German Christmas Markets - Ludwigsburg Christmas Market

I love insider tips from locals and several of my German friends had all given me the same one - go to the Ludwigsburg Christmas Market.  Germany is famous for its Christmas markets and there's a large one in Stuttgart where I live, but I was told that while the Ludwigsburg one was much smaller, it was the one preferred by most of Stuttgart locals and it is only 20km from Stuttgart.  Even J.P. recommended it and said we should go and being a typical German guy he doesn't typically get too excited about anything -especially German Christmas Markets.  I was there faster than you could say "Merry Christmas". 

The Ludwigsburg Christmas Market is in the historic city square nestled between two churches, lined with buildings hundreds of years old.  We went on a cold Sunday night thinking it wouldn't be that busy - we were wrong, it was packed, but at least all the people helped warm us up!

The Ludwigsburg Christmas Market has its own guardian angels!

Adding to the already storybook ambiance are lighted larger than life angels hovering over the German Christmas Market.  I am not particularly religious, but did find it rather comforting, although had I been one of the teenagers sneaking off to make out with my boyfriend, I'm not sure I would have felt the same about those angels, which really are quite big!

Homemade chocolates abound at German Christmas Markets, giving you the impossible decision of trying to choose!

As I quickly discovered, Germans are not there primarily for the beautifully hand crafted goods.  The largest crowds gather in other places at the German Christmas Markets - around the mulled wine and the food stands.  Yes, I think I will get along just fine with the Germans! 

Watch Rick Steves' German Christmas Markets Video.

Which German Christmas Markets would you recommend?

Locations and dates of German Christmas Markets

More on German Christmas Markets:

 German Christmas Markets for Children

The Stuttgart Christmas Market 

5 Tips for Going to a German Christmas Market

What Does Hiking in Germany Have in Common With German Christmas Markets?

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