In Germany, Christmas isn’t just a holiday. It’s practically a seasonal personality trait. The scent of cinnamon, the soft glow of fairy lights, the sound of carollers crooning in front of 14th-century cathedrals—this stuff runs in the blood. So it’s no surprise that I’d been dreaming about the German Christmas markets for years. And in December 2024, I finally made the glühwein-soaked pilgrimage. Christmas Markets in Germany are absolutely worth it.
I hit Munich first, with a festive day trip to Salzburg for that extra pinch of alpine magic and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. If you’re thinking about making the trip yourself, allow me to set the scene and share a few must-do’s, must-eat’s, and must-not-miss-or-you’ll-regret-it-all-year’s.
The Ambiance: Where Fairytales Come to Life (with Bratwurst)
Munich’s Marienplatz at Christmas is like someone sprinkled holiday spirit from a snow globe onto a Gothic postcard. The massive Christmas tree sits in front of the Neues Rathaus, twinkling with lights as choirs sing from the balcony. It’s grand, it’s cosy, and it smells like roasted almonds and nostalgia.
The Food: Calories Don’t Count at Christmas Markets
Let’s be real. No one comes to Christmas markets for salad. Here’s what you absolutely need to stuff into your holiday-happy face:
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Glühwein (Mulled Wine): Served in adorable collectible mugs you will bring home and then use once a year with pride. Try the white wine version too. Germany knows things.
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Bratwurst: Smoky, sizzling, and somehow more magical when eaten standing in the cold, surrounded by twinkling lights.
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Kartoffelpuffer (Potato Pancakes): Crispy, golden, and often served with applesauce. Yes, it works. Trust the Germans.
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Gebrannte Mandeln (Candied Almonds): The smell alone could make Scrooge weep.
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Käsespätzle: Think German mac and cheese, but better. Yes, better.
And if you’re here, a day trip to Salzburg is a fantastic idea, as they have markets that rival Munich. Don’t skip the Bosna, a spicy Austrian sausage snack that packs a punch and warms the soul. Follow it with some Salzburger Nockerl if you’re feeling indulgent and want to take a nap under a mountain of fluffy, sweet meringue. If you’re a Disney fan, a day trip to Neuschwanstein is something that shouldn’t be missed.
What Not to Miss
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Handcrafted Ornaments: Wooden, glass, felt, you name it. These aren’t your average dollar-store baubles. They’re heirloom-quality and made with love (and possibly mulled wine).
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The Nativity Scenes: Germans take their nativity scenes seriously. Some have moving parts, actual waterfalls, and more animals than a Disney film.
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Live Music: From brass bands in traditional Bavarian dress to sweet-voiced choirs echoing through cathedrals, bring tissues. For your soul, and also your nose (it’s cold).
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Krampus Runs: If you’re lucky, or unlucky enough, to catch one, you’ll see a bizarre and thrilling tradition involving creepy costumed demons scaring the merry right into you. It’s festive in a weird, unforgettable way.
Christmas Markets in Germany : Was it worth it?
Walking through the markets in Munich and Salzburg felt like returning to something ancient and comforting. Maybe it’s the shared Nordic-Germanic roots, or maybe it’s just that Christmas markets are, frankly, awesome. Either way, this trip fed both my inner child and my grown-up foodie soul. It proved that while there is magic elsewhere in Europe, Germany does it best.
If you’re thinking about doing the markets…do it. Book early, wear warm boots, and bring an extra suitcase for ornaments, snacks, and those glühwein mugs you’ll swear you’re not collecting (until you do).
God Jul and Frohe Weihnachten! 🎄🍷🎁
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