WHEN THE COMFORTING AROMAS of spiced glühwein (mulled wine), roasted chestnuts and freshly baked gingerbread begin to fill the streets of Germany, it can only mean one thing: the season of Christmas markets has arrived.
Christmas markets are a long-standing German tradition. For the four weeks of Advent leading up to Christmas, towns and villages large and small come alive as locals and visitors gather to celebrate the yuletide season. Early records of winter markets in Germany date back to at least 1310, while historians generally point to Dresden’s Striezelmarkt in 1434 as the first true Christmas market, when the town square filled with tradespeople selling handmade goods, decorations and festive treats.
Over time these markets became known as Christkindlmarkt (“Christ child market”), a name inspired by Martin Luther’s suggestion that children should receive gifts from the Christ child. The markets remained a lively place to buy handcrafted presents and seasonal foods amid carolers, bells and twinkling lights. Many contemporary markets preserve that enchanting, fairy-tale atmosphere, blending traditional crafts, regional specialties and festive entertainment.
Navigating a large Christkindlmarkt can be overwhelming without local knowledge, especially when a single market may include more than 300 stalls and there are hundreds of markets across the country. That is where a specialist guide can make a difference. Kensington Tours, a custom tour operator with more than a decade of experience, offers private, tailor-made journeys around Germany’s most celebrated Christmas markets. Their nine-day Christmas Markets of Germany tour provides a private, guided experience for travelers seeking an immersive, self-paced exploration of this seasonal tradition.
“We combine the traditional Christmas market experience with a completely tailor-made, privately guided itinerary through Berlin, Munich, Nuremberg and Dresden,” says Kathleen Doheny, vice president of marketing at Kensington Tours. “Our private tours offer an authentic, local introduction to the distinct history and culture of each destination. Clients receive an insider’s perspective and guidance to the best market stalls and hidden gems favored by locals.”
Although Kensington Tours shares a sample itinerary, each trip is customized. Destination specialists work with clients to understand their preferences so the tour can emphasize cuisine, history, art or music as desired. Whether focused on culinary discoveries, historical insights or seasonal performances, guests typically return home with full suitcases, satisfied appetites and lasting memories of participating in a centuries-old celebration.