Your town might in recent years have ‘discovered’ a Christmas Market ‘tradition’ but if you’ve never seen the original, you don’t know what you are really missing.
That’s why I am so excited with this year – as I am returning to Germany to explore a new Christmas Market – or five.
German Yuletide celebrations are built upon a history of centuries and you can feel their authenticity from the minute you arrive in the historic centre of so many German towns and cities that have nurtured and treasure their Christmas Market traditions.
In larger centres there are often two or three markets running from late November until Christmas Eve so there is lots to choose from.
Here are Seven Top Christmas Markets for you to add to your Christmas shopping list this year.
Don’t just take my advice though. Check out oodles of LGBT travel info on the official German National Tourist Office site about some ‘have-to-be-seen’ German destinations with gay travel info to make your next German sojourn one to tell those at home all about on your return.
Seven unforgettable German christmas market destinations
1. Leipzig
Leipzig has been celebrating Christmas since 1458. Leipzig also has a vibrant gay scene particularly in the Connewitz district with it’s alternative and progressive vibe.
2. Hamburg
Take your pick from many Christmas markets around town and be sure to check out the main market outside the Town Hall. St. Georg is Hamburg’s well-known gay district, particularly known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene centred around the Lange Reihe street. The district is behind the main railway station and full of shops, galleries, restaurants and gay bars.
3. Berlin
Weihnachtsmarkt vor dem Schloss Charlottenburg is a great place to add to your list. Berlin has a great kink scene.
4. Düsseldorf
Catch some modern architecture and Christmas market tradition entwined. The gay scene is spread across the city.
5. Frankfurt
The Frankfurt Christmas Market dates from 1353, this is a true Christmas you will not forget. The scene is in the city cetre in Schäfergasse and Alte Gasse.
6. Munich
Drenched in lights, the Munich market attracts thousands of visitors each year. The Glockenbachviertel, particularly around Müllerstraße, is the center of Munich’s queer scene and also features a vibrant arts and gallery scene and is a popular nightlife spot.
7. Cologne
Choose from the several markets and check out the gay scene! It’s primarily concentrated around Schaafenstraße and its surrounding area and is often referred to as the “Bermuda Triangle”.
