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A Christmas market is a street market associated with the celebration of Christmas during the four weeks of Advent. These markets originated in Germany, but are now held in many countries. Some in the U.S. have adapted the German name to quasi-English Christkindlmarket, swapping German Markt and market.
Christmas markets date to the Late Middle Ages in the German-speaking part of Europe and in many parts of the former Holy Roman Empire, which included many eastern regions of modern France. They became a popular Advent custom during the Reformation era. Dresden's Striezelmarkt was first held in 1434 and one of the first true Christmas markets; earlier markets of the season were "December markets". Early mentions of these "December markets" can be found in Vienna (1296), Munich (1310), Bautzen (1384), and Frankfurt (1393).
In many towns in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, Advent is usually ushered in with the opening of the Christmas market or Weihnachtsmarkt. In southern Germany, Switzerland and Austria, it is called a Christkind(e)l(s)(i)markt (German language, literally meaning "Christ child market"). Traditionally held in the town square, the market offers food, drinks and seasonal items for sale from open-air stalls, accompanied by traditional singing and dancing. On opening night at the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, and in some other towns, onlookers welcome the Christkind (originally boy Jesus, but often depicted as an angel-like girl), acted by a local child.
History
The first traces of Christmas markets in the German-speaking part of Europe and in many parts of the former Holy Roman Empire go back to late medieval sales fairs and—often one-day—markets, which gave citizens the opportunity to stock up on meat and winter necessities at the beginning of the cold season. In 1296, Duke Albert I of Austria granted the Viennese traders the privilege of holding a "December market" to supply the local population.
In the 14th century, the custom arose of allowing craftsmen such as toy makers, basket weavers and confectioners to set up stalls under the name "Saint Nicholas market" to sell the little things that children received as Christmas gifts. There were also stands selling roasted chestnuts, nuts and almonds. A Saint Nicholas market in Munich was first mentioned in a document in 1310. In 1384, King Wenceslas granted the town of Bautzen the right to hold a free meat market on Saturdays from St. Michael's Day (29 September) until Christmas.
Over time, the tradition spread throughout the German-speaking world. The first document reporting a Christmas market is dated 1434 during the reign of Frederick II of Saxony, mentioning a Striezelmarkt, which took place in Dresden on the Monday before Christmas. Later, the Reformation continued the tradition by renaming it Christkindlmarkt ("Christ Child market") to combat the cult of saints. The Strasbourg Christmas market dates from 1570, that of Nuremberg from 1628.
In the 19th century, the Christkindelsmärik (in Alsatian) of Strasbourg was held at the Frohnhof (French: Cour aux Corvées) between the Cathedral of Our Lady, the Palais Rohan and the Œuvre Notre-Dame Museum (current Place du Château) and took place eight days before Christmas and until midnight mass.
Since around the first half of the 20th century, markets have become an integral element of pre-Christmas customs. A revival took place in the mid-1990s. Many cities in Europe have established their own Christmas market with chalets and sometimes attractions (ephemeral ice rink, Ferris wheel, etc.), thus offering a more commercial market.
= Terrorism and Safety
=
In the 21st century, Christmas markets in Western Europe were repeatedly the targets of terror attacks, with completed or thwarted attacks occurring in Dijon, Nantes, Berlin, Potsdam, Vienna, Strasbourg, and Magdeburg. Christmas markets increasingly have security procedures such as bollards, uniformed and plainclothes police officers, and surveillance to protect visitors.
Attractions and stalls
Popular attractions at the markets include the Nativity Scene (a crèche or crib), Zwetschgenmännle (figures made of decorated dried plums), Nussknacker (carved Nutcrackers), Gebrannte Mandeln (candied, toasted almonds), traditional Christmas cookies such as Lebkuchen and Magenbrot (both forms of soft gingerbread), Bratwurst, and Glühwein, hot mulled wine (with or without a shot of brandy), or Eierpunsch (an egg-based warm alcoholic drink) - both a highlight of the market for many visitors. Both help stave off the cold winter air which sometimes dips below freezing. More regional food specialties include Christstollen (Stollen), a sort of bread with candied fruit in Saxony, and hot Apfelwein and Frankfurter Bethmännchen in Hesse.
= Austria
=
Christmas markets are popular traditions in Austria, and are held in Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Linz, and Graz. The first "December Market" was held in Vienna in 1298. Vienna holds 20 different Christmas markets around the city. Most Christmas markets open in late November and last through December, closing between Christmas Day and New Year's Day, with a few staying open for New Year's.
The largest Christmas market and one of the most well known is the Vienna Christmas World on Rathausplatz, near the Rathaus, Vienna's historic city hall. The market draws 3 million people each year and includes 150 unique stalls that offer traditional Austrian foods, Christmas decorations and ornaments, handicrafts, and drinks. The Vienna Christmas World on Rathausplatz also features an advent theme park called the Adventzauber with workshops and cultural performances that cater to families and young children. Visitors to the Vienna Christmas World can also ice skate on a 3,000-square-metre (32,000 sq ft) ice rink and on frozen paths that run through the Rathausplatz Park.
Other famous Christmas markets include the Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace, the Art Advent on Karlsplatz, the Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace, and the Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz. The Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace, “Kultur-und-Weihnachtsmarkt,” takes place in front of the imperial palace. It features Austrian handicrafts and goods as well as a cultural program with activities and workshops. The Art Advent on Karlsplatz offers artisan goods, a children's program, and a petting zoo. Popular food specialities include Kinderpunsch (a non-alcoholic punch), Glühwein, Baumstriezel (a Hungarian pastry coated in cinnamon and sugar), Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes), Lángos (savory deep fried dough), Schaumkuss (chocolate covered marshmallows), Stollen (bread with candied fruit), Maroni (roasted chestnuts), Bratkartoffel (roasted potato wedges), Lebkuchen (Austrian gingerbread), and baked potatoes.
= France
=
Christmas markets are traditional in Alsace, France, and most of the towns there have their local Christmas market. Strasbourg has been holding a Christmas market, "Christkindelsmärik," around its cathedral since 1570, when the city was part of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation.
= Germany
=
Famous Christmas markets are held in the cities of Augsburg, Dresden, Erfurt, Frankfurt, Nuremberg, and Stuttgart, making them popular tourist attractions during the Christmas holiday season. The Nuremberg and Dresden markets draw about two million people each year; the Stuttgart and Frankfurt markets attract more than three million visitors.
The two most visited Christmas markets in Germany are found in Dortmund, with more than three and a half million visitors of 300 stalls around a gigantic Christmas tree that stands 45 metres (148 ft) tall, and in Cologne with 4 million people. Additionally, Berlin claims more than 70 markets, which open in late November and close just after Christmas.
= Italy
=
Christmas in Italy begins on 8 December with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the day on which traditionally Christmas trees are erected, and ends on 6 January of the following year with Epiphany.
In Italy, the oldest Christmas market is considered to be that of Bologna, held for the first time in the 18th century and linked to the feast of Saint Lucia. The tradition of the markets has however spread in Italy predominantly especially since the 1990s, with the birth of the first modern markets: among these, the first ever was that of Bolzano, born in 1991, which was followed by others in the area of Alto Adige, in particular in Merano, Bressanone, Vipiteno and Brunico.
The Trento Christmas market, established in 1993, is renowned in Trentino. In Naples, where the tradition of the Neapolitan nativity scene has been famous for centuries, the exhibition of the nativity scenes made in the city's artisan shops is held every year in via San Gregorio Armeno. Noteworthy are the Christmas markets at Piazza Navona in Rome, in Verona, in Gubbio, in Alberobello, in Aosta, in Torino, in Asti, in Arezzo, in Florence, in Trieste, in Livigno, in Santa Maria Maggiore, Arco and in Cison di Valmarino.
= United Kingdom
=
In 1982, Lincoln, England, established an annual Christmas market in early December. This remains one of the most extensive such market by area in the United Kingdom, with a claimed total of over 300 stalls attracting more than 100,000 visitors over its four days. Starting in 1997, Frankfurt Christmas Markets were established with support from Frankfurt in Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds, and Manchester. Other large Christmas markets have been held in England in Bath (since 2000) and Liverpool (since 2006). The Christmas markets are such a success that they are becoming a major pull factor to increase trade and visitor numbers to towns and cities.
Birmingham's Christmas Market, primarily located on New Street between the Bullring shopping centre and the Council House, is the "largest outdoor Christmas market in the UK" as well as the "largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria". The market also offers live entertainment on the main stage. The market is held for approximately six weeks every year and usually closes around 23 December. Manchester's Christmas Markets have also been successful, with 300 stalls over eight city locations, with each location being themed to create a different atmosphere such as French, World, and German, with European-themed stalls on the Albert Square, Manchester proving to be the most popular.
= United States
=
German immigrants carried Christmas market celebrations to the United States. It is celebrated in such cities as Chicago, Denver, Salt Lake City, Tulsa, and Grand Rapids.
= Other countries
=
As noted, other countries have also established such markets. The Christmas market of Barcelona starts on 13 December, Saint Lucy's Day, and is called Fira de Santa Llúcia. It has been held in the square of Barcelona Cathedral since 1786.
The GUM-fair was opened on the Red Square in Moscow, Russia in 2013. It's been running ever since from December to the end of October and is the biggest and most popular christmas market in Russia.
A traditional Christmas market was held for the first time in Sibiu, Romania, in 2007.
Gallery
See also
Christmas traditions
2016 Berlin truck attack
2018 Strasbourg attack
2024 Magdeburg car attack
Notes
References
Further reading
Bakst, Alex: "A Visit to Germany's Christmas Markets", Spiegel Online 7 December 2006
Zug, J.D. (1991): German-American Life: Recipes and Traditions, Iowa City: Penfield Press
External links
Media related to Christmas markets at Wikimedia Commons
Christmas markets travel guide from Wikivoyage
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Daftar Isi
9 of the best Christmas markets in the USA - Lonely Planet
Dec 3, 2024 · Stroll wooden booths selling arts and crafts while holiday music and the smell of roasting nuts fill the air. Sip on mulled wine served in a collectible mug, or grab a cozy cup of hot chocolate. Chicago’s outdoor Christmas market is inspired by 16th-century holiday markets in Nuremberg, with mulled wine and beers imported from Germany.
28 of the best Christmas markets in Europe for 2024 - Lonely Planet
Oct 15, 2024 · Winchester hosts its Christmas market around the city's historic cathedral. Jo Jones / Shutterstock 15. Winchester, UK. Dates: November 22 to December 22, 2024. Gazes are lifted in wonder to the soaring spires of one of Britain’s most magnificent medieval cathedrals at Winchester’s Christmas market. After a romp around the city’s decorous ...
What's the best Christmas market in Germany? - Lonely Planet
Nov 7, 2024 · Try a Glühbier (hot, spiced beer) at the holiday pop-up in the nearby Gostenhof district, or take the U-Bahn train just 19 minutes to the neighboring town of Fürth, where another cozy – and less crowded – Christmas market awaits. The Nuremberg Christmas market is no secret, but the bustle of activity only adds to the atmosphere.
Graz is Austria’s most festive Christmas wonderland - Lonely Planet
Oct 19, 2021 · Another Christmas market popular among families is located in Kleine Neutorgasse, its biggest attraction being a colorfully illuminated Ferris wheel. And if that is not enough excitement, the "enchanted forest" at Schlossbergplatz is another great Christmas destination in Graz for families.
London's best Christmas markets - Lonely Planet
Nov 4, 2024 · Historic Leadenhall Market, located in London's financial district, with its impressive Christmas tree. Shutterstock 2. Admire the beautifully ornate architecture of Leadenhall Market . Dating back to the 14th century, Leadenhall is one of the oldest markets in London. It’s also one of the most stunning — its Victorian wrought iron and ...
Austria's most magical Christmas markets - Lonely Planet
Oct 16, 2019 · Christmas markets – also called Christkindlmarkts, Weihnachtsmarkts, or Advent markets – originated in Germany, however Vienna hosted a 'December Market' as early as 1298. The markets are more than a tourist attraction, they hold a deep cultural and historical significance…and amazing shopping opportunities!
12 of the best hotels to stay in at Christmas - Lonely Planet
Nov 25, 2024 · Staying at Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresden during Christmas means having Striezelmarkt – the world’s oldest Christmas market – right at your doorstep. Wander through its 240 stalls or explore Dresden ’s dozen other markets, each one with its own charm, from Nordic-inspired decor to medieval treats.
Best places to travel between Christmas and New Year’s Eve
Oct 31, 2024 · Vibes: Not ready to kiss Christmas goodbye just yet? In Salzburg, you don’t have to. This captivating Austrian city keeps its Salzburg Christkindlmarkt open until January 1st, so you can sip mulled wine in the warm glow of twinkle lights to your heart’s content. This year is also extra special because it’s the market’s 50th anniversary.
Best things to do in Budapest in December - Lonely Planet
Oct 24, 2019 · Shop at the Christmas markets. In early December, with Christmas drawing near, most of Budapest’s squares dress up in festive lights, vendors set up stalls and the air fills with the scents of mulled wine and cinnamon. The best-known and biggest Christmas market is on central Vörösmarty tér. Vendors here sell top-quality Hungarian ...
Nuremberg travel - Lonely Planet | Germany, Europe
Nuremberg (Nürnberg), Bavaria’s second-largest city and the unofficial capital of Franconia, is an energetic place where the nightlife is intense and the beer is as dark as coffee. As one of Bavaria’s biggest draws it is alive with visitors year-round, but especially during the spectacular Christmas market.
