Five Christmas markets in Germany that you must visit at some point in your life

Nothing beats a tasty pint of beer and some big juicy sausages, so why not head on over to Germany and experience some of the best food and drink around at these world-famous Christmas markets? The Christmas markets in good old Deutschland can vary greatly; Berlin packs an awesome buzz and offers brilliant themes, whereas Hamburg hosts a cheeky erotic market in the Reeperbahn, whilst Stuttgart is one of the country’s largest and oldest markets. We’ve rounded up five Christmas markets that you must visit at some point in your life. It’s a nice little selection for you to ponder on and decide where would be the best place to get a nice bit of sausage.

Berlin

If you’re looking for variety then Berlin really has it all – this capital city does not disappoint! There’s a massive selection to choose from (around 60 to be precise!). Expect a lively experience and the likes of jugglers, fire artists and acrobats at Gendarmenmarkt and breath-taking lights and a unique ensemble across the selection of market holders from around the world at Charlottenburg Castle Market. If you want to keep things traditional, then make your way to the market of Old Town Spandau, which is a district in the West of the Country.

Cologne

In Cologne, there’s a grand total of seven Christmas markets to choose from, with four of the main ones situated at the Cologne Cathedral, The Alter Markt, Neumarkt and on the Rudolfplatz which bring over two million visitors each and every year. If it’s the wow factor you’re after, then make your way to Cologne Cathedral and check out the Gothic edifice (It took over 600 years to complete!) before sampling some of the tasty Kolsch beer on offer.

Munich

Head on down to the Marienplatz in the heart of the city centre for Munich’s Christmas market. You’ll be able to stock up on gifts and presents for the family and buy a few treats for yourself in the form of some delicious German beer. Each and every day at this market, there will be live music from the balcony to celebrate the festive season! The Christmas tree is pretty spectacular here and is comprised of 3,000 small lights adding an awesome atmospheric ambience.

Hamburg

Hamburg is all about tradition and here, you’ll find a nice selection of market stalls, including the bakers from Aachen famous for creating “Printen Cookies” and the gingerbread makers from Nuremberg. As you probably guessed, this particular market is famous for food, especially fish which has been exported from around the world! If you’re after something a bit different whilst in Hamburg, be sure to check out the ‘Santa Pauli’ festival on the Reeperbahn where you’ll discover the delights of the world’s first erotic Christmas market!

Stuttgart

As mentioned earlier, Stuttgart is Germany’s oldest and largest Christmas market and packs a whole load of variety for its visitors. The market is based right in the heart of the city and there’s around 300 stalls to check out, in addition to entertainment such as choirs and musicians who perform each evening in the courtyard of the old palace. You’ll be able to keep those hunger pangs satisfied with the likes of gingerbread, burnt almonds, roast chestnuts and grilled sausages.