As the Black Forest mountains bask in the background, beautiful Freiburg has slowly been transformed into a Christmas city. Locals and visitors flock to the “Altstadt,” or old town, to experience the enchantment of Freiburg’s annual “Weihnachtsmarkt” Christmas market.
Freiburg exudes a medieval charm, thanks to its cobblestone streets and architecture, so you truly feel that you are in a sort of Hallmark film while exploring the market. You hear festive tunes, cheerful laughter and mugs clinking together, which brings a smile to your face. You start your journey at the “Rathausplatz” square, where the Christmas market is situated.
It unfolds in front of you with a combination of lights and colors. The stalls are covered in sparkling lights, showcasing handcrafted ornaments, baked goods and festive decorations. Some of the craftsmanship you see at the stalls gives you a look into the history and tradition of this historic region. As you stroll through the market, the smell of the mulled wine, or “Glühwein” wafts gracefully through the air. This warm and soothing, yet spicy, smell lures you towards the stall.
The Glühwein stall is decorated with pine branches, flickering candles and other Christmas decorations. It is easily one of the busiest stalls here at the market. As you switch your gaze, you see that the market square also boasts a generous collection of treats and eats, which could satisfy everyone’s craving.
From the famed, juicy bratwurst and a creamy selection of delicate cheeses to the delicious biscuits garnering all the children’s attention, the market caters to everyone’s tastes. You look to the other side, away from the stall selling treats, and see giant Christmas trees adorned with “baubles,” or tree decorations. The tree has beautiful lights draped all over and stands tall over all of the festivities.
Just behind the tree, you hear the wind carrying children’s laughter through the crisp air as they adore the carousel of festive horses. As you walk towards the Munster Cathedral, you see more stalls nestled in the shadows of this grandiose cathedral. People are gathered in groups, sharing stories and laughter over steaming-hot cups of Glühwein. It seems the mulled wine really is a favorite!
You also feel a sense of camaraderie extended to the visitors of this beautiful city, making you feel like a native Freiburger and adding to the Christmas spirit of this beautiful place. This is what truly makes Freiburg’s Christmas markets special: the sense of community and togetherness that dances elegantly through the air. The backdrop of the illuminated cathedral adds another element to this market, reminding you of why Christmas is such a special time. As you start to leave the market, the medieval streets with their lights and decorations paint a picturesque scene that will forever be etched in your memory.
Freiburg has gifted you not just a festive experience, but also a journey into the heart of German Christmas traditions. You didn’t just discover things like Glühwein and “Flammkuchen,” which is a German tart that closely resembles pizza; you also discovered a sense of unity, a celebration of culture and what the true holiday spirit is. It’s a time of coming together and giving, enjoying being in each other’s company.
As you explore the winding cobblestone streets, you realize that the magic of Christmas in Freiburg wasn’t just in the decorations or the treats, but the shared moments of joy and the spirit of togetherness that is nestled in every corner of this enchanting city.
This post was contributed by Ciaran Chambers, a Global Ambassador for Fall 2023. Ciaran is a junior international relations and global studies major studying abroad in Freiburg, Germany.
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