![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/christmas-divider-1024x58-1.png\")
<\/p>\nIn the dead of winter, bustling German Christmas markets spring up all across the country hawking a variety of wares from delectable yuletide treats to beautifully handcrafted goods. One way to warm yourself up from the deep winter chill is to wander beneath the snowy stall awnings and sidle up next to the sizzling bratwursts (German sausages) or sip from mugs of gl\u00fchwein (mulled wine). For festive good cheer, there is music and entertainment in the air too, supplied by boisterous choirs and brass bands.<\/p>\n
Known as Christkindlmarkts (literally, Christ child markets), these holiday markets have been running for more than 800 years, and many of them still draw on centuries-old traditions and Teutonic legends. They usually begin on the Friday before Advent and run through Christmas Eve on December 24, though some markets may stay open until January.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re planning to coincide your visit with the opening of these markets, here are five we recommend.<\/p>\n
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One of the oldest and most traditional Christmas markets in Germany, the main medieval market square of Nuremberg plays host to a wide variety of market stalls, some of which date back to 1890. The angelic gift-giving figure of the Christkind (Christ Child), played by a young woman dressed in gilded garb, opens the ceremony every year. Set aside time to feast on lebkuchen (spicy gingerbread) and gobble up a few Nuremberg bratwursts at one go\u2014only as long as your finger but seriously delicious!<\/p>\n When<\/strong>: 1 to 24 December 2017<\/p>\n While\u00a0you’re there:<\/strong> Immerse in Nuremberg\u2019s dark past at its courthouse and Nazi party rally grounds, or tour the German Renaissance painter Albrecht D\u00fcrer\u2019s house.<\/p>\n Find hotels in Nuremberg<\/strong>: Stay at Sorat Hotel Saxx N\u00fcrnberg<\/a> as it only takes you a few minutes to reach the Main Market Square and St. Sebaldus Church to celebrate Christmas.<\/p>\n Wander down the historic market alleys of Dresden\u2019s famous Striezelmarkt, lined with hand-carved wooden toys and decorations. As the oldest known Christmas market in Germany, Saxon tradition runs strong in the festive form of a rich fruit and nut cake called Stollen. There is also a baroque charm to be found at the side attractions: a fairytale house, a puppet theatre and a towering Christmas pyramid.<\/p>\n When<\/strong>: 29 November to 24 December 2017<\/p>\n While\u00a0you’re there<\/strong>: Take a stroll by the riverbanks of the Elbe; explore Zwinger, a spectacular rococo palace; see a performance at the neo-renaissance Semper Opera House.<\/p>\n Find hotels in Dresden: <\/strong>Aparthotel Neumarkt<\/a> is only steps away from New Market Square, making it easy for you to visit the Christmas market anytime!<\/p>\n With around 60 markets scattered across Berlin, you might feel dizzy at the options available in the German capital. For an elegant, atmospheric experience, the Weihnachtszauber at the Gendarmenmarkt is set in what is said to be the most beautiful square in the city. Culinary offerings run the gamut from traditional Christmas delicacies to gourmet menus from the country\u2019s top chefs. A plethora of entertainment awaits with daily live plays, choirs, jugglers, acrobats and fire artists\u2014you\u2019ll never be bored.<\/p>\n When<\/strong>: 27 November to 31 December 2017<\/p>\n While\u00a0you’re there<\/strong>: Check out the always forward-thinking Haus der Kulturen der Welt for your dose of arts and culture, shop in the hip districts of Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain, and wolf down some currywurst while you\u2019re at it.<\/p>\n Find hotels in Berlin: <\/strong>Novum Style Hotel Berlin-Centrum<\/a> is a great option to stay near other attractions.<\/p>\n Located on the shores of Lake Konstanz and the Rhine, you\u2019ll be able to spot the snowy peaks of the Alps from the Konstanz Christmas market on a bright winter day. Some of the stalls spread out from the town centre onto boats moored at the quayside. As Konstanz is so near to the Swiss border, taste the influence in the city\u2019s cuisine by chomping down on some k\u00e4sesp\u00e4tzle, a local German twist on the classic macaroni cheese, or St\u00e4ngeli cheese fondue in a baguette.<\/p>\n When<\/strong>: 30 November to 22 December 2017<\/p>\n While you’re there<\/strong>: Ascend the tower of the filigreed M\u00fcnster church for sweeping views of the lake, or seek solace away from the city in the botanical gardens of the off-shore Mainau Island.<\/p>\n Find hotels in Konstanz<\/strong>: Get the lovely lake view when you stay at ibis Konstanz<\/a> at the heart of Konstanz.<\/p>\n CC 2.0<\/a> \/ traveljunction<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Set in a quaint, medieval Bavarian town, the Reiterlesmarkt is part of the city\u2019s transformation into a picture-perfect winter\u2019s fairy-tale. Against a backdrop of its beautiful town centre, sample Rothenburg Schneeballen (shortcrust pastry balls) or have a glass of white gl\u00fchwein. Look out for the arrival of the Rothenburger Reiterle, a ferocious Teutonic horseman who now adopts the figure of a friendly, gift-giving ambassador to welcome the opening of the festival. The year-round Christmas museum\u2014the only one in the country\u2014is also worth a look for its well-catalogued history of Christmas kitsch and memorabilia.<\/p>\n When<\/strong>: 1 to 23 December 2017<\/p>\n While\u00a0you’re there<\/strong>: Wander along its majestic city walls, make a pilgrimage to St. Jakob\u2019s Church for its important woodcarving artwork, or visit the Medieval Crime and Punishment Museum.<\/p>\n Find hotels in Rothenburg ob der Tauber<\/strong>: Glocke Weingut und Hotel<\/a> is a great option with strategic location \u2014 only a 10-minute walk from the square and town hall.<\/p>\n Gl\u00fchwein<\/strong> is a mulled wine made from a spiced blend of cinnamon, cloves, oranges, sugar, and sometimes rum or schnapps\u2014be wary if you\u2019re drinking on an empty stomach. Every market has its custom collectible gl\u00fchwein mug, which you can keep for a small fee and is usually shaped like a boot. Not only do they make great souvenirs, but refills are cheaper too!<\/p>\n Christmas markets are a great way to encounter provincial regions unique to each town and area. To keep your frosty toes warm, it\u2019s best to pack a pair of sturdy boots<\/strong> to brave the snow, slush and medieval cobblestone.<\/p>\n Look out\u00a0for the free concerts<\/strong> in churches and palaces \u2014 follow the sound of music!<\/p>\n [button url=’https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/Destinations-In-Germany.d64.Flight-Destinations’ icon=’entypo-flight’ fullwidth=’true’] Let’s go to Germany![\/button]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Feature image:\u00a0CC 2.0<\/a> \/ Rene Schwietzke<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"![\"Nuremberg,](\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/2-christmas-markets-in-germany.jpg\")
CC 2.0<\/a> \/ Andy L<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n2.\u00a0 For a Winter Wonderland: Dresden Christmas Market<\/h2>\n
![\"Dresden,](\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3-christmas-markets-in-germany.jpg\")
\u00a0CC 2.0<\/a> \/ AugustusTours<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n3. For a Cosmopolitan Carnival: Berlin Christmas Markets<\/h2>\n
![\"Berlin,](\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/4-christmas-markets-in-germany.jpg\")
\u00a0CC 2.0<\/a> \/ Jorge Franganillo<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n4. For an idyllic lakeside stroll: Konstanz Christmas Markets<\/h2>\n
![\"Konstanz,](\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/5-christmas-markets-in-germany.jpg\")
\u00a0CC 2.0<\/a> \/ LenDog64<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n5. For intimate medieval charm: Rothenburg ob der Tauber<\/h2>\n
![\"Rothenburg](\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/6-christmas-markets-in-germany.jpg\")
<\/p>\nKeep Your Eye On\u2026<\/h3>\n