Bavarian Christmas Markets: Best Gifts And Treats To Buy

Bavaria's Christmas markets offer a wide range of gifts, treats, and festive entertainment. From the famous Nuremberg Christmas Market, one of the oldest and most renowned markets in the world, to the charming and intimate Rothenburg Christmas Market, there is something for everyone. Here is an overview of some of the best Bavarian Christmas markets and what they have to offer:

Nuremberg Christmas Market:

With a history dating back to 1628, the Nuremberg market is a must-visit. Sample the famous Nuremberg sausage and gingerbread, browse hundreds of vendors selling handcrafted gifts and ornaments, and take a horse-drawn carriage ride.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber Reiterlesmarkt:

The medieval town of Rothenburg provides a magical setting for its Christmas market. Stroll through the sparkling food and gift stalls, snack on roasted chestnuts, and don't miss the daily appearance of Santa Claus at 4:30 pm, followed by a brass band concert.

Munich Christmas Market:

Nestled in Marienplatz, Munich's market boasts over 160 booths offering vintage ornaments, hand-painted glass, and Bavarian specialties. The market traces its origins to the 14th century, and the Christmas tree is lit with over 3,000 lights. Try the homemade berry mulled wine and herb liqueurs.

Winter Market at Munich Airport:

This unique market features 300 real trees and an ice rink. Enjoy live music and browse 50 market stalls offering Bavarian sausages, gifts, and treats.

Augsburg Christmas Market:

With over one million visitors each season, Augsburg's market boasts more than 90 booths. It features special activities for children and live entertainment. Don't miss the famous Angel Performance, where 24 girls from Augsburg play the part of angels, transforming the city hall into a beautiful Advent calendar.

Bamberg Christmas Market:

Stroll through the charming Old Town of Bamberg and discover a winter wonderland. Vendors grill bratwurst, roast almonds, and sell traditional lebkuchen. Don't miss the impressive nativity scene in a half-timbered house, part of a nativity trail with over 400 cribs around the city.

Floating Christmas Market in Vilshofen:

This market floats along the Danube River on a boat! Find Christmas-themed gifts from Bavaria and unique crafts from Austria, Slovenia, and Hungary. Vilshofen is also home to the world's largest wooden creche scene.

In addition to these markets, Bavaria offers dozens more, such as those in Coburg, Passau, Coburg, Landshut, Bayreuth, Dachau, Forchheim, and Würzburg. Each market has its own unique atmosphere, so be sure to explore and discover your favourites!

Food and drink: Bratwurst, mulled wine, gingerbread, and more

Bavarian Christmas markets are known for their food and drink, and there's plenty to choose from. Here's a rundown of some of the delights on offer:

Bratwurst

The humble bratwurst is a staple of Bavarian Christmas markets. You'll find these grilled sausages at almost every market, often served in a roll with mustard. Nuremberg is particularly famous for its small, tasty bratwurst, usually served as 'drei im Weggla' or three in a roll.

Mulled Wine

Known as Glühwein in German, mulled wine is the perfect drink to warm you up as you wander around the markets. Most markets will have their own twist on this festive favourite, with some adding rum or berry liqueurs for an extra kick.

Gingerbread

Gingerbread, or Lebkuchen, is another classic Bavarian treat. Nuremberg is famous for its gingerbread, which comes in all shapes and sizes and often features festive sayings decorated with icing.

Potato Pancakes

For something a little different, try the potato pancakes on offer at many markets. These are usually fried and can be served with a variety of toppings, both sweet and savoury.

Nuts

Roasted nuts are a popular snack at Bavarian Christmas markets, with many stalls offering a variety of nuts, from Bavarian specials to more exotic choices.

Sweet Dumplings

Keep an eye out for Dampfnudel, sweet dumplings that are often fried and covered in sugar or chocolate. These are a real treat and well worth trying if you spot them.

Spätzle

Spätzle, soft egg noodles, are a German speciality and can be found at many Christmas markets. Try them with a variety of toppings or as a side dish.

Crepes

Both sweet and savoury crepes are a popular choice at Bavarian Christmas markets, offering something a little different from the usual market food.

Flatbreads

Flatbreads are a great option for those looking for something more substantial. These are usually served with a variety of toppings, including meats and cheeses.

Hot Chocolate

For something sweet and warming, opt for a cup of hot chocolate. This is a great choice for those who aren't fans of mulled wine, and it often comes with whipped cream and marshmallows.

Doughnuts

Freshly fried doughnuts, or Franconian doughnuts, are a particular treat at Christmas markets. These are usually covered in sugar or chocolate and are best enjoyed hot.

Pizza

Not all markets will have pizza, but some, like Würzburg, offer this popular dish. It's a great option for those looking for something more familiar.

Currywurst

A German classic, currywurst is a must-try at the Christmas markets. This dish consists of a bratwurst in a curry ketchup sauce, usually served with fries or bread.

Mashed Potatoes

Some markets, like Nuremberg, offer a more unusual take on festive food with mashed potato cups. These often come with a variety of toppings, such as Thai green curry or sautéed mushrooms.

Sweets and Candies

Of course, no Christmas market would be complete without an array of sweets and candies. You'll find everything from hard candies to chocolates and cookies, often decorated with festive icing.

Gifts: Ornaments, candles, scarves, and more

The Christmas Markets in Bavaria, Germany, are a great opportunity to buy gifts for your loved ones. The markets offer a wide range of unique, handmade products, including ornaments, candles, scarves, and more. Here are some suggestions on what to buy and where to shop:

Ornaments

Bavarian Christmas Markets are a great place to find unique and traditional ornaments. In Nuremberg, you can browse through hundreds of vendors selling handcrafted Christmas ornaments, including glass and straw ornaments. The market in Rothenburg ob der Tauber also offers a variety of traditional and handmade decorations. For a more modern take on ornaments, the market at the Chinese Tower in Munich's English Gardens features artisans selling handmade, modern decorations.

Candles

If you're looking for candles, the Christmas Market in Dinkelsbühl is a great option. Here, you'll find local artisans selling handmade beeswax candles, among other unique items. The market at the Munich Residenz also offers a variety of candles, including some with modern designs.

Scarves

For winter accessories like scarves, the Tollwood Winter Market in Munich is a great choice. This market features local and regional artisans selling handmade items, including an array of beautiful scarves. The market in Würzburg is another good option, known for its lively atmosphere and variety of stalls offering winter accessories.

Other Gift Ideas

In addition to ornaments, candles, and scarves, the Bavarian Christmas Markets offer a plethora of other gift options. Many markets sell handmade soaps, such as the one in Füssen. For those interested in jewellery, the market in Neuhausen-Nymphenburg in Munich offers a wide selection. If you're looking for something more quirky, the "Pink Market" in Munich's Glockenbachviertel, catering to the LGBTQ+ community, offers a unique shopping experience with gifts, tasty treats, and light displays.

No matter which market you choose to visit, you're sure to find an array of gifts that will delight your friends and family. So, immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, enjoy the treats and mulled wine, and embrace the magic of the Bavarian Christmas Markets!

Markets: Munich, Nuremberg, Rothenburg, and more

Munich

Munich's Christmas markets are known for their magical, enchanting, and romantic vibes. The city has a diverse roster of markets to visit, from the classic and traditional to the quirky and unconventional. Here are some of the best ones to visit:

• Marienplatz Christmas Market: The king of Munich Christmas markets, with its delightful stalls spilling out into the nearby shopping streets. It is located in Marienplatz, Munich's main square.
• Sternenplatzl at Rindermarkt: A small, romantic, and cozy market offering a super cozy vibe and unique gluhwein served in adorable little red boots.
• Residenz Christmas Village: A small market with a cozy assortment of vendors selling traditional craft items, ornaments, snacks, and creepy doll displays. Located in the courtyard of the Residenz, a royal palace.
• Winter Magic at Viktualienmarkt: Munich's famous open-air food market gets a Christmassy makeover with new stalls, decorations, and curling. A great place to shop for foodie gifts.
• Chinese Tower Christmas Market: An enchanting market in the heart of Munich's English Garden. Secluded, quiet, and romantic, it's perfect for a date night. They even offer horse-drawn carriage rides on weekends.
• Sendlinger Tor Christmas Market: A smaller market with a cool and buzzing vibe, especially in the evenings. A great place to shop for gifts from vendors selling cool products from around the world.
• Neuhausen Christmas Market: A charming, cozy, and buzzing market with festive huts offering ornaments, jewelry, handmade toys, and puppet shows.
• Haidhausen Christmas Market: A cozy and romantic market with a local vibe and a wide selection of stalls, from traditional wooden handicrafts to geeky pop culture posters.
• Wintertollwood Festival: A massive alternative festival/market held on the grounds of the world-famous Oktoberfest. It offers a variety of tents, food stalls, and shopping, with a party vibe and a focus on art and advocacy.
• Medieval Christmas Market: A medieval-themed market at Wittelsbacher Platz, where you can drink rum from clay goblets and shop for authentic drinking horns and handmade craft items.
• The Fairytale Bazaar: An artsy and grungy twist on the traditional market, featuring international foods, creative handmade goods, and a circus-like aesthetic.
• The Pink Christmas Market: A friendly and inclusive market found in Glockenbachviertel, Munich's LGBTQ+ neighbourhood, decked out with pink lights and a stage with great performances.
• Schwabing Christmas Market: A bohemian twist on the traditional market, located right by the Münchner Freiheit U-Bahn station. It offers artisan vendors, crafts, art installations, and performances.
• Zauberhafter Weihnachtsmarkt at the Werksviertel-Mitte: A brand new, hip, and alternative market located behind Munich's East Train Station. It features cool shops built into shipping containers, unique murals, and Christmas market stalls.
• Sternenflotte Christmas Market on the Alte Utting: A unique market hosted on an old passenger ship perched on a railway bridge, with a truly special atmosphere, including murals, performances, and a fire pit.

Nuremberg

The Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg is one of the biggest and best-known Christmas markets in the world. It started in the 17th century and has been a tradition ever since. The market offers a variety of yuletide treats like gluhwein, gingerbread, and Nuremberg's famous bratwurst sausages. The opening ceremony is presented by the glamorous Christkind, who recites a famous Christmas speech to thousands in the Main Market Square. The market is ideal for families, with a children's market section and a miniature railway.

Rothenburg

The Christmas market in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the most beautiful in Germany. The medieval town transforms into a fairytale winter wonderland, with festively decorated medieval alleys, culinary delights, and "white" mulled wine. It offers a variety of crafts and traditional Christmas pastries, along with lovingly crafted Christmas decorations. The market is accompanied by performances of the "Rothenburger Reiterle," a mythical figure from pre-Christian times. The Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Museum provides information about Advent traditions and Christmas customs.

History: Medieval markets, historic town squares, and more

Bavaria's Christmas markets are known for their medieval charm and historic settings. Here is a journey through the history of some of these markets:

Medieval Markets

The Munich Advent Spectacle and Medieval Christmas Market on Wittelsbacherplatz in Munich is a journey back in time to the Middle Ages. With its wooden huts, costumed merchants, ancient crafts, and culinary delights, it offers a unique experience. The market showcases what Christmas was like 500 years ago, with knights, noblewomen, and entertainers creating a festive atmosphere.

Historic Town Squares

Many Bavarian Christmas markets are held in the heart of historic town squares, adding to their charm. The Munich Christkindlmarkt, considered the original among Munich's markets, is located in Marienplatz, the city's main square. With roots dating back to the 14th century, it exudes old Bavarian charm with its village of stalls, nativity scenes, and traditional crafts. The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, one of Germany's oldest markets, is set in the Old Town, creating a festive atmosphere with its carousel, children's activities, and traditional treats.

The Augsburg Christkindlesmarkt, one of the oldest in Germany, is a sight to behold in the city's central Rathausplatz. With over 150 stalls, it offers a rich variety of handicrafts, treats, and mulled wine. The market is known for its unique angelic game on the town hall balcony, transforming the dreamlike backdrop into a giant advent calendar.

The Christmas Village in the Munich Residenz, located in the largest courtyard of the city palace, is another market with a historic setting. It features a fairytale forest, a farming village, and handicraft demonstrations by goldsmiths and glassblowers.

Princely Castles and Moated Castles

Some Bavarian Christmas markets are held in the grounds of princely castles and moated castles, adding a touch of romance and history to the festivities. The Christmas market at Schloss Thurn und Taxis in Regensburg is a princely affair, set in a lovingly designed Christmas village. It offers a glimpse into the past with horse-drawn carriages, noblemen, and court ladies, along with unique handicrafts.

The Stadtschloss in Treuchtlingen, a former moated castle in Renaissance style, hosts a romantic Christmas market amid historic buildings. After dark, the castle is illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere with the scent of mulled wine and biscuits filling the air.

The Christmas market at Blutenburg Castle in Munich-Obermenzing is set in the idyllic late Gothic moated castle, offering craft stalls, mulled wine, and musical performances.

Bavarian Christmas markets, with their diverse locations, truly offer a step back in time, combining medieval charm, historic settings, and traditional festivities.

Entertainment: Carollers, brass bands, and more

Bavaria's Christmas markets are known for their festive entertainment, with carollers, brass bands, choirs, and other performers adding to the cheer of the season. Here's a closer look at some of the entertainment options you can expect:

Carollers and Choirs:

Bavarian Christmas markets often feature local choirs and carollers performing traditional Christmas songs and hymns. These groups may perform on a central stage, wander through the market, or even go from house to house, spreading Christmas cheer to all who attend. Their beautiful harmonies and festive repertoire help create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Brass Bands:

The sounds of brass instruments are a staple of Bavarian Christmas markets, with many markets featuring daily performances by brass bands. These bands play a range of traditional German carols and hymns, as well as popular Christmas songs, adding a lively and festive touch to the markets. Some markets even have brass bands dressed in traditional Bavarian outfits, providing a visual and auditory treat for visitors.

Live Performances:

In addition to musical performances, Bavarian Christmas markets also offer a variety of live performances, such as nativity plays, puppet shows, and storytelling. These performances are often interactive and engaging, involving the audience, especially the children, in the festivities. Some markets also feature ballet and theatre performances, adding a touch of culture and elegance to the celebrations.

Special Appearances:

Keep an eye out for special appearances by the "Christkind" or "Christ-child", a traditional Christmas gift-bringer in German culture. The "Christkind" often visits the markets, spreading cheer and inviting children to join in on the festivities. At some markets, there are also appearances by St. Nicholas, who delights children with small gifts and treats.

Guided Tours:

Many Bavarian Christmas markets are located in historic towns and cities, providing the perfect opportunity for guided tours. Visitors can join walking tours to explore the medieval alleys, historic market squares, and other attractions while learning about the local history and Christmas traditions. Some markets even offer themed tours, such as a nativity scene tour or a tour with the night watchman.

Children's Activities:

Bavarian Christmas markets cater to children's entertainment with a variety of activities and attractions. In addition to the performances and appearances mentioned above, markets often feature children's carousels, puppet shows, baking workshops, and craft activities. Some markets also have special children's areas with games, rides, and hands-on activities, making the markets a fun and engaging experience for the whole family.

So, when visiting Bavarian Christmas markets, be sure to enjoy the diverse entertainment offerings. From carollers and brass bands to live performances and special appearances, there's something for everyone to enjoy and get into the festive spirit. These markets truly come alive with the sounds of music, the magic of performances, and the cheer of the season!

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