Germany Breaks 2019 | Christmas Markets

ISSUE 14

Germany BREAKS AUTUMN 2019

Christmas Markets in Germany

Markets Food & Drink Shopping

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N I W e Bag

di a Gdolyosponsored by kin

Page 5

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Germany BREAKS

Willkommen!

Dear all,

Yes, just a few more weeks to go until the German Christmas Markets open to thousands and thousands of popular British, Irish and guests from around the world. In this issue, we will take a small glance into the glorious cities and picturesque towns and regions of Germany, from North to South, East to West.

Travelling to Germany from the UK and Ireland these days, can‘t be easier. Newly introduced flight routes, specialist train partners offer excellent routes to and within Germany and coach travel offers comfort package tours, via sea and tunnel, which can be booked through your local coach operator, tour operator or travel agency.

In the forthcoming months, we at GermanyBreaks will be featuring other regions, new themes, special events and also focussing on attractions and accommodation.

Please inform us per mail any ideas that you feel should be included in GermanyBreaks in order for us to fulfill your requirements and make life easier for all when visiting fascinating Germany.

Please also use our InfoMail request form on page 18 in order for us to send out information from our partners to you as soon as possible.

Don‘t forget as well to enter this months competition on Page 5 - good luck!

Best regards and “Auf Wiedersehen“,

Rob Knoedl GermanyBreaks Publisher

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Leipzig Leipzig Christmas Market dates all the way back to 1458. Its six areas are set in chime with the fascinating historical scenery of the Leipzig City Centre. With more than 250 twinkling stalls embedded harmoniously in the historic centre, Leipzig Christmas market is not only one of the oldest but also one of the largest Christmas markets in Germany. Visitors are offered a multitude of festive delights: indulge in numerous culinary delights or explore the city’s traditional medieval market.

Aachen

The organisers of the Christmas Market are proud to boast approx. 1.5 million visitors every year. Amongst them you can find guests from the Netherlands, Belgium, France and the United Kingdom.

The opening times in Aachen Christmas Market are as follows: 22. November until 23. December 2019. www.aachen-tourist.de

Leipzig Christmas Market is also valued for the many pleasures it holds for children.

Be it the Fairy Tale Forest on Thomaswiese (meadow in front of St. Thomas) with its many scenes from various fairy tales or the market square stage where kids can meet Santa Claus for a chat, little visitors will definitely enjoy being here. As for grownups, there is a wide variety of traditional handcrafts and local food on sale. On Augustusplatz square a 38-metre-high ferris wheel offers seasonal views from a lofty height. The Finnish Village on Augustusplatz has become a classic over the years.

Open daily from 26. November - 23. December 2019. www.leipzig.travel/christmas A huge change took place when it was moved to the Market Place and the Katschhof as well as the adjoining small streets.

Not only visitor numbers have rocketed but also the number of exhibitors has continuously risen over the last years.

Every year before Christmas the squares and streets round the Cathedral and the Aachen Town Hall are transformed into a paradise of lights and colours, festive sounds and seductive smells.

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Mmmm!

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N I W e Bag

di a Gdolyosponsored by kin

Visit the famous Chocolate Museum on the Rheinau-Harbour in the heart of Cologne and enjoy an expedition through 4,000 years of chocolate history!

Millions of visitors from all over the world have tasted the fresh chocolate from the famous chocolate fountain.

History, industrial culture and art - the Chocolate Museum Cologne is unique!

In order to win one of 3 Goodie bags, sponsored by Chocolate Museum Cologne simply answer the following question and mail back to us by 20.12.2019 In which year did the Chocolate Museum Cologne open? a) 1983 b) 1993 c) 2003 Mail your answer to info@GermanyBreaks.com, stating Competition.

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Ruhr region

Christmas in CentrO Oberhausen is a very special event every year. From 15. November to 23. December 2019 the breathtaking Christmas decoration and no fewer than three Christmas markets as well as the new Christmas light show in the evening on the CentrO promenade make the hearts of all Christmas fans beat faster.

This year, Bochum Christmas market will be held daily from 21. November to 23.

December (closed on the last Sunday before Advent). The Ruhr region’s only “Flying Santa” is here.

Glittering lights, magical stalls and a scent of cinnamon in the air – for the 42nd time the International Christmas Market Essen from 15. November until 23. December 2019 will intensify the anticipation of the festival of giving. With its 250 atmospherically designed market stalls it is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in North Rhine-Westphalia. www.ruhr-tourismus.de

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Christmas Markets of the Ruhr Metropolis 2019 Bochumer Christmas Market 21.11. – 23.12.2019 Christmas Market Essen 15.11.- 23.12.2019 Dortmunder Weihnachtsmarkt 21.11. – 30.12.2019 Duisburger Christmas Market 14.11. – 30.12.2019 Nostalgic Christmas Market Hattingen 25.11. – 22.12.2019 Christmas Forest Oberhausen 21.11. – 23.12.2019 Christmas Market CentrO Oberhausen 15.11. – 12.12.2019 Herne Christmas Market 21.11. – 31.12.2019 Historical Christmas Market Recklinghausen 21.11. – 23.12.2019 Gelsenkirchen Christmas Market 22.11. – 23.12.2019

www.ruhr-tourismus.de

Ruhr region

Nowhere else do we feel the Christmassy atmosphere and the anticipation of the celebration of love like we do at the Christmas market. The aroma of mulled wine and roasted almonds warms the hearts of Christmas strollers while they are wandering from one booth to the next and maybe finding the one or other Christmas gift. Discover the small and big Christmas markets during a winter short trip to the Ruhr Metropolis. www.ruhr-tourismus.de

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Weimar

When the town centre of Weimar is lit up by fairy lights every evening, the aromas of roasted almonds and fresh Stollen cake waft through the streets, and the strains of carols can be heard, the Christmas Market has clearly opened again! Christmas in Weimar also means: tradition and stories.

Christmas in Weimar also means: tradition and stories. Weimar Tourist Information offers Journeys to Weimar, tickets for Christmas concerts and much more.

Munich When the nearly 100-ft. high Christmas tree sparkles in the glitter of its 2.500 candles, the aroma of Glühwein (hot spiced wine) fills the air and angel hair is glowing everywhere, then the heart of the Bavarian capital is under the magic spell of Christmas. The origins of the Christmas Market are reportet to date back to the socalled „Nickolaus Markets“ of the 14th century.

Town records first mention a „Nikolaidult“ that took place near the Beautiful Tower in the Kaufingerstrasse in 1642. www.muenchen.de

Weimar may be famous for many things – but hardly anyone knows that the first public Christmas tree was erected in Weimar.

Taking pity on the poor children of the town, one night before Christmas in 1815 or 1816, court bookseller Johann Wilhelm Hoffmann put up the first Christmas tree for the public anywhere in Germany outside his shop in Cranach House on the market square. www.weimar.de

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Düsseldorf At the end of each year (21. November to 30. December 2019), closed on Sunday, 24. November (Sunday commemorating the dead) and 25. December 2019.

Düsseldorf‘s Christmas Market, one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany, casts a spell on Düsseldorf‘s city centre and turns it into a unique experience for visitors.

Christmas Market on Marktplatz Düsseldorf city hall provides a magical backdrop for the handicrafts market on Marktplatz.

At the foot of the equestrian statue of Elector Jan Wellem, visitors will discover a Christmas market village with huts and cabins modelled on the style of the Renaissance brick-built city hall in the heart of Düsseldorf ’s Altstadt (Old Town).

Glass-blowers and wood turners, painters, pewterers and brush makers will be offering their wares here. And there’s more: the craftsmen and craftswomen will be happy to demonstrate their skills to interested visitors. A painstakingly restored children’s carousel which is almost 100 years old will take little visitors on a nostalgic journey.

And it is always worth visiting the handcarved life-sized manger from Bethlehem.

Christmas music, handicrafts and loads of fun for children – our magnificent Christmas world is more than just a Christmas market. It comprises seven different themed markets all of which are within walking distance of each other. And there are other attractions too such as the Dome of Lights on Königsallee, the ice rink on Corneliusplatz or the Big Wheel on Burgplatz all decked out in festive lights. www.visitduesseldorf.de/christmas-market

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Food & Drink

Glühwein or mulled wine is very popular in German-speaking countries. It is a traditional beverage that is offered during the Christmas holidays.

Glühwein is usually prepared from red wine, heated and spiced with cinnamon sticks, cloves, star aniseed, citrus, sugar and at times vanilla pods. It is sometimes drunk mit Schuss (with a shot), which means that rum or some other liquor has been added.

Fruit wines, such as blueberry wine and cherry wine, are occasionally used instead of grape wine in some parts of Germany. There is also a variation of Glühwein which is made with white wine. However, white Glühwein is less popular than its red counterpart. Although, I like red wine glühwein, I will never forget the first white wine glühwein in Trier....simply delicious!

Personal experience.

Another popular variant of Glühwein in Germany is the Feuerzangenbowle. It shares the same recipe, but for this drink a rum-soaked sugarloaf is set on fire and allowed to drip into the wine.

Some German Christmas Market food specialities that you can experience when visting Germany are: Backfisch (beer batter fried fish). You can get the best Backfisch at fairs and Christmas markets!

It’s served in a Brötchen (bread roll) and remoulade sauce. It does rival the British fish and chips by the way. Various sorts of grilled and boiled sausages are on offer as well as meat skewers at Christmas markets.

One of the popular snacks at German Christmas markets are roasted chestnuts, namely Kastanien or Maronen.

Another favourite is the Reibekuchen, potato pancake. These are made of grated potatoes and onions, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. The resulting dough is then fried in oil. One normally get 3 pancakes, served with a „blob“ of apple sauce.

Other common ones include fried mushrooms, Sauerkraut, and German pasta, Schupfnudeln. There are also a lot of foreign foods like crepes and churros.

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Leipzig has not only a beautiful city to shop around in. You can also spend half a day shopping at the fascinating Leipzig Rail Station!

Cologne is one of the most popular cities for shopping. We‘re told that there are people who make special trips to the cathedral city just to stroll and shop to their heart‘s content. The most popular shopping streets are Schildergasse and Hohe Straße. Those who like trendy boutiques should make a detour to nearby Ehrenstraße. The glamour of many luxury brands adds its lustre to Mittelstraße. Also, HürthPark near Cologne or RheinCenter are also great indoor shopping centres.

Shopping

Düsseldorf is known for being one of the most elegant shopping metropolises worldwide. The exclusive boulevard, the Königsallee, with its variety of luxury stores, the Schadowstraße, the shopping street achieving the highest turnover in Germany. And last but not least, the trendy boutiques of the Altstadt. More and more renowned labels are attracted to Königsallee. This is shopping at its best!

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by train

DB Bahn takes the hassle out of group travel!

DB Bahn offers several discounts for group travel throughout Germany and even internationally. Whether you are travelling with friends, schools or colleagues, DB Bahn wants to help you save money on your journey. Special offers for travel to and around Germany and Europe can be made with the DB Booking Centre in the UK. www.bahn.com/uk or www.bahn.com/ie

by air

Flights to Germany All major airlines fly out of many City and regional airports to various German cities.

Eurowings, Lufthansa, Ryanair, EasyJet, Flybe and British Airways to name just a few.

We strongly recommend to check with your local travel agent for flights to Germany from London or other regional airports.

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Cologne

From musical productions to festivals, museum exhibitions and sports events to, of course, the atmospheric and unique Cologne Christmas Markets there is something for everyone.

Also in terms of cuisine there are hardly any wishes left unfulfilled in Cologne: in addition to the original Cologne brew house culture, the extensive international restaurant scene with around 3,000 restaurants serves virtually every taste.

Cologne is richer in diversity and more vital and lovable than virtually any of Germany’s other big cities.

The “Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral” is one of Germany’s most popular Christmas markets. Framed by a tent of twinkling stars, against the stunning backdrop of Cologne Cathedral, over 100 stage appearances enchant visitors to the market.

Beneath the roughly 25 metre high, festively decorated Christmas tree, you will discover culinary delights, individually handmade arts and crafts, selected gifts and the social involvement of 150 stallholders. And young guests will also delight at the colourful children’s programme and enjoy taking a ride on a historic children’s carousel at the Christmas market of hearts.

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9 Cities in Lower Saxony 9 cities + 2 in Lower Saxony: Traditional Christmas spirit in one of Germany’s most beautiful Christmas market regions Experience the atmosphere of the festive season at its best with a visit to the Christmas markets in Braunschweig, Celle, Göttingen, Goslar, Hamelin, Hannover, Hildesheim, Lüneburg and Wolfenbüttel or the Winter Showcase at the Autostadt in Wolfsburg. The programme is diverse, and the cities are ideally located for a delightful pre-Christmas tour.

The Christmas markets in the 9 cities sparkle in front of charming historic backdrops. Among idyllic half-timbered houses, Gothic gable brick and magnificent baroque facades, you will be tempted by the aroma of mulled wine and gingerbread in wonderful historic squares. Christmas shopping in the festively decorated pedestrian zones becomes a special occasion.

And even the Autostadt in Wolfsburg, the Volkswagen automobile theme park, turns into a unique winter landscape.

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Braunschweig: 27. Nov – 29. Dec 2019

9 Cities in Lower Saxony

The Braunschweig Christmas market in the ensemble of historic sites around the St. Blasii cathedral has a tradition of more than 500 years.

Celle: 28. Nov – 29. Dec 2019 “Best Christmas City 2018”. That’s the title bestowed on the city of Celle after winning the sought-after award this year.

TTOISTPA!DT

AU Autostadt in Wolfsburg:

29. Nov 2019 – 5. Jan 2020 In the sprawling, 28 hectare park, a huge winter market attracts visitors with unusual ideas for gifts, culinary specialities and a giant ice rink.

Göttingen: 25. Nov – 29. Dec 2019 Around the medieval Old Town Hall and St. John‘s Church, the lively Christmas market of the university city Göttingen has its traditional place.

Goslar: 27. Nov – 30. Dec 2019 Hameln: 27. Nov – 30. Dec 2019 In the Piped Piper‘s town of Hameln a delightful feeling of anticipation surrounds famous Hochzeitshaus and the Market church.

Hannover: 25. Nov – 22. Dec 2019 In the old town in Hannover a historic Christmas Village conjures up the tranquility of mediaeval town life. Wishes will come true in a magic „Wishing Well Forest“.

In the middle of the old town in the UNESCO world heritage city of Goslar a Christmas forest tempts visitors to linger among the 40 illuminated spruce trees.

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9 Cities in Lower Saxony Hildesheim: 25. Nov – 29. Dec 2019 The historic ensemble around the market square create a magical backdrop to the Christmas Market in the UNESCO world heritage city of Hildesheim.

Lüneburg: 27. Nov – 23. Dec 2019 In the ancient hanseatic town of Lüneburg the characteristic gables of the market square, churches and the town hall will be lit up with the festive spirit.

Wolfenbüttel: 26. Nov – 23. Dec 2019 The delightful wooden booths of the Christmas market in Wolfenbüttel look just like a little village of houses huddling in its historic market square.

Further information: www.9cities.de

The Hannover Airport is your gateway to Lower Saxony. From Hannover the other cities and the Autostadt are perfectly easy to reach.

17 The scene is truly beautiful. A lavishly decorated fir tree reaches for the skies, thousands of fairy lights illuminate the surrounding townscape, snow descends slowly upon the historical old town while the air is filled with the scent of baked apples, roasted nuts, homemade gingerbread and piping hot mulled wine – it’s Christmastime again in Frankfurt am Main.

Nearby, Germany’s tallest Christmas tree stands proudly at a height of over 30 metres. Together, the old town hall and the historical half-timbered homes of the Römerberg, St. Paul’s Church and Frankfurt’s modern skyline form a colourful and contrasting backdrop for one of Germany’s most traditional Christmas markets.

Frankfurt

This year’s Frankfurt Christmas Market, to be held from 25th November to 22nd December, will be featuring traditional arts and crafts, a wide range of culinary specialities, a unique honey shop and much, much more. The market, which stretches from the banks of the River Main across the Roemerberg old town centre, St. Paul’s Square and Liebfrauenberg to Hauptwache, will be open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm and Sunday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. www.frankfurt-tourismus.de

Münster

When the Prinzipalmarkt glitters in gold, the gabled houses and churches are beautifully lit, the shops are festively decorated, Christmas trees adorn the streets and the aroma of fir sprigs and mulled wine fills the air, then the best time of all begins in Münster: Advent.

Five Christmas markets transform the Old Town into a winter fairy tale, their 300 stalls inviting visitors to stroll around, do some shopping and enjoy the atmosphere.

25. November to 23. December 2019 the market will be open to the public. www.stadt-muenster.de

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Brühl

The Brühl Christmas Market is also very popular with UK/Irish guests whereby hotels are quickly booked up during this peak-period. Open from 25. November to 24. December 2019.

Brühl is located in the heart of the Rhineland region, between the cities of Cologne and Bonn. This gives the guests also an advantage of visiting this smaller market and in the meantime without the hustle-bustle of larger markets. The pubs and restaurants of Brühl are very welcoming and excellent cuisine at reasonable rates can be found.

Shopping is also very good in Brühl with the town centre as well as the indoor Giesler Galerie Shopping Centre.

ISIPAL!AND T NTA

PHA UM WINTERTRA nd.de la ia www.phantas

www.wepag.de

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