The time of Christmas markets in Germany has started! With the end of November drawing near, the air is filled with the scents of mulled wine, gingerbread, and roasted almonds, making Christmas markets one of the most beautiful places to visit. These markets offer a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere. Despite attracting millions of visitors, there are still delightful yet lesser-known Christmas markets in Germany, ranging from the Alps to the North Sea. Here is a selection from the Tourism Review of some of the most beautiful yet lesser-known markets to visit:
TOP 5 LESS KNOWN BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN GERMANY 2023
Kevin Eagan
- Nov 20, 2023
1/ Tegernsee Advent Magic
The Tegernsee Advent is a magical experience set against a charming mountain backdrop. Markets in Bad Wiessee, Rottach-Egern, and Tegernsee Castle are located along the lakeshore and are easily accessible by shuttle boat or bus. The program includes various events, such as ice carving, alphorn performances, and Perchten with their shaggy costumes. Local guides offer tours following Ludwig Thomas' "Holy Night." The beer garden at Gut Kaltenbrunn is transformed into a romantic Christmas landscape, adding to the festive experience.
Date: December 2 to December 23, 2023 (weekends)
2/ Lindau Harbour Christmas
The Lindau Harbour Christmas is situated in a beautiful location with snow-capped Alpine peaks, Lake Constance in the front, and a fairytale forest on the waterfront promenade. The program includes St. Nicholas swimming and tower blowing. The Christmas ship "MS Austria" connects Lindau with the two Christmas markets in Bregenz, Austria, and has a nativity exhibition on board. The lights reflected on Lake Constance add to the charm of the event.
Date: November 23 to December 17, 2023 (Thursday to Sunday)
3/ Augsburg Christmas Market
The Christkindlesmarkt in Augsburg is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, with its origins dating back to the 15th century. Since 1977, the market has featured a unique attraction: the Angel Play. This involves 23 angels appearing high above the market on the façade of the Renaissance town hall, turning it into a giant Advent calendar. The Angel Play is accompanied by music and performed by women from Augsburg who are unafraid of heights. They climb the ledges of the open windows and are secured by the mountain rescue service every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 6 p.m. The event creates a beautiful and atmospheric spectacle that is not to be missed.
Date: November 27 to December 24, 2023
4/ Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market
The Christmas village located in the Ravenna Gorge, beneath the 40-meter-high viaduct arches of the Höllentalbahn, in the Upper Black Forest near Hinterzarten, offers a unique and romantic experience, surrounded by a sea of lights. Visitors can enjoy traditional crafts, local gastronomy, and a nativity scene path created by a wood sculptor which tells the story of Christmas. Guided torchlight hikes to the market in the gorge are available from Hinterzarten. Shuttle buses from Titisee, Hinterzarten, Himmelreich, and Freiburg run back to the market.
When purchasing a ticket, guests are offered a designated time slot. Admission is free for children up to and including 15 years of age (ID required). The market is reserved for locals on "Forest Day," December 7th.
Date: November 24 to December 17, 2023 (Friday/Saturday/Sunday)
5/ Fairy Tale Christmas Market Kassel
The Christmas market in Kassel is dedicated to the Brothers Grimm's fairy tales. As you stroll through the market, you'll find huge fairy tale books with almost life-size illustrations that invite visitors to rediscover Grimm's fairy tales with the whole family. In addition, there is a 22-meter-high fairytale pyramid, a fairytale forest, and a game on the 70-meter-long fairytale slide.
The market is located between Opernplatz and Friedrichsplatz and offers an exciting show by high-wire artist Falko Traber and his son Fernando. Riding in his reindeer sleigh, the Flying Santa Claus will whiz through the air, leaving visitors in awe.
Date: November 27 to December 30, 2023
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