German Christmas Markets
Travel Advice for Seniors: German Christmas Markets
We love going to open-air markets of all types, however, there is something very special about going to a Christmas market, especially in Germany! The sights, the sounds, the smells! It is something that everyone must experience at least once and hopefully multiple times!
We made a stop at Rothenburg ob der Tauber on the way to Nuremberg, home of Käthe Wohlfahrt, Queen of all things Christmas in Germany!
Christmas markets were thought to have begun in Vienna as Dezembermarket (December Market) dating back to 1296. The emperor allowed shopkeepers to hold a market for a day or two in early winter so the townspeople could stock up in preparation for the colder months to come.
Over time, the locals would set up booths to sell handicrafts including toys, woodcarvings and almonds, roasted chestnuts and gingerbread. Before long, Wintermärkte (winter markets) had spread all over Europe.
It is said that the first Christmas Market, called “Striezelmarket”, was held in Dresden, Germany in 1434.
The Christmas Market in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is called the Alt-Rothenberg Reiterlesmarkt and is one of the most popular and charming in all of Germany. The Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, is one of the largest and most famous Christmas markets in the world.
Christmas Markets in Germany and Europe are quite the affair. Most European large cities have them in their central historic district. Most markets will feature a variety of wooden toys, glass ornaments, nativity sets, nutcrackers, pyramids, smokers and other Christmas-themed items. Many markets also feature a variety of handmade items by the original makers who man the shop as well as the ever-popular gingerbread cookies and Glühwein!
Christmas markets are usually open from late November to right before Christmas and entire river cruises and small group tours have been created for you to see as many as possible!
Now for the food and drink…an equally important part of the Christmas Market! Expect to dine on bratwurst (sausages), pommes frites (french fries), käsespätzle (cheesy noodles), kartoffel puffer (potato puffs) along with glühwein (hot mulled red wine). And beer. We are in Germany!
Even though we weren’t visiting at Christmas time, it was still very exciting and of course there was a market in the square. And of course we went to the Käthe Wohlfahrt store to pick up a few things!
Käthe Wohlfahrt,is a world-famous Christmas Store that started in Nurenberg and Rothenburg ob der Tauber. You will find it at most Christmas Markets as It offers the world’s largest selection of traditional German Christmas decorations. And…it’s open year-round here!
Where we stayed: This was a stop between Bamberg and Nuremberg.
How we got there: About an hour and a half drive from Bamberg to Rothenberg. About an hour away from Nuremberg. This was part of a ten-day small group tour through Germany with a side trip to Czech Republic.
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