Three Unique Christmas Markets
Illuminated streets and centuries-old squares, gigantic Christmas trees, swirling carousels, the tantalising aroma of mulled wine and gingerbread, the smell of wood from delicate handicrafts, the sound of carols…these are just some of the things that make any visit to a European Christmas Market a truly unforgettable experience. Even though practically almost every city in Europe organises its own Christmas market, not every market can get you instantly into the festive spirit. During this holiday season, I decided to visit three different Christmas markets which are well worth a visit.
Frankfurt
The Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Germany, both in terms of the market’s size and visitor numbers (around 3 million a year). Definitely, the fairytale-like surroundings of Römerberg, Paulsplatz and the rest of the medieval Altstadt (old town) where the market takes place, make it also one of Germany’s most beautiful.
Location: the hundreds of decorated market stalls stretch from the Hauptwache square down to the banks of the river Main, but the highlight of the market is at the Römerberg square where the big christmas tree and stunning carousel are located. Frankfurt is one of the few Christmas Markets that has its own Gay section, known as the Rosa Weihnacht or “Frankfurt Pink Christmas”, and is located in Friedrich Stoltze Square.
What to try: Frankfurter Würstchen, the local Frankfurt sausage, Kartoffelpuffer, essentially fried potato pancakes with applesauce on the side, “Quetschemaennchen” which is a miniature candy figurine, Bettmännchen, a traditional Frankfurt Christmas cookie made with marzipan and flour, and Frankfurter Brenten, another traditional marzipan based Christmas cookie exclusive to Frankfurt that dates back to the Middle Ages. Don’t forget Glühwein, the famous German mulled wine.
Dates: usually from the 25 of November till the 22nd of December
Times: from around 10 in the morning till 9 in the evening.
Fun Fact: the Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the few markets that was also exported in other countries. Starting with Birmingham back in 1997, the Frankfurt Christmas market has organised a traditional German market in a number of other British cities such as Manchester, Edinburgh, Leeds, Nottingham and Bristol. So the first time I actually visited the Frankfurt Christmas market was in Birmingham, back in 2006 when I was studying there.
Copenhagen – Tivoli Gardens
It is rather impossible not to get in the spirit of Christmas holidays in Denmark, as this small nordic country is the homeland of Hans Christian Andersen, the world-famous fairy tales master. The capital of Denmark is home to several Christmas markets that spread around the city such as Højbro Square and Kongens Nytorv, but the shining star is I believe the Christmas market at Tivoli Gardens.
During Christmas time, the historic amusement park transforms into a magic world with decorated wooden market stalls, snow-covered trees, glittering Christmas lights, antique carousels and of course its famous 27 fun rides. Apart from the market stalls, a number of cafes and restaurants are located in various locations around the park where you can enjoy a meal or a hot drink in the warmth of their fancy interior.
Location: Tivoli Gardens are located beside Copenhagen’s main train station. Note: there is an entrance fee to enter the Gardens.
Dates: beginning of November to December 23rd (Nyhavn), mid November to December 22nd (Nytorv), from mid November to the 5th of January (Tivoli).
Times: Sun – Thu 11.00 – 23.00/Fri – Sat 11.00 – 24.00. 24 December 11.00 – 16.00, 25 & 26 December 11.00 – 23.00, 31 December 11.00 – 00.30 and 1 January 11.00 – 23.00.
What to try: Gløgg, Denmark’s mulled wine with raisins and nuts in which you can also add some rum, to make it stronger. Aebleskiver are small pancake puffs dusted with sugar and served with fresh jam, while Honninghjerter is quite similar to German gingerbread but is sometimes filled with jam and buttercream and topped with a chocolate glaze. Fun fact: During Christmas, Tivoli Gardens are decorated with 70,000 Christmas baubles and more than 1000 Christmas trees covered in lights.
Nuremberg
Not the oldest and not the largest, but definitely one of the most popular in Europe, the Nuremberg christmas market is a magical Christmas celebration with a strong and unique tradition that dates back centuries, and takes place in this charming Bavarian medieval city.
The Christmas market officially starts on Friday preceding the first Sunday in Advent when “Christkind”, the Christmas angel, opens the festivities from a balcony at the Frauenkirche church, a longstanding tradition unique to the city. Handmade Christmas decorations and local culinary treats can be found in more than 180 wooden stalls, that are spread around the main streets of the city.
Location: the main market is on Hauptmarkt (main market square), in front of Frauenkirche church but it also spreads to the adjoining squares and streets. In Handwerkerhof, a crafts quarter by the Königstor, you will find anything from wooden toys and traditional ceramics, to bratwurst and gingerbread.
Dates: usually from the end of November to December 24th.
Times: from 10 am to 9 pm and closing at 2 pm on Christmas Eve.
What to try: Nuremberg is located in Franconia, one of Germany’s wine regions so Glühwein (mulled wine) is a must while Gebrannte Mandeln are delicious roasted almonds found everywhere in the market. Lebkuchen (Gingerbread) is quite special here as it is said that this is where it originates, also try Elisenlebkuchen which is known as the finest gingerbread in the city. Last but not least Nürnberger Rostbratwurst (Nuremberg grilled sausage), is the local finger size sausage spiced with Marjoram which is usually served in the format of “three in a bun” (Drei im Weggla).
Fun Fact: Just north of the Hauptmarkt you will find The Sister Cities Market, which is an area with 24 booths selling delicacies from Nuremberg’s sister cities from around the world.
