The lilt of snowflakes, the sparkle of white lights against the darkness, the warmth and comfort of hot chocolate, and the delight of Christmas carols. Despite being a Texas girl who hates the cold, I am a sucker for winter. Add the smell of roasting nuts and the charm that emanates from every corner of the German Christmas markets, and I am a goner.
Thanks to a perfectly-timed business meeting and some frequent flier miles, we had the chance to visit the fairytale markets of Nuremberg and Munich. We had no idea what to expect but were thrilled to find a kind of holiday spirit we’ve rarely experienced at home. Punctuated with every sight, sound, and flavor (sausage!) of winter happiness you could imagine, the markets were the epitome of Christmas cheer.
Just in case you need more reasons to head to Germany in December, here are 20 festive photos that will make you want to run and book a ticket.
The German Christmas markets buzz with energy and festivity
Gingerbread ornaments in Nuremberg
Carousel in the Nuremberg snow
All kinds of delicious sausage are a staple at the German Christmas markets
Daddy and daughter indulging in a market snack
Even the food stalls are elaborate
Young children participate in the Nuremberg lantern parade one night in mid-December
Gluhwein (mulled wine) and beer stall
Horse-drawn carriage that tours through Nuremberg
Pastries for sale
Choir performances add to the atmosphere
Figurines made of nuts and prunes are traditional in Nuremberg
Decorations throughout the cities
Christmas tree in front of Munich city hall
Potpourri and ornaments
Winter fruit
Beer steins are everywhere at the German Christmas markets
Ornaments and figurines
Wooden ornaments are popular throughout Germany
Have you ever been to one of the German Christmas markets? What did you think?
Sold! I’m a sucker for Christmas and a fan of Germany, so I would love this.
Love this! I want to go to the Christmas markets!
Since I am physically disabled, it’s very unlikely that I’ll ever be able to see these beautiful markets in person. However, my wonderful neighbor got to go there in 2018, and brought me this charming tree ornament, which is already a treasure. Isn’t it wonderful?
https://tinyurl.com/y82bokq6
That is such a beautiful ornament. We have a tradition of buying an ornament in new places and bringing it home. In Colmar this year, we bought one in the shape of the Alsace pretzel, but I think we like yours better! In Germany, we focused on buying some of the wooden smokers instead of an ornament. Thanks for sharing!
Ooooh!! I want to go to a Christmas Market soooo badly!!
Living in Berlin, I’ve got my fair share of Christmas Markets over the past few years…but I still want more! Your photos are great
The crowds seem to be a bit much for me but of course you know I’d go for the food!
So different from the possible Christmas market I might see here…in 30C temperatures!
Wow! I’m at the beach in Peru right now and it feels very much NOT like Christmas. This is a crazy reminder what is going on in the rest of the world 🙂
Interestingly, the crowds weren’t so bad. And we really hate crowds, so that’s saying something.
Federico and Alex- be thankful for the warmth! We were snowed in today!
We’ve been living in Italy for 5 years and had been to our fair share of Christmas markets, but never to German Christmas markets. We remedied that with a visit to the Nuremberg Christkindlmarkt in December and it was amazing! I think all the delicious food is the best part.
I’ve been to quite a few Christmas markets in Europe, but Nuremberg is far and away the most magical.
So beautiful! I so plan to do a European Christmas one year to visit these markets!
They are just as amazing as the look. Definitely something everyone needs to do at least once.
I really want to visit the German Christmas markets! We will have a couple in our area this year that resemble the German markets, but I can’t imagine they will be as great as the real thing!
The closest thing in the USA is Christkindlmarket Chicago. Make sure to stop by Fehrenbach Black Forest Clocks and say hi!
Thanks for stopping by, Bernd. The Chicago market is great! We’ve been at least 4 or 5 times and really enjoy it. Out of curiosity, where did you happen to find this post? We’ve gotten a huge number of visitors in the last day or so but don’t know who to thank.
Amazing photos! I visited the Christmas markets in Berlin last year, but I have never been to Munich. It looks so beautiful!
Okay, you’re right. Not only do I want to visit, I want to head to the airport NOW.
Thanks, Jeff 🙂 Glad you enjoyed them!
Looking at your photos, I love to go to a Christmas Market and to have a mulled wine.
One of my favorites is the Christkindlmarkt, the Christmas market in Munich. It is the oldest Christmas market in town. If you like, have a look at my impressions http://youtu.be/4jAKyNxF_s8
Merry Christmas!!!!
Love German Christmas Markets! Great pictures!!!
Love your photos of the market, they are beautiful! Nuremberg markets are amazing, as long as you’re not there when the buses roll in with the day trippers! Munich’s markets are also great and a little less packed, but we love them all and miss European Christmas markets!
Gorgeous photos! I love Germany so much and have long wanted to see the Christmas markets there…. This definitely makes me wish I could get there sooner rather than later.
This is my favorite childhood memory. Germany is a magical place to grow up. If you want a little piece of this but can’t afford to travel to Europe, try the Kristkindl Market in Chicago. It even has the red and white striped awnings. You can get the same ornaments and food as in Nuremburg because those same businesses travel here for the Market.
On our way Saturday. Can’t wait. The pictures make me even more excited
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That’s great! You will have such an amazing time.