Whatever city of Germany you go before Christmas, be sure to visit the Christmas market, at least one. Without a walk through the Christmas markets, you simply won’t have a complete impression of Germany!
Christmas Market in Nuremberg, photo by Rick
Nuremberg
The Germans believe that the country's best Christmas market is located in Nürnberg. The Nuremberg Schristkindlesmarkt is the most colorful fair in all of Germany. Here every year a Christmas nativity scene is set up and there are no number of Christmas trees. Santa Claus is here!
The spirit of the holiday reigns in Germany before Advent. Only at this time the Germans drink burning mulled wine and make wishes. Mulled wine (in German - Glühwein) is sold ready-made in stores - just warm it up.
Weimar
Christmas market in Weimar, photo manni0656
Weihnachtsmarkt in Weimar boasts the best mulled wine. Here it is cooked according to old Thuringian recipes, which have been kept in secret for a long time. At Christmas markets, they not only drink drinks - they always eat there! Traditional potato pancakes are served here - but they are usually served with apple sauce.
Lubeck
At the Christmas Market in Lübeck, photo by Friedhelm A. Brinkmann
The best marzipan gingerbread can be bought at the fair in Lübeck (Lübecker Weihnachtsmarkt). Nowhere else will you find such a marzipan - Lübeck bakers know a special recipe!
Koln
Christmas market in Cologne, photo by Nikolaus von Myra
The funniest Christmas market is held in Cologne (Weihnachtsmarktes am Kölner Dom) - at the Cologne Cathedral. Cologne residents know a lot about holiday celebrations and real fun!
Frankfurt am Main
Christmas Market in Frankfurt, Photo by Markus Pavlowsky
The Christmas market in Frankfurt is amazing. Bright trading houses of the Frankfurter Weihnachtsmarkt market look impressive against the background of skyscrapers in the German financial capital (there are more than three hundred banks in Frankfurt!). It's nice to drink a mug of mulled wine directly opposite the sparkling monolithic glass walls of the office of the European Bank. At the fair, they drink and eat on the go - you will not see tables and chairs here.
In German metropolitan areas, Christmas markets are held both in the center and in each district. The holiday should be accessible to everyone!
Munich
Christmas Market in Munich, photo by Andy Farmer
There are two large markets in Munich (München): Marienplatz and Theresienwiese (where the Oktoberfest is held). In addition to the usual set of Christmas goods, you can also find works by original artists.
Hamburg
Hamburg Christmas Market by Michael
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The classic Christmas market in Hamburg opens annually at the Rathausmarkt (near the town hall). The Sankt Paillu area is famous for its unusual market. There, near Reeperbahn Street - the well-known "mile of sin" - there are special, secret corners. Entrance is allowed only for adults.
Read about Christmas markets in Germany and their opening hours here.