German Christmas Markets

There are so many wonderful things to see and do in Germany at Christmas. Stroll through festively decorated streets and explore the enchanting Christmas markets with their seasonal music and choir singing. Listen to the sounds of bells and trumpeters and attend one of the many concerts from classical to gospel in the churches and on outdoor stages. Adorned with decorations and festively lit, the pedestrian precincts and shopping centersoffer everything your heart could desire. The arts and entertainment scene also takes a seasonal turn in December: in Germany’s major cities, you’ll find everything from plays, operettas and musicals to spellbinding readings. In addition, theme parks are open throughout Christmas for their winter seasons – take the whole family to magical Europa-Park Rust, a winter wonderland in white brimming with thrills, spills and surprises. There are also numerous winter sports you can get involved in and high-profile events such as the New Year ski jumping in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. You see, it’s not just Christmas trees and twinkling lights, Germany has something for everyone during the festive season.

German Christmas Market at the Gluecksburg Castle

Glücksburg Castle provides the setting for an enchanting German Christmas market in the midst of historical splendor. The bridge across the moat is lit up for the occasion and leads to the castle courtyard. Here, bathed in a seasonal glow, you can warm up with a mug of hot punch, Glühwein and other festive favorites beneath the dazzling Christmas tree. More than 70 delightfully presented stalls beckon for browsing, and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to do so, thanks to the exciting entertainment for kids. There is just so much to see, do and get involved in. The castle is also open to visitors: you can explore the magnificent Grüne Diele hallway, the numerous splendidly decorated rooms, and even the castle vaults.

Annaberg-Buchholz Market

German Christmas Market at Annaberg-Buchholz
Traditional customs are alive and well at the Christmas market in the old quarter of Annaberg-Buchholz, normally amid plenty of snow. It opens on 26 November at 5pm, when a ceremonial push sets the Christmas pyramid in motion. The carousel of festive figures is a joy to behold. This Christmas market is one of the prettiest in the Erzgebirge, with hand-carved yuletide gifts at traditional stalls. The aroma of festive treats made to family recipes fills the air. Children have a Christmas wonderland of their own to discover in the elves’ bakery and craft room, and in Santa’s workshop. Other attractions include the miners’ Nativity scene and the ever-popular program of music. The highpoint of this traditional Christmas market begins at 1.30pm on 19 December 2010 when 1,000 people in traditional costumes set off on the grand miners’ parade.
Source: http://www.germany-tourism.de/ENG/culture_and_events/christmas_markets.htm

The Reiterlesmarket in Rothenburg ob der Tauber


In this post I want to feature a very traditional and meanwhile famous Christmas market, the Reiterlesmarkt,  in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of the most beautiful German cities from the medieval times, located in the romantic “Frankenland”. This market dates back to the 15th century and is one of the oldest markets in Germany. The Reiterlesmarkt starts at November 26 and ends on December 24, and attracts thousands of visitors every year, who visit the market because of its magical atmosphere that makes you feel as if the time stands still. The city converts for almost 1 month into a winter fairy tale not only for children. It makes everyone smile and dreaming…
During the Reiterlesmarkt the the city offers special Christmas events such as puppet shows, outdoor brass-band concerts, and guided torch light walks outside the city walls.
Now where does the name Reiterlesmarkt come from? The name can be traced back to an old legend back to the time of the Teutons, and this was long before Christ. The Teutons believed in a rider who took care of the souls of the dead, and they were afraid of this mystic figure. During the Middle ages this believe changed, and the wild rider became  a friendly messenger bringing peace to everyone. A painting of the Reiterle can be seen on the town hall.
Click here to read more (it is in English)

The Christmas Market in Chicago – German Tradition at it’s Best

Chicago has since many years its own original German Christmas market. Although I had not visited this market what I can see from the pictures, it is a real piece of Germany brought to the USA. The Christmas markets are in almost very German city especially in the South of Swabia, Bavaria, Black Forest and up the rhine. There are booths with crafts and delicious food and warm beverages such as Gluehwein (hot red, spicy wine). You don’t have to travel that far, just travel to Chicago to see the Christkindl and the charm of the German Pre-Christmas time.

History and Tradition
Inspired by the Christkindlmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, which began in 1545, the Christkindlmarket Chicago brings a cherished German and European tradition with international flair and local charm to Chicago. Chicago’s largest open-air Christmas festival was first held on Pioneer Court in 1996. By special invitation of Mayor Richard M. Daley, Christkindlmarket Chicago moved to Daley Plaza in 1997 and has become a stable event on the plaza ever since. Together with the support of the Mayor’s Office of Special Events (MOSE), Christkindlmarket Chicago has grown to become one of the most popular winter attractions in the heart of the city.
Read more www.christkindlmarket.com

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