rewind.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…
As the festive season approaches, the allure of Christmas markets comes alive. From the cobbled streets of Vienna to the bustling squares of Chicago, these enchanting markets are a hallmark of holiday celebrations worldwide. Twinkling lights, warm mulled wine, and the enticing aroma of roasted chestnuts create a magical atmosphere, inviting families and friends to gather, shop, and revel in the spirit of Christmas. At their heart, Christmas markets are about more than commerce — they foster community spirit and festive joy. They serve as spaces where traditions are passed down, connections are made, and memories are created.
But where did these beloved markets originate? And how did they evolve into the vibrant cultural tradition we cherish today?
Origins of Christmas Markets
The roots of Christmas markets, known as Weihnachtsmärkte in German, trace back to medieval Europe. Historians often credit Vienna, Austria as the birthplace of this tradition, where Duke Albrecht I authorized a December fair in 1298. However, these early markets were less about Christmas and more about providing winter necessities such as meat and baked goods.
The first markets directly associated with the festive season emerged in Germany. In 1348, the King of Bohemia granted butchers permission to sell meat in the lead up to Christmas. Among the earliest and most famous markets is Dresden’s Striezelmarkt, established in 1434. It takes its name from Striezel, a type of fruit bread now known as Stollen. Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, first recorded in 1628, remains a similarly celebrated destination.
The Evolution of Christmas Markets
The transformation of these markets into cherished Christmas traditions owes much to Martin Luther. The Protestant reformer proposed shifting the exchange of gifts from December 6th (St. Nicholas’ Day) to December 25th, to emphasize Christ’s birth. This change aligned with the rise of Christkindlmarkts, ‘Christ-child markets’, often located near churches to encourage worship and service attendance. And so the modern-day Christmas market was born.
From Germany, the tradition spread to other German-speaking regions, including parts of Italy, Switzerland, and France, due to the reach of the Holy Roman Empire. By the 17th and 18th centuries, these markets became a central part of European life, selling not only essentials but also handcrafted goods, toys, and festive treats — vital local economic hubs. Regulations regarding their location and duration were established, with notable examples in Berlin (1750) and Frankfurt (1869). In fact, many other Christmas customs such as Advent wreaths, gingerbread from monks’ recipes and Christmas Trees derive from Germany. Most importantly, it was Queen Charlotte and her granddaughter’s husband, Prince Albert, who are credited in popularising the Christmas tree in England.
The Industrial Revolution marked a turning point in the history of the Christmas market. Improved living standards and the burgeoning middle class expanded the audience for Christmas markets, transforming them into hubs of seasonal commerce. However, competition from emerging retail businesses led to a decline in their popularity by the late 19th century.
Twentieth-Century Revival
Ironically, the resurgence of Christmas markets in the 20th century is linked to the Nazi regime and their political objectives. In the 1930s, the markets were co-opted as symbols of German heritage and unity. Strict guidelines dictated that vendors sell only traditional Christmas items, such as tree ornaments, gingerbread (Lebkuchen), and toys. In 1936, Berlin’s main Christmas market attracted an impressive two million visitors. Despite their co-optation for political purposes, the essence of the markets was preserved.
After World War II, the post-war economic boom and the rise of consumerism gave Christmas markets a new lease of life. By the 1960s and 1970s, they had regained their status as a cherished annual tradition. The first German-style Christmas market in the UK appeared in Lincoln in 1982, followed by the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market in 1997. These events proved wildly popular, cementing the markets’ place in the modern festive landscape.
Festive Customs and Cultural Significance
Christmas markets offer more than shopping: they are immersive cultural experiences steeped in history and tradition. Many markets retain their Bavarian charm, featuring wooden stalls adorned with greenery, fairy lights, and handcrafted decorations such as candles, glass ornaments and nutcrackers. Vendors sell a delightful array of treats, from Bratwurst (sausages) to Christstollen (fruit bread), Glühwein (mulled wine) and festive pastries.
Festive markets also celebrate local customs and crafts. In Nuremberg, for example, visitors can find Zwetschgenmännle — charming figurines made from dried prunes. The Strasbourg market highlights Alsatian specialties, while Vienna’s markets are famous for their elegant decorations and classical music performances. Most importantly, Christmas markets continue to offer a sense of community togetherness and unity.
Global Tradition
Today, Christmas markets are celebrated across a diverse range of countries, each with its unique flavour:
Vienna boasts the largest Christmas market in the world, with its Rathausplatz transforming into a glittering wonderland.
Switzerland hosts the highest-altitude market in Europe, set in the snowy Alps.
Barcelona surprises visitors with its unusual Fira de Santa Llúcia, featuring nativity scenes and the quirky caganer figurine.
Singapore lights up the brightest market, blending traditional European elements with modern LED displays.
Words for Your Wanderlust
Impress the locals at your next Christmas market visit with these German terms:
Zwetschgenmännle: Figurines made of decorated prunes
Gebrannte Mandeln: Candied almonds
Lebkuchen: Gingerbread
Bratwurst: Grilled sausage
Glühwein: Mulled wine
Eierpunsch: A warm egg-based drink similar to eggnog
Bibliography
5 Minute History, ‘A Brief History of Chistmas Markets’ (n.d.), <https://fiveminutehistory.com/a-brief-history-of-christmas-markets/#> [Last accessed 17 December 2024]
Djinis, Elizabeth, ‘A brief history of Christmas markets’ (2022), The Smithsonian Magazine<https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/a-brief-history-of-christmas-markets-180981308/> [Last accessed 17 December 2024]
McKeever, Amy, ‘The surprisingly sordid history of Germany’s Christmas markets’ (2022), National Geographic< https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/german-christmas-markets-nazis-tradition> [Last accessed 17 December 2024]
Wilson, Antonia, ‘A brief history of Christmas markets’ (2018), The Guardian <https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2018/nov/29/a-brief-history-of-christmas-markets> [Last accessed 17 December 2024]