Five Things You’ll Love and Hate About German Christmas Markets
Merry Christmas from Germany! Germany has loads of Christmas markets during the holidays, starting the Wednesday or Thursday before the first Sunday of Advent. The last day for German Christmas markets is usually December 23rd. Before you plan a trip to the markets, we’re sharing the five things you’ll love (and hate) about German Christmas markets.
German Christmas Market Love #1: Drinking Glühwein
Glühwein is the hot mulled wine that Christmas markets are famous for. It usually comes in a commemorative mug, which you can collect as you travel to several markets. The hot wine really warms you up on a cold winter night.
German Christmas Market Love #2: German Food
In addition to yummy Glühwein, the food at German Christmas markets is amazing. These are good homestyle “grandma” foods, and it’s a great way to experience German culture through food.
Read: The Best Gifts for Travelers Young and Old
German Christmas Market Love #3: Being Cozy in the Cold Outdoors
You’re outside in the cold, but you’ll hardly notice it as the Christmas markets really brighten up the cold nights. Germans are so happy this time of year, and everyone is in a celebratory mood.
German Christmas Market Love #4: Getting into the Christmas Spirit
Every city in Germany has Christmas displays and markets to help you get into the Christmas spirit. The cold weather actually helps get you in the Christmas spirit, too.
German Christmas Market Love #5: Christmas Markets Are Everywhere
The Christmas markets aren’t reserved just for the big cities; they are in the small towns, too. The most famous Christmas market is in Nuremburg, but it’s fun to visit several and see how the different towns celebrate! They’re becoming more popular throughout Europe, and even some U.S. cities like Chicago, have their own Christmas market.
German Christmas Market Hate #1: The Hours
Most markets open around noon and close at 9p.m. If you’re out doing other tourist activities during the day, you won’t have much time to enjoy the Christmas markets. As mentioned previously, they also shut down the day before Christmas, so you have to make sure you don’t miss it.
German Christmas Market Hate #2: Knockoff Gifts
Not every Christmas market booth has authentic, German souvenirs. As Christmas markets become more popular with tourists, you’ll see more cheesy, knockoff stuff.
German Christmas Market Hate #3: The Pfand (Deposit on your mug)
The Pfand is the deposit on hot wine mugs. They make good souvenir gifts, so many people choose to keep them. However, you are charged a deposit of 2-3 Euros up front, which you can recoup if you turn the mugs back in. However, this makes your initial Glühwein bill a bit of a shock. Then, if you decide to keep some mugs for souvenirs, packing them all up to take them home can be a real pain!
German Christmas Market Hate #4: The Cold (so be prepared)
It can be quite cold at the Christmas markets, depending on where you are. Especially at night, make sure you are bundled up in layers, and plan to stay warm with lots of Glühwein.
German Christmas Market Hate #5: Crowds
The German Christmas markets can be very crowded, especially at night on the weekends. Plan ahead for this, and be prepared to visit earlier, mid-week or just steel yourself for crowds.
Our Original 12 Days of Christmas Video
Ready for your German Christmas market trip? Check out some of our other blog posts and videos before you go!