Europe’s Christmas markets are a fantastic way to get in the festive spirit, and nowhere does it better than Germany.
The country where they first originated continues to devote an incredible amount of time and effort to making its markets as spectacular as possible.
It seems like every city and town up and down the European nation has its own version, from the myriad locations offered in Berlin to the rustic charm of Bavaria’s many markets.
Mulled wine, bratwurst and a range of regional delicacies from destinations including Erfut will keep you warm and full, while the arts, crafts and gifts on sale in cities like Dresden provide opportunities to buy presents for all the family. To top it all off, the markets often have striking backdrops, from the viaduct at Ravenna Gorge to Cologne’s famed cathedral.
If the thought of gluhwein and gingerbread is enough to tempt you into a festive trip to Germany, read on – we’ve collated a list of the country’s best Christmas markets.
Berlin
The first of Berlin’s Christmas markets reportedly dates back to 1530
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The capital may not have the best markets in the country, but it certainly has the most. There are around 80 market locations in Berlin, ranging from smaller, more intimate collections of stalls to the largest market in town, a vast – yet still cosy – collection of stalls that combines great food with plenty of gift options in the western suburb of Spandau.
Potsdamer Platz hosts a winter village of various activities as well as market stalls, while the centrally located Gendarmenmarkt puts on a traditionally styled market and Alexanderplatz is home to a funfair-type market with a few touches of the medieval. Several locations boast over 100 stalls, and with individual markets in many of the city’s neighbourhoods, just follow the smell of mulled wine and gingerbread to discover one.
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Nuremberg
Nuremberg is the second largest city in Bavaria
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Nuremberg goes big on Christmas markets, with a focus on variety and markets that cater to different groups (something that is not always seen across Europe). The Sister Cities market is a unique example, where over 20 stalls sell produce from Nuremberg’s sister cities, including Nice, Antalya and Krakow. Another is the Children’s Market (known as the Kinderweihnacht), where…
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