[Updated 2019]
A feast of lights and colours, Christmas is a magical time in Europe. But no one does Christmas quite as well as the Germans. From big cities to small villages, you’re likely to find a Christmas market in every German town. Gengenbach is no exception. This small town is located on the western edge of the Black Forest. I wouldn’t even have known of Gengenbach if our hotel receptionist hadn’t recommended it. I’m so thankful that she did. The town was beautiful and the atmosphere festive.
![](https://sightseeingscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/SonjaFaul_Gengenbach04-1200x675.jpg)
The Christmas market
What can you expect to see? A little bit of everything! The Christmas market is located in the picturesque medieval ‘altstadt’. In the middle of the square is a Christmas tree and stalls in every direction, as far as the eye can see. The hut-shaped stalls sell everything from Christmas ornaments to decorations, candles, lights, carvings, jewellery, and mouth-watering food. My favourite trinkets were these cute little owls made from tree bark. If you have time to spare, wander a little further beyond the Christmas market. Gengenbach is picturesque with its traditional buildings and narrow streets.
![Charming streets of Gengenbach.](https://sightseeingscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/SonjaFaul_Gengenbach02-1200x675.jpg)
![The Christmas market in Gengenbach, Germany.](https://sightseeingscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/SonjaFaul_Gengenbach10-1200x675.jpg)
![The Gengenbach Christmas market.](https://sightseeingscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/SonjaFaul_Gengenbach13-1200x675.jpg)
![Christmas decorations.](https://sightseeingscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/SonjaFaul_Gengenbach01-1200x675.jpg)
![Christmas market gifts.](https://sightseeingscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/SonjaFaul_Gengenbach11-1200x675.jpg)
![Wooden owls.](https://sightseeingscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/SonjaFaul_Gengenbach03-1200x675.jpg)
The Gengenbach advent calendar
The main attraction of the Gengenbach Christmas market, without a doubt, is the huge advent calendar. In fact, it’s the biggest advent calendar in the world! The 18th-century town hall has 24 windows, each window representing a day in December. Every day a new window is lit until Christmas Eve.
![The Gengenbach advent calender in the biggest in the world.](https://sightseeingscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/SonjaFaul_Gengenbach08-1200x675.jpg)
The Gengenbach nativity scene
And what is a Christmas market without a nativity scene? The one in Gengenbach was stunning with life-size figures carved out of wood. A manger with Jesus, Mary, Joseph, a shepherd, one of the wise men and a couple of animals. The amount of detail in the carvings was truly remarkable.
![The Gengenbach nativity scene.](https://sightseeingscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/SonjaFaul_Gengenbach05-1200x675.jpg)
Eating Black Forest Cake in the Black Forest
Although the dessert isn’t named after the Black Forest itself (it’s named after a cherry liquor from the region named Schwarzwälder kirschwasser), I still wanted to be able to say: I ate Black Forest Cake in the Black Forest! For a slice of the best cake and a great cup of coffee, head to Eiscafe Dolomi.
![A slice of Black Forest cake.](https://sightseeingscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/SonjaFaul_Gengenbach06-1200x675.jpg)
If you’re in the vicinity of the Black Forest during December, do yourself a favour and go and check out the Christmas market in Gengenbach. Believe me, you won’t regret it.
![Gengenbach Christmas market pin.](https://sightseeingscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/www.sightseeingscientist.com-3.png)
1 comment
I was in this small village too during Christmas eve and I must say it’s been an experience. The small community of friendly people in the town that knew each other is beyond compare. The culture is strong too. Coming from Asia, I must say it’s one of my highlight of my European journey.