When Germany's town centres are adorned in Christmas decorations, when streets and market squares are transformed into a sea of lights, when the air is filled with the scent of gingerbread, baked apples and roasted almonds, one would know Christmas is around the corner.

Christmas is almost here and Germany’s clear winter air is now tinged with the scent of roasted almonds, deep-fried pastries and mulled wine. As colourful lights drape every nook and corner of Germany, the cold country comes alive in the warmth, glow and joyous vibes of Christmas. The Advent period, which began on December 3 this year, is rich with anticipation and preparation. 

In a press statement the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) says that a visit to Germany’s Christmas market is a must, where enchantments are seemingly endless. From beautiful regional handicrafts, festive delicacies to mulled wine or children’s punch and a wide variety of gifts, and winter fun in the snow, be it a hike and or some sledging. 

Baden-Baden: A magical postbox in the Black Forest

The Kurhaus spa resort in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Baden-Baden forms a magnificent backdrop for this Black Forest town’s traditional Christmas market. GNTB adds that the town’s magical postbox is the perfect place to quickly post a wish list to the North Pole. While the traditional reindeer sleigh and the merry-go-round are sure to appeal to children, concerts, too, take place almost daily on the open-air stage. And those who need a little break from wandering around can stop to admire the nativity scene exhibition in the covered walkway of the Trinkhalle pump room.

Berlin: Winterdays for the LGBTQ+ community

As multicultural as life in Berlin, the city’s 50 Christmas markets, numbering well over 50, span a wide range of themes, from Irish and medieval to eco-friendly, artistic and design-orientated, such as the ‘Weihnachtsrodeo.’ The board adds that in the Christmas Avenue at Nollendorfplatz, the LGBTQ+ community celebrates the holiday during the ‘Winterdays,’ not only with a colourful stage programme but also through initiatives and events against discrimination and exclusion.

Bremen: Christmas scenery with Roland

Most buildings surrounding Bremen’s market square are historically significant and grand, the statement adds. The magnificent Gothic town hall is over 600 years old and, like the Roland statue, is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is hard to think of a more perfect backdrop for the Christmas market. The square is filled with the scent of mulled wine and Christmas confectionery, and the stalls offer local handmade crafts and, of course, specialities such as “Klaben”.

Dresden: Handmade treasures at the oldest Christmas market

Dresden will celebrate the Striezelmarkt for the 589th time this year, making it probably the oldest Christmas market in Germany. On the Altmarkt, there are handmade items from the region such as wood carvings from the Ore Mountains, Herrnhut stars, or blue print textiles from Lusatia, and the original, iconic Dresden Christstollen. The other Christmas markets in the Elbland, there are 10 in the state capital alone, also offer traditional handicrafts and regional specialities.

Eberswalde: Christmas stollen with the Snow Queen

As a part of the age-old rituals here, the Snow Queen herself appears on the market square at the end of November, personally opening the Christmas market. The statement adds that another tradition is the slicing of a giant stollen. In the run-up to Christmas, the market square and the Altstadt-Carrée host a colourful programme of concerts and readings, in addition to a wide range of arts and crafts and culinary delights from around the region. The Snow Queen also drops by from time to time.

Leuchtenburg: Shards bring Christmas Luck

The medieval Leuchtenburg in the Saale Valley hosts a small yet charming Christmas market in the castle courtyard for over three weekends with regional delicacies and unique gift ideas. Artisans craft various materials into original presents, where visitors can simply write their wishes on a special porcelain plate and toss it from the “Bridge of Wishes” into the depths. 

Schwerin: A Christmas market with Old Town ambience

A festive atmosphere radiates through Schwerin’s Old Town in December. Against the ambient backdrop of half-timbered houses and decorated alleyways and squares, the “North Star ” shines brightly above the market square and its Christmas performances stage. There is a traditional merry-go-round for children and a romantic outdoor skating rink at the Pfaffenteich. 

Traben-Trarbach: Christmas cheer in the wine cellar

The festive spirit can also flourish underground, on the Moselle, the winegrowing community of Traben-Trarbach organises a Christmas market in its wine cellars on weekends in December. GNTB says the descriptive name is absolutely fitting, Moselle Wine Night Market. Here, visitors can find not only high-quality artisan crafts and regional delicacies but also many things celebrating the renowned Moselle wine. There is also a Christmas tree exhibition and above ground ice rink.

Wernigerode: A Christmas market with a romantic backdrop

“Pure romance” is the best way to describe the Christmas market in the Harz town of Wernigerode as the restored half-timbered houses and the historic town hall on the market square provide the perfect backdrop. The scent of Christmas classics such as mulled wine, chestnuts and roasted almonds wafts over the stalls selling handicrafts and regional specialties. While strolling through the Old Town, visitors can spot numerous lights and the traditional Herrnhut stars on the Nicolaiplatz create a festive atmosphere. 

Wiesbaden: Beautiful Twinkling Star Christmas Market

GNTB says that the Ferris wheel offers the best view over Wiesbaden and the glittering lights of its Christmas market, the Twinkling Star Christmas Market. It is centrally located on Schlossplatz and is easily accessible by public transport, although there are numerous e-charging points around the square as well. Giant lilies twinkle like stars fallen from the sky, atmospherically lighting up the square. Handicrafts and delicacies from around the region to Children’s Shooting Star Market on the nearby Luisenplatz, Wiesbaden on Christmas is a charming affair.