German Christmas markets

The traditional seasonal drink infused with oranges, cloves, cardamom and cinnamon, mulled red wine (also known as glühwein) can’t be missed at the markets. Other festive drinks to try include lumumba, a delicious hot chocolate drink with rum, punch, a hot mixture of alcohol, spices lemon juice, sugar and water. As well as eggnog, a combination of eggs, white wine, sugar, rum and cinnamon.

For hearty, traditional delicacies, bratwurst, schupfnudeln, tarte flambée, and chestnuts are a definite must. For more of a sweet treat, waffles, baked apples, roasted almonds, candied apples, donuts and gingerbread are a delicious indulgence.

You’ll find plenty of gifts, keepsakes and souvenirs to buy, such as Christmas decorations and ornaments, homemade crafts, and confectionary. Also keep an eye out for stalls specialising in the German tradition of products made purely from honey, including soaps, figurines, health products, candles and much more.

Our German colleagues suggest you make like an “onion” - by this we think they mean it’s all about the layers. Pay particular attention to your footwear. You can find yourself standing around outside a lot, so warm socks or boots are recommended. Don’t carry huge bags with you, it gets crowded. Take a “bag for life” along if you want to shop. Otherwise be careful with your money and phones. While the markets are definitely family-friendly places, always be wary of pickpockets in a crowd. Also if you’re taking the kids, large prams can be cumbersome and difficult to push round the tight stalls, so think about something smaller and more flexible. And finally remember, this isn’t Oktoberfest - no need to get out the lederhosen.