Shopping Guide for the Christmas Markets in Germany

Top 15 Things to Purchase on Your Christmas Market Trip to Germany

You are headed to the Christmas Markets in Germany and wondering what are the best things to purchase and bring home. Got it. After several trips to Europe during the acclaimed festive season, I’ve learned a lot about the regional specialties and traditional crafts that make the Christmas Markets such a popular draw for visitors.

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First, it goes without saying that everyone has their own style and interests — not to mention luggage space. So, naturally, you probably won’t be coming home with one of everything:) Second, although there are many similarities between the markets, each one has its own vibe and local specialties that you won’t find anywhere else.

This guide will hopefully help you prepare your shopping lists and provide some intel on the most coveted treasures. But, expect the unexpected also! The creativity and expert craftsmanship on display during the Christmas Markets is impressive and waiting to be discovered.

Wood Christmas Tree Ornaments

Germany might very well be Santa’s outsourced workshop when it comes to meticulously cut and crafted wood Christmas tree ornaments. Even if the wood ornaments don’t match your current ornament collection, it is hard to resist not starting a new theme especially for these traditional trimmings.

Wood ornaments can range from small, simple pieces to ornate three-dimensional showstoppers. Some are raw wood while others are painted or embellished — and priced accordingly. I’ve seen stickers ranging from a couple Euros to credit card territory. Nearly every Christmas Market will have multiple stalls selling wood ornaments that you can snap up for souvenirs and gifts.

Above photos: Wood Christmas ornaments

Hand-blown and Painted Glass Christmas Tree Ornaments

German Christmas Markets are also known for hand-blown glass ornaments. In fact, the first glass bulbs were blown in Lauscha, Germany over 200 years ago. Nowadays, there are many manufacturers of hand-blown glass, but keep an eye out for those made in Lauscha or by Inge-Glas Manufaktur, who has some of the oldest moulds that are still used for production today.

The styles and painted motifs vary greatly. From glittery orbs to mythical creatures, it is inevitable that you will spot something whimsical and perfectly suited for your tree. Nervous about getting your fragile glass ornaments home? See my packing tips at the end of this post.

Above photos: Handblown glass Christmas ornaments

Smokers

Authentic German incense smokers are prevalent throughout the Christmas Markets. In German they are called Räuchermänner, which translates to “Smoking Men.” These adorable creations made their first appearance in the mid-1800s in Heidleberg. They were originally made from dough, but later from wood. You will see all types of Santa figures, as well as chimney sweeps, bakers, carolers, woodland characters, and many distinct personalities.

Many high quality wood ornaments and decorations, including smokers, are crafted in the Erzgebirge Region of Germany. But, you don’t have to limit yourself to any particular brand. Find one you love and it will instantly add a nostalgic atmosphere to your holiday decor.

Above photos: Incense smokers

Herrnhuter Stars

Quite possibly my most favorite purchase from the Christmas Markets was the set of Sterne Herrnhuter Stars I brought home from Nuremberg. Large illuminated stars made from various materials can be found at most of the markets. However, the Sterne Herrnhuter Stars are special and not as easy to find.

The Herrnhut Star, which originated over 160 years ago in the Renewed Moravian Church, is considered the source of all handmade Christmas stars.  It was traditionally created by children on the first Sunday of Advent. At the end of the 19th century, a business man decided to create a kit to make it easier to assemble and take apart the stars. From then on, it was distributed and sold, eventually expanding worldwide.

When you find a stall selling the Sterne Herrnhuter Stars, you will be able to choose from various colors and sizes. Be sure to tell the vendor which country you are from so they can provide you with the correct voltage adapters. It would be a shame to get home and discover you have the wrong plug.

Hernhuter Stars can also be ordered online and shipped directly to you if you would rather reserve your luggage space for other finds. Click here to shop online.

Above photos: Herrnhutter stars

Spice Swags & Decor

I can always smell the spice ornaments and decorations from stalls away. The aroma of dried citrus, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and pine capture the essence of the winter season. They have such a great home-y, hand-crafted quality that you can’t get through a mass market retailer. They will also make everything in your suitcase smell delicious!

Above photos: Dried fruit and spice ornaments and decorations

Beeswax Candles

The Christmas Markets will have all kinds of handmade candles, but keep your eyes out for pure beeswax candles. Many Germans decorated their tree with beeswax candles – although not as common anymore since it is a major fire hazard. Still, locally sourced beeswax candles are a traditional holiday favorite and are often crafted in festive shapes, such as evergreen trees and pinecones. Beeswax candle stalls will also have other products, such as lotions, lip balm, hair and beard pomade, and wood furniture polish.

Above photos: Beeswax candles and products

Hand Knit and Felted Winter Accessories

I’ve never been to a Christmas Market where there weren’t multiple stalls selling fiber arts and hand knit winter accessories. Gloves, mittens, scarves, hats, socks, and earbands — there is something warm and snuggly for every part of you! I always end up buying a hat or two because I can’t help myself.

I advise packing a hat and gloves so you have something to keep you warm the second you land. Then, allow yourself to pick up something fun and new while you are there. These are also great gift items that are easy to pack.

For something a little more special, handmade sheepskin muffs, toys, and home goods are at some of the markets, along with various small leather goods.

Above photo: Felted flowers (left) and hand knit winter accessories (right)

Baking Molds & Cookie Cutters

If you or someone on your gift list is a baker, you’ll want to pay attention to the culinary specialities of each region and the corresponding kitchen tools. Traditional cookie cutters, rolling pins, and loaf pans are popular purchases and don’t vary too much from market to market.

Springerle molds are less common and are ideally purchased at the Christmas Markets in Bavaria if you are lucky enough to find them. Springerle is a type of German biscuit with an embossed design made by pressing a mold onto rolled dough and allowing the impression to dry before baking. I have several of these from the Stuttgart Christmas Market and they are so fun to use for holiday bakes.

Once you have your Springerle molds home and are ready to make a batch, one of my favorite recipes can be found here. The cookies are rather hard and crunchy. I’ve also tried making them with shortbread dough and they’ve retained the design well if chilled for several hours after pressing and prior to baking.

Above photos: Springerle molds and cookie cutters

Christmas Pyramids

Christmas pyramids (Weihnachtspyramide in German) are traditional decorations made from wood. They are as iconic in German homes as Christmas Trees, which make sense since pyramids preceded decorated evergreen trees.

Pyramids vary in size, design, and detail, but the basic form is a candle base with multiple tiers and fan-like blades at the top. The fans are propelled by the heat from the candles set in the base. Expect to spend a little more money on an authentic handcrafted pyramid (the smaller sizes start around €70). Once you see and appreciate the detail and quality in person, the price tag is completely justified.

Above photo: Christmas pyramids

Candle Arches

Candle arches (Schwibbögen in German) are another very traditional German Christmas decoration. These exquisitely detailed candle holders originated from the Ore Mountains region of Saxony close to 300 years ago. The arches were often placed in the windows and illuminated the homes of the miners who would be making their way back after dark.

Candle arches are sometimes used as Advent calendars, where a new candle is lit for each day or week of Advent, depending on how many candles it holds. I’ve also started seeing arches with LED lights instead of candle holders, which is nice if you plan to use it fully illuminated throughout the holiday season. If you are drawn to the LED arches, just be sure to check the power source and/or have the correct voltage adapter at home.

Above photos: Candle arches

Nutcrakers, Toys, & Wood Figurines

So, really anything made of wood. The quality of the woodworking and artistry is truly amazing. These beautiful creations are all handmade and painted, so no two are precisely alike. Keep an eye out for pieces from Erzgebirge in Saxony, a region known for their wood crafts, and specifically for Wendt & Kühn miniatures and music boxes. A large selection of these are available at Käthe Wohlfahrt stores, in case you don’t spot any at the market stalls.

Above photos: Wood minatures (left) and children’s puzzles (right)

Nativity Scenes & Figurines

This next shopping list item will come as no surprise. Nativity scenes are at the heart of Christmas and the re-telling of the story that we celebrate. Wonderfully crafted displays and figurines make a wonderful gift for yourself or someone special. There will be no lack of size options and style variations, and they won’t be limited to just wood. Felted sets, ceramics, glass, resin, and even snowglobe-encapsulated Holy Family vignettes are all there.

Above photo: Nativity sets and figurines

Advent Calendars

Advent Calendars are a traditional countdown to Christmas that started in the early 19th century. German Lutheran families would mark the days until Christmas by making chalk lines on a door or the floor. The idea evolved to more elaborate wood and printed displays. My kids have always loved the big cardboard-type with little chocolates hidden behind each little perforated window,

The German-made calendars have the most nostalgic and whimsical designs, and most importantly, the best chocolate! I love grabbing these for all the little ones in my life who still anticipate Christmas morning as the best day of the year. You can always grab yours early by purchasing a traditional one like this or a cute Neuschwanstein Castle design like this online.

Holiday Village Miniatures

Not only will you find an abundance of Christmas village miniatures, but you will also find really unique pieces at each of the markets that replicate actual landmarks in each town. Country churches, sweet shops, and half-timbered houses are the most coveted finds, along with a bazillion little other pieces to bring your village to life. Whatever you need, you can probably find it at a Christmas Market — such as bottle brush pine trees, woodland creatures, town folk, and winter playgrounds.

I am personally not a collector, but these stalls always draw me in because they are truly delightful to see. Some churches and government buildings also set up their collections of nativity and/or holiday village scenes. They are elaborate and extensive!

Above photos: Holiday village miniatures

Gastronomy

There are two types of food at the Christmas Markets: (1) the kind you pack and take home and (2) the kind you eat while you are there. For the latter, I recommend trying as much as possible. It is the most fun to sample all of the sweet and savory street food that the Christmas Markets are known for.

As for the the kind you pack and take home, it will really depend on where you are! As previously mentioned, every market has their own regional specialties. Gingerbread is an easy transportable item, but sometimes looks better than it tastes. Just fyi.

I like to pick up spices, jams, honey, liqueur, nougat, caramels, chocolates, and condiments. Don’t forget to duck into a local grocery store for a few things, too! Whether for a stocking stuffer or a charcuterie board, the food is always a highlight and something to savor long after you’ve returned home.

Above photos: Gingerbread, hand-pulled candy canes, and nougat

Packing Tips for Getting Your Purchases Back Home

Probably one of the most important things you will pack is an extra carry-on piece to bring back your Christmas Market purchases. To summarize, a checked-bag (with empty duffle packed inside) and personal item will go with you on the way there; a checked-back, personal item, and your filled carry-on will come back. My duffle is large enough to accommodate a large shoebox-sized box to bring back my most delicate items. The method works:)

For my last trip to the Christmas Markets, I packed one side of my luggage with my clothes and used the other side for a flat empty box, bubble wrap, scissors, and my empty duffle bag. At the end of the trip, I assembled the box and used it for all of my most delicate ornaments. The box went inside my duffle bag and I carried this on the plane as my carry-on piece.

Inside my luggage, I used the side that had previously stored my packing materials and duffle for other not-so-fragile purchases. Dirty clothes also can be used to wrap up items that need a little extra dunnage.

Need more help packing? Read my Christmas Market Packing Guide here.