Glistening bratwurst, sugar-dusted stollen, delicate crêpes doused in thick chocolate sauce and the heady spices of mulled wine: the striking flavours and scents of festive German markets have become familiar staples of British Christmastime. Arriving on UK shores in the winter months, the traditional markets bring with them stall upon stall of rich, delicious food and unique Christmas gifts, often handmade by the seller. Artisan clocks, nutcrackers, furry slippers and traditional gingerbread houses adorn the rustic wooden cabins of the market, enticing roaming shoppers into the festive glow of their fairy lights.

If you’re looking for an excuse for a city break, why not explore the finest German markets at their home in Berlin? There are no greater German Christmas displays than these, from the Nordic Fairy Tale Market at the 18th century Britz Palace to Spandau’s glittering renaissance fair. Potsdamer Platz’s ice rink and The Berlin Winterzauber are all incredible sights to visit. The city is steeped in history and fascinating stories beyond the markets too, if you fancy exploring elsewhere.

For those too nervous yet to travel to the markets’ homeland, some of Britain’s most beautiful cities host the markets year on year, and provide an authentic European experience. Birmingham hosts the largest authentic German market in the UK, and in Europe itself outside of Germany and Austria. It entertained a whopping 5.5 million festive revellers in 2019, and this year the masses will return – just with a little more social distance and a few more Covid precautions. Festive, sparkling stalls line Victoria Square and wind down New Street, offering a veritable Smörgåsbord (or in German, bunte mischung) of Christmas delights and delicacies. This is a truly enormous Christmas market, one where you can get the full Frankfurt experience in the heart of England.

Alternatively, Edinburgh, with its striking volcanic skyline, towering monuments and outdoor ice rink in the heart of Prince’s Gardens is a fantastic day or evening trip for the family. Explore the market, ride the sparkling Big Wheel if you’re brave enough, and glug glühwein overlooking some of Britain’s most impressive architecture as it sparkles with festooned festive lights. The Scottish weather is a little more temperamental than other hosting cities, but a warm mug of wine or a dram of the local whisky will quickly cure that icy cold nip in the air. Wrap up warm before you go, or treat yourself to some woollens and furry hats from a nearby stall.

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While these activities might take you back a bit, they are still just as fun to enjoy in today’s smartphone society.

1. Sweet treats

One of the most universally loved things about Christmas must be the delicious food. People are spending less time in the kitchen due to their busy lives but be sure to take some time out to enjoy making things.

There’s nothing more festive than getting together and making a traditional homemade dessert for after dinner. Think mince pies, Christmas cakes and a boozy Christmas pudding.

2. Cross-stitch decorations

Using small stitching hoops as a base, novice crafters and kids will be able to make beautifully breath-taking Christmas decorations.

Sewers will need some material, thread and a pattern or simple picture that they want to copy. Once finished, hang up with a beautifully festive bow.

3. Cinnamon stick candle holder

Nothing screams Christmas more than a cosy evening with candles lit. Bring the festive scent of cinnamon into the mix by making your own cinnamon stick candle holder.

Secure cinnamon sticks around a candle with a rubber band, then tie with festive themed ribbon or twine. The candles also make the sweetest-smelling, rustic centrepiece

4. Homemade tree decorations

Embellishing the Christmas tree with personal touches is an easy way to make the festivities feel more personal. Homemade decorations can be made easily with salt dough.

The mixture of plain flour, table salt and water is easily moldable and not too messy. Let little ones loose before an adult bakes the creations and attaches a string to hang it off the tree.

5. Potato stamps

Making personal Christmas cards is a lovely touch and an old standing tradition to pass on Christmas well wishes.

Potatoes can be carved by an adult to create shapes like stars and trees. These easy-to-use stamps work well with brightly coloured poster paint, and they can also be used to decorate wrapping paper and gift bags.

6. DIY snow globes

Snow globes are a festive favourite, however, getting the scenery you want in the globe can be tricky. By making your own, the shimmering magic of snowfall will fall on a scene straight out of your own imagination.

Grab an empty, clean jar and take to work spraying the outside of the lid and gluing your own festive centrepiece to the inside. Fill the jar almost to the top with distilled water, add a pinch of glitter to act as snow and a dash of glycerine to stop the glitter from falling too quickly. Now screw the lid on carefully and give the globe a good shake.

7. Singing to neighbours

There is a very long list of traditional Christmas songs and carols, most of which would have been sung in churches and on the doorsteps of neighbours.

Although the tradition hasn’t disappeared completely, families can take advantage of coming together for the first time in a while and belting their hearts out. Lots of songs have been re-recorded by different artists across a range of genres and eras, letting everyone enjoy the spirit of Christmas.

 8. Post-dinner walks

This long-standing tradition is still pretty popular because nothing feels better than a walk in the crisp winter weather after stuffing your face.

However, lots of families have started opting for a chill afternoon watching Christmas television instead. Consider planning your route way before Christmas Day to hold your family accountable.

9. Making a wreath

Jazz up the living room with a homemade wreath. Splash some cash and get a wreath-making kit, or go rustic and gather branches and leaves to make a unique expression of your festive spirit.

10. Visit a Christmas market

If you need to escape the house and pick up some last-minute presents, there’s nothing better than a Christmas market.

It’s impossible to avoid feeling festive when browsing the various stalls, with Christmas lights twinkling and the smell of mulled wine wafting through the air. Plus, there’s always some great seasonal food and the chance to support some local businesses.

This article has been curated with with thanks to netvouchercodes.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

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