It seems there’s an almost endless amount of choice when it comes to visiting Christmas markets this festive season.
Do you want a fairground-style option with bright lights galore? Or are you looking for a traditional, local German feel, with delicious homemade food and handmade crafts available to stock up on Christmas gifts?
Maren Schullerus, 35, is GetYourGuide’s Christmas Market expert, and she’s on hand to help.
Having grown up in Germany, festive markets have been a huge part of Maren’s life – so much so that she’s visited more than 60 in her lifetime so far.
She says her interest was sparked by visiting Christmas markets with her family from a very young age.
Maren adds: ‘It also happens that my birthday is on December 21, so by the time I got older, I spent all my birthdays on Christmas markets, because it’s literally the only thing you want to do during that time.’
She’s certainly right, with festive markets experiencing a boom in popularity at this time of year, popping up in seemingly every town and city.
Her favourite market of all? The Esslingen medieval market and Christmas market in Esslingen am Neckar, Germany.
Having grown up in Germany, festive markets have been a huge part of Maren’s life – so much so that she’s visited more than 60 in her lifetime so far
Her favourite market of all? The Esslingen Medieval market and Christmas market in Esslingen am Neckar, Germany
Maren explains: ‘It is close to my hometown in southern Germany, and the city used to be a very rich medieval town, and they still do a medieval Christmas market until this day.
‘So, it is very different from your traditional Christmas markets, because you don’t pay in euros, but they ask you for medieval currency. You have medieval-themed food, people are dressed up in medieval costumes. That is definitely my favorite one.’
You can also take a bath in a medieval jacuzzi.
GetYourGuide also offers Christmas market experiences in Germany in cities such as Baden-Baden, Dresden, Munich, Berlin and Nuremberg – all of which have proved popular and ranked among some of the best.
Maren says the company runs guided tours in different languages, so you could get a more immersive experience regardless of the language barrier.
If you’re after a unique experience, Maren suggests Santa Pauli in Hamburg, which is ‘adult-only, so it’s a little bit more of an erotic experience’. She says you can buy sex toys there, making it a unique experience for those aged 18 and up.
She says you can buy sex toys there, making it a unique experience for those aged 18 and up.
She also recommends small markets that pop up just for a weekend, as these can be particularly special – and says there are lots of options in Berlin.
‘Or for the LGBTQ+ community try out Christmas Avenue in Berlin,’ she advises.
Maren advises how to find the best mulled wine when visiting a Christmas market
Maren adds: ‘I would point out the market in Strasbourg, in France, very close to the German border, but a very pretty city during Christmas time.
‘I’ve been to Christmas markets in the Czech Republic, in Austria, in Canada, and in Spain. They’re all very different, they take the Christmas tradition but then bring their local intel a little bit into it.
‘I think Prague is a very nice city to visit during Christmas time. It also has a very rich Christmas culture with a long-standing Christmas market there.’
And which markets should people avoid?
Maren says: ‘I’d say, each market has its own festive charm, so I can’t share any one particular market to avoid. But, if there’s a particular vibe you’re after, such as those that are more traditional with fewer crowds, definitely visit markets in smaller, more regional towns versus sticking to only the big cities.
‘Often times, clues like the presence of multi-colored and brightly lit carousels are a tell-tale sign of a busier, more commercial experience.’
‘Those small ones that last just a weekend are really, really great, but again, if you really want to avoid the crowds, those are probably not the ones for you,’ Maren adds.
‘I would also say try to avoid the really commercial Christmas markets, where you just see carousels and flashing lights.’
There are also ways to improve your experience wherever you are. Number one? Layer up.
Maren has visited markets around the world, including in Canada
Maren explains: ‘Wear different layers of clothing to adjust to the temperature, you want to be able to take layers off when going inside and still be warm when outside.
‘While Christmas Markets are beautiful, it can get pretty cold. Depending on where you are, temperatures could drop to -15°. Extra tip: Bring some pocket warmers to warm your hands.’
Plus, always bring cash – to avoid high ATM charges – as well as a reusable cup or mug.
Some booths at Christmas markets even offer a discount when you bring your own, according to Maren.
And above all? Maren says: ‘Just immerse yourself.’
