Germany has announced the launch of a variety of exceptional activities and events during the festive season to provide tourists from all over the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) with the opportunity to visit and enjoy its winter climate, experience the Christmas markets, visit many attractions and celebrate St. Nicholas Day in snow-covered conditions.
Germany’s tourist destinations vary to include unique castles and magnificent cities that grow more beautiful with low temperatures and the arrival of winter to give its own and distinctive character to ancient monuments. From mid-November to early next year, major German cities such as Nuremberg, Berlin, Stuttgart, Munich, Cologne and more will be filled with twinkling lights, live music and more.
This year, Germany is strengthening its pursuit of sustainability through the adoption of sustainable practices, as well as the promotion of locally sourced organic products.
Visitors also have the opportunity to enjoy many eco-friendly winter experiences outside the Christmas villages, such as snow walks, torchlight hikes and various Christmas traditions.
The most prominent festive markets are held in Germany’s most famous cities, such as the Christkindlsmarkt in Nuremberg from 1 to 24 December and home to more than 200 local small businesses famous for making gingerbread cakes known as the Lipkochen, the Weinachts Zauper market on Berlin’s beautiful Gendarmenmarkt from 27 November to 31 December, the Wintertraum market in Stuttgart from 29 November to 23 December, which is located directly in front of Schlossplatz, as well as the Eid Market. Christmas in Munich takes place from November 27 to December 24 in the Marienplatz square decorated with a large Christmas tree and illuminated by 2,500 lamps. In Cologne, the Heinzl Wintermerchen market takes place from 27 November to 24 December in front of the Gothic Cathedral and consists of two parts, the old market and the new market, which features a huge open-air ice rink.
The International Christmas Market in Essen takes place from 17 November to 23 December, featuring twinkling lights, fun toys and handmade products from countries as diverse as Peru and Brazil.
In addition to Christmas markets, many winter festivals are held in Germany, such as the Tübingen Chocolate Festival, the largest of its kind in Germany, which takes place from December 5 to 10, and the Stolen Festival in Dresden on December 9, which celebrates the centuries-old traditional German methods of bread and pastry making. The magnificent Toulwood Winter Festival in Munich takes place from 23 November to 31 December, which includes circus performances, live music and a variety of entertainment, and the Circus Krone Festival in Munich from 25 December to 7 April, which offers great entertainment for the whole family. Running from November 17 to January 14, the Christmas Garden Festival at the Berlin Botanical Garden is the perfect festive destination to enjoy the winter atmosphere with gorgeous lights and hot chocolate stalls.