The first time I visited a German Christmas market was in 2015 when I was living in a German town called Osnabrück. There, I enjoyed my first Heiße Schokolade mit Sahne (Hot chocolate with cream).
This year I am lucky to visit some small and big Christmas Markets in Berlin – they are amazing!. Visiting a German Christmas market should be definitely on your bucket list.
Christmas Market at Potsdamer Platz
In these lovely stalls, you can find many gifts ideas, as well as food.
Gendarmenmarkt
One of the most popular markets in Berlin is the WeihnachtsZauber at the Gendarmenmarkt. It is located between the Konzerthaus and the Deutscher Dom. The entrance is free between 11am – 2pm and after that, it cost 1 Euro.
This stylish atmosphere is so magical. Most of the products that you will see in this fair are unique and handmade. Here you can find the perfect gift made from the heart, instead of commercial products. Among these things, there are toys, wood carvings, candles, and more.
Part of this tradition is also the food. While walking you can smell the delicious food cooking, aromas of hot chestnuts, and grilled sausages – I would recommend visiting these markets on an empty stomach 🙂
What to eat and drink in a German Christmas Market
1. Glüwein (German Mulled Wine)
You have to drink Glüwein during the holidays – it is part of the German tradition. This is a warm wine mixed with a little bit of sugar, lemon, cinnamon, and cloves.
2. Gingerbread biscuits, also known as Lebkuchen
3. Something grilled, like the famous bratwurst
4. Nuts, like Cashewkerne, Haselnüsse or Erdnüsse
5. Any kind of candy or sweets
6. Hot chocolate (German: Heiße Schokolade)
Have you been to a German Christmas market? What was your experience?
Author: Fiorella
Fiorella Arana is a Peruvian travel creator, author and digital marketing strategist. She has travelled to more than 70 countries and has lived in Peru, Bolivia, Italy, the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands. She created Chica on the Road in 2015 to share personal travel stories, cultural experiences and practical travel tips. She is also the author of The World University, published in Spanish as *Universidad del Mundo*.
