People walk around dressed like Eskimos and you wonder why this is the most beautiful time of the year? Just the thought of baking a turkey and making the Yorkshire pudding makes you tired? Wondering if there are any alternatives other than the Caribbean? Well, there actually are - and this may surprise you - here's Germany and its European Christmas Markets. Nothing says winter like a good Christmas Market!
Sammy Cahn's problem is solved - we have found a place to go to warm our hearts and feel the true Christmas spirit. German Christmas Markets feel like a walk in a winter wonderland, everything shimmering in ornaments and the land covered in snow. Say "Merry Christmas" and start packing!
To make the season bright, you need to visit one of these German Christmas Markets:
Berlin Christmas Markets
To brighten up the days of the long and cold winter, Berlin is the place to go. The multicultural metropolis that never sleeps is one of the best options for your Christmas Market Holidays. Alexanderplatz and Potsdamer Platz are two truly huge markets that attract hundreds of people every year, and for good reason - Ferris wheel, open-air ice rinks, Carved Christmas Pyramids - you name it. Berlin has it all! Not to mention it's perfect to visit together with your kids!
Cologne Christmas Markets
Cologne, the fourth largest city in Germany, is home to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. One of them is Cologne Cathedral with a huge Christmas tree, numerous cute wooden pavilions and an unlimited selection of chocolate (if you have a sweet tooth, this is the place for you).
Duesseldorf Christmas Markets
Kids know Santa is on his way, and to make sure your little ones believe in Santa for as long as possible, you need to take them to this classic - Dusseldorf Xmas Market on Schadowplatz. Duesseldorf won't disappoint either if you fancy a bit of culture - it is indeed the centre of culture and art. Numerous museums with dozens of exhibitions are waiting for you.
Dresden Christmas Markets
This Christmas Market excursion is a must for all marzipan lovers - for which Dresden Streizelmarkt is particularly famous. Besides marzipan and dried fruit, this is the oldest Christmas Market in Germany. The second-largest market - the August Market - also offers visitors a colourful collage of old and new, traditional and modern.
Munich Christmas Markets
Are you a romantic soul? Then you absolutely must visit the market at the Chinese Tower in Munich. Ride through the park with your soulmate in a romantic carriage, build a snowman and believe for just one day that reindeer can fly.
German Christmas Traditions - The German way
German Christmas traditions (besides going to Chrismas Market) include attending church services, mulled wine, Feuerzangenbowle and lots of sausages. For Christmas dinner, they usually eat goose, duck or roast. Some still follow that cute old tradition where kids leave their shoes outside and ''patiently'' wait for them to be filled with goodies - like carrots, apples, nuts and candy. And of course, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a lovingly decorated Christmas tree - and Germans are no exception.
If you're looking for Christmas markets in other European countries - read this. We have the best European Christmas markets here.
