December in Germany is a time of cheerful holidays, gifts and Christmas markets, which are known throughout the world. They sell sweets and toys, stage performances and concerts, and the fairs themselves can be located in the most unexpected places. We will tell you about the most interesting and unusual Christmas markets in Germany.
1. Under the ancient viaduct
In the very heart of the Black Forest, in the Rivne Gorge, at the foot of a 40-meter viaduct, a Christmas market (Weihnachtsmarkt in der Ravennaschlucht) has been held for many years,
where they sell sweets, leather goods and silver. On weekends there are light shows and music concerts and performances for children.
When: from December 1 to 23 from Friday to Sunday.
Opening hours: Friday from 15 to 21, Saturday from 14 to 21, Sunday from 13 to 19.
More information:hochschwarzwald.de
Fair entrance fee:
Children (under 16 years old) – free
Adults: Friday – 3 euros, weekends – 4 euros
2. In wine cellars
The town of Traben-Trarbach has long been famous for its wine. A few years ago, the municipality decided to hold a Christmas market (Mosel-Wein-Nachts-Markt) in the largest wine cellar, consisting of a dozen rooms. The kiosks are located under low stone arches, among huge wine barrels.
When: from November 24 to December 17, the market is open from Friday to Sunday from 11 to 21. And from December 18 to January 1, 2018 – from Monday to Thursday from 11 to 19, from Friday to Sunday – until 21.
More information: mosel-wein-nachts-markt.de
3. The largest and most popular market in Germany in Cologne
Cologne hosts 20 Christmas markets in December, which are visited by 4 million people every year. On the square in front of Cologne Cathedral, 150 wooden pavilions sell numerous sweets and souvenirs.
The Angels Market on Neumarkt Square is the oldest in the city, with hundreds of workshops – from blacksmiths to glassblowers. The Altermarket is famous for its attractions and performances for children. A medieval fair is held in front of the Chocolate Museum, where puppet shows and medieval music concerts are lit by torches and the audience is entertained by jesters.
When: from November 27 to December 23.
Opening hours: Most fairs are open from 11 to 21 from Monday to Thursday, from Friday to Sunday – until 22.
More information: christmasmarketsgermany.com
4. Germany’s oldest Christmas market in Dresden
The first Striezelmarkt fair was held in 1434. In the 16th century, it was here that the most famous German Christmas cake, stollen, began to be baked. Every year at the fair, a giant stollen weighing 2.5 tons is baked, which is cut by bakers and the most beautiful girl of the fair. The symbol of the Dresden fair is the Christmas pyramid, 14 meters high. In 2017, the fair will be held for the 583rd time.
When: from November 29 to December 24.
Opening hours: daily from 10 to 21.
More information: weihnachtsmarkt-dresden.net
5. Medieval and Sea Markets in Lübeck
Lubeck is best known for its medieval market near the Church of St. Mary, where magic shows and jugglers take place, and in the evenings they light bonfires and drink mead. But the sea market in the Koberg area (Maritimer Weihnachtsmarkt am Koberg) is not inferior to it – there the trees are decorated with fishing nets, in addition to toys they sell fish and shellfish, and instead of mulled wine – rum.
When: from November 27 to December 30.
Opening hours: daily from 11 to 21, Friday and Saturday until 22.
More information: weihnachtsmarkt-luebeck.com
6. Angel market on board the ship
In Lower Saxony, in the city of Emden, the Christmas market (Emder Engelkemarkt) takes place on the square in the port. There is a Christmas pyramid in the middle of the market, and competitions and performances for children are held next to it. This market is famous for the fact that everyone can board a dozen ships and barges moored in the port. Some host concerts, others have workshops and stalls with sweets and mulled wine on the deck of others.
When: from November 27 to December 31.
Opening hours: daily from 11 to 20.
More information: engelkemarkt.info
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