German Christmas Markets: What I Loved About Each

Going to the German Christmas markets has turned into a tradition that I absolutely love. Being an American, I decided that Thanksgiving is the most appropriate and perfect time to go. Most Americans are traveling domestically to meet up with families, so getting out of the country is actually a very pleasant process. The European Christmas markets are something that, unless you have been, is hard to put into words.However, I am going to try. They are some of the most magical and joyful happenings I have witnessed and experienced, and I consider myself a regular now. My hope is to keep experiencing new ones each year as well as going back to my favorites. Here, I’ll tell you about the ones I went to and what I liked about each one. They are all unique, and each one has much to love. Whether you go with a group, a friend, a loved one, or solo, you're in for a magical time.

When I landed in Frankfurt, I immediately got on a scenic train ride along the Rhine River headed to Cologne. The woman working the ticket counter encouraged this longer route, as she said it was stunning. She wasn’t wrong. Even though I was exhausted, enjoying this train ride is something I’ll never forget. That’s not why you’re here, though. The German Christmas markets in Cologne were just what the Christmas season ordered. I went to a couple in the city and each was better than the last. Cologne’s Heinzels Wintermärchen was my favorite, as I went both during the day and then went back at night. It is considered one of the most whimsical and magical markets in Europe. I definitely see why. The food was abundant and the handmade crafts were putting on a show. Cologne is a fantastic city as it is. Add the Christmas markets in and you feel like you’re in a Lifetime Movie. I’d highly recommend going to this market if the markets are on your bucket list. I know I will definitely be back.

If you’ve ever wanted a fairy tale setting, head to Heidelberg. While I only spent one night there, I felt like I got a good feel for it being a place I want to go back. My hotel was on the square of the Marktplatz market, and I had the best Nutella and coconut crepe of my entire life. Since I was only there for about 24 hours and it was actually Thanksgiving day, I wanted my stay to be special, and it certainly was. Someone at my hotel recommended going to the Heidelberg Castle, which has stunning views of the city. The grounds of the castle were a photographer’s dream and I spent the whole time photographing the outside. By the time I was ready to tour the castle, it was closing for the night, so I have yet to see the inside. For me, a castle is a castle is a castle, and I don’t care too much about seeing them all. It was not a huge loss for me, but you may want to go in or take a guided tour. After sunset, I went down the funicular and back to one of the cutest German Christmas markets, and knew I would be back. The size of the city and the markets were perfect, and I can’t wait to do more exploring in years to come.

This city took me by surprise at how much I connected with it. There was something very peaceful and magical about Nuremberg that I can’t quite put my finger on, but the German Christmas markets in Nuremberg were awesome. I got adventurous with food, ate my weight in desserts, and purchase delicious gingerbread cookies to take home with me. Lucky for me, I had a friend who met me there, and it was nice to speak to a fellow American for a while. This was a solo trip, so I didn’t have many people to chat with while there. We hit the Christkindlesmarkt (that word is so long!) and she showed me all of the good spots to grab things, namely the gingerbread. The next day, after going to the Nuremberg Trials Memorial (which I highly, highly recommend, especially if you are into WWII like I am) I headed back to the market for more. I’m not a huge consumer and don’t buy a lot of stuff, but this particular market had beautiful wares. It was also huge, so you could get lost walking up and down the rows of huts enjoying the stalls. Not only will I be back to Nuremberg, I will also be checking out what it’s like to live there. I loved it that much.

Frankfurt didn’t get a totally fair shake from me. However, before leaving Germany to come back to the United States, I rallied and went to this market. I am so glad I did. The Frankfurt German Christmas markets are different than the other cities I had gone to. One of the most interesting things that I noticed was how much space there was to sit or stand at tables. Trying to balance hot chocolate or Glühwein with your chocolate covered fruit is not ideal and makes for a complete disaster. In Frankfurt, you can actually enjoy your food and drink without worrying about juggling from hand to hand. It’s also where I met a couple of expats living in Germany, and they helped me better understand the German culture. Having not spent much time in Germany previously, it was fascinating to me how reserved and to themselves they remain. Being from New Orleans where everyone talks to everyone, it was a culture shock. Back to the markets, though. The fact that Frankfurt is so easy to fly into makes it a Christmas market destination I will definitely return to.

I’ve been to Munich several times, and lastly it was for the German Christmas markets. While the city isn’t my favorite, the Christmas markets were beautiful, and I think are completely worthy of a visit. The markets there are scattered all over the large city, so you have your pick of size and feel. Marienplatz market was the one I frequented the most, as it was the most popular among the group I was in for that trip. It was where I tasted my first Glühwein, and had my first Christmas market crepe, so it will always hold a special place in heart. Aside from the markets, the beer halls around Munich are some of my favorites. Augustiner-Keller is one that I go back to each time I’m in Munich, as I absolutely love their beer and the beer hall is really cool looking. When I was young I like the Hofbräuhaus, but today it is far too loud and rowdy for me. The 20-year-old me liked that, the decades-older me does not. Aside from the beautiful markets, Munich has a ton to offer. You can only peruse the markets for so long, after all.

Although I have been to markets outside of Germany, I really feel like the German Christmas markets have done it so right. Austria also has some beautiful ones, but Germany is quite magical. Each year I will continue to go back and scope out more. For now, these amazing ones are heavy hitters in terms of charm and what most foreigners want out of a market. None of them will disappoint you, and I encourage everyone I talk to to make a German Christmas markets trip a priority, particularly if you love the magic of winter and Christmas like I do. Ås the world gets smaller, the markets get more crowded, so going sooner than later is my advice. You will truly be so happy you went.

To know how to pack for the markets, check out my blog here.

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