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Visit Germany > The magic of a traditional German Christmas markets
The magic of a traditional German Christmas is casting more and more visitors under its spell every year. Historic Christmas Markets, held in cities, towns and villages throughout the country, are becoming increasingly popular, due, no doubt, to the enchanting Festive Season atmosphere they evoke.
The Christmas fairs and markets of Germany are unique. If you're tired of commercialism taking over this holiday period and would like to get right away for a real traditional Christmas you might consider heading to Germany where gifts are not mass-produced but craftwork of real quality.
Here you can buy all kinds of Christmas merchandise and gifts, especially traditional things such as crib figurines, toys, wood carvings, marionettes, candles and lambskin shoes. Many are difficult to resist - as will be the glass of delicious mulled wine you are offered and the baked apples that are very welcome on crisp winter days.
The ambience is further enhanced by the aromas of hot chestnuts, grilled sausages and other tasty snacks. Youngsters especially will be attracted to the gingerbread biscuits known as Lebkuchen, marzipan figures and other sweets.
With so many Christmas Markets through out Germany the most difficult decision to make is indeed where to go. The best solution is to sample at least two markets preferably a city for some serious shopping and a small town or village if you are looking for something a little bit more romantic.
Most Christmas Markets start in the last week of November and run through to Christmas Eve or a day or two before. They are usually open every day from 10am to about 8 or 9 pm.
As Christmas approaches, Ulm Cathedral - which has the tallest church spire in the world - becomes the focal point for Ulm's atmospheric Christmas market.
More than 100 festively decorated booths, a glass workshop and a sheepfold with live animals really set the Christmas mood.
Christmas for music lovers concerts and organ recitals take place in the cathedral every day at 5pm.
On a trip by horse-drawn carriage from Karlsruhe's city centre to Durlach, you'll discover a fairy tale Christmas town.
Highlights include the traditional Karlsruhe Christmas Market which is centred around the Christmas pyramid on the main market square.
On the Friedrichsplatz there is ice-skating on festively lit surroundings.
The Karlsruhe Medieval Christmas Market is located at the imperial palace of Karlsburg its highlight is a lovingly designed fairytale forest with hundreds of beautiful silhouette figures.
Freiburg is located on the edge of the Black Forest and forms the centre of one of Germany’s most attractive holiday regions.
The city’s most famous monument is its magnificent cathedral, a masterpiece of medieval architecture. Around the cathedral, the Old Town enchants with its colourful market place and a wealth of impressive historical buildings dating back to various periods. Tradition and modernity coexist in pleasant harmony.
Freiburg's Christmas market, on the Rathausplatz and in Franziskanerstrasse, is located in the very heart of Freiburg's beautiful historical quarter.
The Freiburg Christmas Market offers visitors a wide range of traditional arts and crafts from the Black Forest, including straw shoes and colourful wooden toys. The highlight being the candle workshop where visitors can watch real beewax candles being made to order.
Heidelberg's Christmas market extends over no fewer than five squares: Kornmarkt, Marktplatz, Universitätsplatz, Anatomiegarten and Bismarckplatz.
It is great for a leisurely browse and has stunning views of the castle and the old quarter with its beautiful Christmas decorations. A wide array of crafts and tasty regional delicacies all add to the Christmas spirit in the historic town of Heidelberg.
A new attraction at the Heidelberg Christmas market is “Christmas on Ice” situated on Karlsplatz.
With a spectacular view of the Castle and surrounded by trees glistening with hundreds of stars, residents and guests can skate round the open-air ice rink to the accompaniment of Christmas music.
Another premiere and fascinating experience will be the Art-Advent Calendar at Heidelberg Castle, which has already decorated the Vienna City Hall and will be seen, for the very first time in Germany, here in Heidelberg.
From 1st to 24th December, the windows of the English building serve as a multidimensional advent calendar from behind which the works of prominent personalities will appear. From original works, backlit duplicates are produced and tailor-made to be integrated into the facade of the Heidelberg Castle.
Top photo : Heidelberg Marketing GmbH
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