START TO get excited about the markets you'll visit...
COLOGNE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kq1lbLSVC-4
Cologne is host to a number of Christmas markets; at least 8 of them this year.
We will try to visit at least one, but maybe even a second and third one (depending on your jet lag).
The most famous of these is held in the shadow of the Cologne Cathedral, the largest in Germany and a UNESCO World Heritage site (construction started in 1248!).
With the imposing Gothic backdrop and the largest Christmas tree on the Rhine, the 'Am Dom' market offers over 160 stalls selling the traditional yuletide wares and their famous Glühwein (mulled wine), and not to forget the German potato pancakes...yummie!
Traditional music fills the air, providing the perfect atmosphere for Christmas shopping.
HAMBURG:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnqgWKzDNEU
Since twelve years the Historical Christmas Market has been takinh place in front of the city hall in Hamburg. It has became one of the most famous, reputable Christmas markets in Germany and attracts almost three million visitors every year.
Over 80 salesmen, carnies, craftspeople and merchants from all regions in Germany offer their products.
You can smell sweet almonds, gingerbread, nuts and, of course the popular Glühwein, which was originally created especially for that market in Hamburg.
All booths are arranged into special alleys. So you will find sweets and candies in the “Naschgasse” (nibble alley), all craftsmen are located in the “Handwerksgasse” (craftsmen alley)
Between the market booths you can find historic attractions from the Roncalli Museum.
We'll also see flying Santa Claus who will visit the market every day at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm.
BERLIN:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWp5EXzAn1E#t=27
Berlin offers more than 5 Christmas Markets.
Berlin’s magnificent Gendarmenmarkt square is transformed into a glittering Christmas spectacle, the WeihnachtsZauber.
The city's main market is held beneath the spectacularly poignant Gedächtniskirche (Memorial Church), making Berlin a great destination for a unique Christmas market experience. There is something for everyone with over 60 markets scattered around the center.
The Gendarmenmarkt boasts culinary temptations from some of the country's top chefs, as well as a festoon of entertainment including jugglers, acrobats, fire artists, choirs, dance groups and music ensembles.
A 30-minute walk away is Potsdamer Platz Market, which features Europe's largest mobile toboggan run.
The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church Market pledges that you can find a present for everyone among the traditional wooden huts; all while nursing your hot cocoa and nibbling on roasted almonds.
If we find the time and you feel up it, across the city, the Lucia Christmas Market is Nordic-Scandinavian themed, offering a romantic and intimate atmosphere. From here you could also enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the old center of Berlin.
DRESDEN:
https://youtu.be/9i8s9YCYueM
With accounts dating back to 1434, Dresden's Christmas Market, traditionally known as Striezelmarkt, is a must visit for market lovers.
The Striezelmarkt on Dresden's Altmarkt Square is Germany's oldest with a particularly unique setting - the town erects a 48-foot- (14.6 m-) high wooden "Christmas Pyramid" in the center of the market.
The market's name is derived from Stollen, the Christmas bread, which is also known as Striezel in this area of Germany.
In addition to this delicacy, the area is also known for the traditional Pflaumentoffel, a chimney-sweep crafted from dried prunes, and also famous for its handicrafts that come from all over Saxony (former East Germany).
The Striezelmarkt boasts both the world's tallest Nutcracker, and the world's tallest Christmas pyramid. Smoking figures, Herrenhut Advent stars can all be bought here. Peruse the stalls and watch the traditional glass-blowers, carvers and bakers practice their crafts.
There is also the market held at the stable yards at Residenzschloss, the famous Frauenkirche Market, which we'll try to visit if you feel so inclined.
PRAGUE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hByZ9kZE1Yk
People came from all over to visit the Christmas markets in Prague. The two largest and best Christmas markets (vánoční trhy) are held in the Old Town Square and on the long slope of Wenceslas Square. There is also a smaller market at Republic Square and a permanent one at Havel's Market.
The Old Town Square market is the prettiest and busiest one in Prague. Little stalls are nestled around the Jan Hus statue and surrounded by centuries old Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. The market is dominated by a Christmas tree, which is adorned with hundreds of lights and is lit every evening at dusk, usually around 5 p.m.
Some unique products that are available at the markets are Christmas ornaments and holiday decorations, traditional Czech Christmas cookies, tablecloths, Frankincense or the Czech Christmas potpourri called purpura.
Some other items on offer are Czech wooden toys, crafts, clothing accessories, scented candles or handmade soap. You can taste some traditional Czech foods that are made fresh right in front of you. Hot wine (svařené víno or svařák), grog, and warm honey liquor called medovina come in handy in the cold weather.
Czech Christmas carols add to the festive atmosphere.
NUERNBERG:
http://www.christkindlesmarkt.de/en/the-nuremberg-christkindlesmarkt-on-video-1.2418060
With the majestic Alps to the south and the medieval Imperial Castle perched proudly at the top of the Old Town hill, Nuremberg's Hauptmarkt is a spectacular back drop for one of Germany's oldest and most famous Christmas markets - the Christkindlesmarkt.
The name derives from the Christkind - or Christ Child - who these days is picked every two years by the citizens of Nuremberg. Dressed as an angel, with a golden crown and wings, the child climbs on to the gallery of the Frauenkirche and festively opens the market by reciting the prologue of the Christ Child poem.
Over 180 traditional stalls, blanketed in red and white cloth, ensure that this extremely popular market remains authentic. Modern and mass-produced goods are strictly prohibited and officials police the stalls to ensure that the vendors are offering the visitors hand-crafted wares in keeping with the tradition of the market.
Favorite food delights at the market include the Nuremberg “plum people” (small figures made from prunes), spicy gingerbread, sweets and Nuremberg sausages.
Shoppers descend on the ‘Christmas City’ from all over Europe and the world to seek out unique gifts at the scores of colorful timber trinket stalls that fill the square. The aroma of Lebkuchen (large, soft, spicy biscuits), mulled wine and roast sausages permeates the chilly air, while special festive events take place on the square and at other venues around town.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kq1lbLSVC-4
Cologne is host to a number of Christmas markets; at least 8 of them this year.
We will try to visit at least one, but maybe even a second and third one (depending on your jet lag).
The most famous of these is held in the shadow of the Cologne Cathedral, the largest in Germany and a UNESCO World Heritage site (construction started in 1248!).
With the imposing Gothic backdrop and the largest Christmas tree on the Rhine, the 'Am Dom' market offers over 160 stalls selling the traditional yuletide wares and their famous Glühwein (mulled wine), and not to forget the German potato pancakes...yummie!
Traditional music fills the air, providing the perfect atmosphere for Christmas shopping.
HAMBURG:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnqgWKzDNEU
Since twelve years the Historical Christmas Market has been takinh place in front of the city hall in Hamburg. It has became one of the most famous, reputable Christmas markets in Germany and attracts almost three million visitors every year.
Over 80 salesmen, carnies, craftspeople and merchants from all regions in Germany offer their products.
You can smell sweet almonds, gingerbread, nuts and, of course the popular Glühwein, which was originally created especially for that market in Hamburg.
All booths are arranged into special alleys. So you will find sweets and candies in the “Naschgasse” (nibble alley), all craftsmen are located in the “Handwerksgasse” (craftsmen alley)
Between the market booths you can find historic attractions from the Roncalli Museum.
We'll also see flying Santa Claus who will visit the market every day at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm.
BERLIN:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWp5EXzAn1E#t=27
Berlin offers more than 5 Christmas Markets.
Berlin’s magnificent Gendarmenmarkt square is transformed into a glittering Christmas spectacle, the WeihnachtsZauber.
The city's main market is held beneath the spectacularly poignant Gedächtniskirche (Memorial Church), making Berlin a great destination for a unique Christmas market experience. There is something for everyone with over 60 markets scattered around the center.
The Gendarmenmarkt boasts culinary temptations from some of the country's top chefs, as well as a festoon of entertainment including jugglers, acrobats, fire artists, choirs, dance groups and music ensembles.
A 30-minute walk away is Potsdamer Platz Market, which features Europe's largest mobile toboggan run.
The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church Market pledges that you can find a present for everyone among the traditional wooden huts; all while nursing your hot cocoa and nibbling on roasted almonds.
If we find the time and you feel up it, across the city, the Lucia Christmas Market is Nordic-Scandinavian themed, offering a romantic and intimate atmosphere. From here you could also enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the old center of Berlin.
DRESDEN:
https://youtu.be/9i8s9YCYueM
With accounts dating back to 1434, Dresden's Christmas Market, traditionally known as Striezelmarkt, is a must visit for market lovers.
The Striezelmarkt on Dresden's Altmarkt Square is Germany's oldest with a particularly unique setting - the town erects a 48-foot- (14.6 m-) high wooden "Christmas Pyramid" in the center of the market.
The market's name is derived from Stollen, the Christmas bread, which is also known as Striezel in this area of Germany.
In addition to this delicacy, the area is also known for the traditional Pflaumentoffel, a chimney-sweep crafted from dried prunes, and also famous for its handicrafts that come from all over Saxony (former East Germany).
The Striezelmarkt boasts both the world's tallest Nutcracker, and the world's tallest Christmas pyramid. Smoking figures, Herrenhut Advent stars can all be bought here. Peruse the stalls and watch the traditional glass-blowers, carvers and bakers practice their crafts.
There is also the market held at the stable yards at Residenzschloss, the famous Frauenkirche Market, which we'll try to visit if you feel so inclined.
PRAGUE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hByZ9kZE1Yk
People came from all over to visit the Christmas markets in Prague. The two largest and best Christmas markets (vánoční trhy) are held in the Old Town Square and on the long slope of Wenceslas Square. There is also a smaller market at Republic Square and a permanent one at Havel's Market.
The Old Town Square market is the prettiest and busiest one in Prague. Little stalls are nestled around the Jan Hus statue and surrounded by centuries old Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. The market is dominated by a Christmas tree, which is adorned with hundreds of lights and is lit every evening at dusk, usually around 5 p.m.
Some unique products that are available at the markets are Christmas ornaments and holiday decorations, traditional Czech Christmas cookies, tablecloths, Frankincense or the Czech Christmas potpourri called purpura.
Some other items on offer are Czech wooden toys, crafts, clothing accessories, scented candles or handmade soap. You can taste some traditional Czech foods that are made fresh right in front of you. Hot wine (svařené víno or svařák), grog, and warm honey liquor called medovina come in handy in the cold weather.
Czech Christmas carols add to the festive atmosphere.
NUERNBERG:
http://www.christkindlesmarkt.de/en/the-nuremberg-christkindlesmarkt-on-video-1.2418060
With the majestic Alps to the south and the medieval Imperial Castle perched proudly at the top of the Old Town hill, Nuremberg's Hauptmarkt is a spectacular back drop for one of Germany's oldest and most famous Christmas markets - the Christkindlesmarkt.
The name derives from the Christkind - or Christ Child - who these days is picked every two years by the citizens of Nuremberg. Dressed as an angel, with a golden crown and wings, the child climbs on to the gallery of the Frauenkirche and festively opens the market by reciting the prologue of the Christ Child poem.
Over 180 traditional stalls, blanketed in red and white cloth, ensure that this extremely popular market remains authentic. Modern and mass-produced goods are strictly prohibited and officials police the stalls to ensure that the vendors are offering the visitors hand-crafted wares in keeping with the tradition of the market.
Favorite food delights at the market include the Nuremberg “plum people” (small figures made from prunes), spicy gingerbread, sweets and Nuremberg sausages.
Shoppers descend on the ‘Christmas City’ from all over Europe and the world to seek out unique gifts at the scores of colorful timber trinket stalls that fill the square. The aroma of Lebkuchen (large, soft, spicy biscuits), mulled wine and roast sausages permeates the chilly air, while special festive events take place on the square and at other venues around town.
