There is nothing more magical than a Christmas market in Germany. For decades they have been famous for their traditional festive atmosphere – and they make wonderful destinations for a school trip, especially if you want your youngsters to practice their German language skills!
Three Famous German Christmas Markets
Bonn
This stunning city was once the capital of the country and is very well known for its incredible Christmas market. Set in the streets that lead off the Münsterplatz, this festive ‘feast for the senses’ turns the city into a chocolate box fairy tale. Every day, from 1 December, the town hall lights up a window and transforms itself into a huge advent calendar.
Seasonal concerts and other events make this the perfect place for an educational school trip. Your pupils will be enthralled by the wonderful ambiance and will have the chance to sample local foods such as chestnuts, German cakes and other specialities – all while practicing their language skills and getting a real feel for the tradition and culture that stands so strong here. They can even have a go on the ice rink at Friedensplatz.
Koblenz
This stunning market is home to more than 130 stalls selling all manner of festive fare, from art and crafts to stollen and other delicious offerings. Children on school trips can look forward to daily events that include concerts and carriage rides that tour the old part of the city.
As in Bonn, Koblenz’s town hall becomes an advent calendar with a new window lit up daily. This really is a special place full of character, tradition and German frivolity; it is the ideal place for your class to get an insight into this wonderful country’s culture.
Rüdesheim
This market has a fairy-tale feel and is set in the beautiful old quarter of the town. It boasts stalls from twelve countries that showcase their traditions and customs. Students will love exploring and sampling the range of both local and international seasonal culinary delights. Every day sees another concert or performance, and they are a great way for your class to listen to the German language in a natural setting.
For something a little different, book a boat trip up the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Your class will be regaled with legends of the area and introduced to local Christmas traditions. Make sure to keep an eye out for the nativity scene that can also be found here. It’s the biggest one in all of Europe, and the life-size figures make it truly impressive.
For anyone planning a school trip to the German Christmas markets, booking through a reputable educational travel tour operator is advisable. While you focus on promoting your trip, an expert team will put together an itinerary and sort the logistics for you, ensuring you make the most out of your time away.
If you want to expose your students to authentic Germany, complete with the local traditions and food, there’s no better time to visit than Christmas – and there’s no better place to go than a Christmas market.
John Gardiner is the Managing Director of The School Travel Company, a tour operator specialising in school trip itineraries for school and youth groups to the UK, Europe and beyond. As a father and avid traveller, John is very passionate about providing students with valuable and engaging learning experiences outside of the classroom. By sharing his expert advice with teachers, he allows them to inspire their students and bring their studies to life.
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