Germany is known for it’s special christmas spirit, and shopping is the first sign of the season’s exciting pre-christmas festivities. Whether you love exploring the brightly lit streets, markets and malls, or want to shop online from the convenience of your home — Germany is a shopping haven during this time of the year.
I’ve put together this guide to show you the best Christmas shopping in German cities such as Munich, Hamburg, Berlin, Frankfurt and Cologne. As well as tips to find great gifts online for both in Germany and for international delivery!
Read on to get fun gifts for your family and friends!
German Christmas Shopping Online
According to a 2013 survey — 73% of Germans bought Christmas presents online and this number only continues to increase. Thanks to high demand, there is a lot on offer too. Here are some of the biggest online stores in Germany — and what to expect!
Another German owned, huge e-commerce platform “Otto” has many categories including special christmas goods. Very popular and known company.
With branches all over Europe — it has become one of the most popular fashion goods and apparel stores online in the country. Grab your fashion gifts here!
Munich: Metropolis – City With Charm
In the Bavarian capital the chances are good to be able to do the Christmas shopping in a fun-snowy ambience. The “Tollwood” on the “Theresienwiese” offers a lot of extraordinary gift options from different countries and cultures and is therefore, for me, the shopping tip number 1 in München! There is a traditional Christmas market at the Chinese Tower in the English Garden. Also visit the “Eisbach”, on which surfer, even at Arctic temperatures, enjoy their surfing board. A sight you should not miss. Top gifts can be found in the business centre of “Servus Heimat” at Brunnstraße (Brunnen Street), just a few minutes’ walk from the Marienplatz square. You`ll find lovingly selected souvenirs on offer, reminders of the alpine-south German culture.
After a long day of sightseeing, “The Flushing Meadows” hotel’s rooftop bar is the perfect place to enjoy a mulled wine or hot chocolate.
Hamburg: Port City With a Heart
In the northern German harbour town visitors are warmly welcomed with a glass of mulled wine at Hanmurg`s Christmas market located at “Jungfernstieg”. The Christmas lighting warm up it’s visitors!
In order to enjoy a special night in Hamburg, nestle in the Empire Hotel Riverside. The 20-storey building offering an panoramic view, located between “Reeperbahn” and “Landungsbrücken” of St. Pauli. From there, it is only a catwalk to the stage theatre, where the world-famous “King of the Lions” -Musical is staged. Christmas presents are to be found within the “Europa-Passage”, which is a true shopping paradise on five decks with over 120 shops.
Berlin: The Capital of Endless Possibilities
If you are looking for unusual Christmas gifts, Berlin is the right place. There are more than 80 Christmas markets. You can find the perfect souvenir for the little brother, and more classic presents for the grandma. Why not even get a self-made poncho. The vegetarian “Green Christmas Market” in the “New Home”, the Japanese Christmas Market at “Revaler Strasse” (Revaler Street), and the “Handmade Design Christmas Market” in Berlin Mitte are the best three shopping tips.
For night-time, tour with an classic horse carriage and mulled wine through Berlin. Afterwards, stay at the Ellington Hotel Berlin, which is ideally located between Ku’damm, (Kurfuerstendamm) Zoo and the KaDeWe department store (Kaufhaus des Westens), where you will find plenty of Berlin souvenirs and luxury gifts.
Frankfurt: Manhattan Style Winter
If you do not make it to Manhattan in New York, you can also find great X-Mas shopping opportunities in the financial centre. In the “MyZeil” there is not only a lot of shops, but also the possibility to get on the ice with your family and friends at the great skating paradise.
The visit of the biggest Christmas market at the “Römerberg” is definitely an experience. There are various handmade and Frankfurt-typical souvenirs. On the 1st Advent, 50 bells ring in the old town, which unite to form a unique concert.
Cologne: The Cordial City in Rhineland
Cologne, or Köln is known for its openness. In addition to the traditional Christmas markets at the Cologne Cathedral and the “Stadtgarten”, there is the pink glittering Christmas Avenue.
If you do not find any unusual souvenirs, you should go shopping in the “Belgisches Viertel”. The top stores are: The “Salon Sahnestück” with modern fashion pieces, the store “Siebter Himmel“ (Seventh Heaven) offerin some of the most beautiful books in the world, and “Flying Fawn”, a sugar-free gift and decoration shop.
Where do you like to do your Christmas shopping in Germany?
Please, give us your tips in the comments!
David Abt