If Christmas markets are a typically North-European tradition, Germany is the country that boasts Christkindlmarkt’s greatest concentration: between November and December the squares of small villages and big cities are animated by stalls full of precious merchandise, handicrafts, Christmas decorations and typical specialties, perfect to become original gifts to be put under the tree.
To guide you through many proposals, here is an overview of the 5 best Christmas Markets in Germany, which have become a must for the Advent weekends.
Index of Article
The "Christkindlmarkt" of Munich
The Market of Bambin Jesus, the "Christkindlmarkt", at the Marienplatz in the centre of Munich, is the oldest and most beloved of the city. New in 2011 is the Piazza delle Stelle, risked by the glitter of countless lights. Among the stalls that offer traditional handicrafts, delicacies of Bavarian cuisine and old-fashioned toys spread a very intimate atmosphere and make the Christmas memories tied to the childhood.
Christmas Market of Lake Constance
The most important Christmas market in Lake Constance attracts more than 400,000 visitors every year. More than 130 stands among stalls, artistic crafts and gastronomic kiosks tempt visitors with their products in a Christmas charm. Not to mention vin brulé, ponces, typical dishes and typical sweets. One of the peculiarities of the market of Constance is the "Weihnachtsschiff" (Christmas ship) moored on the dock of the port.
Ludwigsburg’s Baroque Advent Market
Luminaries and decorations of angel wings dominate the roofs of the Christmas stands of the baroque market in Ludwigsburg. Every Saturday, from 24.11 to 22.12, the character of King Frederick I with his court wanders around the market, while daily from 15 to 19 a Christmas theater program entertains visitors. In Ludwigsburg, of course, there is not only this: interesting guided tours can be booked for the residence castle to know the secrets of baroque life at court.
Dresden Christmas Market
From 24 November to 24 December the event is with the famous "Striezelmarkt", one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany with a tradition of 577 years. But if you visit the city in the winter period, don't miss the exhibition in the Pinacoteca dei Maestri Antichi, where until January 8, 2012 you can admire the most important women of Dürer, Cranach, Grünewald and also the Madonna di Foligno di Raffaello, especially from the Vatican Museums.
The underground market in the cellars of Moselle
From 3 December 2011 to 8 January 2012 in Traben-Trarbach for the first time will take place a unique Christmas event! Every weekend guests will descend into the darkness of the labyrinth of underground cellars, called "Vinotropolis", to visit the first underground market. From 11 to 21 in various rooms you can taste local wines, participate in readings or buy handicrafts from Mosella, Eifel, Hunsrück and Reno. There is also a special room for children with games and local specialities.
