If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the past few years, it’s that Germans take their Christmas markets SERIOUSLY. Steeped in history (the tradition dates back to the Middle Ages), the markets are a far cry from gimmicky marketing ploys and are truly embedded in local culture. They are the real deal, my friends. Perfected over centuries, the Christmas markets dotting the country are authentic, magical and delicious — an unforgettable experience I hope you ALL add to your bucket lists…
While I would be hard pressed to tell you where the “best” German Christmas markets are since there are over 2000 of them, I can tell you that the Underrated Christmas Markets we visited last time and the unique Christmas markets listed below are pretty damn special. Trust me when I say: you will leave Germany with forever memories, a full belly and a huge smile on your face…
Four Unique Christmas Markets In Germany
1. Straight Out Of A Fairy Tale -Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market
Magic, it does exist! That’s all I kept telling myself as I weaved through this enchanting Christmas market hugged by the Black Forest. I literally felt like a character in a fairy tale…
Tucked under a historic viaduct, Ravennaschluct Christmas Market is dotted with fire pits, lined with over 40 twinkling stalls and has a beautifully-lit nativity path in the forest. I recommend grabbing some glühwein and heading to the top of the hill for the most epic views…
2. A Step Back In Time – Medieval Christmas Market In Munich
Did you know that Munich has multiple Christmas markets?! I had no clue. Best part? They all have different vibes. The main market in Marienplatz is the busiest and is also where you’ll find the big Christmas tree (which is a gift from a different region each year), the one hugged by The Residenz has a hip, youthful vibe and the Medieval Christmas Market is the most unique of them all…
The stalls and the fully-costumed vendors at the Medieval Christmas Market in Munich will make you feel like you stepped back in time (or onto the set of Game of Thrones). Make sure to try a Feuerzangenbowle (mulled wine topped with a rum-soaked sugar cube that’s set on fire) which is served in a clay goblet at this market…
And yes, with the help of our lovely and patient local guide (Mrs Christiane Haack), I eventually learned how to pronounce the much-loved holiday drink: Feuerzangenbowle!
3. Santa’s Workshop – Freiburg Christmas Market
While it’s not actually called Santa’s workshop, it FELT like we were walking through it as we wandered around the Christmas market in Freiburg…
That’s because almost every single stall sells something that’s been carefully handcrafted — exceeding the quality & variety I’ve seen at ANY other Christmas market. It truly felt like Santa’s elves were working away to create the unique gifts on display…
This is also the only Christmas market I’ve seen with an interactive component. Yup, you can achieve elf status and actually make something! The candle workshops are pretty special. As is the children’s bakery where kids learn how to bake Christmas cookies!!
AND they have the cutest ferris wheel. It goes SUPER fast so perhaps save the glühwein for after the ride, but it’s really fun and a great way to see the market from above!
4. A Christmas Ship – Konstanz Christmas Market
Beyond its picturesque setting nestled between the medieval town centre and Lake Konstanz, this Christmas market also has a Christmas ship! Say whaaaat?
There’s no entrance fee for the Christmas ship so you can just walk on to enjoy a glass or two of their glühwein (which locals say is the best in town), dance on their dance floor and get aerial views of the Christmas market. Alternatively, you can grab food at Konzilgebaeude Konstanz which serves up a Medieval menu and get a nice aerial view of the market from there!
BONUS: While you’re in Konstanz, hop over to Mainau Island to experience yet another unique Christmas market. Their Scandinavian Christmas market launched this year and it may just be the cutest little market I ever did see…
They also host a huge Scandinavian holiday feast in their balmy (or should I say palm-y LOL) Palm House so you’ll want to snag some tickets for that as well…
Le sigh, just writing this recap makes me want to get right back on the plane to explore more of Germany’s Christmas markets. This was my second time visiting during the festive season and certainly won’t be the last. There’s just something SO special about their markets…
It’s difficult to describe in words so I encourage you all to check them out yourselves to FEEL the magic. When you do, these are the Christmas market foods you must try and below you’ll find an amazing recap video of our Southern Germany Christmas market hop to help you plan your trip!
A huge thanks to the German National Tourist Office and host cities of Munich, Konstanz, Hinterzarten and Freiburg for sharing their unique Christmas markets with us.
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