5 tips for making the most of your first Christmas Market trip

At the weekends in December, tourists flock to the Christmas markets held in Germany, Austria and other European countries. The markets are so popular because of the incredibly festive atmosphere and the fact that you can purchase Christmas-themed food, drink and gifts for affordable prices. I’ve recently come back from a weekend in Munich, which was my first Christmas market trip. Whilst we were away, I started to think of a list of tips that would’ve been helpful to know ahead of my first trip to a Christmas market. Therefore, today’s post is exactly that: advice about how to make the most of your Christmas market trip, if you’re visiting one for the first time.

1. Research traditional Christmas market food before you go.

We found that the majority of market stall menus are written in the local language. It’s handy if you know what some of the food offerings are in advance, so that you don’t order something that you wouldn’t like.

2. Take a camera with you that can capture photos well in the dark.

The markets are extra special in the evenings, but it’s harder to take photos then. Phone cameras don’t capture the markets well at night, so I highly recommend that you take a digital camera with you!

3. Wrap up warm and wear lots of layers.

December is a cold month and the markets are all outside, so scarves, hats and gloves are absolute necessities for a Christmas market trip.

4. Plan some other activities for during the day, as the markets are more of an evening activity.

During the day is when you should explore more of the particular city that you are visiting. The markets are best in the evening, so I’d recommend doing some sightseeing until it gets dark outside.

5. Take a map with you and mark on it all of the different Christmas markets that are scattered across the city centre.

The big markets are most popular, but sometime the smaller ones that are in different locations are the most authentic.

If you’ve never been to a Christmas market, I’d totally recommend it! The food is delicious, the festive atmosphere is infectious and there are so many unique gifts on the market stalls, if you’re looking to purchase some extra special Christmas presents this year. Christmas is a huge deal in Germany, Austria and other central European countries, so you’re bound to have a festive experience like no other, if you take a trip to one of the Christmas markets!