History of Germany's Christmas Markets

The first ever Christmas market, Dresden's "Striezelmarkt", recorded as far back as 1434. In those days, Christmas markets lasted no more than a day or two and tended to confine themselves to the area around the main church. Nowadays, Christmas markets usually start before the first weekend of Advent (around the end of November) and go on until Christmas Eve or thereabouts. Some do not finish until Epiphany on 6 January. Christmas markets in Germany's rural areas are no less attractive than those in larger towns and cities, though some only take place on weekends.

You can buy everything you need for Christmas here: candles, tree decorations, sweets, biscuits, baking tins and toys. Over time, each market develops a character of its own, influenced by its setting, regional traditions or particular specialities.The Christmas tree is an important feature in German homes at Christmas time. It is not decorated until Christmas Eve and is the focal point of the table on which Christmas presents are laid out. Many Catholic churches are decorated with beautiful Nativity scenes during the festive season. Tours of different nativity scenes are especially popular in Bavaria.