Christmas Markets

Christmas markets are a tradition that originated in German-speaking regions of Northern Europe during the late Middle Ages.

The first noted suggestion of a “December Market” (or Dezembermarkt) dates in the late 1200’s in Vienna, Austria, and served the simple purpose of selling meats and other basic goods needed to survive the cold winter months ahead.

This utilitarian-style “December Market” eventually evolved into a more holiday-focused affair held in the open air of the town square with gifts, toys, and sweets like candied nuts and gingerbreads for sale during the four weeks leading up to Christmas day (the Christian tradition of Advent). 

As the markets’ offerings moved away from winter survival and more toward holiday fun, they became known more frequently as
“Christmas Markets”
meant for celebrating the season rather than for gathering basic necessities.

The earliest true Christmas Markets are thought to have originated in various cities in Germany in the 1300’s and 1400’s.  Today, this tradition survives with most large Northern European cities and towns hosting their own Christmas markets- the two largest and arguably the most well-known opening each holiday season in Vienna and Munich. 

Other notable traditional markets are held in Augsburg, Dresden, Erfurt, Frankfurt, Nuremberg, Dortmund, Copenhagen, and Stuttgart (all German), attracting millions of visitors every year and providing valuable winter tourist attractions for each city.

The tradition has spread across Europe and into the US and Canada (and beyond!) with many German treats such as grilled bratwurst, hot candied almonds, and edible figurines made of cookies and fruits featuring at each. 

Hot drinks such as mulled wine, cider, hot chocolate, and eggnog are also typically available as a warm treat to enjoy as visitors stroll the stalls for carved nutcrackers, Nativity scenes, small hand-crafted trinkets, and holiday ornaments.  

Traditional German-style Christmas Markets of today are characterized by strings of decorative lights, a central Christmas tree, winding rows of small red-roofed wooden shop stalls, and plenty of festive holiday décor.

Outside of Northern Europe, cities like New York, San Francisco, Chicago, and Toronto also feature their own annual versions of the German-style Christmas Markets.

Modern Christmas Markets also often feature activities such as ice skating and fair-type rides and games, giving the markets a fun atmosphere for a cozy family or date night out in the December cold.

Frohe Weihnachten!
(Merry Christmas!)

_{Image Credits: Mandy Cherundolo, David Moss, mthaler, Subodh Agnihotri, anyaberkut, clubfoto, RomanBabakin}