A Beautiful Tradition ? German Christmas Markets

Added: 01/22/2006

For those who celebrate Christmas in the United States, Christmas shopping quite often means braving the masses at the local mall, standing in endless lines while waiting for purchases to be rung up, and then returning to the parking lot maze in an effort to retrieve the vehicle in less time than it took to complete the whole shopping trip. In Germany, Christmas shopping is a big occasion as well, yet it quite often takes place at the traditional Christmas Markets.

While many Americans will scour the malls in the days and weeks before the Christmas holiday, German crowds instead visit the local Christmas markets in search of some unique and affordable Christmas deals. These markets are steeped in traditions that go back hundreds of years. Originally, the were an extension of the regular summer markets that took place in order to allow villagers, farmers, and hunters alike to sell their wares and stock up on supplies they needed. Over the course of the centuries, they became more sophisticated and took on traditions of their own. These days, they are the prime location for any German or foreign visitor who wishes to purchase a little bit of uniqueness. Handmade gifts, crafts, and even artistic offerings may be found alongside traditional Christmas ornaments, wooden toys, and cookie tins.

The Christmas markets are a sight to behold. They are usually located in a large square and have a huge Christmas tree as a centerpiece. The market itself is made up of movable stalls, carts, and other temporary huts that may be closed securely when the market shuts down for business at night. Additionally, several food vendors selling funnel cakes, roasted chestnuts, and a traditional hot wine drink will be present. Most of the vendors personally know the artists who are seeking to sell their wares there, and many great Christmas deals can be made by friendly haggling. In the evenings, the tree in the center as well as the stalls are brightly lit up, and the scents and sounds are enough to even provoke the most hardened of Scrooges to get caught up in the joy of the Christmas celebration.

Probably by far the most famous of German Christmas markets is Nuremberg's annual event. Famous for their honey sweetened ginger bread, this city goes all out in its celebration of the holiday by sights and sounds that astound all those who visit Nuremberg during this time. Another of the famous, and now quite often copied, Christmas markets is the Frankfurt market. One of the most ardently preserved traditions is the fact that only local artisans are permitted to display their wares, this locale has remained true to regional traditions. Probably the most famous delicacy a hungry visitor may feast on is the traditional almond cookie that was developed especially for this occasion many decades ago. Last but not least amongst German Christmas markets is the oldest of such fairs in Dresden. Its roots and traditions proudly dating back to as far as 1434, its claim to fame is the world famous Christmas Stollen. The latter is akin to the American Fruitcake in that it is viewed with about as much ambivalence amongst recipients.

Nonetheless, this market reigns supreme in the hearts and minds of visitors, especially because of the gigantic Christmas pyramid that is made intricately by hand and proudly displayed during market days. This piece of art cleverly copies its smaller ornamental cousins that may be found hanging from Christmas trees or used as stand-alone decorations. All in all, nothing can turn an average winter day into a more festive occasion than traditional German Christmas markets.

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