by Regina D and Becky T
Originally published in the October/November 2004 Currents

The time of Advent is also the time for Christmas markets in Germany. Christmas markets have a tradition going back centuries. The Christkindlmarkt (Christ Child Market) in Munich has probably been in existence since the beginning of the 14th century. The Christkindlmarkt in Nuremberg came into existence when the toy industry started flourishing. At the Christmas markets in Dresden, Frankfurt and Leipzig toys from the Erzgebirge, Thuringian Forest and from Berchtesgaden are sold.

Do not miss these markets during this festive season. You can stroll along the nicely decorated booths and admire the handicrafts industry: woodcarving, jewelry, angels of all sorts and sizes, glass articles and Christmas decorations. You can also get some ideas for small Christmas presents. To keep up good spirits and strength for more shopping, have some Glühwein, baked apples or some delicious Lebkuchen. There will be Christmas music too, of course!

The Christmas markets in Hamburg at the Rathausplatz, St. Petri Church, Gänsemarkt and Hachmannplatz will be open every day from November 22 to December 23, 11:00 to 21:00.

Bergedorf’s Christmas market is the oldest in Hamburg. It will be open from November 22 to December 23, Mondays to Saturdays from 11:00 to 21:00 and Sundays from 11:00 to 19:00. On weekends music groups will be there to entertain you.

You can visit the very big and beautiful Christmas market at Gut Basthorst, 21493 Basthorst (Herzogtum Lauenburg) on all four weekends of Advent, Friday to Sunday 11:00 to 18:00; the entrance fee is EUR 2.50.

And last but not least, there is the well-known Christmas market in Lübeck. Many members of the AWCH have been there to see the booths around the town hall and in the arcades. It takes place from November 22 to December 20, Mondays to Saturdays from 11:00 to 21:00 and Sundays from 11:30 to 19:00. While you are in Lübeck, you must pay a visit to the Café Niederegger and try their Lübecker Marzipantorte – if you are lucky enough to get a seat. Otherwise, you can buy some specialities made of Lübecker Marzipan at their Christmas Bazaar. It is amazing in how many varieties it is offered; the bazaar is held Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 19:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00.

Other Christmas Events in Lübeck:

Kunsthandwerkermarkt (The Handicrafts Market) at Heiligen-Geist Hospital (November 26 to December 6, 10:30 to 19:00) and the Lübecker Kunsthandwerkermarkt at the Petri Church, November 24 to December 12, 10:00 to 18:00.

The Christmascafe in the historical cellar of the Buddenbrookhaus (the Lübeck-born writer Thomas Mann lived there) at Mengstraße 4 is only open during Advent.

Other Christmas Events in Hamburg:

Christmas in Europe: October 27 - January 9. This is always a fun market and exhibit for the whole family. Last year the emphasis was on Denmark and this year all of Europe will be represented. Altona Museum, Museumstr. 23, tel 428 11 35 82, www.altonaer-museum.de.

Markt der Völker (Market of Nations): November 12-21. This is the 18th annual market and is always very international, with handicrafts from around the world at affordable prices. The museum is also celebrating its 125th birthday. Museum für Völkerkunde (Ethnology), Rothenbaumchaussee 64, tel 428 87 92 42, www.voelkerkundemuseum.com.

Museum für Kunst & Gewerbe Market: November 26 – December 12. This is a high quality handicrafts market from 65 different artisans in Germany. Each piece, whether silk, silver, gold, wood, leather, textile or glass is worthy of being in a museum. This year the emphasis is on glass, and 23 leading Czech glass blowers have been invited. This Christmas market tradition goes back to 1879. Museum für Kunst & Gewerbe (Arts and Crafts), Steintorplatz, tel 42 81 34 27 32, www.mkg-hamburg.de.

The International Food and Fun Fair of the International School: November 27. This is a marvellous one-day event. At individual stands according to country, you can eat the most delicious food all day long, as well as buy hand-made and commercial gifts which are typical of that country. Don’t expect to park anywhere close. 10:00-16:00. International School, Holmbrook 20, tel 883 00 10.

Medieval Christmas Market in Lüneburg: The first Advent weekend in December is traditionally reserved for the Medieval Christmas Market, where tradesmen in original costumes show handicrafts from the 16th-18th century and sell their products. This year, the market is on Saturday, December 4 and Sunday, December 5. Go to the Altstadt (old town) around the Michaelis Kirche (Church of St. Michael) between 10:00 and 17:00.

Fairy-tale plays (Weihnachtsmärchen) at the theatres are especially enjoyable for children. In order to find out which fairy tale can be seen in which theatre, please have a look in the Hamburger Abendblatt.

Another attraction for children is the fairy-tale ships (Märchenschiffe) at Jungfernstieg. Children can bake cookies, see small shows or enjoy a voyage through their own fantasies.