"Christmas Markets in Bavaria" a Bavaria Travel Page by flyingscot4

Every year in all parts of Germany, Christmas markets appear in almost every village, town, and city throughout the country. These markets celebrate not only Christian heritage, but the spirit of the season. In the cities the result is a giant month long party that draws visitors from across Europe and the Americas. One Christmas market in particular, Nürnberg, draws over two million visitors each year.

While not unique to Germany, Christmas Markets dominate the Christmas season throughout the country. Bavaria is home to some of the most well-known and popular of the markets. Known as Christkindlmarkts, Christkindlesmarkts, and Weihnachtsmarkts, the best English translation is Christmas Markets.

Other than small lights in windows, most families in Germany do not decorate their homes and yards with Christmas lights, Nativity scenes, or Santa Clauses and sleighs. They decorate their communities and cities instead. Christmas, in most parts of Europe, is a very family and community oriented celebration.

German Christmas markets have been recorded as far back as the 11th century. The most famous market is in Nürnberg and while it is by no means the largest, it is reputed to be the best, according to German experts. I also believe that it is the best, but I am prejudiced since I lived in that city for three years while I was in the US Army ('62-'65).

I have been fortunate to have returned to Germany many times since 1965, but this year was the first time I visited during the Christmas season. In spite of lousy weather (lots of cold, biting rain and sleet), it was wonderful to see that the changes are not as great as I expected. There are still many kiosks selling locally made and German made Christmas ornaments and decorations, plus all kinds of winter articles. I expected to see kiosks filled with merchandise from third world countries, and indeed there was some, but not as much as I expected. The prices are certainly different than in 1962 though. Anyway, in spite of the weather, it was just as wonderful as I remembered.

This introduction is incomplete because the only way to describe these wonderful Christmas Markets is with images that communicate much more than text allows. You will find more images in the "tip" section as well as in a travel page and a travelogue. I do wish that VT allowed as many photographs as are allowed on IgoUgo, for example.

Munich has 85 Christmas Markets ranging from very large to very small and theme oriented. Nürnberg's Christkindlesmarkt is the most famous. All markets have something to offer during this most festive time of year. Small towns have markets that focus on local community subjects and events and are open only on a coupe of weekends. Small cities have larger markets and a longer opening schedule. Large cities have large markets with daily opening times and smaller neighborhood and specialty markets. Each market has many locally made products and wonderful festive lighting.

Gemütlichkeit is a wonderful German word that doesn't have a good English translation. It means comfortable, or cozy but includes the emotional feelings evoked. The best translation might be described an an invitation to sit next to a lovely fireplace with a glowing and warming fire, with a favorite libation, a few good friends, and just taking a load off.