Our guide to German Christmas markets

Winter has arrived in Germany and so has the cold. While we try to keep warm with warm drinks and cozy winter clothes, there is of course also something in the winter time that gives us great anticipation: the anticipation of Christmas.

There are such beautiful things that we associate with Christmas: Mulled wine, hearty winter dishes and cookies, colorful decorations and much more. One place where all these things can be found at the same time are of course the traditional and worldwide unique German Christmas markets!

Germany is the home of Christmas markets. This is where they originated, and there are thousands of markets scattered throughout Germany, filling our marketplaces, pedestrian zones and public shopping centers. In fact, there are so many that some of Germany's major cities have several.

There are about 3000 Christmas markets in Germany, which contribute 5 billion euros to the country's income every year, provide jobs for 190,000 people and attract 80-90 million visitors.

The beginnings of Christmas markets date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. The original purpose of these markets was to provide an opportunity to stock up for the long winters, since at that time it was not so easy to get food and supplies. The first markets were not nearly as much about atmosphere and magic as they are today. Then, over the years, the winter/Christmas markets evolved into a source for buying Christmas gifts and an opportunity for local artisans and artists to sell their works, as well as for local producers to offer typical food, drinks and products.

All Christmas markets have some similar features and offer a common range of goods, but each of them also has regional characteristics. Some markets offer cultural programs, local handicrafts or even a unique setting determined by the surrounding architecture.

Even if the Christmas markets in Germany are very well known and everyone could list the typical products from memory, there are still facts that not everyone knows.

The first Christmas market

Many proud Germans would dispute this and jealously defend the origins of their own local market, but what is internationally known as the first original Christmas market is the Dresden Striezelmarkt. Its first existence dates back to 1434, when it was a one-day event. Today, it is one of the largest Christmas markets in Germany and has over 200 stalls that are visited by over 3 million people every year. It is also famous for the highest step pyramid in the world and its Ferris wheel overlooking the market.

Mulled wine is older than the Christmas market

The first documented mention of this mulled wine drink dates back to 1420 in Germany. This date is based on the discovery of a mulled wine jug that apparently belonged to Count Johann IV of Katzenelnbogen, a German nobleman who was the first to start growing Riesling grapes.

Gingerbread have tradition

The original gingerbread was first made in the 13th century by Frankish monks in Bavaria. In 1487, gingerbread spread as a Christmas specialty when the German Emperor Frederick III gave away 4000 cookies with his portrait on them to children.

Even though today's version of this gingerbread is German, it is believed that gingerbread has its ancient roots in honey cake, which the Egyptians baked thousands of years ago as a gift for the gods.

Probably the most famous gingerbread manufacturer is called Lambertz with its Aachener Printen, which are exported all over the world.

Stay warm while strolling through the Christmas markets

As always, of course, we would like to share some heat tips.

Keep your hands warm

The hands are usually the first limbs to get cold. A cup of mulled wine in your hand is a good way to keep warm, but of course you can't drink it all the time and it tastes too good for that to last long. Another option is hand warmers that you can put in your gloves. However, if you're looking for a longer lasting solution, we recommend a portable electric hand warmer. The Outchair hand warmer, our Muff In, for example, charges via a power bank and keeps your hands at a comfortable temperature without the need for chemical pads or bulky gloves.

Keep your head warm

Sometimes the right headgear, can make a bigger difference than the rest of your clothes combined. Because it's over your head that you cool down the most.

Have you ever thought about heating vests?

We at Outchair have just launched a new heating vest. It runs on a powerbank and provides soothing warmth through deep heat technology that keeps your body temperature constant. It's adjustable in size, water and stain resistant (remember that spilled mulled wine?), comfortable and durable. Just browse our website and make yourself extra warm this holiday season 😊