Christmas markets in twin cities of Germany’s two states

As the winter settles over Danube, the Christmas vibe transforms the twin cities of Ulm and Neu Ulm into cities of light, history and culture. Divided by the states but connected by the Christmas Market, Ulm and Neu Ulm are cities in two different states of the country. Ulm is located in Baden Wurrtemberg while Neu Ulm is situated in Bayern and both are connected by Danube River.

Same like other German cities, these two urban areas also have special Christmas markets every year. Starting usually from mid of November, these markets last till the evening of December 24. Ulm market is held right in front of Ulm Munster; the tallest Church building in the world while Neu Ulm’s Market is located near Neu Ulm Town Hall. Both the markets are just at a walking distance from each other.

Germans, working professionals, people from other European countries and foreign visitors and students are visiting these markets regularly every year and enjoy the food stalls here. Embedded into local culture, the Christmas markets – also known as Weihnachtsmarkte in German language – dates back to several centuries. As per record, some cities have more than 500 years old Christmas markets. As the sun starts setting, rush continue to increase in these two markets.

‎‎German foods like wurst, hot chocolates, Gluhwein are the most sold ones here in these markets. Moreover, handcrafted things, wood carved decoration pieces and souvenirs are also available in the markets. There is a rush at the weekends in both the markets. It looks like every person has come out of his home to visit the market. In the freezing nights of the winter, drinking Gluhewein – a traditional wine – is more than just a drink, as some people are considering it as a ‘social ritual’ for enjoyment.

For tourists and visitors, these markets are a hub of culture, traditions, and social life. A 26-year-old tourist from Vietnam came here from Berlin to visit these two markets. “This was my first visit to the markets of Ulm and Neu Ulm. I am feeling excited and enjoying a lot. For me, having some drinks with friends and also gossiping is an amazing experience,” she said. Interestingly, both the cities have a different vibe during Christmas season.

Some people believe that religion is only for a few people or followers but Christmas is for all. If someone is interested to know more about German culture; the Christmas Markets are the best place to visit. Wooden stalls, colorful lights, appetizing smell of Bratwurst, roasted almonds and chocolates attracts visitors, especially tourists and foreign citizens. In these markets, people gather in small circles and conversations revolve around food, shopping, gifts and shared experiences etc.

Children and teenagers here also enjoy chocolates and different other sweets and food items while adults can be seen having food and drinks, shopping embroidery and handmade items, wood carved products, winter jackets and woollen caps etc. Females can be seen shopping for jewellery, as the wooden stalls with shining lights attract the visitors. Together, the markets give the people a chance to mingle, enjoy and have some treat and to create a moment of festival.

Both the cities create a culture that attracts thousands. They are economic engines for the shopkeepers. They wait for the whole year to run a stall in the market. Moreover, the Christmas markets are also a showcase of local traditions and culture. “Christmas markets are important as these spaces showcase German history and culture,” said Edgar, a 30-year-ole shopkeeper who wears centuries-old traditional dress to attract customers in the Neu Ulm market. “A lot of people come here after getting free from their jobs and work areas,” he said.

A resident said that these markets bring people from different cultures and nationalities together. Although many big players are coming now, but still this market is supporting small businesses. ‎For locals, Christmas market is not just a tradition but a hub for gathering, meeting new people, outing with friends and families, spending quality time together and enjoying. For foreigners, it is an opportunity to learn and observe German culture more closely as a cultural symbol.

Stefani Schoberl, a Professor of Media Studies at the Neu Ulm University of Applied Sciences, said that these markets were a perfect social platform where the locals can meet people from different countries. A shopkeeper in Neu Ulm’s market who calls himself ‘Santa Claus said that he was running a business of his friend. “I am working here just for Christmas and to meet and talk to new people. If my purpose is to work only for money, then I can do another job where I can earn much more than this. I am happy here and enjoy time here,” he said, as he sells jackets, caps of leather and other seasonal stuff.

‎In Neu Ulm market, ‎Saiba is another shopkeeper who is basically from Ivory Coast. He has been working as shopkeeper in the Christmas market since the last 15 years. He sells different kinds of drinks in the Christmas market along with one of his friends. “Although, we have to pay a lot fee for this stall but still it does not matter as we manage to earn good money during the Christmas season. At the first, there used to be too much snow but now, there is less snow,” he said. When it used to be snow, a lot of people used to come here and drink Gluhwein to combat the freezing cold.

‎Jessica – an American student in Germany – called concept of the Christmas market exciting. “Although, I am from a different culture but I believe that anyone can enjoy here because the Christmas vibe is too good,” she said, adding that food was the one thing that connects the people all together. In Ulm’s Christmas market, there is a stall that is selling fried mushrooms. “I like mushrooms the most. The market has different vegetarian options,” she said, adding that the market has more food options this time.

The colorful lights and amazing evenings at Weihnacht Market usually last till 9pm. It is then the time, when the last light flickers on Danube and then the market starts closing. People start going back to their homes to get ready for the next morning. The people go, market closes, but the warmth of the shared mugs, the memories and the friendships made here remain the same and the last long. For each year, both Ulm and Neu Ulm remained connected by shared festival spirit, Christmas market, and culture.

Happy Christmas