Even the wait for Christmas
is a time to treasure
Lights glow in the town square, and decorated wooden stalls line up side by side. The season arrives when towns come alive with people enjoying sweets and warm drinks.
Christmas markets have long been loved in Germany and across Europe. They offer the joy of waiting for Christmas with loved ones while choosing decorations and gifts.
Beautiful illuminations, the warmth of handcrafts, and time spent together. Discover the charms of authentic Christmas markets, a tradition handed down for generations.
A winter tradition
rooted in the town square
Christmas markets are traditional winter markets dating back to the Middle Ages, especially in Germany. Over their long history, they have become a beloved part of each town's scenery and everyday life.
During Advent, the season of preparing for Christmas, beautifully decorated stalls line the squares in the heart of town. People spend their time shopping, toasting with Glühwein and enjoying the festivities.
Enjoying not just Christmas Day, but the time spent waiting for it, too. The markets have become a cherished place that brightens life in winter.
Every town has its own Christmas scene
The charm of a Christmas market differs from town to town. Historic squares and buildings, along with the sweets and crafts long loved in each region, give every market its own scenery.
In Dresden, a giant Christmas pyramid and decorated wooden huts brighten the market. Nuremberg, with its medieval charm, even has a Christmas market made for children.
There's the market held on Munich's Marienplatz, and Christmas in the village of Seiffen, famous for its wooden toys. Strolling around and taking in the culture of each place is a joy only the real thing can offer.
A warm drink
and traditional sweets
One of the joys of strolling the market is the food and drink at the stalls. Glühwein in particular is a mulled wine loved during the Christmas season, and you'll see families and friends sharing a drink and enjoying conversation.
Christmas essentials like Stollen and the traditional German treat Lebkuchen are on offer, too. Picking out sweets that catch your eye, taking a break from gift hunting: time spent enjoying food is part of the market's charm.
A warm drink in hand, surrounded by glowing lights. Moments like these become cherished winter memories.
The warmth of handcrafts,
in Christmas decorations
Wooden nutcrackers, Christmas pyramids and all kinds of Christmas ornaments. The market stalls are full of handcrafted pieces, candle holders, snow globes and other things that make Christmas bright.
From the village of Seiffen, famous for its wooden toys, and beyond, an authentic Christmas is full of pieces that showcase their makers' skill and ingenuity. Taking your time to find a favorite while admiring the figures' faces and fine details is part of the fun.
Choosing one decoration each year, making Christmas at home a little more festive bit by bit. Each decoration carefully brought home carries memories of the moment you chose it.
A season everyone looks forward to, from kids to grown-ups
Christmas markets offer more than festive stalls and sweets: there are events the whole family can enjoy, too. Depending on the market, visitors are welcomed by merry-go-rounds, skating rinks, choir performances and more.
Christmas figures like Saint Nicholas and the Christkind make the season even more exciting for children. Looking forward to presents and spending time with family are also a special part of the season.
Gathering under the lights, talking, choosing gifts. Young and old each find their own joys while sharing the same season. Moments like these are what keep the Christmas market tradition alive.
