Christmas markets, mulled wine, gingerbread and locally-made, one-of-a-kind gifts: Christmas in Germany is truly special. And nowhere more so than in the German federal states of Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt, just south of Berlin. This is the region that gave us the Christmas tree, the Christmas carol and Christmas Eve gift giving – 500 years ago!
WHERE ARE THE BEST GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS?
The smell of spices in the frosty air; the cutest gifts; the sound of carol singing: all are part of authentic Christmas markets that run from the end of November. Some are large, famous and crowded; others are just weekend events in villages. All are fun; all are authentic. Here are a few of our favourites.
Erfurt: The vast medieval Domplatz, dominated by the cathedral, has 200 stalls, selling everything from hand-blown glass tree ornaments from nearby Lauscha to Schittchen, a fruity 7-pound cake that is perfect for sharing with friends during the holidays. More info 25 Nov – 22 Dec 2025
Magdeburg: In Saxony-Anhalt’s capital, travel back to the times of local hero, the 10th-century ruler, Otto the Great. Blacksmiths, glassblowers, painters and potters, all dressed in medieval garb, display their handmade wares. Find gifts made from traditional materials, while the mulled wine and hot mead are served in clay jugs; bread is baked in wood-fired ovens. Welcome to the Middle Ages! More info 20 Nov 2025 – 11 Jan 2026 (closed 23 Nov, 20, 24, 25 Dec)
Quedlinburg: “Advent in the Courtyards” is the unique opening of 20 inner spaces and courtyards; usually closed to the public, these have special Christmassy scenes. The market square, with its medieval half-timbered houses, completes the perfect setting for a romantic holiday season, with live music at every corner. More info 26 Nov – 22 Dec 2025
Wernigerode: In the Harz Mountains, guarded by a romantic medieval castle, the town’s 15th century half-timbered houses are beautifully decorated; stalls are set with local arts and crafts; thousands of lights sparkle along the cobbled streets. And to open the market, the Lord Mayor cuts into a giant Stollen cake. More info 21 Nov – 22 Dec 2025
Did you know? The town of Salzwedel claims to be the birthplace of Baumkuchen cake. Where better to celebrate this delicious treat than at the Christmas market?
WHO INVENTED THE CHRISTMAS TREE?
The first Christmas tree set up outdoors was in Weimar in 1815. A bookseller put a tree outside his shop for poor children to enjoy; that tradition continues annually with a 65-foot silver fir. But the idea of a tree came 300 years earlier. Walking though snowy woods under a starlit sky, religious reformer Martin Luther was so moved that he cut down a fresh tree, set it up indoors and decorated it with real candles. For his five-year-old son, he even composed the first Christmas carol, which is still sung today: “From Heaven above to earth I come, To bear good news to every home.”
Did you know? Luther moved the tradition of gift giving from 6th December (Saint Nicholas’ Day), to Christmas Eve on the 24th!
WHERE DO THOSE TREE DECORATIONS COME FROM?
The international tradition of hanging up tree decorations is another invention from this German region. A mere 60 miles from Weimar, sparkling ornaments have long been created by skillful glass blowers in the Thuringian forest village of Lauscha. In 1880, F. W. Woolworth, the five-and-dime store pioneer, introduced these elegant glass balls to the U.S.A. Today, Lauscha glassblowers still create these delicate tree ornaments. And, where Thuringia meets the Erzgebirge Mountains, folk artists are known for their toy making. They continue the 150-year-old tradition of carving nutcrackers in the shape of soldiers or kings. They also make Christmas pyramids and carousels with candles.
Did you know? Pottery gifts reflect the local crafts tradition. Learn more at the Ceramics Museum in Bürgel.
SPOIL YOURSELF WITH CHRISTMAS TREATS
At Christmas markets, the sweet smell of cooking might be Baumkuchen, which is like a waffle, but cooked over an open fire. A 500-year-old treat, this cake is rich with eggs, butter, sugar, and flour. Stollen, the sweet yeast bread, packed with dried fruits, is another local delicacy, now enjoyed world-wide. Then, there is Pfefferkuchen, a hearty gingerbread made with honey. For something savoury, munch on Thuringian Rostbratwurst, Germany’s best sausage. Grilled over charcoal, it makes a perfect partner for the strong, malty Christmas beer, brewed for the winter season. A fun gift is a special souvenir pottery mug designed for drinking Glühwein (mulled wine). Treats to take home include Halloren Kugeln from Halle (Saale). These chocolate balls, with strawberry, cherry or blackcurrant flavours are made by Germany’s oldest chocolate maker (1804).
To get your own taste of a traditional German Christmas Market, contact me for further details and a quote for your holiday. Happy Christmas or Fröhliche Weihnachten! (Too soon….?)
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