Friday, November 19, 2021
Munich’s famous Christmas market has been cancelled again in 2021 after a spike in COVID-19 cases. This German Christmas market is one of the oldest in the country, which dates back to the 14th century and this attraction is one of the major crowd pullers in Germany. The Munich Christmas Market is usually held in front of the city’s town hall in Marienplatz. It was due to take place from 22 November to 9 January 2022. Throughout Europe, the COVID-19 is gradually progressing and some of the European nations are implementing COVID-19 rules to curb the virus spreading.
This news announcement comes after Munich also had to cancel its world-famous Oktoberfest celebrations earlier this year. But if you are in Germany, you can better experience other Christmas markets too. Here is the list:
Cologne Christmas markets
Cologne has an ample number of Christmas markets both big and small, each with a different theme, which attracts millions of international and national visitors. Those in the centre are beautifully decorated selling arts and crafts from all over Europe. In the city quarters – or ‘Veedel’ as they are called in Cologne – smaller markets offer culinary specialities and goods from local businesses.
Nuremberg Christmas Markets
Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, or ‘Christ Child Market’, is one of the most popular in Germany. Located in the city’s Main Market Square, Nuremberg Christmas Markets have been taking place since the mid 16th century with the first recorded event in 1530. The Christmas Markets is still due to take place but its famous opening ceremony will be happening online this year.
Dresden Christmas Markets
Dresden’s Stiezelmarkt is due to open on 22 November 2021. This one of the popular tourist attractions draws three million visitors every year and is officially the oldest market of its kind in the country after Munich Christmas Markets. It is home to many traditional stands, including the tallest Christmas pyramid in the world and l the largest nutcracker in the world too.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Markets
For a truly immersive experience, you can go to Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria draws tourists every year during the Christmas season, as the gabled roofs and cobblestone streets are dusted with snow and illuminated by twinkling Christmas lights.
Marktplatz, Stuttgart Christmas Markets
Those interested in a more traditional Christmas market experience should head to Stuttgart, where the city’s five major squares are transformed each year to bring visitors a taste of some of the country’s longest-standing Christmas bazaars. Some even say that Stuttgart itself is a Christmas city, thanks to its cobblestone streets and myriad historic buildings. The main market worth visiting is the one situated in front of the striking Old Palace, known as Wintertraum Markt. Munch on roasted chestnuts and Lebkuchen as you get lost in a sea of wooden chalets adorned with festive decorations.
Frankfurt Christmas Markets
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, hundreds of wooden huts move to the historic old town squares surrounding Frankfurt’s Römerberg. The market stalls are set in the midst of the area’s timber-framed houses, contrasting with the glitzy high-rises of the financial district in the background. As one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets, with records suggesting it dates back as far as 1393, the market at Römerberg is a sure-fire was to enjoy some traditional goodies and Christmas spirit. Handmade trinkets and crafts make for fantastic souvenirs and gifts, and the local culinary specials – from hot apple wine to Bethmännchen marzipan cookies – will give you the full Franconian experience.
Leipzig Christmas market
Just an hour west of Dresden and its famous Striezelmarkt, visitors are discovering Leipzig’s lesser-known Old Town Christmas market. More than 300 exhibitors set up shop on the market square and in the nearby streets and transform the city centre with lights and evergreen garlands. Vendors in the Old Town offer a mix of traditional German handicrafts and food, while Augustusplatz is where the Christmas flair goes international with Finnish products, Swiss cheese and South Tyrolian decor. The musical entertainment on stage is just as varied, and younger guests can explore the fairy-tale forest or meet Santa Claus.
Heidelberg Christmas markets
Heidelberg enchants visitors year-round with its quaint Old Town, picturesque river views and the imposing ruins of a 13th-century castle towering over the city. Towards the end of November, the market squares fill with wooden huts and stalls illuminated by twinkling lights. The Heidelberg Christmas market is one of the most romantic you’ll find in Germany, and your afternoon is best spent shopping for handcrafted gifts, souvenirs and decor, indulging in Glühwein and going for a spin on the Karlsplatz ice rink.
Engelchen market, Düsseldorf
In Düsseldorf, sumptuousness is combined with distinct attention to design and aesthetics to provide a truly dazzling Christmas market experience. Start the day by heading to Königsallee, Düsseldorf’s famed shopping street, which comes alive at Christmas market season. Many markets are situated nearby, with a favourite being the one at Heinrich Heine-Platz known as Engelchen Markt. This market goes far beyond the traditional Christmas goods to include the exchange of speciality car parts, clothing, vinyl records and more.
Aachen Christmas market
Achen is all set close to Germany’s border with Belgium and the Netherlands, turns into a winter wonderland in the run-up to Christmas. The quaint streets and squares surrounding the City Hall and cathedral are decked out with coloured lights and around 120 stalls, selling everything from mulled wine to handmade wooden toys.
Tags: christmas markets, Coronavirus, Covid-19, German tourism, germany, Tourism
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