Christmas markets

A Christmas market is a street market associated with the celebration of Christmas during the four weeks of Advent. These markets originated in Germany, but are now being held in many other countries.

Understand

History

The history of Christmas markets goes back to the Late Middle Ages in the German-speaking part of Europe and in many parts of the former Holy Roman Empire that include many areas which are now in the east of France and in Switzerland. Dresden's Strietzelmarkt was first held in 1434. The Christmas markets of Bautzen (first held in 1384), Frankfurt (first mentioned in 1393) and Munich (1310) are even older. The Vienna "December market" was a kind of forerunner of the Christmas market and dates back to 1294.

Prepare

As this is a winter activity in the northern hemisphere, dress warmly. Gloves are recommended when your hands are not around a nice warm mug of mulled wine. Especially for the "big" well-known markets (e.g. those in Dresden, Nürnberg or Strasbourg) be prepared for crowds and try to find a way to get there that doesn't involve inner-city driving, as the usually crowded streets of European inner cities can get unbearable while popular Christmas markets are operating.

Buy

Christmas tree decorations. Wooden toys. Hand crafted candles and perhaps some cold-weather clothing. Jams, preserves, chocolate, sweets, baked goods. Some Christmas markets have high quality handcrafted goods made in town or the surrounding areas, whereas others sell cheap knock-off made-in-China kitsch. Sometimes you can get both at the same market or even the same stand. Caveat emptor!

Eat

Christmas markets in Germany generally have booths selling different kinds of Wurst (sausages) and sweets. Typical seasonal sweets are Stollen (especially in Dresden) or Lebkuchen (especially in Nürnberg) a type of sweet gingerbread. Another seasonal specialty sold at Christmas markets are Marroni (sweet chestnuts), the fruits of Castanea sativa that are usually roasted over an open flame. Kartoffelpuffer (Potato pancakes) with apple sauce are also common. Trdelník is a spit cake sold at Christmas markets in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and adjacent areas of neighboring countries.

Drink

Mulled wine (known as Glühwein, vin chaud, etc.) and other hot drinks like hot chocolate are commonly available. If you don't want to or can't drink alcohol there are usually non-alcoholic alternatives to mulled wine, such as "Kinderpunsch" (children's punch). Be sure to ask whether there is alcohol in your drink or not. As the cups are often lavishly decorated and bear some sort of name or memory of the Christmas market, expect to pay a deposit (or "Pfand") of at least €5 in Germany. Often cups can be bought as well.

Do

Temporary ice rinks with skates available for hire are becoming more and more common in Christmas markets throughout Germany. They are often financed by local government or private sponsors and use is usually free of charge, but you may be charged for renting skates. Cities that have these include Dresden, Erlangen and Munich. Some Christmas Markets also have merry-go-rounds or other types of carnival rides.

Stay safe

As these events are crowded and you tend to be squeezing past and being knocked by other people on a regular basis, Christmas markets tend to be active places for pickpockets.

Remember that mulled wine can be of high alcohol content, and never drink and drive. Many places have increased police stop and check actions during this period.

In cold weather the ground can get slippery, which is exacerbated by Christmas Markets often being held in historic neighborhoods that have a lot of cobblestones, so be careful if you aren't accustomed to that.

Cities known for Christmas markets

With very few exceptions all Christmas markets in major cities are open until the morning hours of December 24. The first day they open is usually on the last November weekend or one of the first days in December. In some small towns, the Christmas market may only be open on specific weekends in November or December.

Austria

Belgium

Czech Republic

Estonia
  • Tallinn Christmas market: November – January Tallinn. The medieval city hall square (Raekoja plats) of Tallinn is almost tailor-made for a Christmas market and with some decorations, some snow, and a little darkness (days are short at these latitudes in the winter) the Hanseatic houses look almost like from a fairytale. You can find great Estonian handicrafts for Christmas decorations and gifts, and have a mug of traditional hot Glühwein with some Vana Tallinn liqueur. There is also an outdoor scene with different Christmas-themed events, Santa with his reindeers and a large Christmas tree in the middle of the square. Mid-November to early January. (date needs updating)

Finland
  • Helsinki - main Christmas market by Senate Square with free carousel, and various stalls dotted around the city.

France

Germany
  • Munich Christkindlmarkt auf dem Marienplatz: Munich. Big & commercial market, it stretches across the shopping street, so you can mix Christmas market shopping (and eating) with "normal" shopping. If you walk south towards Sendlinger Tor, you'll reach more traditional woodcarvers' stands. Late November to Christmas Eve. (date needs fixing)
  • Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt: Nuremberg. A good selection of craft stalls as well as plenty of opportunities to savour the Nürnberger Bratwürste and purchase Lebkuchen. Late November to Christmas Eve. (date needs fixing)
  • Frankfurt Weihnachtsmarkt: Frankfurt. crammed into the Römerplatz and adjacent Paulsplatz. Usual market fair plus strangely cheaply made tin toys. Food speciality the Bethmännchen (German for "a little Bethmann") is a pastry made from marzipan with almond. Late November to 22 Dec. (date needs fixing)
  • Esslingen Christmas market: Esslingen. Consists of two markets, one traditional German Weihnachtsmarkt the other a medieval style stalls selling wares and food. Late November to 22 Dec. (date needs fixing)
  • Dresden Striezelmarkt: Dresden. The Christmas Market is the Striezelmarkt on Altmarkt square, dating back to 1434. Plenty of traditional wood carving, but also commercial stuff. Late November to 24 Dec. (date needs fixing)
  • Dresden Stallhof: Dresden. A romantic alternative is a strict medieval (no plastics, no electric lights, no loudspeakers booming Laaast Christmas....) Christmas market in the Stallhof, courtyard of the former royal palace. Late November to 23 Dec. It is followed by the medieval "Dresdner Rauhnächte" which is more commercial in nature from the 27th - 6 January. (date needs fixing)

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Spain

Sweden

Romania

Russia

As Russia celebrates Christmas according to the Julian calendar, the Russian Christmas falls on 6 January in the Gregorian Calendar used by most Western countries. As such, Russian Christmas markets generally stay open into January.

United Kingdom

North America

Some North American cities also have seasonal markets for the Christmas season.

Canada

United States

See also
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