Planning a Christmassy break to Europe? Whether you fancy a medieval meander in Guteneck or a taste of tradition in Munich, Germany really does provide all kinds of festive wonder. Danielle Wilcock provides you with her complete guide to the best German Christmas markets.
Aachen
Each winter, the grounds in front of the flood-lit Aachen Cathedral and the Town Hall are transformed into an authentic bustling Christmas village.
There are award-winning clusters of wooden chalets, ample mulled wine and German sausage stalls aplenty.
Crowds are drawn from far and wide and having visited the markets myself, I can vouch for the beauty of this market event, having visited some years ago.
The antiquated houses that line the market ground and the many traditional food outlets only enhance the traditional Christmas feel of the place.
Munich
There are various markets in Munich on the run-up to Christmas, but as advent descends and the Christmas market calendar kicks off there’s one I highly recommend visiting; Münchner Christkindlmarkt held in the Marienplatz Market.
This is Munich’s main and extremely traditional market. It stretches all the way up the central shopping street to Richard Strauss Fountain.
Visitors can expect to be greeted with a Bavarian extravaganza; there are ample hand-painted glass balls and home-brewed Bavarian beer on tap.
Visiting this market was a delight, it truly is a feast for the eyes.
There are some 2500 candles that line the rows of chalets, and the entire market is lit up by the huge, ornately decorated Christmas tree right in the centre of the square.
In addition to all the usual Christmas market accoutrements, each evening there is live music and carols that are played on the balcony of the town hall.
Hamburg
Of all the German Christmas markets, Hamburg’s historic Rathausmarkt is nothing short of extraordinary.
The market is situated in the city’s biggest market square right at the historic town hall’s feet.
Besides the usual attractions of the handmade arts and crafts and the delicious German Christmas treats, you can find a whole toy street with a miniature toy train that makes way around a track right above your head.
One of the most remarkable features of the market is the flying Father Christmas, who appears three times daily, above the market square.
He ho-ho-hos and tells festive tales, which proves a real hit with the children.
Another highlight are the little elves, reindeers and Christmas angels that make their way through the city streets, delighting all visitors.
Stuttgart
The markets held in Stuttgart are widely known for their beauty and festive appeal.
With more than 300 ornately decorated stalls, all set among a backdrop of the New Castle, Old Castle and Collegiate Church, this market is hotly awaited each year by locals and tourists alike. Not far from the market you can find the highly entertaining and eclectic Esslingen Medieval Market.
Visitors get a sense of the Middle Ages as costume-clad stilt-walkers and famous European performers take to the streets.
Be sure to expect spine-tingling performances and watch out for the quirky pranksters that appear among the crowds.
Guteneck
Hosted in the grounds of the Schloss castle, the Guteneck Christmas market is centralised on the medieval Middle Ages.
There are strings of lights wrapped round the 100-year-old trees and roaring fires to keep you warm and cosy among the festivities.
Clowns and jugglers roam through the stalls and farm animals can be found in pens for all to admire and pet.
You must plan ahead of your visit as this particular market isn’t open all week.
It’s only open on weekends throughout November and December, but each weekend offers something different.
There are medieval shows and events from falconry to fire-dancing and there are even camel rides.
A variety of music can be enjoyed throughout the festivities, including brass bands, singers and concerts in the barn.
The aroma of mulled wine, sauerkraut and fried doughnuts fill the air; it’s a feast for the senses that’s for sure.
Berlin
Unlike many other cities, Berlin’s Christmas markets are dotted all over the place with a great variety to choose from.
Berlin’s most famous markets are located in Alexanderplatz, Weihnachtszauber and Weihnachtsmarkt am Gedächtniskirche.
Each has very stalls and its own unique character.
You would have to flit between them all to establish your favourite but I would recommend seeking out the Alexanderplatz if you don’t want to venture too far out of the city centre.
Located right in the heart of Berlin this market is a fantastic mix of market, fairground and party, it’s especially great if travelling with children.
No matter which Berlin market you visit, at all you can expect hundreds of festive wooden stalls, ice skating, drinks a plenty and some festive listen to Christmas carols.
For me, it’s the food that serve the greatest purpose, you can truly eat to your heart’s content.
Whether its schnitzels, roasted chestnuts or delicious bratwursts in fresh crisp homemade rolls, there really is something for everyone.
