Germany top 5: Post-Christmas markets

When you just can’t get enough of the magic that comes with the holiday season, there are still markets in full swing after Christmas day. Check out these five markets to keep the season alive long after the gifts have been ripped open!

Winter World, Berlin

Visit the Potsdamer Platz from Nov. 1, - Jan. 5, to experience Berlin’s largest winter sports center with Europe's largest mobile toboggan run, ice skating rink and curling. The toboggan run is 230 feet long and 39 feet high, while the ice skating rink is over 5,000 square feet. This is a great area for kids who want to take free skating lessons on Saturdays or Sundays. Open 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily, Christmas Eve until 2 p.m. Admission and ice rink use are free, toboggan run is 1.50 euros.

Fairytale Christmas Market, Kassel

Inspired by the Brothers Grimm, this fairytale market will focus on “Little Red Riding Hood” from Nov. 25 - Dec. 30. Throughout the market, you’ll find odes to the story added to the traditional holiday decorations. Children will love the Heaven Workshop, where they can tinker, paint and craft to their heart’s desire. Wander through Königs, Friedrichs and Opernplatz at a market that has been celebrated since 1767! On Thursdays at 6 p.m. take a guided tour of the market and the former royal residence. A hot drink is included in the tour price of 11 euros. Admission to the market is free and is open daily from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. The food stands are open until 10 p.m. Closed Dec. 24-26.

Bogenhauser Christmas Magic Forest, Munich

The area of Cosimabad is transformed into a magical Christmas forest from Nov. 22, - Jan. 6. Here you’ll find unique jewelry, wooden figures, ceramics and handcrafted lamps amongst brightly-lit pagodas. Don’t miss visiting one of the larger tents for the integrated Glühwein Festival that offers 25 different mulled wines, varying from alcohol-free to organic. Open Monday - Thursday from 3 p.m. - 9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 10 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m. - 10 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. Holiday hours vary. Admission is free.

Christmas Market, Berchtesgaden

Situated in the Bavarian Alps, this market could not be in a more beautiful setting. The village charm alone is enough to draw visitors in. Add some holiday cheer and you’re in for a truly magical time while you take in the views of the snow-covered mountains and browse through Christmas decorations. Here you’ll find original Berchtesgaden Christmas tree decorations crafted in the spirit of centuries-old, folk-art traditions. Check out a performance by the local brass ensemble in front of the royal castle or view the live nativity scene. Go for a horse-drawn carriage ride or just listen to merry carolers singing songs of joy and peace. Open Nov. 28 - Dec. 31. Open daily until Dec. 23 from 12 - 8 p.m., on Dec. 26 from 12 - 6 p.m., Dec. 24 and 31 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Closed Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11 and 25. Admission is free.  

New Year’s Market, Speyer

Located in front of the Alten Münze (Old Mint) on Maximilianstrasse, this quaint New Year’s Market basks in the glory of the imperial cathedral Kaiserdom. From Jan. 1 - 6, you can browse festively decorated wooden stalls hosted by eight towns, watch artists and craftsmen at work and shop until you find the perfect trinket. Behind the stalls are beautiful pastel-colored gabled houses, cafes and boutiques. Feast on roasted almonds, bratwurst, gingerbread cookies and mulled wine. Open daily from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., closed Dec. 25 - 26. Admission is free. If you’ve got extra time, stroll along the Rhine River or visit the cathedral, which is the oldest of three remaining Romanesque cathedrals in Germany. If you want to get out of the cold, find a wine tavern and enjoy some regional specialties.

Market Tip: If you plan on visiting during New Year’s, the market is open on New Year’s Eve from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. and New Year’s Day from 1 - 9 p.m.

Don’t let the spirit of Christmas fade on the night of Dec. 25. Visit any one of these delightful markets for traditional cuisine, a special trinket or some family-friendly activities to keep the celebration going.