Have you ever been to the famed Christmas Markets in Europe? It should be on your bucket list because there's nothing like it anywhere else and CP Travel Ambassador Dawn Androsky, who has been going for the past 22 years, has all the tips and tricks on where to go to make the most of it!
What specific cities and /or countries did you visit? We landed in Frankfurt, Germany and visited Christmas markets in the local area (Hanau and Michaelstadt) before driving to Aachen, Germany; then to Metz, France; onto Heidelberg, Germany and then back to Frankfurt.
What was your favorite memory from this trip? Our favorite memory was finally being able to visit Aachen’s Christmas market and discovering the fascinating history of the town, cathedrals and printens. The Aachen cathedral is one of the oldest Roman Catholic cathedrals (built 790-800) and was utilized for ~ 30 German King’s coronations and Emperor Charlemagne’s burial. The vibrant Christmas market had the cathedral as a stunning backdrop with Giant Printens (local gingerbread) displays throughout the square.
Top excursions and landmarks/sites to visit:
Were there any standout restaurants or foodie must-haves on this trip? In our travels all over the world, we seek out coffee shops that have great coffee, good company and hand made (not machine) cappuccinos. Our top coffee spots this trip were:
Aachen: Maqii – Pontdriesch 17 roasts coffee in the store. Walk up service with limited hours, but well worth the stop. Leni Liebt Kaffee Buchkremer Strasse 6 – small café with great breakfast. Hanau: Coffee Bay For an authentic German meal in Frankfurt, visit the Romer Pils Brunnen Tongesgasse 19. They carry everything from goose breast and red cabbage to escargot. For great French baguettes and beignets in Metz, France, visit La Boulangerie M&M Dudot. For quality service and food (or just a drink by the fire) in Aachen, choose Restaurant Elisenbrunnen at Fredrick-Wilhelm-Platz 14.
How would you describe the people and culture of this destination? Any interesting cultural lessons? I was born in Metz, France and raised in Germany so I feel at home in Europe. We have been going to the Christmas Markets for 22 years (we didn’t make it in 2020) and have visited markets in France, Germany, and Austria. We love their joie de vivre, zest for life and love of outdoors that we get to experience year after year. With all the great things in the United States, we can’t seem to be able to replicate German Ditsch pretzels, French baguettes or European creamy butter – which is probably good for my waistline.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about this destination? Each local Christmas market normally has their own food specialties. In Frankfurt, it is the grilled pork steaks; in Hanau, it was sauteed kidneys; in Aachen, it was printen (gingerbread like cookies sweetened with sugar beets); and in Metz, it was everything Mirabelle (a small light orange plum fruit famous in the Lorraine region).
Top 5 Tips and recommendations for this trip:
What makes this destination a must-see in your opinion? Christmas markets are the way to totally immerse yourself into the local culture and celebration of the season. Each one has familiarity (e.g., stalls with quality decorations, leatherware and food) but also uniqueness (e.g., local fare and historic cathedrals).
Additional thoughts and insights? Every year, our itinerary is different. We visit different markets and region of Europe and learn from the locals. We are planning to bring a group on a Christmas Market cruise next year. We are finding so many people want to experience the markets and have this adventure on their bucket list.
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