The top 3 Christmas markets in Germany: Magic of the pre-Christmas season!

The top 3 Christmas markets in Germany: Magic of the pre-Christmas season!

After the hustle and bustle of Halloween and the first glow of the fall decorations, the Christmas season has now officially begun. On October 31st, when the ghosts and pumpkins were up to mischief for the last time, the countdown to the festival of festivals began. One of the most beautiful traditions in this pre-Christmas season are the Christmas markets, which attract numerous visitors in Germany, are scattered all over the country and invite you to a warm get-together. Merkur reported that the popular “Time Out” magazine has chosen the three most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany.

The Nuremberg Christmas market is at the top of the list. It is considered one of the oldest and best-known Christmas markets in the world and opens its doors from November 28th to December 24th. Traditionally, the market is opened by a Christ child who enchants visitors with his festive words. Second is the Castle Christmas Market in Berlin, which offers a veritable feast of delicacies and handcrafted works of art from November 24th to December 28th. Third place goes to the Dresden Striezelmarkt, which opens its doors from November 26th to December 24th and has over 200 stalls in Dresden's picturesque city center. Around two million visitors are expected here.

Variety of Christmas markets

But the Christmas season in Germany has so much more to offer besides these large markets. As the ADAC notes in its travel guide, Christmas markets in all regions, from the Alps to the North Sea, attract millions of visitors. The spectrum ranges from small, cozy village festivals to large city events. Here is a small selection of markets that are particularly worth seeing this year:

• **Tegernseer Adventszauber** – Ort: Tegernsee, Bayern; Termin: 29. November bis 21. Dezember (Samstag und Sonntag); Programm: Eisschnitzer, Alphornbläser, weihnachtliches Basteln.
• **Lindauer Hafenweihnacht** – Ort: Lindau, Bodensee; Termin: 27. November bis 21. Dezember (Donnerstag bis Sonntag); Programm: Nikolausschwimmen, Turmblasen.
• **Augsburger Christkindlesmarkt** – Ort: Augsburg; Termin: 24. November bis 24. Dezember; Programm: Engelesspiel am Rathaus.
• **Erfurter Weihnachtsmarkt** – Ort: Erfurt; Termin: 25. November bis 22. Dezember; Programm: Handwerkskunst, große Pyramide für Kinder.

This variety of events shows that Christmas markets are not just places for sales, but also offer an experience for the whole family. From traditional wooden works of art to culinary specialties - there is something for everyone here.

Criticism of advance ticket sales

Despite their great popularity, Christmas markets also receive criticism, especially when it comes to advance ticket sales. Many visitors feel that this detracts from the charm and accessibility of these markets. Especially at a time when community and togetherness are particularly important, resentment is spreading when visitor numbers are regulated through advance tickets.

Overall, it can be said that the Christmas markets in Germany are an indispensable part of the pre-Christmas season. They bring rural and urban communities together and help build anticipation for the upcoming festival.

These festive events make the run-up to Christmas a little warmer and brighter. Whether reveling in the colors of the lights or warming up with a mulled wine, Christmas markets are the perfect place to enjoy the magic of the season.