Whether you like it or not, Christmas isn’t far way. There’s still plenty of time to get in the Christmas spirit, finalise plans, get presents organised, and drink lots of mulled wine. And there’s more good news! You can do all these things at a good Christmas Market, and when it comes down to it, the best Christmas Markets are German.
Whilst Christmas Markets aren’t new to the UK, the concept of a German Market has become increasingly popular over the last few years and they’re now held in most cities around the UK. But they always seem to lack something, a certain was auch immer, what on earth can we do about it?
Well a true German Christmas Market experience means a trip to Germany and we’ve sussed out the best German Christmas Markets for you so you can just book your flights. (If you’d rather go somewhere warm, check out Madeira)
Berlin Christmas Market
1. Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market
When: November 23rd – December 26th
Far and away the finest Christmas Market in Berlin, the Royal backdrop of the Charlottenberg Palace provides the perfect contrast to the Winter Forest. Stunning illuminations bathe the Palace and Market in a variety of colours and add to the romantic setting.
Photo by: Markus Dick/Fotolia
Choose between hot chestnuts, crepes or Hungarian langos as you browse the stalls and treats or listen to the musicians and concerts.
Hamburg Christmas Markets
2. Winterwald in Hamburg
When: November 24th – December 30th
This is THE market to visit in Hamburg, it’s found in the main shopping area and involves creating a winter forest and filling the large square at Gerhart Hauptmann Platz with the best stalls. The atmosphere is definitely wintery and strolling around with a glass of Glühwein (mit Schuss for an extra kick!) is almost compulsory. The centrepiece in Mönckebergstraße is a 12m high Christmas tree covered in thousands of lights
3. City Hall Weihnachtsmarkt
When: November 23rd – December 23rd
Photo by: M.-Johannsen/Fotolia
The City Hall Weihnachtsmarkt is found in front of the Rathaus and is probably the most visible Christmas Market in Hamburg. It may only have been running for 12 years but it’s built up a loyal following and now boasts over 80 suppliers and merchants. Stalls are arranged by category so you can head straight to the relevant area which does remove some of the “ooooo what’s next?” appeal but you can’t have everything.
4. Stuttgart Christmas Market
When: November 25th – December 23rd
One of the oldest Christmas Markets in Europe, the Stuttgart Market is also one of the largest. Over 280 stalls are to be found here and the attractions add to the appeal. The illuminations are stunning whilst the Renaissance courtyard of the Old Palace plays host to a number of concerts. The Palace Square is, like in Hamburg, converted into a Winter Wonderland which really adds to the festive spirit.
Photo by: Alexander Marquardt/Fotolia
5. Freiburg Christmas Market
When: November 23rd – December 23rd
The capital of the Black Forest, Freiburg and the surrounding countryside is a great place to visit at any time of year. Christmas however really sees the city step its hospitality up a gear. The Minster provides a stunning backdrop to both traditional and modern stalls. Wander through the streets and choose between roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, smoked sausages, and glühwein. Or just have them all… Freiburg really does offer a fairy tale winter experience and is well worth the visit.
Photo by: danielschoenen/Fotolia
6. Dortmund Christmas Market
When: November 19th – December 30th
One of the largest markets in Europe brings you the tallest Christmas tree in the world. Every year, the Hansaplatz sees a 45 metre high tree constructed from over 1,700 smaller trees rise up from the ground. The result is amazing and shows the world just how seriously Dortmund takes Christmas. As if a 45m tree wasn’t enough, they put up over 48,000 lights to illuminate the 300 stalls below. The market attracts suppliers from around Europe, not just Dortmund so you really will experience a variety of Christmas cultures.
Cologne Christmas Markets
When: November 23rd – December 23rd
How many Markets do you think Cologne has? Go on humour me… 3? 4? 5?
Cologne plays host to 7 Christmas Markets. SEVEN. In a city with a population of 1 million.
7. Neumarkt Christmas Market
The Neumarkt Christmas Market is the oldest in the city and is found in Cologne’s main shopping area next to St. Aposteln’s Church. Offering high end stalls and a “stars at night” theme, Neumarkt should be your first port of call.
8. Rudolfplatz Christmas Market
Next, head to Rudolfplatz where you’ll find fairy tale figures and illuminations of the sort that bring the Brothers Grimm masterpieces to mind. This is a great market for kids and is a great way to break the shopping.
9. Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market
From here head over to the Cathedral, where you’ll find almost 200 stalls and the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland whilst the imposing backdrop of the Cathedral serves to remind what Christmas is really about.
Photo by: Ramses/Fotolia
10. Alter Markt Christmas Market
Of the “Big 4”, the last main market is to be found at Alter Markt. The narrow, gabled houses offer the most romantic Christmas experience and you almost expect to see characters from Dickens serving you.
Christmas Markets in the UK
As I said earlier, most cities in the UK now have a Christmas Market and they’re becoming more and more popular. If you can, make sure you visit the following British Christmas Markets:
- Cirencester
- Exeter
- Edinburgh
- Nottingham
- Glasgow
- Leeds
- Lincoln
If you can recommend any others, be sure to let us know below. Also, be sure to sign up to our newsletter below and follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest travel tips and news.
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