Christmas is really about. A few days around the Christmas markets of Germany, would have Scrooge himself cracking a smile so get on a plane already!

Image courtesy of Flickr tsteenbergen