10 German Christmas Markets

There's nothing better for Christmas cheer, 
than German markets with lots of warm gear!

Picture the perfect winter wonderland scene. It's filled with snow, Christmas lights, pine trees, the smell of hot cider, and a fire, right? If that's the scene you imagined, then you are speaking my language. Actually, you are speaking German. German Christmas markets, though extremely cold, have given me very unique and authentic Christmas experiences. I was lucky enough to visit 10 Christmas markets this year (4 were in Munich, within walking distance of each other, but they still count). I was even more blessed to be able to visit them with both family and friends.

One of the most unique things about German Christmas markets is the gluhwein mugs. These sacred mugs are hot items (with Americans anyways). Every market has their own special gluhwein mug and it is popular (and fun) to collect a mug from every market. I am proud of my 6 mug collection. They all bring back wonderful memories. Plus, mugs are just nice to have.

My German Christmas market mug collection (left to right: Nuremberg, Guteneck, Dresden, Munich Residence, Munich nativity, and Regensburg)

The first market I went to was with our church, The Graf House. Unfortunately, Justin couldn't make it, but I was with a wonderful group of people to make my first market very enjoyable. We went to the Guteneck medieval themed market on opening day, so we were able to see a parade, complete with the Christmas Angel and marching bands. Guteneck also had a live nativity scene with commentary. Unfortunately, the commentary was in German, but at least I know the Christmas story, so I could follow along well. There were camel rides available, and people dressed straight out of the medieval time period. Fox furs were definitely the hit item back then. Luckily, there were warming fires, and an area inside a huge tent with heating lamps. Despite the cold (and it was freezing), inside the tents plenty of Germans were still throwing back beers. Personally, I stuck with gluhwein, because it's hot and kept my numb hands warmer. I had spaetzle for the first time and it was awesome. It's basically German style mac and cheese. I also had some tiny fried doughnuts that were probably really bad for me, but really warm and tasty. Overall, it was a great experience to start off my Christmas market adventures.

Part of the parade

Christmas Angel

The second market I went to was in Dresden. I took a train with a group of Army wife friends. It was a 4 hour trip one way, but it was totally worth it. Dresden had a giant Christmas pyramid, which was absolutely breathtaking. I also experienced my first langos. This is basically fried bread with a garlic/butter spread, topped with sour cream and cheese. Needless to stay, it was delicious and I have been craving one ever since. The downside to Dresden was the set-up. There were so many stalls (booths) and they were so compacted in that it was very crowded. However, my favorite mug came from Dresden (the third mug from the left in my mug picture), and this is where I found a lot of cute Christmas items to send home to my friends and family.

Giant Christmas Pyramid

So magical

It was worth the cold

Next, Justin (finally made it to a market!) and I went to a Christmas market with some of my CrossFit friends. The market was in a small town near us called Kemnath. It was a cute little market, complete with a snow hill for the kids. Of course, I slid down it too. This was way smaller than Dresden, and unfortunately, it didn't have it's own mug, probably because it was only open for that weekend. We still had a fun time drinking gluhwein from Styrofoam cups and eating brats and candied almonds (my favorite).

Justin and me in front of the local band

Jill and me on top of the snow hill

The day after the Kemnath market, Justin and I went to the Grafenwohr market in our town. This market was even smaller than Kemnath and was only being held one day. Again, they didn't have mugs, and there was a small selection of stalls, but a choir of German school kids sang, so that was sweet. Unfortunately, we didn't take our camera to this market.

The next weekend Justin and I headed to Regensburg, to the Romantic themed Christmas market. This was similar to the Guteneck market, but a little more "modern" and people weren't running around in their fox furs here, though there were a few for sale. I loved the greenery that covered all the roofs of the stalls. There were warming fires all around the market and torches along the pathways. The best part about this market was that it was located outside of the Thurn and Taxis Palace, so it had great scenery. Plus, inside the courtyard of the palace was a giant Christmas tree, which was really pretty. It was fun being at a bigger market with Justin because we were able to buy some things to add to our newly married Christmas decoration collection.

Justin at the entrance

Me in the courtyard

I found another LANGOS

Justin has our bag full of Christmas goodies and notice my blue gluhwein mug

 The next 4 markets we went to were all in Munich with my parents! It was so wonderful to have my parents here for Christmas. We went on a tour of these 4 Christmas markets, which included a medieval market and a nativity themed market. We learned a lot about the history of Christmas markets on our tour. Interestingly, they started as a way for people to buy supplies and create revenue during Germany's cold months. They started out being only a week long, but turned into a month ordeal, because they became so popular. I was only able to get 2 mugs from these markets, because the tour didn't allow us enough time to buy gluhwein at every market. I still enjoyed the Munich markets and walking around with my family, even if I couldn't fully add to my mug collection.

Justin and me in front of the cuckoo clock and giant Christmas tree in the main market area

Mom, me, and Dad in front of a Munich store decorated for Christmas near the nativity market

Justin and I in a yet another market in Munich

Most of the Christmas markets are open from the last week in November until the day before Christmas Eve. This was a bummer because my parents came 3 days before Christmas Eve, so many of the markets were closing. Have no fear though, we did some research and found out the Nuremberg market was still open Christmas Eve. Nuremberg marked my last German Christmas market for the season. We went in the morning and did some last minute shopping so my parents could buy German Christmas decorations. We also bought stollen bread for our Christmas Eve dinner. Stollen bread is traditional German bread that is quite tasty.

Justin, me, and Dad overlooking Nuremberg on the roof of the Imperial Castle

Overall, my German Christmas market adventures were amazing. It was so fun seeing how the German culture celebrates Christmas. What was even more interesting was learning that many of the Christmas traditions my family does are alined with German culture. It was nice to see the "roots" of where it all originated. Thanks to all of my family and friends who helped me experience such a magical Christmas time. It was my first Christmas as a married woman, and it is one I will never forget. I am sure I will will not experience beautiful, authentic Christmas sights that can compare to a German Christmas market.