Sipping glühwein while shopping in a charming wooden winter village is the quintessential European Christmas experience. Germany has some of the world’s oldest Christmas markets, and the holiday spirit continues to shine year after year.
Germany is very proud of its Christmas traditions; even today, some families still light real candles on the Christmas tree, honoring a tradition passed down for generations. These festive holiday customs can be felt all over Germany in December.
Hamburg
During the Christmas season, Hamburg sparkles with glittering Christmas markets and festively decorated trees. Located in northern Germany along the Elbe River, Hamburg is Europe’s third-busiest port and the largest in the country.
This vibrant, modern city offers world-class museums, restaurants, and luxury shopping. A stroll around the Alster is a delight, especially in December. Hamburg boasts 30 individual markets, with the largest in front of the Hamburg Rathaus. Visitors delight in the themed fairytale ships, which range from boats on which children can bake their own Christmas biscuits to cozy café ships offering delicious treats.
Beyond the markets, there is also the famed Elbphilharmonie concert hall, the Miniatur Wonderland (world’s largest miniature train museum), and historic St. Michael’s Church. Take time to explore the many canals and partake in Hamburg’s café culture. For accommodations, the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten is perfectly situated in town along the Alster.
Munich
Bavaria is a place many Americans dream of visiting. With its storybook castles, lively beer gardens, and stunning landscape, it is a beautiful wintertime escape. Munich, the capital of Bavaria and located in southern Germany, is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture and castles, and the Bavarian Alps.
Christmas markets are aglow all over Munich, inviting you to browse handmade ornaments while sipping a beverage from a festive stein and enjoying a classic German pretzel. Christmas in the city also showcases Germany’s largest Nativity scene and charming Hansel and Gretel puppet shows.
The iconic Neuschwanstein Castle is another must-see in the Munich region, along with the BMW Museum; Olympiapark, which hosted the 1972 summer Olympics; and Marienplatz, the central square in old town Munich. For luxurious stays, consider the Rosewood Munich, The Charles Hotel (Rocco Forte), and the Mandarin Oriental Munich.
Heidelberg
If you are looking for small-town charm, Heidelberg is your spot. Located about an hour from the international airport of Frankfurt, Heidelberg is nestled along the Neckar River in southwestern Germany.
This historic, picturesque town features one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets lined with restaurants, cafés, boutiques, and German bakeries. Storefronts are dazzling with the finest holiday decorations, making an evening stroll an absolute delight. The atmosphere is romantic and dreamy.
Set within Munich’s historic district, the Christmas markets include an ice skating rink, a winter forest lined with 100 trees, and a whimsical children’s train. Take in the warmth of the season while you sip hot cocoa and enjoy delicately decorated gingerbread cookies.
The main town is easily explored on foot, with Heidelberg Castle and the Karl Theodor Bridge as its main attractions. Stay at the Hotel Europäischer Hof Heidelberg or the Heidelberg Suites, House of Hütter for an elegant and cozy experience.
Whether you’re planning a winter getaway in Europe or simply dreaming of a white Christmas, experiencing Germany’s holiday traditions is truly magical.
KKTWW.com
Katie Pecaro
Katie Pecaro is a local travel consultant with KK Travels Worldwide. She lives in the Dripping Springs area and would love to help you plan your next vacation.