©Erfurt Tourismus und Marketing GmbH / Barbara Neumann
Meeting attendees and business travellers visiting Germany at this time of year have the unique opportunity to enjoy the traditional, heart warming “Christkindlesmarkt” or Christmas Markets.
These outdoor, winter wonderlands of gifts and food and music literally and figuratively light up historic squares of cities, villages and towns all across Germany to celebrate the festive season.
Beautifully decorated stalls feature handmade items such as ornaments, nutcrackers and toys. Food and drinks are also a big part of the celebration with glühwein, roasted chestnuts, baked apples, grilled sausages and bratwursts served. Glowing, large Christmas trees bring cheer as do carousels, small trains and ferris wheels. All the while, choirs and brass-bands provide festive musical accompaniment.
Throughout Germany, Christmas Markets celebrate seasonal customs and traditions in delightful historical settings. Particularly popular with visitors are Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt featuring goodies made from its famous 17th century recipe for gingerbread. Frankfurt’s Christmas Market is over 600 years old and spans scenic squares and quay areas: Hamburg brings in a maritime element to the revelry, and Stuttgart/Esslingen puts on a magical market against the backdrop of the Old Palace. Most German towns and cities host their own Christmas Markets, so the opportunities are endless.
