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Germany's beautiful Christmas markets

2023-12-04 08:38:00, Blog CNA

Dresden's Striezelmarkt opens for the 588th time

About 2,500 festive markets take place every year in Germany. A collage of images pinned to the ten most prominent Christmas markets.

Dresden's Striezelmarkt

Dresden on Christmas Day - Aerial view of Germany's oldest Christmas market

The oldest Christmas market in Germany is the Striezelmarkt, which was established in 1434. Visitors should definitely try the spiced mulled wine, as well as traditional cakes and cookies such as "Dresden Christstollen" and "Striezel". They are known and loved throughout Germany.

Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt

Nuremberg: Christkindlesmarkt

Traditionally, Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt opens on the Friday of the first Advent weekend, the beginning of the Christmas festivities. The opening ceremony is nothing short of grand, with a young man dressed as the Christchild "Christkind" - the traditional German Christmas giver - giving a speech. Nuremberg's festive market is one of Germany's largest and most popular.

Christmas market in Cologne

The Christmas market in front of Cologne Cathedral

One of Germany's other most popular Christmas markets takes place in Cologne's famous Cathedral Square every winter. With more than 4 million visitors a year, it is one of the first Christmas markets. The organizers emphasize sustainability. Many goods here are certified as fairly traded and environmentally friendly goods.

Berlin City Hall Christmas Fair

Christmas market in front of the town hall in Berlin

There are around 80 Christmas markets in Berlin. The one in front of the city hall is a great place to start your visit to Berlin's festive markets. You can take a ride on the 50-meter-high Ferris wheel, which offers great views over Berlin. There is also an ice rink and plenty of facilities to enjoy some warm wine.

Christmas market in Lübeck

Festive market in Lübeck

The Christmas market in Lübeck has a 400-year tradition and is set amidst the historic buildings of the old town, which has UNESCO World Heritage status. Here, visitors can learn about marzipan production - an industry for which the city is famous. The "Konfektion" cake is very popular throughout Germany and not only during Christmas.

The Christmas market in Leipzig relies on traditions

View of the historic center of Leipzig with the traditional Christmas market

The Leipzig Christmas Market takes place in the historic old town center and dates back to the 15th century. This makes it one of the oldest markets in Germany. It is also one of the most visited. Don't miss to try some very tasty bratwurst (fried sausages) as well as caramelized walnuts.

The biggest Christmas tree in Germany in Dortmund

Giant Christmas tree in Dortmund

Fans of Christmas fairs will have a lot of fun in the German city of Dortmund. The annual festive fair boasts a 45-foot-tall Christmas tree made up of over 1,000 firs adorned with 50,000 lights and ornaments. Visitors can also browse countless stalls selling everything from food to handicrafts and more.

International cuisine in Essen

Christmas market in the city of Essen

There is something for everyone at the Essen Christmas Market, which has over 250 stalls where visitors can find handmade arts and crafts as well as culinary delights from around the world. The market has been around for over 50 years!

A Christmas market in Lindau

Christmas market in Lindau

The picturesque Christmas market in the town of Lindau on Lake Constance has many excellent stands that are worth a visit. There is also a special event not to be missed. On the Saturday after Saint Nicholas Day, brave swimmers dive into the waters./ DW