Christmas markets in Germany and their history

How did the Christmas markets in Germany come about?

Every year, during Advent, Germany's Christmas markets lure visitors into a world full of scents, spices, gingerbread, and warming drinks. For us, too, Christmas markets are a destination we enjoy visiting. They now come in many variations.

They can be traditional. But there are also Christmas markets in Germany that stand out from the usual ones. Some are more creative. More sustainable. Or even typical of certain ethnic groups. Have you ever wondered how and when Christmas markets in Germany originated?

 

 

 

 

Originally it was supply markets and trade fairs

To do this, you have to go back a long way in history. Furthermore, there's no consensus on which is the oldest Christmas market in Germany. However, it seems that they originated in the region of Austria and Germany. However, the authors aren't particularly precise with the dates.

Vienna (December Market 1296)

As early as 1296, Duke Albrecht I permitted a December market in Vienna – one of the earliest records of Christmas markets ever. The NDR, however, dates the beginning of the Vienna “Winter Market” back to 1382. The tradition lives on today at the famous Vienna Advent markets further, for example at the town hall square.

Christmas market in Vienna

When is the best time to visit the Vienna Christmas Market?

The quietest times are weekday mornings and early afternoons. From around 17 pm it gets significantly busier, especially on weekends. Those who prefer a less crowded atmosphere should visit during the week if possible.

Is a visit during the week worthwhile?

Yes, definitely. During the week there's more time to stroll around, take photos, and sample things. Conversations at the stalls are also more relaxed than on weekends.

Is an overnight stay in Vienna advisable?

An overnight stay is particularly worthwhile if you want to experience the Christmas market without time constraints or if you plan to visit several markets. The special atmosphere unfolds in the evening with lights and music – a day trip is often not enough to fully appreciate it.

Which location is ideal for an overnight stay?

Centrally located districts like the Innere Stadt, Josefstadt, or Leopoldstadt offer short distances on foot or by public transport. This makes it easy to reach several Christmas markets.

How much time should you plan to spend at the Christmas market?

One and a half to two hours is sufficient for a single market. Those wishing to combine several markets or explore Vienna further should plan at least a day, preferably a weekend.

What's the best way to get to the Christmas market?

Arriving by public transport is recommended. Vienna's subway, trams and buses will take you directly to or very close to the main markets.

 

 

Munich (St. Nicholas Market from 1310)

The Munich Christmas Market on Marienplatz also looks back on a history of over 700 years. It is said to have first taken place in 1310. This year is often cited, however, there is uncertainty as to whether a Christmas market with a true Christmas character actually existed at that time, or whether it was simply a commercial market.

It's sometimes said that Munich was granted permission for a "Nikolausmarkt" (St. Nicholas Market) – but precise records of what the market looked like are lacking. In any case, the Kripperlmarkt tradition is particularly popular at today's market.

Christmas market in Munich

When is the best time to visit the Munich Christmas Market?

The square is quietest on weekday mornings and early afternoons. From about 16-17 pm, Marienplatz becomes noticeably busier, especially on Friday evenings and weekends. Those who want a relaxed viewing experience should arrive before the rush hour traffic.

Is a visit during the week worthwhile?

Yes. During the week, the Christmas market is noticeably more relaxed. The paths are less crowded, the waiting times at the stalls are shorter, and there is more time to consciously experience the atmosphere around Marienplatz.

Is an overnight stay in Munich advisable?

An overnight stay is particularly worthwhile if you want to experience the Christmas market in peace and quiet in the evening or combine several Christmas markets in Munich. It's also beneficial for those who want to save travel time or combine their visit with an evening at a restaurant or the theater.

Which location is particularly suitable for an overnight stay?

Centrally located districts such as Altstadt-Lehel, Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt or Maxvorstadt offer short distances to the Christmas market and very good public transport connections.

How much time should you plan for the Christmas market?

One and a half to two hours is sufficient for the Christmas market at Marienplatz. Those wishing to visit other markets such as the medieval market, the Schwabing Christmas market, or the Christmas market at Sendlinger Tor should plan for half a day to a full day.

What's the best way to get to the Christmas market?

Arriving by subway and S-Bahn is ideal. The Marienplatz, Odeonsplatz, and Sendlinger Tor stations are in the immediate vicinity. Driving is not recommended, as parking in the city center is limited.

 

 

Bautzen (Wenceslas Market from 1384)

The Bautzen Wenzelsmarkt is considered the oldest documented Christmas market in Germany. However, different sources cite different markets as the "oldest," depending on how one defines "Christmas market" (supply market, winter market, pure Christmas market, etc.). This makes it a real insider tip for history buffs. It was held as early as the 14th century, starting around 1384.

👉 Experience the Wenceslas Market:

• Book hotels in Bautzen* (Advertisement)
• Arrival by Train* or Flixbus* (Anzeigen)

Dresden (Striezelmarkt 1434)

The Striezelmarkt in Dresden was probably first held in 1434. It is certainly legendary: Stollen, candle arches, and the large pyramid make it world-famous.

👉 For your visit:

• Discover accommodation in Dresden* (Advertisement)
• Guided Christmas market tour at the Striezelmarkt* (Advertisement)
• Arrival by Train* or Flixbus* (Anzeigen)

Nuremberg Christmas Market

The Nuremberg Christmas market is similarly old. The Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg is also one of the most famous in the world—famous for the Christ Child, gingerbread, and wooden toys.

Nuremberg Christmas Market

When is the best time to visit the Nuremberg Christmas Market?

The most relaxed time to visit is during the week, in the morning or early afternoon. From around 16-17 pm it gets significantly busier, especially on Fridays and weekends. If you want to experience the stalls without the crowds, arrive as early as possible.

Is a visit during the week worthwhile?

Yes. The Christmas market is noticeably quieter during the week. The paths through the main market square are less crowded, and there are shorter waiting times at the stalls. This is ideal, especially for a first visit.

Is an overnight stay in Nuremberg advisable?

An overnight stay is worthwhile if you want to experience the Christmas market in peace and quiet in the evening or combine your visit with other attractions such as the Old Town or the Imperial Castle. A short trip is also more relaxing than a day trip if you have a longer journey.

Which location is particularly suitable for an overnight stay?

Accommodation in or near the old town is ideal. From there you can reach the main market square on foot and flexibly spread several visits to the Christmas market throughout the day.

How much time should you plan for the Christmas market?

One and a half to two hours is sufficient for the market itself. Those who also want to explore the old town or try regional specialties should plan for half a day.

What's the best way to get to the Christmas market?

Arriving by train and public transport is recommended. From the main train station, it's just a few minutes' walk to the main market square. Within the city center, you can easily reach the market by subway and tram.

 

 

Augsburg (Gingerbread Market)

Augsburg's Christmas market has its origins in the medieval gingerbread market. Today, it attracts visitors from all over the world with its traditional Angel Play.

👉 Your trip to Augsburg:

• Find accommodation in Augsburg* (Advertisement)
• Christmas market tour with a local* (Advertisement)
• Arrival by Train* or Flixbus* (Anzeigen)

 

 

Christmas markets have existed in Germany for hundreds of years. However, the early Advent markets served a different purpose than the Advent markets in Germany today. These winter markets were primarily concerned with providing the population with everything they needed for the winter. They were therefore comparable to trade fairs. These gave citizens the opportunity to purchase meat and other goods they needed during the winter.

 

 

Lent before Christmas

These markets – unlike Christmas markets in Germany today – were primarily about providing sustenance. The period between St. Martin's Day and Christmas was a time of fasting in those days. St. Martin's Day People stuffed their bellies once again before supposedly fasting for 40 days. Just like before Easter.

Some sources suggest that there were formerly periods of fasting before Christmas. However, it is not certain that these lasted exactly 40 days or began immediately after St. Martin's Day. Protestant and Catholic Advent traditions are demonstrably different. Furthermore, the practice varied considerably from region to region.

Nevertheless, people needed food for the winter. They could get these at these winter markets. The townspeople of that time also bought meat for the holidays at these markets.

The Christmas markets in Germany in the Middle Ages were held in the cities

These markets were something special in the Middle Ages. While people in the countryside could provide for themselves, the situation was different for city dwellers. Markets could only be held if the necessary rights existed. Closely linked to this was city law. Medieval cities were primarily inhabited by craftsmen and merchants. Their work was concentrated in these areas.

Furthermore, they usually lacked the space in the city to raise livestock or grow vegetables themselves. Therefore, the rulers of the region or cities made it possible to hold markets at certain times of the year. These markets gave city dwellers the opportunity to purchase meat and vegetables for their own consumption. In Germany, these Christmas markets also often offered opportunities to spend a special day.

How Christmas food and drinks were created

At Christmas markets in Germany, jugglers performed their tricks. Ballad singers sang their songs. Of course, there were also delicacies produced by local farmers. Wine and spices were also part of the offerings. From there, it was a short step to grog or mulled wine. Much like what we know from Christmas markets in Germany today.

 

 

Christmas markets to get you in the mood for a Christmas party for the bourgeoisie

From there, it was a short step to the Christmas markets in Germany as we know them today. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Christmas increasingly became a family celebration. People began exchanging gifts. Toys for children also appeared at Christmas markets in Germany.

Fasting during the Advent season gradually faded into the background. Instead, spiced wines were served at winter markets. Furthermore, regional specialties played an increasingly important role. Dresden Christmas stollen originated during this period.

The first nativity scenes appeared at Christmas markets in Germany. They originally came from Italy. Many nativity scenes were initially set up in churches or private homes. Whether they became part of market stalls and when exactly varies greatly.

Christmas markets in Germany in times of crisis

There are only a few exceptions where no Christmas markets were held in Germany. Only during and after World War II were there hardly any markets during Advent. In some regions, markets were held even during the war or very soon afterward (depending on local circumstances), at least in a reduced form. Immediately after the war, in the occupied zones, many things were difficult, but markets were (partially) resumed.

Even during the coronavirus pandemic, Christmas markets in Germany were only canceled at the height of the crisis. Although the shift in energy production is now forcing people to conserve electricity, the markets are still taking place. Perhaps with lights that are switched off earlier than usual, or with energy-saving lamps. However, very few people want to forgo them entirely.

Want to experience Christmas markets in Germany live?

• Compare all hotels in Christmas market cities* (Advertisement)
• Book guided Christmas market tours* (Advertisement)
• Arrival by Train* or Flixbus* plan (show)

 

 

Sources for further information about Christmas markets in Germany:

• Christmas markets in Germany: Bright lights, dark history
• History and tradition of the Dresden Striezelmarkt
• The Nuremberg Christmas Market is younger than previously thought.

Museums where you can learn more about Christmas markets in Germany

• German Christmas Museum in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

 

Christmas markets not only in Germany: Our look at Vienna's Christmas markets

For many years, we've been visiting Christmas markets not only in Germany but throughout Europe, with a particular focus on their history and atmosphere. Vienna is one of our favorite destinations. As a travel journalist with a keen interest in culture, I conduct extensive research into the origins and traditions of such festivals. Our visits to the Christmas markets in Vienna therefore combine personal impressions with in-depth knowledge of historical developments, as we've already presented in our article about German Christmas markets. This results in articles based on our own experiences that simultaneously convey cultural background information – ideal for anyone who wants to not only enjoy the festivities but also understand them.

 

 

Do you know this?

• spirits
• City of Ochsenfurt and its sights
• Fish for the aquarium in Ucluelet, Canada
• Packing list winter vacation
• Germany vacation and travel tips
• Germany travel destinations

 

Source: Christmas markets in Germany: own research, partly with the support of local tourism authorities. Our opinions, however, remain our own.

Text Christmas markets in Germany: Monika Fuchs and TWO
Photos of Christmas markets in Germany: Pixabay and Unsplash