8 Truths About German Christmas Markets Most Tourists Get Wrong!
Everyone talks about how magical German Christmas markets are, but after living in Germany and visiting a bunch of them, there are some things that tourists and other YouTubers never tell you about. Some might surprise you, and a few might even save your trip. We’re Mike and Becca, and this will be our fourth Christmas here in Germany. And every year, we try to visit as many Christmas markets as possible. From the small local ones to the big famous ones, we’re here to tell you the truth about German Christmas markets and how to actually enjoy them. The videos and photos you’ve seen don’t lie. German Christmas markets are magical, but not every market is the same. Each market has its own unique personality and charm. The big famous ones are incredible, but can get packed. Meanwhile, small town markets can feel cozier, more local, and in our opinion, sometimes even better. However, this year, for the first time, we’re going to visit one of the most iconic and popular Christmas markets here in Germany, the Nermberg Christmas Market. We’re so excited and we’re going to find out whether this Christmas market is worth the hype or if it’s something you should just skip when you come visit Germany. So, hit subscribe because that video is going to be out in a few short weeks once the markets open this year. and you won’t want to miss it. Speaking of popular big city Christmas markets, as we said before, they can be packed, so we recommend you visit earlier in the day or during the week. Of course, evenings and weekends are stunning, but they can get almost too busy to enjoy, especially if you’re traveling with a kid. Plus, the wait for food and drinks will be shorter. Oh, and many markets open at the end of November and close before Christmas Day. There are only a few select places where the markets are open between Christmas and New Year’s. So, check the dates of the Christmas markets you want to visit before finalizing your Germany travel plans. Now, while everyone comes for the Glue Vine and it is worth it, be aware that the quality varies by stand. And while some get it perfect, others just aren’t worth the money. But if glue vine isn’t your thing, every market also has its own twist. Iron Punch, blueberry glue vine, hot chocolate, and alcohol-free versions. Last year even had the oho popular Dubai chocolate drink, which was hot chocolate with pistachio leour. And while not traditional for Christmas markets in Germany, there’s always beer because, well, it’s still Germany. Now, when you buy Glue Vine or any other drink for that matter, you’re going to pay a small deposit called a fond for the mug. When you finish, you can return it for a refund, or you can keep the mug as a souvenir. In our opinion, these are some of the best souvenirs from Christmas markets in Germany. And let’s just say our cupboard at home sure proves it. But don’t make the same mistake we made our first year in Germany and start keeping every mug. Search around for a beautiful, highquality mug that has something truly unique to the market you’re visiting because not all mugs are created equal. Some are just boring and very generic and not worth losing your deposit over. and the food. There’s plenty at German Christmas markets you won’t want to miss, like Hanbro, Cartuffle Puffer, and candied almonds. But be aware that many of the Christmas markets in Germany have most of the same types of food. There are a few markets we found with regional specialties, like the Lubebeck Christmas Market we discovered last year with its famous marzipan, which meant marzipan everything. But overall, most markets will have the same general food. We have our favorites that we look forward to, but don’t expect each market to be completely different when it comes to food. Now, if there’s a Christmas market in Germany with special regional food, please let us know in the comments because we’re going to have to visit. Oh, and let us know your favorite food or drink to get at the German Christmas markets, too. Now, this truth can 100% make or break your German Christmas market adventure. No one tells you this. You’ll spend hours outside in freezing temperatures because there aren’t many places to warm up outside of just a few places with heaters or fires, which get busy quickly. Your best bet is when a Christmas market has a forest, as it at least cuts down on the wind. Not all markets have this, but many in northern Germany do. On top of that, it’s more likely to rain than snow during Christmas in Germany nowadays, so you’ll want to dress appropriately for rain, too. Ultimately, German Christmas markets are beautiful, but brutal if you’re not prepared. Bring gloves, warm shoes, a waterproof coat, and a plan to defrost between stalls. Another truth is that while each Christmas market has its own personality, often times there are different sections within the same market. And some are even themed, medieval, local artists, familyfriendly, or even pirate themed. Others are in amazing places such as castles, city squares, or forests. For some, you have to book tickets ahead of time, so double check that you’re prepared for the ones you’re planning to visit this year. The fact that no two markets are the same is one of the most fun things about Christmas markets in Germany. And the biggest truth and what probably surprised us the most about German Christmas markets is it’s not just about the food, the drinks, and the pretty lights. It’s about the community. You can see people meeting up after work, locals chatting, and everyone slowing down to enjoy the season and each other’s company. Yes, the days are short. It’s cold and the weather in Germany isn’t going to really get any better until maybe March. But it’s that bit of joy in the community connection that makes German Christmas markets so special and absolutely worth visiting. We have visited a ton of German Christmas markets and they never really get old. And this year we’re going to be visiting even more. So subscribe that way you can find out if they’re actually worth the trip when you come visit Germany. Plus, right here, we’ve got a whole playlist of German Christmas markets we’ve already visited in past years that you aren’t going to want to miss. And we’ll see you over at those other videos. Bye.
Are you visiting German Christmas markets and want to avoid the typical tourist mistakes? We’ve spent years visiting Christmas markets in Germany, and they’re just as magical as Instagram makes them look, but there’s a LOT most tourists get wrong! This Germany travel guide explores the unexpected side of German Christmas markets so you don’t make the same mistakes we did at Christmas markets in Germany.
👀 WATCH NEXT
· Bremen Christmas Market → https://youtu.be/pxCblLF8SmU
· Lübeck Christmas Market → https://youtu.be/U1sdYl9nCrI
· Germany Christmas Market Playlist → https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL12G_TgytL3qCJSCc6ZWuL9XEPiUEAqE8
👋 CONNECT WITH US
💻 Blog: https://www.mytravelbf.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytravelbf
⏩ CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:33 Truth #1 Not All Markets Are Created Equal
01:24 Truth #2 When to Visit (Timing Tips)
02:03 Truth #3 It’s Not Just About Glühwein
02:39 Truth #4 German Christmas Market Mugs
03:24 Truth #5 Food Variety
04:16 Truth #6 Dress for the Weather
05:06 Truth #7 Sections of Christmas Markets in Germany
05:40 Truth #8 The Real Magic of German Christmas Markets
06:13 Conclusion
🤔 WHO IS MY TRAVEL BF?
We are Mike and Becca, two passionate travelers who love traveling deep and experiencing a place through its food, history, and culture.
#christmasmarket #christmasingermany #germanytourism #germanytravel
21 Comments
Although I love this video, because I personally like christmas markets a lot, it's worth pointing out that the Pfand you leave at the christmas market is not a buying price. You don't own the mugs and taking them away is, strictly speaking, theft, though it's never enforced. But the way you're talking about collecting mugs makes me wonder if you actually knwo that. The stall operators that you borrowed the mug from usually aren't all too happy about a large amount of "collected" mugs.
Yes, I know that everyone does it. But should it really be given to tourists as a good advice on how to behave correctly?
Again, an exzellent video with tips about visiting the markets. Tomorrow the Hannover Market begins…perhaps with snow. I will keep my eyes open and perhaps I will see you on the Lister Meile. I will be looking for parents with a little boy, who wants to see, eat and ride on everything. Have a good Advent.
I think I might have told you last year, but it´s worth repeating: the Silesian Christmas market in Görlitz is worth visiting and trying the Mohnpielen!
Google “Christmas market Bückeburg – Christmas magic” (Weihnachtszauber) – I always enjoyed it, but there is an admission fee (Bückeburg Castle).
1:39 really? Nuernberg, no, thats Lubeck. 2:48 yes Bremer Christmas market.
Oh dear, you're planning to go to the Christmas market… my advice is to avoid Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I prefer visiting the smaller markets. If I just want to grab a quick mulled wine, I can easily take the subway to Altstadtweihnacht Fürth/Bay. But I'm not a Christmas fanatic. The biggest markets aren't always the best or most beautiful… gruss aus nürnberg
A key aspect often overlooked is that while larger cities usually have one "main" Christmas market, they may also have a couple of smaller ones at other locations, sometimes even several within the city center. Often, each of those has a distinct character, with the main one being the usual fare, but others being e.g. more artisanal etc.
Paying a deposit is not the same as buying somethink.
You can't just keep it
Fun fact.
Actually paying the deposit for the mug does not mean that you bought it!
As a matter of fact taking the mug home is considered stealing by German law.
As a German i was surprised to find that out a few years ago. After having collected some nice ones my self.
But don´t worry kind of everyone is keeping a nice one here and there.
The owners of these stands are expecting a certain number of mugs to "be stolen" hence the, sometimes hefty deposit.
Before watching: i don't like Nürnberg. In my book it's overhyped and too touristy.🤷
Thanks for the video! 🙂👍
Beautiful Christmas markets in southern Germany can be found in Esslingen am Neckar ("Mittelaltermarkt und Weihnachtsmarkt") near Stuttgart and in Bad Wimpfen ("Altdeutscher Weihnachtsmarkt") near Heilbronn.
Regensburg is beautiful and has special foods originally from regensburg (like regensburger Knacker) i work there and it is a city with about 5 different christmasmarkets🥰
The Christmas markets in Germany usually always offer regionally typical food and drinks. Of course, they are often the same dishes, no question, but if you look, you will find unique selling points. Lübeck itself has seven Christmas markets with different thematic focuses. A special feature in Lübeck outside the marzipan is, for example, the Estonian stand with drinks from Tallinn. Or glögg, a special mulled wine from Scandinavia. there are also regional specialties in Rostock or in other cities.
Hi 🙂. I like the Esslingen Christmas market here in the south of Germany. A large part of this market is medieval and in the beautiful old town of Esslingen. You will love it ❤.
In Hamburg gibt es über 30 Weihnachtsmärkte, wenn man die Stadtteile mitzählt. Die schafft man natürlich nicht alle in kurzer Zeit. Vielleicht darf ich Euch einen Tipp geben, Euch gezielt auf die interessantesten und außergewöhnlichsten Weihnachtsmärkte zu beschränken: Startet am frühen Mittag am Rathausmarkt, der präsentiert sich im historischen Stil, mit Spielzeuggasse und Blick auf das Rathaus, und es fährt eine Eisenbahn an den Dächern der Hütten herum. Anschließend geht Ihr weiter zum Jungfernstieg. Dort gibt es u. a. hochwertiges Kunsthandwerk in Pagodenzelten an der Alster, zudem hat man eine schöne Kulisse zum Fotografieren. Dann fahrt Ihr mit der U-Bahn weiter zum Fleetweihnachtsmarkt, das ist gleich an der Elbe, und Ihr könnt vorbeiziehende Schiffe beobachten. Während der Dämmerung sieht das besonders toll aus. Hierzu alternativ, könnt Ihr Euch auch zum "StrandPauli Winterwunderland" begeben, ebenfalls ein fantastischer Blick auf die Elbe und Schiffe. Anschließend, in der Hafen-City, erlebt Ihr skandinavische Hygge-Atmosphäre, da gibt es an ausgewählten Standorten nordische Spezialitäten, darunter auch Glögg (skandinavischer Glühwein) und Zimtschnecken. Falls Ihr am Abend noch Lust habt, solltet Ihr Euch "den geilsten Weihnachtsmarkt der Stadt", "Santa Pauli" auf der Reeperbahn, nicht entgehen lassen. Ein krasser Kontrast zum Rathausmarkt, aber Kult!, mit Burlesque-Shows, Strip-Adventskalender und Glühwein mit Schuss.
Mit sehr viel Zeit und Übernachtungen rate ich Euch, auch weitere Exkursionen zu machen. Hier in Buxtehude gibt es einen außerordentlich romantischen Weihnachtsmarkt mit Waldcharakter, den auch viele Hamburger aufsuchen. Verbindet alles mit einer Besichtigung und Einkaufsbummel in unserer Stadt (den Altstadt-Trödler nicht versäumen!), und unserer sehr sehenswerten Kreisstadt Stade, mit mittelalterlichem Charakter, wo es drei wunderschöne Weihnachtsmärkte gibt, alle zentral in der Altstadt gelegen. Von hier aus lohnt sich ebenfalls eine Besichtigung des Alten Landes, Europas größtem zusammenhängendem Obstanbaugebiet, mit einzelnen beeindruckenden historischen Fachwerkhäusern und vielen Bauernläden; und ein Halt am Lühe-Anleger an der Elbe, wo man mit etwas Glück sehr große Containerschiffe nach Hamburg ein- und ausfahren sehen kann.
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Hier noch ein kleiner Nachtrag: ein Abstecher nach Hamburg-Bergedorf, mein Heimat-Stadtteil, lohnt sich ebenfalls sehr. In Bergedorf gibt es einen schönen Schlosspark mit Schloss im Backstein-Stil, dort befindet sich das zentrale Museum. Die Kirche zu besichtigen sollte man nicht versäumen, sie wirkt sehr dörflich, ist aber reich ausgestattet. Es gibt auch ein sehr großes zentrales Einkaufszentrum; die Altstadt mit vielen historischen Häusern. Wenn Ihr Euch viel Zeit eingeräumt habt, könnt Ihr das vielleicht mit einer Schiffstour auf der Bille (Nebenfluss der Elbe) verbinden. Die Anlegestelle ist gleich beim Einkaufszentrum. Ich rate zu einer Vierlandenfahrt, die ist kürzer als die anderen Fahrten. Der Ansprechpartner ist die "Bergedorfer Schifffahrtslinie". Aber ich glaube, da muss man sich langfristig anmelden, vielleicht sind die jetzt schon voll.
Hi there! If you ever get to Berlin again, you should visit the "WeihnachtsZauber" at Gendarmenmarkt. It is a little "posh" – but also very special in many ways. You get a lot of wonderful handcrafted items by german artists – you can also watch some of them while creating their art-pieces. There are also some huge indoor-cabins, where you find a warm place to enjoy the arts and crafts…have lots of fun!! 🤩
Es ist verboten einfach die Becher vom Glühwein mitzunehmen.
1:45 Some markets close on December 23 and reopen from December 27 to 30.
My wife and I lived in EU for a few years, Germany included, and the Weihnachtsmarkts are so beautiful in all aspects, decor, food, drink, and the local people. Love love love . . .
The Deposit is a deposit, not the price of the mug, you are supposed return them. 😅
Heading to Nuremberg, Munich,and regensburg next week. Should be fun