With Christmas just around the corner, the festive feeling is well and truly upon us at Her Campus. Christmas markets are undoubtedly one of the best things about the holiday season, and what better way to celebrate this than with a trip to the unofficial home of the seasonal winter wonderland – Germany! With an all-year-round Christmas village and markets to be found nationwide, we’re sure that there will be something here for everyone.
Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village
All Year Round
How does all-year-round Christmas sound? Amazing?! Then head to the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village in Rothenburg. Opened in 1981, the village comprises both a store selling over 30,000 traditional German Christmas ornaments and even a Christmas museum! Perfect for those among us who feel that Christmas should be a year-long celebration.
Cologne Christmas Markets
24th November – 23rd December 2014
With 7 markets to choose from in total, you’re pretty spoilt for choice when it comes to Christmas in Cologne. Next to the Cathedral you’ll find both the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland as well as over 100 stalls selling everything from glühwein to traditional German crafts. More festivity can be found nearby on the Alter Markt, at the Neumarkt and at the Cologne Harbour Christmas Market to name just a few!
Hamburg Christmas Market
24th Nov 2014 – 6th Jan 2014
Enjoy a traditional German fayre at the Christmas market at Rathausmarkt. Hosted by Roncalli’s Circus, the stalls take on a magical appearance and drinks are even served by circus performers. Father Christmas flies above the market at 4, 6 and 8pm and every Saturday you can see the Christmas parade. Wander to the advent village around the St Petri church, or soak up the festive atmosphere of the markets around Mönckebergstrasse.
Stuttgart Christmas Market
26th Nov 2014 – 23rd Dec 2014
Held beneath the beautiful Old Palace, Stuttgart Christmas Market – one of the largest in Germany – boasts well over 200 stalls. Admire the festive illuminations, grab some gingerbread or burnt almonds, whilst wandering through the traditional wooden stands amidst a haze of vanilla and cinnamon combined with Christmas music.
So wrap up warm, treat yourself to a mulled wine (or three) and get lost in the magic of Christmas.
Photo Credits
http://www.bavaria.by/kaethe-wohlfahrt-rothenburg-ob-der-tauber
http://www.southquaytravel.com/offer-detail/cologne-christmas-markets-16
http://www.hamburg-travel.com/experience/events/christmas/christmas-markets/rathausmarkt/
http://www.germany-christmas-market.org.uk/stuttgart_christmas_market.php