Just a little fun...
So this post is our light-hearted view of Germany’s Christmas Markets
It has some of the interesting stuff, a few trivial facts, and our thoughts on these magical experiences.
Quick Links
Let’s start with the truths about the German Christmas Markets
The Christmas markets in Germany are full of so much tradition, joy and excitement even for the big kids amongst us. I’m sure you’ll be returning year after year.Location
The 3 C's
Continent
Europe
Country
Germany
Capital
Berlin
- Christmas in Germany is not just for children, all generations embrace it young and old.
- A Christmas Market is also known as Christkindlmarkt.
- The German Christmas Markets run from when advent starts on 4th Sunday before Christmas (some locations often sneak in a bit earlier).
- We have the Germans to thank for Christmas trees, where its origins date back to the 16th century.
- Christmas Eve is the primary day when Germans exchange presents with their families.
- Germany has a flaming Glühwein, named Feuerzangenbowle, stand back while your rum- soaked sugarloaf is lit.
- The German Christmas markets are enchanting; however, when it snows, it feels truly magical.
- The German Christmas markets we’ve visited so far are; Cologne, Düsseldorf, Munich, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Berlin, Hamburg, Bremen, Frankfurt, Stuttgart and Nuremberg.
All the towns and cities that I’ve mentioned make an ideal location for a mini-break. Clearly, I’m going to say visit at Christmas time; however, these German destinations are delightful to visit all year round.
For history lovers, Germany is incredibly fascinating, from its fairy-tale castles to the ancient medieval walled cities.
National Flag

It’s good to talk
What speaks?
Language
German (but English widely spoken)
International Dialling Code
+49
Currency
What Time?
Timezone
Difference from UTC
So what’s this Trivia then?
Regarding our beloved German Christmas Markets, where bratwurst, baked apples and gluhwein are the order of the day.Did you know?
- There’s a real flying Santa at Hamburg’s Christmas Market. Old St Nick takes to the skies in his sleigh at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm.
- The Christmas markets truly come alive when darkness falls, and the twinkling lights come into their own.
- Käthe Wohlfahrt is the place to shop for all your Christmas decorations, from nutcrackers, incense smokers, glittering baubles and spinning wooden pyramids.
- Every German town or city has its own annually designed Christmas mug. Some larger places even have different mugs in each market.
- If you’re not a German speaker then ‘pfand’ means deposit. If you don’t wish to keep your festive mug, then you’ll receive a deposit back.
- Often, you’ll find local delicacies at each German market. In Nuremberg, they have their own gingerbread, gluhwein and bratwurst which is known as “Drei im Weggla” – “Three in a bun”.
- Keep an eye out for the edible bowls, the apfelschmarn and plum sauce we had in Munich came with its own eatable wafer dish.
- Ohh yes, Father Christmas is real.
Tempted to?
Visit two or three of Germany’s Christmas Markets on a road trip, then browse the offers that Rental Cars have available.
With just a few clicks Rental Cars will search well-known car hire brands and discover the deals that suit you the best.
It's famous for...
Food
Bratwurst
Fish
For the Carnivores
Vegetarian savoury treats
Lebkuchen
Sweet Treats


Christmas tree in Nuremberg
It's famous for...
Drink
Glühwein
Hot Chocolate
Other German favourites
German Beers
You know but...
Alcohol & cars don't mix. Make sure you're parked up before enjoying the markets.
Also, if you're driving the following day, then take it easy - we all know alcohol stays in the system for hours.
Christmas decorations and regional gifts
Nutcrackers
Incense Smokers
Christmas Market Mugs
Christmas Baubles
Zwetschgenmännle
Wooden Toys
A reference guide
I love nothing more than planning a trip and so often I use the DK Eyewitness books. I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more.
We used a previous version of this book to plan our Germany road trips, now you can grab the revised copy.
And our thoughts on Germany’s Christmas Markets
(Would we return? Is it good value? And did we feel the love?)Return-a-bility
Notes:
Value for Money
Notes:
Getting around town
What's it like discovering the city?
Is it walkable? do you need to use public transport? did we leave with weary feet?
(0% - It's mountainous and public transport's a joke 100% - I'm in paradise.)
Notes:

Glühwein at the bandstand in Düsseldorf
Janis's Hi's & Lo's
Highlight
Lowlight
Gary's Hi's & Lo's
Highlight
Lowlight
Like Janis the crowds, especially Cologne on a Saturday night, however, we have found ways to plan our trip to avoid the crowds, but still soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the experience.
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