Courtesy of Victoria Larson; Principal, VKLarsonCommunications; Publisher, www.sideofculture.com
What captures your imagination? Medieval or modern, baroque or family fun? Southwest Germany’s Christmas markets cater to all. Find them on historic squares and in monasteries, in castles and nestled in the woods. Sip mulled wine, nibble tasty treats, buy one-of-a-kind crafts that are perfect for gifts. For many people, the Advent season is one of the most beautiful times of the year. No matter where you are in Southwest Germany, fresh air mixes with the aroma of mulled wine, roasted almonds and warm chestnuts. In addition to the large Christmas markets, there are also numerous smaller markets with a special atmosphere to discover. The Christmas markets around Lake Constance combine traditions and delicacies from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein.
The short distances between the different places make it possible to visit many different Christmas markets across national borders. The Black Forest has 150 Christmas markets alone and each town’s market has its own personality, events and handicrafts. Stuttgart, the state capital, has a beautiful and enormous Christmas market complete with choirs, Christmas fair for children, and beautifully decorated stalls.
Musical and Artistic Advent Delights in the Black Forest
Nicknamed the “Singing Christmas Tree,” the choir members will stand on several levels of an approximately 60 foot high “Christmas Tree” in front of the historic Abbey backdrop between the Elztal Museum and in the Organ City” of from December 8 to 17, 2023 www.singender-weihnachtsbaum.de.
In the town of Gengenbach, the town hall is transformed into the “world’s largest Advent calendar house.” This year, they will present from November 30 to December 23, the “paradisiacal” motifs of Olaf Hajek, one of the most renowned contemporary German illustrators at 6 pm every day. www.gengenbach.info
In Karlsruhe, an interplay of artistic light figures, fairytale-like light scenarios and dreamlike illuminations creates the “Christmas Garden.” This special creation is a just over one mile long circular route through the park landscape of the Zoologischer Stadtgarten from November 23, 2023 to January 7, 2024 from 5 to 10 pm.www.christmas-garden.de/karlsruhe
Gorges and Waterfalls of the Black Forest Highlands
Opening on November 24, the Christmas market in the Ravenna Gorge, at the foot of the Höllental Viaduct, is surrounded by mystical forests. Close by, the Triberg Waterfalls will also be transformed into a romantic winter setting from December 25 to 30, 2023 (2 p.m. to 9 p.m.): One million lights will shine on the “Triberg Christmas Magic.”
Five times each day, a spectacular fire show with music is put on show for visitors. The crowning glory is a breathtaking fireworks display, full of light and accompanied by music – from December 27 to 30, daily at 9 p.m. www.triberger-weihnachtszauber.de
Also, on December 10 and 17, 2023 (each at 2 p.m.), a guided tour starts at the Kurhaus Hinterzarten and leads over small root paths and wooden walkways into the deep gorge. www.original-landreisen.de
Lakeside Christmas Markets, Christmas Cruises and Botanical Garden Delight
Fairytale Christmas markets directly on the lakeshore or in historic old towns, Christmas experiences in festively decorated castles or on exclusive ships – all this and much more awaits visitors to the four-country region of Lake Constance (aka the Bodensee). White passenger ships sail back and forth connecting visitors to different Christmas markets around the Bodensee. “Cast off” is the motto for the numerous winter boat tours, which can be ideally combined with a visit to the Christmas market around Lake Constance. During the cruise passengers can enjoy the wintry landscape and enjoy a cup of coffee and a delicious cake.
From November 30 to December 23, the Lakeside Christmas Market Constance and the Christmas ship located in the harbour invite you to enjoy the shoreline scene and ambience from the water. The winterscape on the garden island of Mainau is unparalleled and supported by the local traditions and the
from Nov 21, 2023 to Jan 7, 2024. The New Castle in Tettnang offers traditional delicacies and live Christmas music in front of a historic castle. The Christmas market is open from 01 to 03 December and from 08 to 10 December. The Lindau Harbor Christmas market has a beautiful backdrop of the Alps shimmering in the distance. https://www.bodensee.eu/en/what-to-do/culture/christmas-markets
Southwest Germany’s Christmas Cookies to Make at Home
It is well-known that Baden-Württemberg is a great place for culinary delights. This is especially true during the Christmas season. In the winter months, the bakeries are very busy places: Kneading and shaping, rolling and cutting are the order of the day. And the sweet flavour of star anise and cinnamon wafts over everything.
The Spitzbuben, also known as Hildabrötchen, have a long tradition. They originally come from southern Germany and are named after the Grand Duchess Hilda von Nassau, the last Grand Duchess of Baden. Springerle are the hard aniseed-flavoured biscuits that can be eaten but are also used as decoration in cafés, restaurants and even on Christmas trees! The dough is made of eggs, flour and sugar; wooden moulds, carved in medieval patterns, scenes and figures. Moulds are sold in the Christmas markets and make a nice souvenir.
Hutzelbrot is a traditional Christmas pastry and used to be prepared especially in farmer families. Hutzeln are the halved, dried fruits of an old pear variety, also called Hutzel pear. The term “hutzelig” means something like “wrinkled” in Swabia and thus aptly describes the appearance of the dried pears. Dambedei: he is tan and has many names but he is made of yeast and every child recognizes it immediately by its characteristic appearance. With a pointed head, raisin eyes, almond mouth and the button placket made of nuts.
Last but Definitely not Least: Lebkuchen and Gluehwein/Mulled Wine
Lebkuchen has a nice story in SouthWest Germany. Of course, everyone eats Lebkuchen in Germany (recipes vary from region to region) especially at the holiday time. What is interesting however is that there is a Lebkuchen trail in the Black Forest and it is part of the culinary tradition of a little village called Todtmoos. In the past, in addition to the bakers, it was the local women who earned extra income with Lebkuchen. The Todtmoos women baked the delicious and durable gingerbread in their home ovens and sold it at the pilgrimage stands next to the steep climb to the church. The so-called gingerbread women then bought hundreds of gingerbreads from the local bakers and brought them to the poor areas of the Black Forest. They were welcome there, because they brought the Christmas scent as well as the popular Christmas biscuits into the house.
Mulled wine is very popular drink during the winter season in Southwest Germany. Try out our recipe to enjoy it yourself or with friends and family as it is a delicious holiday treat! There are many different versions, so you may want to add some ingredients of your own and call it your home brew.
Ingredients
- 500ml wine
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 orange sliced
- ½ lemon sliced
- 5 juniper berries
- 2 star of anise
- 10 cloves
- 1 cup/200g sugar
Preparations
- Combine all ingredients in a pot and give them a quick stir.
- Heat until the wine just barely reaches a simmer over medium-high heat. (Don’t cook too hot — you don’t want to boil off the alcohol.)
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the wine simmer for at least 15 minutes.
- Use a fine mesh strainer, remove and discard the orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise and ginger.
- Serve warm in heatproof mugs, topped with your favorite garnishes. Enjoy!
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