The Christmas markets are officially open, not only throughout Germany, but also in several other central European towns. It is a wonderful traditional Christmas custom, as the decorated towns become even more beautiful, with endless food and wine, lasting usually one month, from the end of November until 24/12.
The Christmas Market of Augsburg is considered one of the oldest and most picturesque in Germany, and in case you decide to visit this impressive Renaissance town before Christmas, you will have the chance to wander around a fairy tale historical center, full of the delightful smells of mulled wine and grilled sausages.
Follow me to the magical «Augsburg Christkindlesmarkt»!
The most important market is the central one in Rathausplatz (the central Town Hall square).
In front of the imposing Town Hall and the high Perlach Tower, this central Christmas market is always crowded, since it is the main spot to find the Christmas tree with the nativity scene, the Pyramid of the Angels and dozens of wooden stalls, selling decoration and Christmas stuff, grilled sausages and local food, cookies, sweet delights, drinks and of course, the famous mulled wine (Glühwein).
The opening ceremony is a very impressive show, presenting the Angel performance, where 24 angels appear on the balcony and windows of the stunning baroque Town Hall, playing classical music using instruments like the harp, the flute and the pipe.
Moritzplatz has its own small X-mas market, mainly for children, with a big carousel and a couple of stalls for food and drink.
Even if it is not exactly a typical Christmas market, the traditional old housing complex of Fuggerei is worth visiting, to feel like being in the Middle Ages just for a while. Locals decorate the windows and doors of their houses, the narrow streets are dimly lit by candles, and some of the residents, dressed in traditional costumes, walk around the place holding lanterns. There is a small wooden stall close to the entrance, where they serve grilled meat, warm soups and mulled wine. If you want to enjoy your lunch there, you can sit in the wooden patio or in the small garden around the bonfire.
Smaller X-mas markets and lots of stalls are placed in several other parts of the historical city center, such as the Fuggerplatz & Martin-Luther-Platz (two central squares) and just outside of the City Gallery Mall.
One of the most exciting Christmas customs here in Augsburg is the “Fairytale Street”.
Moving puppets are placed in the shop windows of some central stores representing scenes from different stories each year. Last year we traveled in the magical world of the brothers Grimm’s fairy tales, together with the Red Riding Hood, the Puss in Boots and many others we hadn’t heard of until then. It is actually a very unique and impressive idea that attracts both children and adults every day.
The Angel Performance
Red Riding Hood
Push in Boots
DO NOT MISS:
Climbing up the 261 steps of the imposing Perlach Tower, you will have the chance to enjoy the best panoramic view of the town and the glowing X-mas market from 70m. Best time to be there is about 16.00-16.30 to catch the last daylight and view the sunset. Time schedule for the Advent: Thur – Sun: 14.00-18.00.
The photos of this post were taken during the last year’s Christmas Market in 2015.
For further information about the program 2016 you can visit the official page: http://augsburgerchristkindlesmarkt.com/?lang=en
