Christmas Markets in Germany

Christmas Markets have a long lasting tradition in Germany. Nowadays, there are up to 10,000 Christmas markets only in Germany alone. Every German eagerly anticipates the opening day so that they may indulge in the smells of the sweets and especially their first mulled wine of the season.

In the 14th Century during the pre-festive season craftsmen such as basket makers, toy makers and confectioners were granted permission to build stalls on the marketplace in order to sell their products for Christmas. The beginning of Christmas markets was set, year after year, the tradition of Christmas markets spread further.

From the beginning on, the Christmas markets looked after the physical well-being of the market visitors as well as offering toys, useful items, roasted chestnuts, almonds and nuts and much more.

It is the “magical” time of the year, illuminated with candlelight, the smell of cookies and mystic Christmas stories on cold winter evenings. Gingerbread, cinnamon, mulled wine and hot apple cider is part of a wide range of high quality Christmas markets.

Most people visit a Christmas market with their family, friends or colleagues. Some may remember the best moments of the past year of having a glass of mulled wine and enjoying the cozy atmosphere of the market environment. A Christmas market is the perfect way to tune into the holiday mood.

In Germany the Dresdner Striezelmarkt is the oldest and most well-known Christmas Market. It was founded in the 14th century and attracts up to 2.5 million visitors every year.