How not to get lost in the splendor of German Christmas markets and visit the best of them? Here is a ranking of the most beautiful and interesting Christmas markets.

Striezelmarkt, Dresden

The tradition of the Striezelmarkt Christmas market dates back to the Middle Ages. The first such market in Dresden was established in 1434. This Christmas market in Germany is considered the oldest. Two and a half hundred tents are located on the Dresden square. Toys made by craftsmen and handmade jewelry can be purchased in the market. Guests of Dresden will be surprised by the huge Christmas pyramid. The traditional symbol of Christmas with a height of 14.62 meters was made by the masters of the Ore Mountains.

Christmas market in Leipzig

By “age” the Leipzig holiday market (Leipziger Weihnachtsmarkt) is considered the second after Dresden. Since 1458, it opens onto Marktplatz and the neighboring streets. In the square there are decorated shopping stalls, and in the center stands a twenty-meter tree. The Zum Arabischen Coffe Baum coffee shop offers famous almond sweets. However, the Leipzig market is not famous only  for the  treats!

Here is beautiful music. From the balcony of the Town Hall guests are welcomed by trumpeters. In the temple of St. Thomas, you can hear the wonderful singing of the choir of boys, existing since 1212, - the famous band Thomanerchor, who performed in ancient times under the direction of the great maestro Bach.

Augsburg Holiday Market

This fair is more than five centuries old. The Lebzelter bakery, an Augsburg-based gingerbread producer, decided on Christmas Eve in 1498 to conduct a festive sale of its pastries. The idea was supported by many Augsburg merchants. By decision of the city council, a draw was held to distribute the trading places. The same tents lined up on Town Hall Square. Thus opened the first Christmas market (Augsburger Christkindlesmarkt) in the history of the city.

Since then, every year on the eve of the holiday, Town Hall Square blooms with bright tents. Gingerbread cookies, all kinds of sweets, candles and souvenirs are sold at Rathausplatz, on Luther Square and along Maximilianstrasse. At the fountain of Mercury, children's attractions are located.

The performance of Augsburger Engelesspie is the highlight of the celebration. On Fridays and weekends, at 6 pm sharp, 24 girls (Augsburg angels) appear on the facade of the city hall. "Angels" play musical instruments, standing on the windowsills and steps of the building, turning the city hall into a giant Christmas calendar.

Erfurt Market on Cathedral Square

The beautiful old mansions and half-timbered houses of Erfurt provide a fabulous backdrop for the Christmas holiday. The center of the holiday is Cathedral Square. Here the main attributes are set: a huge spruce, a high 12-meter pyramid, a Christmas manger with fourteen figures carved by hand. Two hundred wooden tents stand in the square - they sell souvenirs.

Christmas market in Cologne

Several holiday fairs are opening in Cologne (Köln). The main bazaar near Cologne Cathedral becomes the stage for New Year's performances. One and a half hundred tents are trading on the square. At the Rudolfplatz, there is the “Fairy Tale World” market, and the famous medieval fair is held in front of the Chocolate Museum.

In addition to the huge bazaar on the square is the largest ice rink in Germany with artificial ice.