Note: Please be sure to check the status of the Christmas Market before you plan your visit. Last minute cancellations can occur at any moment.
With the ever-changing rules and restrictions, it’s getting tricky to know which Christmas Markets are still happening near you. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We’ve compiled a list of unique Christmas Markets within 4 hours of Graf & K-Town. We’ve also checked the COVID-19 requirements so you can feel prepared and focus on enjoying the Christmas magic.
But why are Christmas Markets so popular in Europe? Christmas markets in Europe have their origin in the late Middle Ages. Back then, there already were some small markets and trade fairs where people could provide themselves with enough clothes and food for the cold part of the year. In the 14th century, the markets were expanding for instance with manufacturers who produced toys. Their products have been bought as presents for the children. Almost simultaneously, the first salespeople of food and beverages, for instance confectioners and those selling roasted almonds or chestnuts as we still see them today, appeared. This custom became regular all over the German-speaking part very quickly. Since around the first half of the 20th century, Christmas markets have been a fixed part of German pre-Christmas-period-traditions. Depending on each region, they are also known as advent or “Christkindl” (Christ child) markets.
Within 4 hours of Graf
1. Weihnachtsmarkt Quedlinburg (3h30min)*
In Quedlinburg, a medieval city in western Saxony-Anhalt, a beautiful Christmas market is set up in old wooden buildings. Home to a castle-monastery, Quedlinburg is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Germany, a World Heritage site since 1994. The Christmas Market is also characterized by the exhibition of ancient cribs and concerts with choirs.
Address: Markt 1, 06484 Quedlinburg (Sachsen-Anhalt)
Opening days: November 24 to December 22, 2021 (Monday – Thursday 12:00 to 20:00; Fr 11:00 to 22:00, Saturdays 10:00 to 22:00, Sundays 11:00 to 20:00)
Website: https://www.adventsstadt.de
Covid: 2G-PLUS event (in addition to proof of full vaccination or recovery, a current certified negative test (48h antigen or PCR) is required.
2. Ulm Weihnachtsmarkt (2h30min)*
The Ulm Christmas market is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany. Directly neighboring the famous Ulm Minster are numerous stalls with one handmade and culinary highlight after the other. Over 120 stands line up on Münsterplatz and are open this year until December 22nd.
Address: Münsterplatz, 89073 Ulm
Opening days: November 22 to December 22, 2021, open daily from 10:00 to 20:30.
Website: https://www.ulmer-weihnachtsmarkt.de/
Covid: 2G-PLUS event (in addition to proof of full vaccination or recovery, a current certified negative test (48h antigen or PCR) is required.
3. Lucia Christmas Market Berlin (4h)
Named after the Scandinavian tradition of Lucia, this Christmas market features traditional Scandinavian handicrafts, food and drinks. And when it comes to the mulled wine, you’ve got plenty of options! You can choose from Swedish Glögg, Finnish Glögi, or Icelandic Jolaglögg.
Address: Kulturbrauerei, Schönhauser Allee 36, 10435 Berlin
Opening days: November 22 to December 22, 2021, Monday – Friday, 15:00 to 22:00. Saturday and Sunday, 12:00 to 22:00.
Website: https://www.kulturbrauerei.de
Covid: 2G event (proof of full vaccination or recovery)
Within 3 hours of K-Town
1. Ribeauvillé (2h51min)
Ribeauvillé, the town of the Fiddlers, will enchant you with its medieval Christmas Market. Step back in time as the street animations, similar to a real live show, set the scene with rogues, yokels, dancers, strolling players. Fancy a bite to eat? You can enjoy traditional sweet and salted delicacies at charming stalls, and even try boar on the skewer before quenching your thirst with barley beer or wine.
Address: 1 Grand Rue, 68150 Ribeauvillé
Opening days: December 4,5, 11 & 12, 10-18h
Website: https://www.christmas.alsace/229003338-medieval-christmas-market/
Covid: 3G required (proof of full vaccination, a certificate of recovery, or a current certified negative test – 24h antigen or PCR) only if you eat or drink at the stalls. Masks must be worn in the market.
2. Metz (1h30min)
Metz shines its brightest in winter time. As the nights draw in, the Christmas illuminations take over the city. The traditional merry-go-round and big wheel will delight young and old alike. Unlike any other Christmas Market though, you can take a walk through the magical “Sentiers des Lanternes” (Lantern Trails) with illuminated nutcrackers, teddy bears and presents.
Address: Place Saint-Jacques, 57000 Metz, France
Opening days: From November 19 to December 30, from 11:00-20:00
Website: https://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/christmas-markets/metz/
Covid: 3G event, in which proof of full vaccination, a certificate of recovery, or a current certified negative test (24h antigen or PCR) is required. Masks must be worn in the market.
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3. Michelstadt (1h54min)
Michelstadt’s Christmas Market stands out in more ways than one. Located in southern Hesse, its 100 wooden cabins bring festive cheer to the winter nights as each one is draped in chains of lights. As you wander through the market, be sure to spot the life-sized wooden figures and guide signs especially created for the event by the students of the resident college for wooden constructions.
Address: Marktpl. 1, 64720 Michelstadt
Opening days: From November 26 to December 19, from 14:00 to 20:00.
Website: https://michelstaedter-weihnachtsmarkt.de/en/
Covid: 3G event, in which proof of full vaccination, a certificate of recovery, or a current certified negative test (24h antigen or PCR) is required. Masks must be worn in the market.
Make the most of your time during your time in Europe and discover the markets filled with Christmas magic in their own unique way. If you would rather sit back and relax instead of driving yourself to them, join us from K-Town as we take you to two of the most authentic markets: Colmar & Riquewihr, on December 18th. Find out more today!
Note: Please be sure to check the status of the Christmas Market before you plan your visit. Last minute cancellations can occur at any moment.
