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A Christmas market, also known as ''Christkindlmarkt'' (literally: ''
Christ Child The Christ Child, also known as Divine Infant, Baby Jesus, Infant Jesus, the Divine Child, Child Jesus, the Holy Child, Santo Niño, and to some as Señor Noemi refers to Jesus Christ from his nativity to age 12. The four canonical gospels, a ...
Market'', but the term "Christkind" usually refers to an angel-like "spirit of Christmas" rather than literally the Christ Child), ''Christkindlesmarkt'', ''Christkindlmarket'', ''Christkindlimarkt'', and ''Weihnachtsmarkt'', is a street market associated with the celebration of Christmas during the four weeks of
Advent Advent is a Christian season of preparation for the Nativity of Christ at Christmas. It is the beginning of the liturgical year in Western Christianity. The name was adopted from Latin "coming; arrival", translating Greek ''parousia''. In ...
. These markets originated in Germany, but are now held in many countries. Christmas markets date to the Late Middle Ages in the German-speaking part of Europe and in many parts of the former Holy Roman Empire that included many eastern regions of France. They became a popular Advent custom during the Reformation era. Dresden's Striezelmarkt was first held in 1434 and one of the first true Christmas markets; earlier markets of the season were "December markets". Early mentions of these "December markets" can be found in Vienna (1298), Munich (1310), Bautzen (1384), and Frankfurt (1393). In many towns in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria,
Advent Advent is a Christian season of preparation for the Nativity of Christ at Christmas. It is the beginning of the liturgical year in Western Christianity. The name was adopted from Latin "coming; arrival", translating Greek ''parousia''. In ...
is usually ushered in with the opening of the Christmas market or ''"Weihnachtsmarkt"''. In southern Germany, Switzerland and Austria, it is called a ''"Christkind(e)l(s)(i)markt"'' (German language, literally meaning "Christ child market"). Traditionally held in the town square, the market offers food, drinks and seasonal items for sale from open-air stalls, accompanied by traditional singing and dancing. On opening night at the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, and in some other towns, onlookers welcome the ''" Christkind"'' (originally boy Jesus, but often depicted as an angel-like girl), acted by a local child.


Attractions and stalls

Popular attractions at the markets include the Nativity Scene (a crèche or crib), ''Zwetschgenmännle'' (figures made of decorated dried plums), ''Nussknacker'' (carved Nutcrackers), ''Gebrannte Mandeln'' (candied, toasted almonds), traditional Christmas cookies such as ''
Lebkuchen (), or , are a honey-sweetened German cake molded cookie or bar cookie that has become part of Germany's Christmas traditions. It is similar to gingerbread. Etymology The etymology of ''Leb-'' in the term ''Lebkuchen'' is uncertain. Pro ...
'' and ''Magenbrot'' (both forms of soft
gingerbread Gingerbread refers to a broad category of baked goods, typically flavored with ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon and sweetened with honey, sugar, or molasses. Gingerbread foods vary, ranging from a moist loaf cake to forms nearly as crisp as ...
), Bratwurst, and '' Glühwein'', hot mulled wine (with or without a shot of
brandy Brandy is a liquor produced by distilling wine. Brandy generally contains 35–60% alcohol by volume (70–120 US proof) and is typically consumed as an after-dinner digestif. Some brandies are aged in wooden casks. Others are coloured with ...
), or '' Eierpunsch'' (an egg-based warm alcoholic drink) - both a highlight of the market for many visitors. Both help stave off the cold winter air which sometimes dips below freezing. More regional food specialties include ''Christstollen'' (''
Stollen Stollen ( or ) is a fruit bread of nuts, spices, and dried or candied fruit, coated with powdered sugar or icing sugar and often containing marzipan. It is a traditional German Christmas bread. During the Christmas season the cake-like loaves ...
''), a sort of bread with candied fruit in Saxony, and hot Apfelwein and ''Frankfurter Bethmännchen'' in Hesse.


Major Christmas markets

Famous Christmas markets are held in the cities of Augsburg, Dresden,
Erfurt Erfurt () is the capital and largest city in the Central German state of Thuringia. It is located in the wide valley of the Gera river (progression: ), in the southern part of the Thuringian Basin, north of the Thuringian Forest. It sits in ...
, Frankfurt, Nuremberg, and
Stuttgart Stuttgart (; Swabian: ; ) is the capital and largest city of the German state of Baden-Württemberg. It is located on the Neckar river in a fertile valley known as the ''Stuttgarter Kessel'' (Stuttgart Cauldron) and lies an hour from the ...
, making them popular tourist attractions during the Christmas holiday season.''Christmas City Nuremberg''
Stadt Nürnberg. Retrieved 8 July 2007

Stuttgart Marketing. Retrieved 8 July 2007
The Nuremberg and Dresden markets draw about two million people each year; the Stuttgart and Frankfurt markets attract more than three million visitors. The two most visited Christmas markets in Germany are found in
Dortmund Dortmund (; Westphalian nds, Düörpm ; la, Tremonia) is the third-largest city in North Rhine-Westphalia after Cologne and Düsseldorf, and the eighth-largest city of Germany, with a population of 588,250 inhabitants as of 2021. It is the la ...
, with more than three and a half million visitors of 300 stalls around a gigantic Christmas tree that stands tall, and in Cologne with 4 million people. Additionally, the city of Berlin claims more than 70 markets, which open in late November and close just after Christmas. Christmas markets are also popular traditions in Austria, and are held in Vienna, Salzburg,
Innsbruck Innsbruck (; bar, Innschbruck, label=Bavarian language, Austro-Bavarian ) is the capital of Tyrol (state), Tyrol and the List of cities and towns in Austria, fifth-largest city in Austria. On the Inn (river), River Inn, at its junction with the ...
, Linz, and
Graz Graz (; sl, Gradec) is the capital city of the Austrian state of Styria and second-largest city in Austria after Vienna. As of 1 January 2021, it had a population of 331,562 (294,236 of whom had principal-residence status). In 2018, the popul ...
. The first "December Market" was held in Vienna in 1298. Vienna holds 20 different Christmas markets around the city. Most Christmas markets open in late November and last through December, closing right after 25 December, with a few staying open for New Year's. The largest Christmas market and one of the most well known is the Vienna Christmas World on
Rathausplatz The Rathausplatz is a square in Vienna, Austria. The Rathausplatz is in the Innere Stadt, near the new Rathaus In local government, a city hall, town hall, civic centre (in the UK or Australia), guildhall, or a municipal building (in ...
, near the ''Rathaus'', Vienna's historic city hall. The market draws 3 million people each year and includes 150 unique stalls that offer traditional Austrian foods, Christmas decorations and ornaments, handicrafts, and drinks. The Vienna Christmas World on Rathausplatz also features an advent theme park called the ''Adventzauber'' with workshops and cultural performances that cater to families and young children. Visitors to the Vienna Christmas World can also ice skate on a ice rink and on frozen paths that run through the Rathausplatz Park. Other famous Christmas markets include the Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace, the Art Advent on Karlsplatz, the Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace, and the Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz. The Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace, “''Kultur-und-Weihnachtsmarkt'',” takes place in front of the imperial palace. It features Austrian handicrafts and goods as well as a cultural program with activities and workshops. The Art Advent on Karlsplatz offers artisan goods, a children's program, and a petting zoo. Popular food specialities include ''Kinderpunsch'' (a non-alcoholic punch), ''Glühwein'', ''Baumstriezel'' (a Hungarian pastry coated in cinnamon and sugar), ''Kartoffelpuffer'' (potato pancakes), '' Lángos'' (savory deep fried dough), ''Schaumkuss'' (chocolate covered marshmallows), ''
Stollen Stollen ( or ) is a fruit bread of nuts, spices, and dried or candied fruit, coated with powdered sugar or icing sugar and often containing marzipan. It is a traditional German Christmas bread. During the Christmas season the cake-like loaves ...
'' (bread with candied fruit), ''Maroni'' (roasted chestnuts), ''Bratkartoffel'' (roasted potato wedges), ''
Lebkuchen (), or , are a honey-sweetened German cake molded cookie or bar cookie that has become part of Germany's Christmas traditions. It is similar to gingerbread. Etymology The etymology of ''Leb-'' in the term ''Lebkuchen'' is uncertain. Pro ...
'' (Austrian gingerbread), and baked potatoes. Christmas markets are traditional in Alsace, and most of the towns have their local Christmas market.
Strasbourg Strasbourg (, , ; german: Straßburg ; gsw, label=Bas Rhin Alsatian, Strossburi , gsw, label=Haut Rhin Alsatian, Strossburig ) is the prefecture and largest city of the Grand Est region of eastern France and the official seat of the Eu ...
, in Alsace, France, has been holding a Christmas market, " Christkindelsmärik," around its cathedral since 1570, when the city was part of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation.''Noël à Strasbourg''
Retrieved 8 July 2007
As noted, other countries have also established such markets. The Christmas market of Barcelona starts on 13 December, Saint Lucy's Day, and is called ''Fira de Santa Llúcia''. It has been held in the square of Barcelona Cathedral since 1786. In 1982, Lincoln, England, established an annual Christmas market in early December. This remains one of the most extensive such market by area in the United Kingdom, with a claimed total of over 300 stalls attracting more than 100,000 visitors over its four days. Starting in 1997, ''Frankfurt Christmas Markets'' were established with support from Frankfurt in Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds, and Manchester. Other large Christmas markets have been held in England in
Bath Bath may refer to: * Bathing, immersion in a fluid ** Bathtub, a large open container for water, in which a person may wash their body ** Public bathing, a public place where people bathe * Thermae, ancient Roman public bathing facilities Plac ...
(since 2000) and Liverpool (since 2006). The Christmas markets are such a success that they are becoming a major pull factor to increase trade and visitor numbers to towns and cities. Birmingham's Christmas Market, primarily located on New Street between the
Bullring shopping centre The Bull Ring is a major shopping area in central Birmingham England, and has been an important feature of Birmingham since the Middle Ages, when its market was first held. Two shopping centres have been built in the area; in the 1960s, and the ...
and the Council House, is the "largest outdoor Christmas market in the UK" as well as the "largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria". The market also offers live entertainment on the main stage. The market is held for approximately six weeks every year and usually closes around 23 December. Manchester's Christmas Markets have also been successful, with 300 stalls over eight city locations, with each location being themed to create a different atmosphere such as French, World, and German, with European-themed stalls on the Albert Square, Manchester proving to be the most popular. German immigrants carried Christmas market celebrations to the United States. It is celebrated in such cities as Chicago, Denver, and Tulsa.''CHRISTKINDLMARKT BETHLEHEM''
ArtsQuest (2006). Retrieved 8 July 2007

German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest, 17 November 2006. Retrieved 8 July 2007
''Denver Christkindl Market''
German American Chamber of Commerce Colorado Chapter. (2006). Retrieved 8 July 2007

German-American Society of Tulsa, 1 May 2007. Retrieved 8 July 2007
A traditional Christmas market was held for the first time in Sibiu, Romania, in 2007.


Gallery

File:ChristmasMarketJena.jpg, Christmas market in Jena File:Pic of Davidsbroen.jpg, Malmö Christmas market 2016 Dews events Malmö, Sweden File:Christkindlesmarkt nuernberg.jpg, Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg File:Xmas tree Colmar.jpg, In
Colmar Colmar (, ; Alsatian: ' ; German during 1871–1918 and 1940–1945: ') is a city and commune in the Haut-Rhin department and Grand Est region of north-eastern France. The third-largest commune in Alsace (after Strasbourg and Mulhouse), it is ...
, 2010 File:Christmas market, Strasbourg (5226804625).jpg, ,
Strasbourg Strasbourg (, , ; german: Straßburg ; gsw, label=Bas Rhin Alsatian, Strossburi , gsw, label=Haut Rhin Alsatian, Strossburig ) is the prefecture and largest city of the Grand Est region of eastern France and the official seat of the Eu ...
, France File:German Christmas Market in Leeds.jpg, German Christmas market in
Millennium Square Millennium Square may refer to: * Millennium Square, Bristol * Millennium Square, Leeds *Millennium Square, Sheffield Millennium Square is a modern city square in Sheffield, England. It was created as part of the Heart of the City project that b ...
, Leeds, UK File:Traditional gingerbread hearts Berlin Xmas 2006.jpg, Traditional gingerbread hearts at a German Christmas market File:Xmasmarketstalls.jpg, Christmas market stalls File:Hyde Park Christmas Market.JPG, Ferris Wheel at the Hyde Park Christmas Market File:Erfurter Weihnachtsmarkt.JPG, Christmas market in
Erfurt Erfurt () is the capital and largest city in the Central German state of Thuringia. It is located in the wide valley of the Gera river (progression: ), in the southern part of the Thuringian Basin, north of the Thuringian Forest. It sits in ...
File:Stuttgart Christmas Market.JPG, Christmas market in
Stuttgart Stuttgart (; Swabian: ; ) is the capital and largest city of the German state of Baden-Württemberg. It is located on the Neckar river in a fertile valley known as the ''Stuttgarter Kessel'' (Stuttgart Cauldron) and lies an hour from the ...
, Baden-Württemberg File:Christmas Market Salzburg Austria .jpg, Salzburg, Austria File:Senaatintorin joulumarkkinat.jpg, Christmas market at the Senate Square in Helsinki, Finland File:Marché de Noël de la place Rouge et magasin Goum (1).jpg, Christmas market at the Red Square, Moscow, Russia. File:Rapperwil - Christkindlimärt IMG 4894 ShiftN.jpg, ''Christkindlimärt'' in Rapperswil, Switzerland File:Gamla stans Julmarknad 2009j.jpg, 2009 ''Julmarknad'' ("Christmas market") in Gamla stan, Stockholm File:Wien Rathaus Christkindlmarkt Dez2006B.jpg, Vienna, Austria File:Striezelmarkt 2009 02368.jpg, The Striezelmarkt in Dresden File:Sternschnuppenmarkt Wiesbaden.jpg, Sternschnuppenmarkt in Wiesbaden, Germany File:SibiuChristmasMarket2012Opening.jpg, The Sibiu Christmas Market in Sibiu, Romania File:Zagreb, Jelačićev plac - Božićni sajam 2015.jpg, The Christmas Market in Zagreb, Croatia File:Christmas Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin 2006.jpg, Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin File:Mercado_de_Navidad,_Plaza_del_Mercado,_Breslavia,_Polonia,_2017-12-20,_DD_41-49_HDR_PAN.jpg, The Christmas Market in Wrocław, Poland File:Copehagen Christmas market 2015 .jpg, Dews events Copenhagen the white Christmas in
Nytorv Nytorv ( English: New Square or New Market) is a public square in the centre of Copenhagen, Denmark. Together with the adjoining Gammeltorv it forms a common space, today part of the Strøget pedestrian zone. The square is dominated by the imposi ...
, Denmark File:Fields Jule bod.jpg, Fields Shopping Center Christmas event 2016 by Dewsevents Fields, Denmark File:Wien - Christkindlmarkt, Rathausplatz.JPG, Vienna Christmas market (2017) File:Dortmund christmas tree 01.jpg, Biggest Christmas tree in the world, Dortmund Christmas Market File:Waddesdon Manor's Christmas Fair.jpg, alt=80 stalls at Waddesdon Manor's Christmas Market, Annual Christmas Market at Waddesdon Manor, UK


See also

*2000
Strasbourg Cathedral bombing plot In December 2000, an al-Qaeda-linked plot to bomb the Strasbourg Christmas market, at the feet of the Strasbourg Cathedral, on New Year's Eve was discovered. The plot was foiled by French and German police after a terrorist network based in Fran ...
*
2016 Berlin truck attack On 19 December 2016, a Vehicle-ramming attack, truck was deliberately driven into the Christmas market next to the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church at Breitscheidplatz in Berlin, leaving 12 people dead and 56 others injured. One of the victims was t ...
*
2018 Strasbourg attack On the evening of 11 December 2018, a terrorist attack occurred in Strasbourg, France, when a man attacked civilians in the city's busy (Christmas market) with a revolver and a knife, killing five and wounding 11 before fleeing in a taxi. Authori ...


References


Further reading

* Bakst, Alex
"A Visit to Germany's Christmas Markets"''Spiegel Online''
7 December 2006 * Zug, J.D. (1991): ''German-American Life: Recipes and Traditions'', Iowa City: Penfield Press


External links

* * {{Authority control 1434 establishments in Europe 1430s establishments in the Holy Roman Empire Christmas events and celebrations Christmas markets Christmas in Austria Christmas in Germany Christmas traditions History of Dresden Articles containing video clips 1298 establishments in Europe 1290s establishments in the Holy Roman Empire