If you’re wondering, is December a good time to visit Germany, we’ve got you covered! For any lovers of Christmas, trust me when I say there are few places in the world that are as festive as this country. We’ve put together 5 reasons to visit Germany in December in this post.
Is December a good time to visit Germany?
Despite the shorter days (the sun starts setting at 3:30pm) and the chilly temperatures (30-40’s), Germany is an ideal place to get inspired for Christmas. We have visited markets in Cologne, Düsseldorf, Munich, & Nuremberg – all magical in their own ways! Check out our top reasons to plan a Christmas Market trip to Germany in December.
1. Christmas Shopping
Almost all the Christmas Market stands in Germany are filled with handmade crafts, ornaments, soaps and sweets. This makes it the perfect place to get some Christmas shopping done for loved ones. Some of our most beautiful ornaments on our tree have come from Germany!
2. German Food
While many stands have crafts, these markets also sell food. You’re guaranteed to find bratwurst at almost any German Christmas Market but they have a variety of options. I recommend keeping an eye out for a booth selling Stollen (tradition German Christmas bread). You can get all types, to either enjoy in the moment or bring home to share with others!
3. Live Performances
At certain times of the day, each market will have live performers, either caroling, story-telling or playing traditional instruments. The music is a fun source of entertainment, and sets the perfect mood to get into the Christmas spirit!
4. Glühwein
Probably one of the most famous things that come to mind when you think about Germany at Christmastime is the traditional drink called: glühwein. (Pronounced: glu-vine). This translates to mulled wine in english. In the cold weather, it’s the perfect drink to keep you warm while walking around the markets!
One of my favorite parts about German Christmas Markets, is that each market will have their own Christmas mug. They usually have the name of the market and year written on it. When you first purchase some glühwein, you pay a few euros deposit on the mug, and then the 4-5 euros for the mulled wine itself.
When you are finished with your drink, you can either return to the stand and pay for just a refill or give them your mug and get your deposit back.(Or, if you’re anything like Mark & I on our first trip to Germany, start a Christmas mug collection and keep them all!)
If you’re not a fan of wine, don’t stress, there are also many other festive drinks you can try, including eggnog, hot chocolate and punsch. They serve different types punsch, including hot orange juice and rum, or hot tea with apple juice and orange liquor.
5. Holiday Ambiance
Finally, and possibly my favorite reason for visiting Germany this time of year, is the ambiance of the Christmas markets. Everything is so well decorated and festive. There’s music, delicious drinks and beautiful displays in shop windows! It’s hard not to get wrapped up in it all.
In the evening there are lights hung from every street lamp and market stand, which makes the area truly glow. There is this amazing smell in the air, that you notice instantly when approaching a market. To answer your question, is December a good time to visit Germany: YES. If you love Christmas, this is the place to be!
Prost, Amanda
P.S. Please enjoy this holiday carol we made while exploring the markets!
