The History of German Christmas Market

Each eyar Christmas markets spring up around in the weeks before the holidays, signaling the begenning of Advent. The centuries old tradition reaches back to a time when regular seasonal markets took place throughout the year. Christmas markets were a welcome occurrence during cold weather months. They were joyful occasions for weary villagers and added a bit of light to long winter nights.

The first markets were little more than winter markets that lasted a couple of days. Instead of the cozy stands that line market alleys today, traders in some cities laid their goods our in the streets.
Through the years, each market has stayed true to its own particularities, with each specializing on local delicacies and traditional products. In the past, only local tradesmen were allowed to sell their wares at the city's market, which the distinctive regional character of today's markets.

Today, German Christmas markets serve much the same function that they have for centuries - as a festive meeting place for locals and a market for homemade Christmas ornaments and decorations. Some of the most traditional German handicrafts can be found here in the weeks before Christmas - from nutcrackers, wooden figurines and straw stars.

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