Christmas Markets in Germany
A pre-Christmas mini break has become very popular and it seems to be the lure of a proper festive experience among the pretty stalls that’s got us all booking up in our droves!
Christmas markets are age old traditions, going back to a time when they were a welcome addition to the winter season, adding light and joy to the dark, long winter days and nights. They were and still are, are festive meeting place to buy gifts, stock up on traditional food delicacies as well as handicrafts, wooden carved toys, ornaments and all manner of trinkets.
These Christmas markets are springing up all over Europe and visitors can shop for gifts as well as mingling with the locals, sampling tasty wines, hot chocolate and suchlike which is a sure fire way of getting into the Christmas spirit. All this is set against magnificent backdrops, twinkly lights and the sound of Christmas carols and classical music playing. Picture the scene; meandering through frosty streets as the heady aroma of roasting chestnuts and mulled wine fill the air, leaving you with a warm glow inside. It’s just so magical and enchanting!
Germany has been leading the way with its Christmas markets and festive mini breaks. The capital, Berlin boasts over 60 markets and is always a popular choice. The Christmas markets in the Bavarian city of Munich are also a hot favourite at this time of year and the market on Marienplatz (St Mary Square) is the biggest and oldest, dating back to the 14th century!
The city of Cologne also offers an impressive Christmas market experience. There are several markets dotted around the city and arguably the most atmospheric is the one located by the imposing Cologne Cathedral. The oldest market can be found at Neumarkt, the city’s main shopping district is also not to be missed. Here, you have the choice of the traditional offerings at the stalls or if you need a real retail therapy fix, you can pop into the department stalls and designer boutiques. These markets seem to cast a spell over its visitors with every passing year and still looking like a popular choice for 2016.
There are also some magical nativity scenes to be found across Cologne, laid out at around 100 different spots from late November until Epiphany, January 6th.
A break to one of Germany’s Christmas markets, or indeed any other European city in the season of goodwill sounds like a real treat. A December mini break is a tempting option at a time when we sometimes start to feel a bit stressed at the prospect of the Christmas rush. We can see why folk want to jet off for a few days of fun and cheer and get the Christmas shopping done at the same time. You’ll be able to snap up some great bargains too. No more socks and smellies under the tree this year as you will be bringing back some really unique and special gifts to wow your loved ones on Christmas morning.