10 things you should try at Christmas markets  Year after year

It's dark when you get up and it's dark when you get home. It's dreary and you need two pairs of socks. Just some of the reasons why many people long for the end of winter. But: it's the only time of year with Christmas markets! You shouldn't miss out on these ten things at one of the 2500 markets in Germany!

Eating Baumstriezel

Every Christmas market outing needs a solid foundation. If you don't want to reach for a bratwurst for your physical well-being, we recommend a Baumstriezel. Originally from Transylvania in Romania, the pastry is called “chimney cake” in Hungary due to its shape. Crispy and sweet – the perfect winter mix.

Plan for curling

Exercise keeps you warm, so why not do some sport? At some Christmas markets, you can compete with your friends in curling. The mix of curling and boules is basically very simple: the sticks have to be manoeuvred as close as possible to the target (stave). You might want to plan this precision sport before the first mulled wine.

Admire the carousels

Carousels can be found at many Christmas markets. If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, you're better off at an amusement park. The leisurely Christmas market carousels are often traditionally decorated and feature elaborate figures. Particularly suitable for families and people with a fear of heights.

Drinking Feuerzangenbowle

Feuerzangenbowle (Fire tongs punch) instead of mulled wine? The cult drink not only tastes delicious, it is also spectacularly prepared. You can often watch the sugar loaf being flambéed live. If you can't get enough of it, you should pay a visit to Munich's Feuerzangenbowle – the special kettles there have a capacity of up to 9000 litres.

Getting Christmas presents

You're at the Christmas market on 23 December and you've just remembered that you haven't bought any presents yet? If you want to delight others with handmade little things, you're sure to find what you're looking for: Whether it's wood or glass art, scarves or jewellery – Christmas market got your back, the mood on Christmas Eve is saved.

Singing together

You can reliably set your watch by it: Chris Rea's Driving home for Christmas will be back in the charts in December. With O du Fröhliche, Ihr Kinderlein kommet and Stille Nacht, German carols also have a few hits up their sleeves. These are sung by choirs at many Christmas markets. Learn the words quickly and you'll be able to sing along!

Caress alpacas

Their fur is definitely something to envy: Alpacas. The fluffy camels (yes, really) from the Andes can often be found in neighbouring petting zoos. And if you spot one, there's sure to be another one nearby. Alpacas are herd animals and may not be kept alone in Germany.

Buying delicatessen

The festive season is upon us and with it: gourmet days. At Christmas markets, you can often find regional and high-quality foods such as ham or cheese. Even if you have to dig deeper into your pockets for a few hundred grams than in the discounter – after all, it's almost Christmas. And you can still give yourself the best presents.

Learn to make candles

Have you ever made a candle yourself? It's called candle making – the wick is placed in melted wax and pulled out several times until the candle is ready. You can get a taste of a traditional craft and take your home-made candle home with you to spread an atmospheric light.  

Watch the Christmas nativity play

The nativity play is almost as old as the Christmas story itself – the alleged birth of Jesus was re-enacted over 1000 years ago. In contrast to the nativity scene, the ox and donkey in the nativity play are not made of plastic, but are portrayed by people.

November 2024