Weihnachtsmarkt. This is whatGermany is waiting for the opening of the Christmas markets that abound during Advent and that are the quintessence of German romanticism. Gourmet food, entertainment, festivities, crafts... In this ancient tradition, more in vogue than ever, the country reveals all its intimate and opulent, simple and lively charm. The markets are also an opportunity to discover the country's vibrant cities in an authentic and original way. In Munich, Frankfurt or Stuttgart, three cities with very different characters where some of the most famous markets are held, you can immerse yourself in a true winter tale, between mulled wine, sweets, gifts and human warmth.
Flavors and encounters
A trip to the German Christmas markets is not just about shopping. All the traditional spirit of the markets is there: the sellers make you taste sweets and spices, test wooden toys, admire and compare objects... If you end up buying something you like, it will be after discovering a lot of German handicrafts, culinary know-how and quality merchandising.
If you spend a day wandering around, you will hardly meet anyone. Germans go to the markets to spend time, to taste Glühwein, to eat sausages or cakes, to listen to music, to chat loudly. Conversations take place without being felt and the fact of being a foreigner will awaken even more the desire to share the sense of Gemütlichkeit, a kind of well-being.
Munich, the kingdom of cribs and the land of delights
Munich, the Bavarian capital, is known for all kinds of splendor, and it doesn't hold back when it comes to Christmas preparations. The city and its surroundings boast a hundred markets, all with a different character! The Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz is one of the most famous Christmas markets, but also one of the oldest. Its wooden stalls have been standing since the 14th century! Decorated with care, lit at night with abundance and inventiveness, its huts are a succession of treasures. The market, which extends in a star shape from the square, embodies Munich's tradition better than any other. The hundred or so stores majestically display the finest in Christmas artifacts, especially from South Germany: pastry specialties such as Lebkuchen from Nuremberg, wooden objects from Oberammergau or the Ore Mountains, children's clothing made of wool, baubles, stars and other Christmas decorations...
One of the special features of the Christkindlmarkt is that it has the country's largest section for nativity scene accessories, the "Kripperlmarkt" at the Richard Strauss Fountain in the pedestrian zone. For many, it is an art, even a sport, to build these wooden cribs with mechanisms, the parts of which are a craft. Some are rare and unique. At any hour of the day, the market is full of enthusiasts busy with tons of oriental, Alpine or Oregano style cribs... On the Rindermarkt, it is a must!
In Munich as elsewhere, the Christmas market is above all... a place to warm up and have a good time! The decor of the merchandise huts is ideal for hanging out and warming hands and throats with a famous Glühwein, mulled wine with citrus, cinnamon, cloves and vanilla. Mead and other hot spirits add to the choice of cold remedies; roasted almonds, marzipan sweets, the inevitable sausages, but also specialties such as nuts with pepper or a special bread, the "stomach bread", Magenbrot, which satisfies in no time...
To the sounds of Advent in Frankfurt
Far from being a traditional Bavarian city, Frankfurt embodies modernity, cosmopolitanism and contrasts more than any other city in Germany. With its commercial and banking tradition, the European financial capital can also boast of being a nest of culture. The astonishing city knows how to combine "Manhattan" with a nice little city center. And it is here that the city of skyscrapers returns to its roots during Advent, for one of the most attractive Christmas markets, especially if the snow is there...
The Hessian capital has a particularly keen ear for what is one of the main components of the Christmas atmosphere: the sounds of bells and carols! On the Römerberg stage, where so many musicians will be performing for four weeks, the market opening will begin with music. Every day (at 9 am, 12 pm and 5 pm), the old St. Nicholas church will play its powerful bells. Several times during Advent, some fifty bells from ten churches will be rung throughout the old town. Finally, the Römerberg concerts, almost all of which are devoted to Christmas music, will set the pace for the market.
The Frankfurt market is a small and friendly place. It is the ideal place to socialize while drinking a Glühwein or an Apfelwein, a local specialty, in a ceramic cup with a specifically Frankfurt design. You should also try the Quetschemännsche, a funny looking and tasty figurine made of nuts, plums and raisins. Finally, the market stalls offer a quality selection of German Christmas folklore products.
Elegance and lights in Stuttgart
In a very different style, in the heart of Swabia, Stuttgart, the city of Mercedes, has preserved its historical character even less than Frankfurt. However, between the castles, the town hall and the Stiftskirche, it houses its Christmas market in an ideal setting for historic reverie. Aesthetically pleasing, with high-quality lighting and tasteful buildings, this more than three-century-old institution exudes elegance and harmony on Marktplatz and Schillerplatz. The smell of cinnamon and sausages, along with constant Christmas music and street performances, make the Stuttgart market one of the most attractive. The windows of the Swabian capital, in particular, offer another version of elegance, with its luxury stores spread out under the gabelle buildings. In a prosperous but never stuffy setting, perhaps tired of tribulations in the cold, one can also treat oneself to a dinner in a good and elegant restaurant, at reasonable prices. Before returning to the Christmas market to taste roasted almonds or chocolate fruits, choosing Christmas gifts. In short, when it comes to Christmas markets, it seems that the Germans have no competition. So don't waste another second... and merry Christmas!
Smart info
When are they held? Christmas markets are held throughout Advent, starting on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. The last week is the best; snow is more likely.
Getting there. From France, German cities are accessible by car, bus, train or plane.
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