The Winter Wonderland of Germany’s Weihnachtsmarkt

There’s nothing more magical than the holiday season, and when it comes to holiday magic, nobody does it better than Germany. Big or small, every German city and town proudly presents its own Christmas Market, known locally as a Weihnachtsmarkt or a Christkindlmarkt. A tradition that goes back to the Middle Ages, the Christmas Market is a place full of colorful lights, wonderful food, arts, crafts and in some cases rides for the kids.

Aachen

Starting at the western end of the country, Aachen’s beautiful city centre becomes more beautiful when it’s all lit up. Set around the town’s medieval Cathedral and town hall, Aachen’s Christmas Village features the unforgettable culinary experience of the Aachen Printen, a special kind of gingerbread for which the city is known. There’s a carousel for kids and mulled wine for adults, and the paradise created by the lights, colors, festive sounds and Christmas smells will make folks of all ages feel like kids. Other culinary treats include potato fritters and a large variety of Christmas cakes and biscuits, including Domino Stones, Spekulatius and marzipan bread. Though Aachen is proud to supply the world with these tasty treats, they just taste better when sampled in this winter wonderland. Many Aachen hotels can put you right in the middle of the action.

Munich

Munich’s famous Marienplatz is where you can enjoy the same Bavarian Weihnachtsmarkt that locals have been enjoying since the 14th century. Drift back through the ages as you gaze up at the beautiful Frauenkirche. Then come back to the 21st century as you indulge in traditional Bavarian Christmas gifts, like wood carvings from Oberammergau, Lebkuchen (gingerbread) from Nuremberg and exquisite glassware from the Bavarian Forest. There are also bee’s wax candles, chimney sweeps made of plums and almonds and thousands of other treats for the eyes, nose and mouth. Don’t miss the Christmas Market concert, which is performed from the balcony of the town hall. If your Munich hotel is close enough, you may get to hear it without leaving your room. And don’t miss the Kripperlmarkt, which is one of the largest markets in Germany to specialise in cribs and other nativity accessories. If you’re travelling with the children, you can watch them being transformed into angels with gossamer wings and shimmering gowns in the “Heavenly Workshop.”

Dresden

The city of Baroque is also the city boasting Germany’s oldest Christmas market. Since 1434 the market, known here as the Striezelmarkt, has been supplying guests with the Hefestriezel, the Christmas cake that gave the festival its name. The cake is now known as Dresden Christstollen, and the market, located between the recently rebuilt Frauenkirche and the famous restaurant street of Münzgasse provides the perfect way to see this beautiful treasure of a city. Not only is Dresden’s Christmas market the oldest, but it also boasts the spectacle of the world’s tallest Christmas pyramid, which measures 14 metres tall. The market gives you a chance to experience German history as they play, as the traditional toys at the market still come from the same Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) that they’ve come from for centuries. They can enjoy their toys in one of Dresden’s many family-friendly hotels.

Rüdesheim am Rhein

Perched high over the timeless River Rhein, the Hessian town of Rüdesheim am Rhein provides a journey into the past all year around. But never as beautiful as during the town’s Christmas Market. The entire romantic old quarter comes to life as the Drosselgasse features 120 stalls presenting an international Christmas from 12 countries. In fact, the life-sized Nativity figures located on the market square make up the largest Nativity scene in Europe. Not that you’ll need any help staying up for the market, but just in case, be sure to try the famous Rüdesheim Coffee, made with locally distilled Asbach Uralt Brandy, whipped cream and traditionally served in an authentic Rüdesheim Coffee Set. This local brandy can also be found inside the town’s delicious chocolates. Many of Rüdesheim am Rhein’s hotels provide easy access to the market.

Berlin

It’s no surprise that Germany’s capital city would provide a wide variety of Christmas Markets, ranging from lively and urban to peaceful and petite. With 60 different Berlin Christmas Markets, you could spend the whole holiday season and never see them all. Head to the Weihnachtsmarkt at Charlottenburg Castle for historical carriage rides and Christmas displays both inside and outside this historical gem, which seeks to replicate the 19th century Biedermeier Period. Then head to the Gendarmenmarkt, one of Europe’s most beautiful squares, to experience the most traditional celebration, complete with scrumptious treats and fairy lights. For a more modern version, head to the more modern Potsdamerplatz, where Christmas is celebrated on the Sony Centre’s 4,000 square metre event area. Here you’ll find the Legoland Discovery Centre and Winterwelt, which features Europe’s largest mobile toboggan run! Of course with Berlin’s hundreds of hotels, there’s sure to be one near the Christmas Market of your choice.