Germany does lots of things well. One of the things it does best in my opinion is Christmas. Well, Germany did invent a lot of the festive season as we know it.
The German Christmas markets, or Weihnachtsmarkt, are a joyful German tradition. The place where everything feels warm and fuzzy, no matter how cold the weather actually is.
If you are planning to visit a German Christmas market , I hope this post will help you get the most out of the experience. Especially if it’s your first visit; always the most magical, but also the time when a few tips will help you make the most of your visit.
Choose Your Market Destination Carefully
There are literally hundreds of Christmas Markets in Germany. Depending on your preference, time constraints and budget one market will be a better fit than another.
I hear a lot of people asking which market is best and there’s no answer to that. It’s worth spending time picking out a destination based on your own personal criteria.
Some markets are more commercial than others. Some have a specific theme, often based on the heritage of the location as in the fairy tale city of Kassel or the historical, rat loving Hameln. Markets in the bigger cities tend to be more commercial, whereas heading to smaller cities and towns like Paderborn, Bielefeld or Soest will find you a more authentic German experience.
Dress for Time Outdoors
The atmosphere might be warm, but the weather is likely to be chilly. Possibly wet, and if you are very lucky, snowy. Dress for it. You might think I’m stating the obvious but a few years in Germany showed me that not everyone gets the memo.
Think thick soled, waterproof boots, good socks and thermals if it’s going below zero. A warm and waterproof coat with a couple of thin layers underneath. Then just add hat and gloves and you’re good to go.
Dress for warmth and enjoy the full Christmas Market experience for as long as you like.
Browse, But Spend Wisely.
Markets can vary in quality when it comes to shopping. You will find some beautiful pieces to take home, but a lot of mass produced imported goods.
The best buys tend to be traditional or locally produced goods like Printern from Aachen. The traditional things you’d need to be cosy across Advent and winter are generally good buys; think traditionally crafted decorations, animal hide and wool products, candles and honey.
Also look out for local brands or regionally protected products that are either expensive to import or virtually impossible to buy in the UK now. For me, it’s my favourite German wines and bath products.
For an alternative way to shop for authentic German Christmas decor, sweets or souvenirs , look to the local German shops. Stores like Kodi, Kik, Rossmans and Ernsting Family can be found in most places and can be little goldmines.
Also the place to go if you need, say, an umbrella or a spare pair of gloves. Just a little FYI.
To avoid making questionable buying decisions, do your shopping before you…
Get Your Gluhwein.
Or the non alcoholic version, Kinderpunsch. Or hot chocolate. But whatever you get, you’ll get it in a charming Christmas Markets mug. Christmas market mugs can be a big deal, lots of people visit the markets year after year and collect them. If you don’t see them, don’t be afraid to ask for one.
You’ll pay a deposit or pfand on these so don’t dump it when your done. Either take the mug back and get the refund, or take it home as a reasonably priced keep sake.
Be Prepared to be Social
There’ll be plenty of places to stop for a drink or a bite to eat. At the grill, at the bar, for a crepe. Seating, you will notice, is set up to be social. From long trestle tables to cosy benches in giant wine barrels, it’s not unusual to share a table. Learn a few words of German, smile and enjoy the experience.
Not everyone is there for Christmas Spirit.
Sad but true, especially in the bigger and busier places. Markets mean crowds and distracted shoppers, and this attracts the opportunist. Pick pockets in particular can be a nuisance. Don’t be put off but do take sensible precautions. I like to use something like this if I going somewhere really busy.
Should you have an issue the German police are helpful and will generally speak good English.
Keep some Small Change
Most markets will have portaloo style toilets generally kept in good order. This is because they have a toilet attendant. However, the service doesn’t come for free, and you can expect to pay 50-70c to use the loo.
It’s not the done thing to wander into a place and use the facilities if you aren’t a customer and many places do still charge regardless. Larger hotels tend not to charge but you don’t want to get caught out.
Think Beyond the Markets
The markets are brilliant but they aren’t everything. You might not be in the mood, they might be too busy etc. Have some ideas for things you might do if you fancy a change. Trip advisor and tourist board websites are great resources for inspiration.
Castles, guided walks, neighbouring cities, historical sites and quirky museums all make great market breaks. When in Aachen, we visited the tri border area where Belgium, Germany and Holland meet. Sometimes you just need to do something different!
Pack A Few Essentials
Final thoughts from personal experience; a few things to ensure your German Christmas markets trip is seamless.
First up, a power bank. There might be places you can charge a phone (looking at you, Starbucks) but far better to have your own means.
Next, a little pack of wet wipes. For your hands after you’ve indulged in market food. For wiping down benches and tables if needs be. And, most importantly, for wiping out your markets mugs. No drinks mess in your bag!
Last but not least, bubble wrap or protective paper wrap. Let’s get those mugs and market buys home safely.
Helen x
I love a good cheerful post, Helen! Having said that I haven’t been very successful in finding Christmas markets here in the Algarve, but you can’t have everything, can you? I’m not a fan of gluhwein or bratwurst so that’s no loss. I do love those lit up houses you feature in one of your photos, and I have some beautiful stained glass candle holders that I bought many years ago on the market in Nottingham. You don’t actually need to go abroad for them any more, do you? Edinburgh’s Princes St is stunning at Christmas time. Anyway, I just wanted to wish you a very happy festive season and 2022.
Ah the Algarve has enough to make up for- custard tarts and sunshine, for a start!
The UK has some nice Christmas markets now, We did Winchester last week and it was very festive but very busy. I think the European markets have a bit more character, but it’s just nice to be doing anything at all this year! Thanks Jo, all the best to you too. Here’s to a good 2022 for all if us 😊
I am more the practical kind of guy, so Christmas markets are good for first dates, because even if it’s not what one expected, at least you got some good food into your belly.
But don’t go in a town where everybody knows you!
That’s brilliant 😂 I’d actually be quite impressed with a Christmas Market first date.
I was most impressed by a lady in Bolivia, who took me to the cemetery for a first date.
It was a cemetery with a beautiful view over La Paz, we were sitting in the grass and an ice-cream vendor came by.
I don’t think she could have known that I really like cemeteries. Whenever I have since suggested such a meeting point, it was rudely declined. :/
When I lived in Germany, I preferred the small town (less commercial) Christmas Markets. Both can be fun, but I prefer to be able to support local, small businesses.
Yes, i liked the smaller ones too. I think the nicest one I ever went to was in a town called Soest. I really miss exploring Germany. Whereabouts in Germany were you?
Thanks so much for dropping by and taking the time to comment, I really appreciate it 😊
My favourite one is the Christkindlmarkt in Nuremberg.
I’ve only ever visited Nuremburg in the Summer, I can imagine it’s magical in the Winter. I’d love to explore Bavaria some more, it’s a part of Germany I just haven’t seen enough of. Wishing you a happy festive season and all the best in the coming year.
Southern Germany is marvellous in winter! 🙂
A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you, too,
Pit
I just love the Christmas Markets, when we went in 2018 to Germany..in fact our whole holiday was planned around them & seeing family in Italy…I loved them all… and there is always bratwurst, gluhwein & hot chocolate…
German Christmas markets and Italy sounds like an amazing combination! I’ve actually just been reading a few articles about Christmas in Rome so I’ll be adding that to the list.
I was meant to be flying to Hamburg today (my flight is still going, I’m just not on it), but we cancelled so we wouldn’t have to be in isolation for Christmas. My favourite market is Christkindlmarkt in Nuernberg, as Pit says above 🙂 Can’t beat a German market – have a wonderful festive season 🙂
It’s such a shame things have gone the way they have this year, it was looking pretty hopeful at one point! We’d hoped to get back to Hameln or Berlin this year but it wasn’t to be. Staying positive though, last year my husband was in Estonia over Christmas and my eldest daughter wasn’t able to visit us. At least this year we are together. Merry Christmas to you and wishing you all the best for 2022.
That’s so lovely you can all be together this year, you’re right that’s definitely the main thing. Have a wonderful time with them 🙂
I love Christmas markets in Germany and my heart last 2 years is just broken because of the Covid situation. So many markets were canceled last year and are canceled this year. Those markets gave me always that special Christmas feeling! Ahh, I miss those Christmas markets so much! ♥ Nevertheless, I love markets and Christmas decorations in Berlin, but my most favorite market was in Dresden. Can you imagine – Medieval Christmas Market? It was something very special and surprising! I hope, that one day I will be able to visit this market again! And you too! 🙂
Have a great celebration and stay safe!
Sandra Ans from http://www.mysmalltravelguide.com
I love Christmas markets in Vienna! I have yet to visit Germany during Christmas season. I did visit my friend in November in Dusseldorf but it was too early for Christmas markets sadly.
I love the Christmas Markets, hopefully next year they’ll be back bigger and better. I think Vienna has an Easter market too, I’d love to visit.
I didn’t know about the Easter market🙂
Great post! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much for your interest in my post, Kirsten. Really appreciate it!
I totally miss all the fun German Christmas Markets from when I lived in Germany!
Aw, I’m the same! I spent some years in Germany with my husband as he’s in the military. Germany gets under your skin! Whereabouts in Germany were you?