Home to some spectacular Christmas markets, Germany is the perfect place to head for some tradition and nostalgia. Soak up the atmosphere with a bratwurst and schnitzel and visit our top 3 picks of German markets this festive season.
Berlin Christmas Market
Did you know there are over 70 Christmas markets in Berlin alone? These markets appear in near enough every district in Berlin, ranging from indoor modern markets to outdoor traditional markets.
Here are a couple of markets to look out for in Berlin:
For the artistic individual, we recommend Gendarmenmarkt. Gendarmenmarkt offers stands from whistle-blowers to stalls with origami art, all of which would be an excellent addition to your Christmas tree decorations or to buy as a keepsake.
However if you would like a nostalgic Christmas market, visit Opernpalais. Opernpalais offers classic rides including carousels, the chance to listen to musicians playing Christmas songs and you can indulge yourself in majestic food (we recommend trying their roasted almonds). Opernpalais will make you feel like you are in a Christmas film, a market not to miss.
Cologne Christmas Market
In the heart of the city, you will see a picturesque Christmas tree near Cologne Cathedral. Listed by UNESCO, this gothic masterpiece is the grand entrance to the spectacular Cologne Christmas market. Its famed towers gives the cathedral the largest façade of any church in the world. Cologne offers excellent shopping areas, mouth-watering food and the chance to visit the Village of St Nicholas - but the main attraction is the Winter Fairytale of “Heinzels”.
Heinzels Winter Fairy-tale land.
Translating to ‘House Elves’, every year the ‘Heinzels’ transforms the old town to a Christmas wonderland. Here you can eat and drink at traditional taverns including the Weisse Glögg or Büble Alpe.
Heinzels piece de resistance is their open air ice rink, offering you plenty of time to skate until your heart’s content, and there is even enough space for you to try/play a game of curling.
Dusseldorf Christmas Market
Dusseldorf offers seven different Christmas markets, all unique in their own way and within close proximity of one another. Attractions include the Ice rink in Corneliusplatz and the Dome of Lights in Königsallee.
We recommend going on the Wheel of vision in the district of Burglatz allowing you to see all the spectacular Dusseldorf markets from above. To make this experience extra special, we recommend going on the ‘Wheel of vision’ at night, there you will see the whole of Dusseldorf and its market lit up, making the perfect place to observe and embrace the city’s Christmas spirit.
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