If you’re looking for an
enchanting, unique way to celebrate the holidays, consider traveling to a German
Christmas market. Held throughout Germany, these festive holiday fairs are becoming
more popular every year. Visitors enjoy the magic of Christmas with mulled
wine, hot chestnuts, gingerbread, and handmade gifts such as woodcarvings,
candles, and marionettes.
Christmas markets normally open
during the last week of November and run every day through Christmas Eve. For
variety and the ultimate Christmas magic, visit at least two Christmas markets
in different cities. Three of the most popular Christmas market cities are Baden-Baden,
Cologne, and Munich.
Baden-Baden
Surrounded by dense forests and mountains, Christkindelsmarkt, Baden-Baden’s Christmas market, is a
romantic, fairy-tale place to celebrate the holidays. Choirs and bands serenade
you throughout the day as you browse dozens of festively decorated stands with
handmade arts and crafts, jewelry, silver, and toys. Be sure to sample the wide
variety of traditional holiday cuisine, sweets, and drinks as you shop.
A live nativity scene, complete with a
life-sized manger, animals, and actors, sits in front of the Kurhaus and brings
the magic of Christmas to life.
Cologne
The seven picturesque Cologne Christmas markets celebrate
the season in style and offer something for everyone. The oldest market is on
Neumarkt, with artisan products and old-style booths, while the Rudolfplatz
enchants with fairy-tale figures and festive decoration. The Alter Markt sits
in front of the old town hall and features a puppet theater and a variety of
toy stands.
Whether you’re browsing for trinkets on the Floating
Christmas Market or enjoying mulled wine and a spiced apple at the Medieval Christmas
Market in front of the Chocolate Museum, every market has its own personality,
and you’ll want to visit them all. Listen to a variety of music at the
Christmas concerts at the market in front of
the Cologne Cathedral as you marvel at the largest Christmas tree in the region.
Munich
A 350-year-old
tradition, Munich’s Christkindl Markt sits in front of the old town hall and Frauenkirche
church. With its more than 160 decorated booths, expect to see traditional Bavarian craftwork, exquisite crystals, and handmade
traditional toys. Enjoy Christmas concerts on the balcony of Munich’s town hall.
The Christmas Markets of Germany are perfect for anyone wanting to get
right away for a real traditional and romantic holiday celebration. You’ll
enjoy a festive atmosphere, plenty of music and food, and handmade, quality craftwork
gifts.
No comments:
Post a Comment