A GERMAN CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER

A Gulf News Sponsored Report in collaboration with the German National Tourist Board (GNTB)

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There's something about winter travel that recalibrates the soul, especially when it leads you to Europe’s Christmas markets, where centuries-old traditions meet the glow of twinkling lights and the aroma of spiced almonds drifting through cobblestone squares.

These aren't just seasonal attractions; they're living, breathing expressions of culture, where the line between past and present blurs over steaming mugs of hot spiced drinks and the crackle of roasting chestnuts.

Germany's Christmas markets, or Weihnachtsmärkte, are the gold standard of festive revelry. From Munich’s storied Christkindlmarkt to Dresden’s record-breaking pyramids, these markets transform entire cities into immersive winter wonderlands. Whether you're hunting for hand-carved ornaments in Nuremberg or watching Santa take flight above Hamburg’s town hall, each market offers its own distinct flavor of holiday enchantment. Here's where to go for the most magical Christmas experience Germany has to offer.

Christkindlmarkt, Munich

Go for: Bavaria's blend of centuries-old tradition and contemporary Christmas spirit

In Munich's Marienplatz, the Christkindlmarkt has been the heart of Bavarian Christmas since the 14th century, and somehow, after more than 600 years, it hasn't lost an ounce of its charm. Stand beneath the neo-Gothic spires of the historic town hall and you'll find yourself surrounded by 180 wooden stalls, each one brimming with hand-painted ornaments, intricate nutcrackers, and the kind of gingerbread (Lebkuchen) that makes you question every cookie you've ever eaten before.

Over three million visitors descend on this square annually, and for good reason: this is Christmas at its most authentic, where tradition isn't performed but lived.