Christmas markets
Photo: Ansgar Koreng, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
A Christmas market is a street market associated with the celebration of Christmas during the four weeks of Advent. These markets originated in Germany, but are now held in many other countries.
UnderstandThe history of Christmas markets goes back to the Late Middle Ages in the German-speaking part of Europe and in many parts of the former Holy Roman Empire that include many areas which are now in the east of France and…
BuyChristmas tree decorations. Wooden toys. Hand crafted candles and perhaps some cold-weather clothing. Jams, preserves, chocolate, sweets, baked goods.
EatChristmas markets in Germany generally have booths selling different kinds of Wurst (sausages) and sweets.
DrinkAs the cups are often lavishly decorated and bear some sort of name or memory of the Christmas market, expect to pay a deposit (or "Pfand") of at least €5 in Germany. Often cups can be bought as well.
DoTemporary ice rinks with skates available for hire are becoming more and more common in Christmas markets throughout Germany.
Stay safeAs these events are crowded and you tend to be squeezing past and being knocked by other people on a regular basis, Christmas markets tend to be active places for pickpockets.
Cities known for Christmas marketsWith very few exceptions all Christmas markets in major cities are open until the morning hours of December 24. The first day they open is usually on the last November weekend or one of the first days in December.
See also
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Christmas markets" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Ansgar Koreng, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons