German Christmas Markets Offer Holiday Option for Study Abroad Students
Being thousands of miles from home during the holiday season would make anyone a little homesick. However, there are tons of ways to take in some of the holiday cheer from festivals around Europe while studying abroad. Germany is very well known for its Christmas markets which spring up in almost every town to celebrate the advent season.
While walking through these markets you’ll be able to find homemade ornaments, toys, nutcrackers, and cookie tins among many other things while taking in the smell of freshly made gingerbread and roasting nuts. Every city adds a unique twist to its Christmas market whether it is through famous baked goods or wooden figurines.
Berlin-Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche
Berlin, the nation’s capital is home to several Christmas markets. The most well known market is located near Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche, which It hosts over 4 million visitors annually making it the favorite of both tourists and locals. Being one of the largest cities in Europe Berlin is known for its urban feel, which is deeply incorporated into the Christmas markets held in the city. While visiting one would find a great amount of artistic talent from painters to musicians filling the market with a more modern vibe than other more traditional markets throughout the country. The Berlin markets are also known for their handmade jewelry and decorations. The market is located amongst some of the most famous department stores in Germany making holiday shopping even more convenient. The festively elaborate window displays add to the holiday spirit.
Dresden- Striezelmarkt
The Striezelmarkt is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany dating back to before 1434. Its name comes from striezel, a sweet bread that is made around Christmas time that traditionally incorporates fruits and nuts. The festival began when the striezel, also known as stollen was made in city of Dresden to give to the current prince as a Christmas gift. Over time the prince began distributing the stolen to the poor during the holidays. The day that the prince gave his gift to the poor became known as Striezelmontag. During the 17th century the market began being used as a place to buy meat for holiday dinners. The market then became a place for both domestic and foreign merchants alike to trade their goods for the holidays. This brought porcelain, woodcrafts, nutcrackers, and other figurines to the market. In 1994 a new tradition began in the city called the Dresden Stollen Festival where a 2-3 ton stollen is paraded through the city ending in the Striezelmarkt where it is cut with a four foot long knife!
Lübeck
The Christmas market in Lübeck dates back to the mid 17th century and is now most famous for its marzipan work. The streets of this market are covered with marzipan artists who are able to make up almost anything you can imagine from animals to fruits. Marzipan made in the city must adhere to strict quality standards and making Lübeck known world-wide for its marzipan. Other notable products are made by wood lathe and leather artisans. Marionettes and other figurines are sold in the nearby hospital’s basement.
There are Christmas markets throughout Germany and each one is reflective of its city’s history and culture. As a student studying abroad these markets provide the perfect opportunity to experience a familiar holiday in a new setting with different customs and traditions.
