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Last year, when one of my daughters was living in Germany, my other daughter and I traveled over to visit at the beginning of December for a week.
It was a wonderful visit getting to spend time with her, see her life there, meet her friends and have a special tour guide.
One of the added bonuses to visiting this time of year was the Christmas Markets.
As winter sets in and the festive season approaches, there’s nothing quite as enchanting as a visit to a Christmas market in Germany or Austria.
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These holiday markets, known for their twinkling lights, delightful aromas, and old-world charm, transport visitors into a fairy-tale setting where holiday traditions come alive with a blend with festive cheer to create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Whether you’re strolling through medieval town squares or wandering along snow-dusted streets, a visit to these Christmas markets is a must for anyone looking to experience the magic of the season.
Christmas Markets in Germany and Austria
We were able to visit several Christmas Markets just in our scheduled travel.
It was so interesting to see the ways they were similar and the ways they were different.
My overall memory of these experiences is that they were just as charming, festive and beautiful as I had dreamed they would be. I was so inspired by the holiday decorating and so touched by the attention to detail and community involvement.
We based our travel out of Karlsruhe, Germany and were able to walk through their beautiful market several times.
One of the highlights of the Karlsruhe Christmas market is its family-friendly atmosphere with a whole area focused on children’s activities and interests.
Rich Traditions and History
The tradition of Christmas markets dates back to the Middle Ages, with some of the oldest markets in Europe found in Germany and Austria.
The first recorded Christmas market, “Striezelmarkt” in Dresden, began in 1434, setting the stage for what would become a beloved holiday tradition across the region.
Over the centuries, these markets evolved from simple winter fairs into the elaborate spectacles they are today, offering visitors a glimpse into centuries-old holiday customs.
We visited the market in Baden-Baden, Germany.
One of my favorite parts of this market was the abundance of nativities.
The Christmas market in Baden-Baden, Germany, is a delightful winter escape nestled in the heart of the Black Forest set against the backdrop of the town’s stunning 19th-century architecture and the beautiful Kurhaus (a grand spa building).
Charm and Atmosphere
One of the main attractions of all the markets is the atmosphere.
The markets are usually set in historic town squares, surrounded by centuries-old buildings and churches, their spires rising above the festive crowds.
As you see in so many of my photos, wooden stalls, decorated with garlands and lights, line the streets, selling everything from handcrafted ornaments to steaming mugs of mulled wine.
There’s a palpable sense of community, with locals and visitors alike coming together to celebrate the season.
We also took a beautiful hike through the Black Forest over looking Baden-Baden and exploring castle ruins.
If you can’t make the trip you can still bring home beautiful German Christmas decor. Shop my Amazon Storefront to find beautiful options.
Local Specialties and Delicious Treats
Food and drink are a central part of any visit to a German or Austrian Christmas market.
I have to share, I loved the Glühwein, a hot spiced wine, which is the drink of choice and often served in festive mugs that you can take home as a souvenir.
For something sweeter, you can indulge in Lebkuchen (gingerbread cookies), Maroni (roasted chestnuts), or Stollen (a rich, fruit-filled bread). Trying roasted chestnuts for the first time did not disappoint, they were delicious!
In Austria, don’t miss out on Kipferl (crescent-shaped cookies) and hot chocolate, served with a shot of schnapps for an extra warming kick.
Hiking in the Black Forest
Salzburg, A Castle & The Sound of Music
We took a quick trip down to Salzburg, Austria and stayed in a very special place.
Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg is a breathtakingly beautiful and historic hotel set in a grand 18th-century palace, nestled beside a tranquil lake and surrounded by lush gardens.
The hotel was a peaceful retreat just a short distance from Salzburg’s city center, making it an ideal blend of history, luxury, and natural beauty. There were beautiful walking trails we were able to take right into the city.
Originally the private residence of a wealthy aristocratic family, the palace is perhaps best known as the filming location for the iconic movie The Sound of Music, where it served as the backdrop for the von Trapp family home.
We were able to freely enjoy the regal atmosphere of the hotel’s baroque interiors, including ornate frescoes and antique furnishings, while taking in stunning views of the lake and the nearby Alps.
We spent time in the library, enjoyed a meal in the elegant dining room and ate delicious meals at local neighborhood restaurants right near the hotel. It was is like stepping into a fairy tale or a movie set!
Salzburg Christmas Market
We also visited the Salzburg Christmas Market before and after an organ concert.
Salzburg’s Christmas market, held in the heart of its medieval Old Town, is so picturesque.
The market, set against the backdrop of Hohensalzburg Fortress and the baroque Residenzplatz, is known for its artistic and handcrafted goods, including delicate glass ornaments, intricate wood carvings, and candles.
For something sweet, sample the famous Salzburger Nockerl (a fluffy meringue dessert) or the classic Apfelstrudel. Our favorites were the pretzels!
Want to visit the Christmas Markets?
Practical Tips for Visiting
- Timing: Christmas markets generally open from late November to Christmas Eve, with the largest crowds arriving in the weeks leading up to Christmas. If you want to avoid the busiest days, try to visit during the weekdays or early in the season.
- Weather: Be prepared for cold weather! Dress warmly, as temperatures can drop significantly, especially in the evening. Layer up and bring gloves, scarves, and a good pair of boots to stay comfortable as you explore the markets. We didn’t have snow, but had lots of rain. Even in the rain, we were able to fully enjoy the experience.
- Souvenirs: Don’t forget to pick up a few keepsakes to remember your trip! Handcrafted ornaments, wooden toys, and Christmas-themed decorations make for beautiful and lasting souvenirs.
- Getting There: Germany and Austria are well-connected by train and public transportation, making it easy to hop from one market to another. Major cities like Munich, Vienna, and Salzburg also have airports with good international connections. We rented a car and had a beautiful, easy drive on the Autoban.
Getting to visit the Christmas markets in Germany and Austria was a festive experience, rich in traditions, delicious food, beautiful handmade gifts, and a sense of holiday magic. I made amazing memories with Kallin and her friends and was so blessed by their sharing of these moments.
Whether we were sipping Glühwein under a canopy of twinkling lights, marveling at the architecture, or browsing the stalls, the experience will stay with us long after the season ends.
I can’t wait to pack my bags, don my coziest sweater, and visit again to make more magical memories at the Christmas markets of Germany and Austria.
Happy holidays!
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Loved this post! The pictures made me want to go there.
Thanks Denise! It was such a special trip! I can’t wait to go back some day!