Enjoy the Magic of German Christmas Markets (2024)

FAQs

What is special about German Christmas markets? ›

Popular attractions at the markets include the Nativity Scene (a crèche or crib), Zwetschgenmännle (figures made of decorated dried plums), Nussknacker (carved Nutcrackers), Gebrannte Mandeln (candied, toasted almonds), traditional Christmas cookies such as Lebkuchen and Magenbrot (both forms of soft gingerbread), ...

In German, the phrase "Frohe Weihnachten!" which translates to "Merry Christmas” is commonly used. If you prefer a more neutral expression, say "Frohes Fest!" ("Happy Celebration!") or "Schöne Feiertage!" ("Beautiful Holidays!").

Christmas fair. DeclensionWeihnachtsmarkt is a masculine noun. Remember that, in German, both the spelling of the word and the article preceding the word can change depending on whether it is in the nominative, accusative, genitive, or dative case.

Kartoffelpuffer (Potato Pancakes)

They basically taste like really crispy hash browns and are just as delicious as they sound. Traditionally, they are served with apple sauce, however you'll commonly find a range of sweet or savoury condiments to go alongside (I personally enjoyed the sour cream option).

Munich – Christmas Market in Marienplatz

The Munich Christmas market in Marienplatz is a world-famous sight to behold, held in front of the old town hall. Taking mainstage, the huge Christmas tree decorated with over 2,500 twinkling lights will enchant you.

The German name for a Christmas market often is “Christkindlmarkt” or “Weihnachtsmarkt”. The last name simply means “Christmas market” whereas the first name originates from the tale of the Christkind or Christchild.

Weihnachten (German: [ˈvaɪ̯naxtn̩]) is the observance of what is commonly known in English as Christmas in the German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

The first and foremost thing you have to know is how you say Merry Christmas in German, and that is 'Frohe Weihnachten!

Nuremberg, Germany - Christkindlesmarkt

The main Christmas market in Nuremberg, Germany – Christkindlesmarkt – is one of the oldest and best-known markets globally.

What do Germans call the day after Christmas? ›

The day after Christmas Day — der zweite Weihnachtstag, known as Boxing Day in Britain — is also a holiday in Germany.

Traditional German Christmas Food to Celebrate the Holidays. It's said, “The first taste of Christmas arrives when Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and Spekulatius (gingery biscuits) suddenly appear on the supermarket shelves at the beginning of September.

Glühwein, as mulled wine is known in Germany, is essentially red wine heated with spices, lemon and sugar - generally cinnamon and cloves are used in all recipes, with some adding aniseed or vanilla. A variation on the mulled wine is the Feuerzangenbowle.

A German Christmas Day breakfast

You'll find cold meats and cheeses on the breakfast table all over Germany, but there are all manner of regional variations to the meal such as the festive breads that might appear alongside them, and in the north you'll almost certainly be offered fish.

Raclette (Broiled Cheese)

Traditional Raclette is made with a special type of cheese (called Raclette cheese), but you can also find blends from Camembert or Bergkäse. At most German Christmas markets, you can choose to add extra toppings on your Raclette like crispy onions, fruit jelly or rendered pork fat.

Since the Middle Ages, it's been traditional to hold Christmas markets throughout Europe in various towns and cities. It's a wonderful way to get into the festive season and explore a new city in wintertime.

Although it is a Christian festival to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, Germans with no particular religious beliefs also celebrate Christmas. Last year, 81 percent of the people living in Germany celebrated Christmas. Celebrating this festival is an important family tradition.

At the Christmas Markets, everybody eats “snack” savoury food, such as burgers, bratwurst (German sausage) and chips. You can expect to pay €3 – 6 for any of these food items, which is relatively affordable in comparison to how much you'd pay for meals in a restaurant.