The lights twinkle in the darkness, children stand with glittering eyes in front of the colorfully decorated Christmas houses and the sweet smell of roasted almonds fills the air: Nowhere can you get into the Advent mood better than at Christmas markets. German markets are best known for their diversity. It is therefore no wonder that many Dutch people like to travel across the border. After all, there is hardly any city in Germany that does not have at least one market. But why is that? If you look in the history books, the tradition goes back more than 600 years. “As far back as the Middle Ages, stalls were set up on the days before Christmas – usually only for one day,” says German customs expert Manfred Becker-Huberti. People gathered at the winter markets to stock up on meat and spices for the cold days ahead. There were also small toys to be found.
During the fourteenth century, sweets, chestnuts and nuts were added to the offering. According to the expert, a Christmas market in Munich in 1310 and a meat market in Bautzen in eastern Germany in 1384 were first documented. Over time, these markets spread throughout the country. “They weren’t for fun or drinks,” says Becker-Huberti.
After Christmas changed from a purely religious festival to a civil family celebration over the course of the eighteenth century, the supply market also slowly developed into an entertainment market with bakers offering pastries and musicians entertaining the people. “The discovery that traditional markets could be used commercially led to an expanded offering in the twentieth century, with experiential value coming to the fore,” says Becker-Huberti.
The tradition had to pause for the first time during World War II. In the 1960s the Christmas market became louder, more colorful and more diverse. The markets as we know them today emerged. And over the past ten years they have been popping up in Europe. After corona closures and energy restrictions over the past three years, the 3,000 Christmas markets in Germany are running at full capacity for the first time this year. Our tips:
Five Christmas markets in the border region
Aachenuntil December 23
The Christmas market in Aachen impresses with its extraordinary atmosphere. About 1.5 million people are drawn to the festively illuminated cathedral and town hall every year. Visitors should definitely try the famous Printen (cakes), which you can buy with spices, chocolate or nuts.
Dusseldorfuntil December 30
There are eight themed markets in Düsseldorf, lined with hundreds of pine trees. The craft market in the old town is particularly beautiful, with huts in the style of the historic Renaissance town hall. There is also a restored carousel that is almost 100 years old. The market in front of Benrath Palace in the south of the city is definitely worth a visit. Here thousands of lights illuminate the forecourt in a special glow.
Hattingenuntil December 23
The Hattingen Christmas market is one of the most beautiful in the Ruhr area. The small Christmas village in the old town with its carousel, mulled wine and bratwurst stalls creates a nostalgic atmosphere among the half-timbered houses. There is also something for the children: Mother Holle shakes her pillows from the windows of the old town hall every day.
Juicingon the weekends from December 2 to 23
The historic Dyck Castle in Jüchen offers a delicious mix of savory and sweet treats and selected works of art against a beautiful backdrop. The lively Christmas play is also a highlight.
Cologneuntil December 23
Drinking mulled wine under a radiant starry tent with a view of the Cologne Cathedral: that’s something! But it is worth it to walk from Germany’s favorite Christmas market to the Alter Markt and the Heumarkt. Here, hundreds of gnomes decorate the stalls in the old town. And at the Engelmarkt, white stars in the trees create a magical atmosphere.