Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte), Glühwein, sausages, Lebkuchen biscuits, potato cakes, sweets, wooden toys, and music are the highlights of Advent in Germany. In 2023, many markets are scheduled to open on November 25 although the first Sunday of Advent is only December 3.
German Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) are outdoor markets held in the month leading up to Christmas. The exact composition of Christmas markets varies from market to market. However, all Christmas markets have stalls selling food and Christmas-related wares. The food at Christmas markets includes Glühwein (warm, spiced wine), Kinderpunch (spiced fruit juice), Lebkuchen gingerbread cakes, sausages, potato cakes, and baked items. On sale are also Christmas tree decorations, candles, wooden toys, and sweets. Larger markets usually have simple rides aimed at small children. Many markets also have live music.
The names of German Christmas markets vary from region to region. Weihnachtsmarkt (plural Weihnachtsmärkte) is Christmas market in High German and is understood everywhere. Regional variations are common – for example, in Dresden it is the Striezelmarkt, in Rothenburg the Reiterlesmarkt, while in most of Bavaria (and Austria) Christkindlmarkt (spelled in various forms) is more common.
German Christmas markets are generally held the Advent month preceding Christmas. In larger cities and popular tourist towns, the markets usually function daily from November 25 to just before Christmas. Christmas markets usually close on December 23 at the latest. In Germany, Christmas markets are usually not held on December 24 or December 25.
A notable exception is in Berlin where some of the Christmas markets extend into the New Year and are open on December 25. Even in Berlin, no Christmas market will function on the evening of December 24 but a few are open in the afternoon. Other larger cities and tourist resorts are also keen to extend Christmas markets for the tourist trade but it is still mostly over a day or two before Christmas itself.
In smaller towns, markets are generally held only on weekends or sometimes just one or two weekends – often the first two in December.
The exact hours similarly vary from Christmas market to Christmas market. Generally, markets are active from around 10 am to 8 pm. The best times to visit are late afternoon, early evening – darkness and lights simply do it for the atmosphere.
Markets are generally the busiest on Friday and Saturday evenings. When traveling, a good time to arrive in a city such as Nürnberg, which is internationally famous for its Christkindlesmarkt is on Sunday. Flights, and especially hotel accommodation, are cheaper for Sunday arrivals and Christmas markets are generally quieter on Mondays.
The variety of food sold at German Christmas markets varies from market to market and region to region. However, some standards are available at all markets countrywide:
A Pfand (deposit) is added to the price of drinks. The deposit is refunded if the mug, which makes a popular souvenir, is returned. Depending on the market, the mugs are returned to the original stall or to a special central collection point — generally a better solution to ensure it is properly washed.
The Christmas market in Nürnberg (Nuremberg) is the most famous, in Frankfurt the biggest, in Dresden the oldest while Berlin has the largest number. However, Christmas markets are in essence the same. However, for some differences, tips, and pointers see Christmas Markets in Germany.