I love the Christmas and Holiday Seasons. I always have. I am “that person”; the one who struggles to practice restraint throughout the dark days of November as I anxiously anticipate the perfect, (and “perfectly acceptable”) time to wreath the front door, decorate my home, and start playing my favourite Christmas music on repeat.
A Christmas market holiday in Europe is the perfect way to enliven the holiday spirit. The Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas Market) offers not just stalls of gifts and seasonal treats, but also the chance to explore spectacular historic cities, witness an inspiring sense of the importance of family, appreciate a glowing pride in tradition and community, all while mixed with wonderful food enjoyed under the warm glow of twinkling Christmas lights. While many countries and cities across Europe host incredible markets and events that are worth experiencing, for me, there is something extra-special about visiting Europe during the Christmas market season.
Here are just some of my favourites:
Frankfurt: Tradition Meets Modernity
Frankfurt is the perfect place to experience the many traditions of a German Christmas market for the first time. As a major hub, Frankfurt’s International Airport and its centrally located train station are a convenient starting point for enjoying the wonders of the German Christmas season.
The Frankfurt Christmas market is one of the oldest and most beautiful in Germany. It takes place in the city’s historic Römerberg Square, where you will find the heart of the market, with over 200 stalls that stretch across the old city to St. Paul’s Square. With a glass of warm mulled wine or a cold draft beer, you can soak in the ambiance of the festively decorated half-timbered houses and medieval structures. The nearby towering St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral is just a short walk from the market. This cathedral offers stunning views of the market square and when lit for Christmas, offers a dazzling spectacle of light. Throughout, the air is filled with the aroma of roasted chestnuts, bratwurst grilling on open fire pits, spiced mulled wine (Glühwein – served in collectible ceramic mugs similar to teacups), and of course, fresh gingerbread (Lebkuchen). The surrounding elaborately decorated stalls (some held by families under contract in the same spot year after year for generations) have artisans offering everything you could imagine – wood-carved nativity scenes, delicate glass ornaments, beautiful nutcrackers (Nussknackers), and an unbelievable array of kitchen gadgets, baking tools, and beautiful cookie cutters in every shape and size.
Koblenz: Steeped in History and Sweetness
A trip down the Rhine River is an incredible experience at any time of the year, but seeing the Rhine during the Christmas season brings its own special magic to this beautiful part of the world. For Christmas, the Koblenz Christmas market is one of my favourite stops. The market is nestled in the heart of Koblenz Altstadt (Old Town) and is surrounded by beautiful half-timbered houses. Towering over the town square at Jesuitenplatz is the city’s largest Advent calendar, lighting up in 24 windows on the beautiful Baroque grandeur of the city’s town hall – it truly is spectacular! Throughout Germany, the advent calendar has a special significance; according to tradition, the calendars were created in the 19th century by a Munich homemaker who grew tired of having to answer endlessly to her excited children when Christmas would come. Advent calendars have been produced in Germany since the middle of the 19th century –they make a perfect souvenir.
The strong sense of family and community that is so prevalent in every town in Germany during the Holiday season shines through in Koblenz. To see so many adults and children of all ages, bundled up and soaking in the festive atmosphere in the town square while enjoying so many local delicacies truly embodies the true meaning of the Holiday Season. Popular attractions at the markets include the Nativity Scene (a crèche or crib), Zwetschgenmännle (figures made of decorated dried plums), Nussknacker (carved Nutcrackers), Gebrannte Mandeln (candied, toasted almonds), traditional Christmas cookies such as Lebkuchen and Magenbrot (both incredibly delicious forms of soft gingerbread). It is in these smaller towns across Germany such as beautiful Koblenz, that the Christmas magic unfolds for me; with twinkling lights, festive music, and the scent of cinnamon wafting through the air. There is a wide range of Christmas goods to discover here. Unique Christmas tree decorations, Christmas cookie cutters and baking gadgets, traditional German candle arches, Christmas pyramids, nutcrackers, delicious stollen, honey, handknit gloves and hats and scented oils – there is always a suitable Christmas gift to be found, and I love them all!
Strasbourg: A Stylish Christmas Escape
Strasbourg offers a sophisticated take on the traditional Christmas market in its chic and bustling city center. Spread across the city, the market sparkles with Christmas lights, making it the perfect place to combine a market visit with a touch of luxury. This beautiful tree-lined canal is a great place for a fashionable stroll in the evening before heading into the nearby market. Strasbourg is truly one of the best – appropriately nicknamed the “Capitale de Noel”, it has one of the most famous Christmas markets in Europe and it truly is something special to behold. I have been many times and am always dazzled by the displays, the beautiful Christmas decor everywhere, and the impressive way the city’s inhabitants and businesses fully embrace their Christmas traditions. It is truly the perfect place to sip on mulled wine while browsing beautifully crafted Christmas ornaments.
Every year, as the Holiday season approaches, I start longing for the comforting, warm and festive feel of the Weihnachtsmärkte. Christmas markets offer more than just festive stalls – they provide fascinating insights with a blend of tradition, history, and wonderful indulgence. For those seeking a festive getaway, these markets promise not only Holiday cheer, but they are in and of themselves a perfect sophisticated holiday escape.
If you are interested in planning your own Christmas Market holiday, joining one of our Christmas market holidays, if you have specific questions, or even if you would like to share some of your own favourite Christmas Market experiences, I would love to hear from you! Send me an email at [email protected]
