As a Christmas gift to you, our readers, we’re sharing the joy of Christmas markets in Germany. And what a joy those markets were!
Our Viking river cruise, “Christmas Along the Elbe,” altered its itinerary as cities closed markets unexpectedly due to an increase in the number of Covid cases. But even without the promised markets such as the one in Dresden, we were treated to four other locales brimming with talented craftsmen, smiling vendors, and fabulous food and wine. So we bring you our favorites from Dessau and Magdeburg.
Christmas is the day that holds all time together.
Alexandria Smith
Dessau
Dessau’s market — although one of the smallest we saw — was packed even mid-day. The main reason? An appeal to all ages. With a ferris wheel, car tracks, and skating rink, Dessau welcomed adults as well as active youngsters who cared less about the shops but loved the rides. Yet the adults — tourists included — were drawn to little pop-up shops boasting Christmas goodies. We learned about German smokers (they burn incense and blow out the smoke!) and wooden cut-out scenes that cast a soft glow when placed in home windows. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Christmas market without food and drink. And so we sampled German sausages and sipped gluhwein (a mulled wine, of sorts) served in its own take-home mug. Dessau was truly a market for all.
Magdeburg
At the night market in Magdeburg, guests were greeted by a show of falling snowflakes on the façade of Magdeburg Cathedral. And then welcomed to the shops and eateries inside.
After showing proof of vaccinations and picture ID (required at all German markets), we roamed the magical Magdeburg Night Market. A ferris wheel similar to the one in Dessau looked even more enticing here in Magdeburg as it lit up the night. Temporary Christmas shops against a backdrop of historical buildings became a not-soon-to-be-forgotten memory as anything lighted showed up beautifully. From little paper houses to German candle-lit scenes, Christmas markets after dark took on a whole new meaning.
Here’s hoping you’ve enjoyed our tour through two small but wondrous towns along the Elbe. We’ll share the magic of Hannover and Berlin markets in our next post.
Until then, may the blessings of Christmas be with you all year long, no matter where you live.
Travel the world,
Rusha and Bert
Forestwood
I still treasure my Xmas market cup from Munich and I can still remember the taste of the gluhwein. Wonderful to see these markets as well via your photos.
Oh, the Places We See
We brought our cups home with us! Great memories!!
Forestwood
Indeed!
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Amy
Ooh… what a fabulous trip. Wonderful photos of these markets!
Oh, the Places We See
Although it was cold and we had limited time, we made the most of it. Saw lots. Met many nice merchants. Would love a return trip next Christmas!
Amy
💖💗
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Camelids
Glad to see that the markets were open in some German towns, and hope you enjoyed Magdeburg. I went to Dessau only to see the Bauhaus-related sights, I don’t recall seeing much else but I know there’s an old marktplatz. Anyway, hope it was fun – and the rest of the journey of course.
Oh, the Places We See
We loved this trip — for the scenery and history as much as the markets. Would love a return trip with guides. So much to learn!
gallivance.net
How wonderful, Rusha and Bert! We visited Dessau in the summer when we lived in Berlin, but seeing it transformed for the Christmas Market is a real treat! I remember the “Smokers” and always delighted in them as a kid. And Magdeburg looks charming. How was your experience traveling internationally? I know how much you two love a good cruise, and it looks like you found a great one with flexibility given the Covid climate.
So sorry that I haven’t been around much lately. I nearly lost my youngest sister earlier this year and I’ve been helping with her recovery. I want to thank you and Bert for all you do for this blogging community – your posts are always positive and enthusiastic, wrapped in great writing! You’re always a joy to read. Wishing you all the very best in the New Year. ~Terri
Oh, the Places We See
Your words mean so much to us. We have a long way to go to match your creativity and quality, but we love sharing what we’ve seen with four readers.
So sorry to hear of your sister’s challenges, but she is fortunate to have you by her side.
Please continue setting the gold standard for the blogging community. And may your new year bring good health and some happy surprises.
pam@ichoosethis
This looks fantastic!!!!
Nancy Stanley
This was a gift! Loved seeing the markets through your lens. So intrigued by the lighted paper houses. Thank you for sharing with all of us. ❤️🎄💚
WanderingCanadians
These look like such charming Christmas markets. What a lovely picture of the two of you. Hope you had a merry Christmas and are enjoying the rest of your holidays.
Oh, the Places We See
We’ve had a wonderful Christmas, and we really did enjoy the markets in Germany. Now I know why Europeans look fondly toward the arrival of them each year. Here’s hoping there are many great hikes in your future. Happy New Year!
Grammy Writes
The photos are great! A late Merry Christmas to you, and happy travels ahead!
Oh, the Places We See
Here’s hoping Covid takes a back seat so we can all travel.
Pat
Wishing you many safe and happy travel experiences in the coming year – and the joy of revisiting past travels through your archive of photographs and posts.
Oh, the Places We See
Thank you so much. And best wishes for an interesting year ahead!
thehungrytravellers.blog
Merry Christmas guys (bit late, sorry!)
Oh, the Places We See
It’s always a good time to wish people a Merry Christmas. The good will lasts throughout the year.
thehungrytravellers.blog
Very true!
Pit
I’v enever been to Christmas markets in the former GDR,, so thanks for taking me there.
Marry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you, too,
Pit
Oh, the Places We See
Merry Christmas to you and yours. And if you get the opportunity, do go. It’s quite nice!
Pit
🙂
tappjeanne
Love your pics of Christmas markets – so colorful! Merry Christmas to you Bert and Rusha!
Oh, the Places We See
Hope you enjoy the play (You may have seen it, not sure). Bill told us you had tickets. I’m insanely jealous, but happy for you and Michael. Tell him that many people, us included, wish him a speedy recovery.
philosophy through photography
Thank you for the rich information.
Love the Magdeburg Cathedral.
Lovely clicks
Thanks for sharing.
Merry Christmas ☃️🌲
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much for your continued support. Best wishes for a great holiday season and new year.
philosophy through photography
You are welcome friends
philosophy through photography
Welcome my friends.
Happy holidays.
Rebecca Cuningham
Wonderful markets. Looks like such fun! Merry Christmas!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks fir checking out the markets with us. Hope Christmas and the New Year are good for you.
Rebecca Cuningham
Thanks, you too! Buy any ornaments?
Oh, the Places We See
Bought several — all little wooden cut-out ones. We love German Christmas things!!
Rebecca Cuningham
They have beautiful crafts. The stars made of wheat and grass I bought 30 years ago still hold together!
Toonsarah
I’m glad some of the markets were open, at least. Magdeburg looks especially lovely!
Oh, the Places We See
It WAS lovely! But they all are. And all the ones we saw were different. Yet unique. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Toonsarah
Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄
Sue
Oh, marvellous, Rusha! Wishing you and Bert peaceful, happy Christmas
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks fir the Christmas wishes. It’s fun to have the spirit of the season no matter where we live.
Sue
Absolutely!