Handmade Christmas ornaments ()
Lights twinkling above the beloved holiday stands, the Tannenbaum (Christmas tree) adorned with red and gold ornaments, the aroma of roasted chestnuts filling the air and a cup of Glühwein warming up your cold, almost numb hand — nothing puts us more in a holly, jolly mood than Germany’s famous Christmas markets. The Mainz and Wiesbaden Christmas markets in particular know just how to transform the Scrooges into Buddy the Elf.
Mainz Christmas Market Creating an atmosphere that can only be described as magical and festive, the Mainz Christmas market is set in the historical area of the city’s 1000-year-old St. Martin’s Cathedral. One hundred jovial and brightly lit stands blanket the city and provide opportunities to do some last-minute Christmas shopping or to even buy souvenirs for loved ones back home.
Considered to be the traditional cultural event, the Staatstheater Mainz will also be performing a Christmas spectacle that even Santa will be proud of!
In front of the printing shop of the Gutenberg Museum, the Mainzer Weihnachstdorf, or Christmas village, provides an option for a large group to gather in a Christmas barrel and hut surrounded by a festive campfire. Be sure to reserve early as there is a high demand.
To see more Christmas festivities sprinkled in Mainz, head to the Schillerplatz and Neubrunnenplatz to enjoy Christmas décor, lights and an overall joyous spirit.
Know before you go
Open Nov. 30- Dec. 23: Sun.- Thurs. 11 a.m. - 8.30 p.m. and Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Public transportation is best, especially if you have plans to eat, drink and be merry... with Glühwein. The Christmas market can be reached by almost all of the bus lines of the Mainz public transport company (Mainzer Mobilität).
As a gift, the city offers parking hours and you can receive a parking voucher at several shops in the city center, depending on your purchases at these shops.
Things to see outside the market
Aside from the famous cathedral where the market takes place, Mainz is also home to the Gutenberg Museum which commemorates Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press. While at the museum, go to the printing shop where visitors can print their individual Christmas cards.
If you’re a fan of Roman history, check out the Museum of Ancient Seafaring where well-preserved remains of Roman warships are waiting for their story to be told.
Haven’t had your fill of welcoming this joyous season? The Wiesbaden Christmas market, just 22 minutes away from Mainz, lets you spread Christmas cheer even more! Known as The Twinkling Star Christmas Market, or Sternschnuppenmarkt, Wiesbaden knows how to make the Yuletide gay and get us excited for that special day in December. The market, which opens on November 28, is located on the Schlossplatz between the Rathaus and the Stadtschloss. This market is so highly rated that it was voted “No. 1” in recent years. With colorfully lit stages, Christmas décor that looks like Santa’s elves have done the job and friendly vendors, it’s not hard to see why. Don’t forget to marvel at their unique display of over seventy 10-meter-high lit blue and golden lilies coming to life above the Schlossplatz!
Colorful Christmas lights should be admired from up above as well, so head to the platform of the Market Church to see festive lights and holiday displays. From there, you can even see Frankfurt’s skyline!
The Wiesbaden Ferris wheel also provides its guests with a fantastic view of the illuminated and jolly market.
Head on over to Luisenplatz with the kids and explore the Twinkling Star Children’s Market where everyone can ice skate.
Know before you go
Open from Nov. 28- Dec. 23
Originating from nearby Frankfurt, try Bethmänchen, marzipan decorated with almond slices.
To sound like a local, wish Germans a “Frohe Weihnachde und e guude Rudsch.”
Things to see outside the market
The capital of Hesse offers fun activities other than its beautiful Christmas markets, so explore Wiesbaden’s main spa building known as the Kurhaus. This neoclassical building has many art nouveau touches which can be seen in the glass dome.
A Russian Orthodox church is a rare sighting in Germany, but the golden onion domes of St. Elizabeth’s Church on Neroberg hill are worth a visit. Inside the church, you can view the elaborate Grand Duchess Elizabeth Mikhalovna’s tomb.
If your children enjoy the zoo, treat them to the Tier und Pflanzenpark Fasanerie. The hunting lodge, built in the 1740s, also houses a restaurant as well as exotic specimens such as Spanish fir, the thickest sequoia in Germany and wild boar, barn owls and other creatures.
