Europe’s ‘Christmas city’ has one of the oldest festive markets in the world
A CITY in Germany is dubbed ‘Christmas city’ because it has one of the world’s oldest and most famous Christmas markets – and it’s easy to get to from the UK.
Nuremberg, the second largest city in Bavaria after Munich, is considered one of the best places in the world to visit when it comes to Christmas.
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, which takes place during Advent in the Hauptmarkt, the central square in Nuremberg’s old town, is one of the largest and oldest Christmas markets in the world.
The market features traditional, handmade decorations and treats like gingerbread.
The history of Nuremberg gingerbread dates back to the 14th century when Frankonian monks baked honey cakes.
The city’s location at the centre of European spice trading routes led to the addition of spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and nutmeg to the recipe.
You’ll also find bratwurst at the market, another food with a deep rooted history in the city.
The first written record of bratwurst in Germany is from Nuremberg in 1313.
The market’s location also adds to its Christmassy feel.
Its festively decorated lanes are set against the historic architecture of the Hauptmarkt square.
And if you walk up the steps of the Church of Our Lady you can catch a great view of the market’s stalls and lights.
For children, there’s a children’s Christmas market in the city known as Kinderweihnacht.
Located right next to the Christkindlesmarkt, there’s a two-tiered merry-go-round, a mini Ferris wheel, and a steam railway.
Outside of the markets the city continues to ooze all things Christmas.
The city is decorated with twinkling lights, and, if you’re lucky, you might see snow falling on the roofs of the century-old houses.
Imperial Castle in Nuremberg is a great place to visit during the Christmas season.
It’s perched on a sandstone ridge and offers stunning views of the medieval city below.
The Schoner Brunnen is located in Nuremberg’s main market square is also decorated for Christmas time.
The fountain has a small golden ring on the black grille that people turn three times for good luck.
Some say that if you turn the ring, you will return to Nuremberg, while others say it will bring you good luck.
The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt usually starts on the Friday before the first Sunday of Advent and ends on Christmas Eve.
This year, the market will be open from November 29 to December 24.
Ryanair offers direct flights to Nuremberg from London Stansted Airport, starting from £43 for one way.
Other Christmas towns to visit around the world
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany – The town has multiple Christmas markets, including the traditional Reiterlesmarkt, which dates back to the 15th century. There’s also the Christmas Museum that explains how Christmas was celebrated in Germany in the past, and how customs developed in different regions.
North Pole, USA – a Christmas-themed town that celebrates the holidays year-round. The town is decorated with candy cane-shaped street lights, and residents leave holiday decorations up all year.
Rovaniemi, Finland – located in the Arctic Circle, this family-friendly destination is home to Santa, reindeer and huskies. Visitors can meet Santa and send letters from the Santa Claus Main Post Office.
Strasbourg, France – it;s known as the ‘Capital of Christmas’ because of its annual Christmas market, which is one of the oldest in Europe.
Santa Claus, USA – Santa Claus, Indiana is a town that celebrates Christmas all year long because of its name, its holiday-themed attractions, and its post office. The town was originally named Santa Fe, but was renamed Santa Claus in 1856 when the government rejected its post office application due to a naming conflict with another Indiana town.
Mousehole, Cornwall – Christmas in Mousehole, Cornwall is marked by the village’s famous Christmas lights. A local tradition that begins with the gradual turning on of the lights from December 12–17th. The lights illuminate the harbor and village, and are a popular attraction for thousands of visitors each year.