2_1_DiscoverGermany_Issue32_November2015:Scan Magazine 1
26/10/15
19:21
Page 29
Special Theme
Magical Christmas Markets Germany Main image: Hansestadt Lübeck/Baltic Sea: Christmas market for children. © Lübeck und Travemünde Marketing GmbH (LTM). Photo: Koenig, Jens Far left: Goslar/Harz: Santas on the Christmas market. © Goslar Marketing GmbH Left: Nuremberg: Christmas decorations at the Christmas market. © Congress & Tourismus Zentrale Nürnberg Below: Nuremberg: Nuremberg lebkuchen. © Congress & Tourismus Zentrale Nürnberg. Photo: Riese, Steffen Oliver
German Christmas traditions, 21st century thinking Specialist Christmas markets The history of German Christmas markets goes back to the late Middle Ages and Christmas trees and Christmas markets are among Germany’s oldest and most famous traditions. TEXT & PHOTOS: GERMAN NATIONAL TOURIST OFFICE
There are thousands of Christmas markets in Germany and Berlin alone has 60; in Frankfurt and Munich there are ‘pink’ Christmas markets favoured by LGBT visitors, plus Frankfurt offers accessible guided Christmas market tours for the blind and visually impaired. There is a vegan Christmas market in Hanover, an organic, eco-friendly market in Berlin and a ‘maritime’ Christmas market in Emden (East Frisian coastal region) with decorated ships; the pretty town of Goslar offers a dense, aromatic Christmas forest full of twinkling lights. The Old Town of Münster transforms into a wintery fairytale paradise. Dresden has the oldest Christmas market, which was established in 1434 and
the tallest Christmas tree in Germany can be seen in Dortmund. Today, Christmas Markets are a place where visitors can buy quality and hand-made Christmas decorations; discover traditional culinary delights such as gingerbread, the famous Christstollen (Christmas cake), roasted nuts, bratwurst and mulled wine. There is plenty of entertainment on offer, such as ice-skating, nativity plays, carol singing and Christmas concerts. Opening times vary but generally Christmas markets are open during Advent, four weekends from Christmas Eve and some even remain in place until January; entry is free of charge unless otherwise stated or for specific events.
Klaus Lohmann, director of the GNTO UK & Ireland said:“Germany is a country full of traditions and customs which thrive in the 21st century and Christmas markets are a perfect example of this. Nothing quite matches the authentic atmosphere of a real German Christmas market, full of heartwarming seasonal traditions and so easy to reach from the UK for a weekend or longer. Come to Germany for a warm winter welcome and discover our real Christmas spirit. Whatever your interests, it is a very special experience”.
Issue 32 | November 2015 | 29