Christmas Markets

Open-air markets have existed long before anyone even celebrated Christmas, and around the 1200’s special winter markets first appeared. For example, Vienna’s Dezembermarkt (1294) offered townspeople a chance to stock up on supplies for the long, cold winter. Often selling such things as roasted nuts, gingerbread, and even wooden toys, like Christmas Markets even now, the winter markets were rather short in duration.

The location of the very first Christmas Market is the subject of debate. Some people claim the Christmas Market originated in Munich, and some say Frankfort au Main, however there is little doubt that the Christmas Market originated in Germany. Probably around the 1430’s and probably around present-day Dresden, the first Christmas Market (Striezelmarkt) appeared.

Nowadays Christmas markets are found in many parts of the world, and they are prevalent all across Europe, with some larger cities boasting more than one. Although Amsterdam has its fair share, Berlin hosts more than 60 such open-air markets in the four weeks prior to Christmas!

Schneeballen (pastry "snowballs")

View of Marktplatz from City Hall