What could be more romantic than Christmas?
... Christmas in one of the Romantic Cities!
Christmas is, quite rightfully, the season of goodwill and this festive tradition is nothing but heart-warming. Known as ‘Christbaumloben’ (Christmas tree praise), many Germans like to visit the houses of their friends and family on Christmas Eve and compliment their elegantly decorated trees. The custom is to say ‘ein schöner baum’ (a lovely tree) but any compliment counts and is typically rewarded with a shot of schnapps from the hosts. You can imagine things could get a little fuzzy after you’ve paid your respects to three or four trees… Where? In the Romantic Cities in southwest Germany!
Romance is in the air in the city of Trier. The magnificent Christmas market opens on 23 November and captivates visitors with its festive wooden stalls and all kinds of delicacies. The people of Trier are particularly proud of their mulled wine from local winegrowers: it is produced from only the best base wines and seasoned with Christmas spices to warm up those cold winter evenings. And who better than Germany’s only reigning Mulled Wine Queen to serve it?
Koblenz is swathed in sparkling lights and gingerbread scents. More than 100 festive wooden stalls offer a huge selection of gifts and culinary delicacies, while the 24 dormer windows of the Baroque town hall are transformed into a magnificent Advent calendar. Extra tip: On 15 and 22 December, Koblenz turns into a shopping paradise for romantics, with late-night shopping at the Christmas market and the city centre until midnight!
Mainz scores with diversity! The city is home to five Christmas markets, all of which are unique and have something to suit every taste. If you prefer a more traditional and historical atmosphere, you can spend a few contemplative hours at the Christmas market in front of the imposing cathedral. The market on Schillerplatz is the place to be on St Nicholas’ Day: a festive St Nicholas bus drives through the city, surprising young and old with a variety of specials. If you prefer trains or will be travelling by train, the square in front of the central station is ideal for you: you can while away your waiting time making your last purchases of Christmas souvenirs and warm delicacies. If you are a ‘junge Wilde’ (radical), you should visit the ‘WinterZeit-Markt’ (Wintertime Market) on Neubrunnenplatz. Here, you can taste quality mulled wine and freshly prepared veggie foods while enjoying the cosy atmosphere of the blazing fire baskets. A novelty this year is the market in the Hopfengarten, in the middle of the old town.
The Nibelung Christmas in Worms, among others, is sure to give you goosebumps. Open from 26 November to 23 December this year, it will culminate in a performance by a brass ensemble on the bell tower on the 4th Sunday of Advent. Lovers meet between the Imperial Cathedral and the Magnuskirche to listen to the sober melodies of the brass instruments. A sea of candles immerses the historical setting in a magical light.
If your loved one gets a little cold, you can quickly warm yourselves up in Speyer. ‘Altpörtel in Flammen’ (Old City Gate in Flames) is a musical and fireworks spectacle that lights up the night with a star shower on 4 and 12 December at 19:30. Another highlight at the old city gate is an ice rink. Of course, delicious refreshments are also available. Extra tip: Extend your holiday. In Speyer, celebrations last well into the new year!
EdelSteinLand (gemstone country) Idar-Oberstein invites you to the romantic Christmas market at Oberstein Castle on 1 and 2 December. In keeping with the tradition of an Advent and family-friendly market, only Christmas goods and regional specialities are available. The supporting programme includes Advent songs performed by local music clubs and choirs. You can park your car safely: free minibus shuttles between the car park and the castle will operate on both days.
Have you had your fill of mulled wine? Are you interested in the origins of Christmas and anything related to Christmas and its history? The castles, palaces and Roman buildings in the region provide you with insights into historical events. A torchlight tour of the Nürburg Castle or a medieval banquet at the restaurant in the Altenbaumburg Castle ruins will round off any eventful day. And if you still feel like visiting a small but fine Christmas market, you can stop by Landeck Castle, which shines in the Christmas splendour of the tranquil medieval market in the inner courtyard on 15 and 16 December. Accompanied by trombones and an a cappella choir, St Nicholas will make children’s eyes light up with little gifts on both days.
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