Weihnachtsmarkt
Every year Christmas markets (also known as Weihnachtsmarkt/Christkindlmarkt) are held during the four weeks of Advent (Adventszeit) (before Christmas time). Although the origin of Christmas markets is in Germany, these markets can be found in other European countries such as Switzerland and Austria.
The origins of Christmas markets actually date from the Middle Ages. You can find lots of Christmas markets in Germany in general and dozens of Christmas markets in Berlin in particular (every neighborhood in the city has Christmas markets)
Christmas market at Alexanderplatz
Christmas markets are a great place for tourists and locals to visit together with friends and family. In every market one could find many wooden cabins selling different types of food, fine cuisine, Mulled wine (Glühwein) and sweets. The markets usually open on the Friday before the first Advent and close a day or two before Christmas Eve. The oldest markets date back to the 14th and 15th centuries.
Christmas market at Alexanderplatz
Towns in the German speaking part of Europe held Christmas markets in their market squares. Dresden's Striezelmarkt was first held in 1434. The Christmas markets of Bautzen (first held in 1384), Frankfurt which was first mentioned in 1393 and Munich in 1310 were even older.
Visiting the markets is also an opportunity to broaden your horizons in cooking, because you can learn about new products, new ingredients and recipes, new flavors, new ways of cooking and eating.
Celebrating Christmas is an important family tradition for most residents in Germany, so Christmas markets are part of German culture.
Sweets at the Christmas market
The markets are held every year usually from November 12 to December 23. The main disadvantage of the Christmas markets is that their prices skyrocket, and sometimes go out of proportion, so it is also important to pay attention to that fact.
In case you have children, and you are interested in taking them to a good attraction during this period, I recommend you to visit one of the Christmas markets.
Christmas market at Alexanderplatz
