What to know before going to a German Christmas market
There are many reasons to visit Germany: a diverse landscape, modern cities with a cozy Old Town, good soccer teams, beer at Oktoberfest, fairytale castles, and of course, their renowed Christmas markets. The latter has become an annual trip for me. However, I must admit that I wasn’t too impressed by my first German christmas market experience.
My first visit to a German christmas market was a daytrip by bus. I only had a couple of hours to spend at the market, and I had to leave right when it started to become fun. So I decided to give it another chance the year after. This time I drove with my own car and had my own schedule, and now I am hooked! Yes, the German Christmas markets are indeed as beautiful and as fun as everyone says. And with the following tips, you will enjoy the markets even more!
Which city to visit for the Christmas market
Germany is one of the largest countries in Europe, so picking a city for your Christmas market trip might feel a bit overwhelming. Since I live in The Netherlands, I limit my options to cities in North Rhine-Westphalia which are at driving distance. So far, I’ve been to the Christmas markets in Düsseldorf, Dortmund and Essen. This is what I liked the most about them:
Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf has the most diversity of markets. Their Christmas market is spread over seven different locations, all with their own special theme. There is a star market and and an angels market, very cute!
Dortmund
With the largest Christmas tree in the world and more than 300 stalls, the Dortmund Christmas market is often called the largest of Germany. They sure love their superlatives! But honestly, the Christmas tree is indeed jaw-dropping, I couldn’t keep my eyes of it. And I would also say that Dortmund is the most fun Christmas market that I’ve been to. The Christmas bars are huge and it attracts a crowd of young adults.
Essen
Dortmund might have the largest Christmas tree of the world, but Essen steals the show when it comes to lights and decorations. From cute teddybears to giant christmas balls, everything seems photoworthy in Essen. Plus, Essen is only a 30-minute drive from Dortmund so it’s very easy to combine both cities in one weekend.
Keep an eye on the dates
Every city starts and ends their Christmas market on a different day, so it’s important to check the dates before your visit. The last thing you want is to arrive in Germany for the Christmas season and the market aren’t there!
Most Christmas markets start in late November and end on Christmas Eve. The latter really surprised me, because lots of people have the week off between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. If you’re one of them, then the markets in Düsseldorf and Dortmund are still open for you until the 30th. I read that Berlin is also a good option. Not only does every neighborhood have their own Christmas market, they are all open until the 31st.
At night is when the magic happens
Good news for my fellow night owls: visiting German Christmas markets is one of the few trips where you don’t have to wake up early to make the most out of it. Seeing all the Christmas lights and decorations during daytime is just okay, however, seeing them at night is WOW!
Depending on the size and closing time of the Christmas market, I wouldn’t get there too late either. I would say 4 PM is the perfect time to arrive at a Christmas market. Do you only have the chance to visit the Christmas market during daytime? Then try to stay at least until 5 PM, to experience some of the nighttime magic.
Eat and drink at the Christmas market
Sitting down at restaurant instead of grabbing food at the market was a mistake that I made during my first German Christmas trip. I was very hungry after the long bus ride to Düsseldorf. So the first thing we did upon arrival fill up our tummies at a restaurant. Now, don’t get me wrong. The apple flammkuchen that I ordered was delicious, but I only had a couple of hours to spend in Düsseldorf and I left without seeing all that the market had to offer.
Plus, as I realized during my second German Christmas trip, eating and drinking your way through the market is what makes it so much fun! There are soo many things to try. My personal favorites? Jacket potatoe for ‘dinner’, keeping my sweet tooth happy with fruit skewers covered in chocolate and staying warm and jolly with a hot Russian chocolate.
Don’t forget to take out cash
Most stalls in Germany don’t accept cards, so keep that in mind before heading to the Christmas market. The Christmas markets in big cities are all surrounded by ATM’s but it’s always good to carry some cash with you on forehand. Also, you might need cash for parking. At least in Dortmund and Essen the parking garages are cash-only, so most likely this will apply to many other cities as well.
As for the Christmas market next year, I am thinking of going to Aachen, Cologne or Frankfurt. But I was told that the best German Christmas markets are actually in smaller towns, so suggestions are always welcome!
Ayo! AR x
