• Christmas Markets: In many towns in Germany and Austria, the holiday season is opened with the traditional Christmas Market or Weihnachtsmarkt, selling food, drink, and seasonal items from open-air stalls, accompanied by traditional singing and dancing.

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• Krampus: December 5th is known as Krampusnacht, or Krampus Night, the night before St. Nicholas Day. In contrast to St. Nicholas rewarding children with sweets on December 6th, Krampus swats “wicked” children and takes them away to his lair. You can catch a glimpse of Krampus at our Market.

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• Gluhwein: Gluhwein is a traditional German mulled wine combined with spices, red wine and citrus fruits. It’s served warm and sold at German Christmas Markets, a perfect beverage to keep you warm during the winter.

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• Gingerbread Hearts: Lebkuchen is a traditional German cookie usually baked for Christmas. It is a gingerbread cookie, made with molasses and full of warm spices. These round or heart-shaped cookies can be found at Christmas Markets often hanging from market stalls. People put the cookies around their necks and display the endearing and humorous messages written in icing. Get your own lebkuchen at our sweets booth.

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• Roasted Nuts: Roasted nuts are a German specialty that can be found at every Christmas Market. Germany is one of the largest producers of nuts in Europe and is widely celebrated throughout the country. Get your own bag of roasted nuts at our events.

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• Incense Smokers: Many years ago, the Erzgebirge Mountains in Germany were mined for gold, tin ore and other minerals. The people working in the mines during the day would often be found crafting wooden toy figurines at night. Smokers became something the miners made. They usually resembled figurines of the people who lived and worked there, such as mailmen, fishermen, shepherds and even the village people themselves. The smokers are used to burn incense, which has historically been used during important events to ward off evil spirits. Authentic, imported German Smokers are available for sale at our Christmas Market.

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• Christmas Market Mugs: Collectible mugs are a cherished tradition at German Christmas Markets. Each year, we release specially designed mugs, featuring festive items like gingerbread men, nutcrackers, Santa’s boot and more. Visitors can purchase these mugs and fill them with warm drinks like glühwein (mulled wine) or hot cocoa, and many keep them as souvenirs, adding to their collections over the years. 

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Discover the German traditions and festive inspiration behind this holiday event. Read more on our blog!