Yeah, readers…!!!
Finally, Christmas is back, and so is the festive ambiance!
Like every year, Christmas markets started popping up in every corner of Germany, signaling the festive season. Christmas markets in Germany started centuries ago when the regular markets started transforming. During that time, the cold season becomes a bit cheerful for the villagers as well as visitors. Goods are sold everywhere on the streets for a few days. These winter markets give chance to people to have memorable gatherings, enjoy food, and feel the pleasant weather.
But what’s the history of these Christmas markets, and what makes them so popular? In this blog, we will be discussing this to help you know the Christmas celebration in Germany better. And yes, not just this; we have also covered how you can be there easily by getting a Germany visa appointment. So, keep reading!!!
Origin of German Christmas Markets
Although pointing out the date of origin or German Christmas markets and telling the date of the first market is a bit tricky, there are several stories.
Vienna, Austria, held its first “December market” in 1298, which inspired other areas too. The markets have their roots in the medieval era of the 15th century. Dresden is believed to have the oldest one dating back to 1434.
These markets were not related to Christmas directly, but they have impacted this tradition and took place at Christmastime. During the earlier centuries, churches used to hold such markets, and winter markets were the best & biggest. Here local artisans use to sell the foods and goods. With time these markets grew and became popular throughout 17h and 18th centuries. So, make sure to visit the Best Christmas markets in Germany and see the difference!
Christmas markets became popular during the reign of Martin Luther when new customs started for Christmas celebrations. Before the 1530s, there was a tradition of giving gifts on December 6, the Saint Day for St. Nicholas, or St. Martin Day, November 11. In 1531, Martin Luther wanted to remove the focus of the public from these Saints. Hence, instead of getting gifts from St. Nicholas, Luther’s children got presents from Christkindl or Christ’s child on 24th December. This idea spread throughout the whole country, and these markets were regarded as Christkindlmarkts (Christ Child Markets).
The oldest Christmas market in Germany was in Dresden. And still, many of the Christmas Markets in Germany 2024 are watched over by Christkind…
This tradition of Christmas markets is unique, traditional, and captivating which level up the festive vibes and captivates visitors from every corner of the world.
The Christmas markets emerged in the 1930s when the Nazi rule. Nazis wished to transform the religious holiday into heritage & traditions. Apart from rewriting carols and filling calendars, they tried to relocate these enchanting Christmas markets to the city’s center as per the national agenda. They also raised the standard of stall decorations and focused on German-made products.
These changes were not just ethical but also economically profitable. During the period of the Great Depression, Nazi leaders had a strong belief that promoting these domestic goods would elevate the economy and raise national spirit among citizens. Their plan was successful too revamping these markets. This was proved in the Berlin Christmas market, which made a record of welcoming 1.5 million visitors in 1934.
Although these Best Christmas Markets and Festive Activities were halted during the war, they were restarted later and became Christmas tourist attractions by the 1980s. This way, these markets started popping up in other countries as well. Hence, German markets have become a cultural place and attraction, captivating masses of visitors from other countries every year.
If you are willing to take a Christmas market adventure, then Aachen and Cologne in northwestern Germany are perfect to visit. Aachen’s historic town is the perfect space for enjoying a lively Christmas market. 120 stalls were used to set up in two historical sites of Aachen. The Aachen Christmas market is an amazing German tradition. Here you can try some Aachener Printen and sip hot chocolate. This market buzzes with people and is full of activities. If you are willing to visit the biggest Christmas markets in Germany, try to be there on weekdays when crow is less.
Apart from having a good time in Aachen, you can head to Cologne, which is counted among the best Christmas markets in Germany. This city is home to not only a single market but several, and each of them has distinctive features. The most famous one is the Weihnachtsmarkt, which is located in the cathedral. This classic market set up red-roofed wooden stalls decorated with lights. Featuring a giant Christmas tree, this place also offers musical performances adding festive vibes.
The largest market in Cologne is the Heinzels Wintermärchen. Organized in two large squares, this market features a wide skating rink and has a woodland theme. The mascot of this market is Heinzelmännchen, a mythical gnome. According to beliefs, these house gnomes used to do all the work of citizens while they slept. The story says that one night, the tailor’s wife planned to catch these gnomes. So she scattered peas on the floor, which caused gnomes to slip and fall at night. Angered, the gnomes went away and never came back, leaving Cologne’s people to do all the work themselves.
Cologne’s Angel market has white stalls adorned with glittering stars giving a dreamy vibes. There you will catch sight of unique things, cathedral-shaped waffles, and hand-made goods, which makes this one of the most visited Christmas markets in Germany.
There are so many Christmas markets in Germany, but “WeihnachtsZauber Gendarmenmarkt” is one of the best. Located in the backdrop of Berlin’s charming beauty, this market is being held on the Bebelplatz. If you like handicrafts, then here you can grab the aesthetic goods with wood carvings, and metalwork’s. The Christmas market at Charlottenburg Palace seems really romantic, where you can catch sight of palace grounds, white pagoda tents, and Christmas pyramids. Undoubtedly there are a lot of things to do in this market.
The fairy lights, stars, and glittering Christmas trees everywhere seem mesmerizing in the Cottbus Christmas market. You will find uniquely decorated stalls here where Mulled wine and handicrafts are offered. While visiting here, you will see a glimpse of Hernhut stars throughout the city, and there is a huge festive sea of lights turning this city into a paradise.
You can enjoy traditional sweets and savory treats here. Last but not least, there is a large Christmas pyramid which is a must-see attraction. Fascinating, right?
*** Apart from these above Christmas markets in Germany, there are several other markets as well which are widely liked by visitors, such as the Bremen Christmas market, Hamburg historic Christmas market, Christmas town of Luneburg, Frankfurt’s Christmas market, Trier Christmas market, Saarbrucken Christmas market, etc.
Germany is one of the most visited destinations during Christmas, as it has a long traditional history and adds a different charm to this festive season. The most attractive part of this festive period is Christma markets which pop up in every city in Germany. Here are the confirmed dates of these markets to help you plan your visit accuartely.
Cologne – 18th November to 23rd December 2024
Dresden – 27th November to 24th December 2024
Nuremberg – 29th November to 24th December 2024
Munich – 25th November to 24th December 2024
Rothenburg – 29th November to 23rd December 2024
Heidelberg – 25th November to 22nd December 2024
Berlin – 25th November to 31st December 2024
Frankfurt – 25th November to 22nd December 2024
In conclusion, Christmas is a great time to enjoy the festive vibes. A period when Christmas carols are playing, wine is in the air, the shining colorful stars and their is the fragrance of flavors everywhere.
If you wish to dive into this festive atmosphere, then Germany is a great place, especially Christmas markets. Whether classic or modern, these cozy Christmas markets in Germany are pretty and perfect. And that;’s the reason we have listed the best ones to help our readers know about these markets and why they are must visit.
In case you are stuck with initiating your Germany Schengen visa, SCHENGEN TRAVEL GUIDE is here, streamlining all your visa requirements and making your Christmas trip hassle-free. Apply with us and feel free….
Wishing you a merry Christmas and a joyful one!!!
Most of the German Christmas markets are free to visit. And sometimes there can be minimal century charges.
Yes. Undoubtedly German Christmas markets are worth a visit in the festive season. This is really the best way to dive into the holiday spirit, try new food, buy aesthetic hand-made items, and explore decorations.
Yes. During the festive season of Christmas, be prepared to see huge crowds. If you want to explore in a relaxed atmosphere, then visit in the morning periods.
You can easily apply for a Germany visa from the UK online through the fastest and easiest process by clicking APPLY NOW. After successful form filling, experts of SCHENGEN TRAVEL GUIDE will schedule your visa appointment. Sort & easy, right?
