Düsseldorf's Christkindlmarkt to open Nov. 19

Düsseldorf, Germany’s annual Christmas Market is slated to open Nov. 19, connecting seven individual holiday-themed markets that will illuminate city’s historic Old Town with thousands of lights, delectable holiday delicacies, and Christmas merchandise.

Düsseldorf’s Markt (German for marketplace) centers on the luxury shopping avenue Königsallee (King’s Boulevard) and Schadowstrasse (Schadow Street) which are among Europe’s premier shopping boulevards.

“During the month leading up to Christmas, the city’s cosmopolitan personality is magnified by holiday light and shopping magic and thousands of visitors from all over the world who come to enjoy one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany,” the city’s marketing and tourism organization said in a statement announcing the opening dates of this year’s Markt. The market, one of Düsseldorf’s biggest events, will run from Nov. 19 through Dec. 23.

One reason for the market’s huge appeal is the unique theme market concept. Different Christmas villages all around the city’s historic Old Town offer different attractions and looks. Those include an “Angel’s Market” that features Christmas huts built as replicas of Düsseldorf’s historic town houses, and a “Star Market” with thousands of crystals and sparkling lights.

Other highlights include an ice skating rink and the famous square in front of city hall, the “Marktplatz,” decorated as a village of artisans featuring glassblowing, candle-making and other holiday-related crafts. Visitors can also enjoy many of the city’s major attractions in walking distance, including Düsseldorf’s Ferris wheel by the Rhine River Promenade.

Special Christmas Market hotel packages are available through the city’s tourism website and add overnight stays for extended shopping and sightseeing. Packages start at €60 per person per double room and €90 for a single room. All packages include breakfast, a DüsseldorfCard that provides free public transportation within city limits plus 30 free or reduced admissions to city attractions, and a city information package.

For more information on the Christmas Market, visit www.visitduesseldorf.de.

While I have yet to visit Düsseldorf, I have visited Christkindlemarkts in Wiesbaden west of Frankfurt and in München and was charmed by both. Particularly charming were some of the window displays, which ran late into the night and early morning hours.

If you have never experienced a German Christmas market, you don’t know what you are missing. No one goes Christmas quite like the Germans.

I know it’s a bit early, but Frohe Weihnachten!

Visit my main page at TheTravelPro.us for more news, reviews, and personal observations on the world of upmarket travel.



Scenes from Düsseldorf’s Christmas Market © Düsseldorf Marketing & Tourism GmbH
Click photos to view larger images

Comments