Situated Under A Railroad Viaduct In Germany Is An Underrated Whimsical Christmas Market

Sleigh bells are ringing, chestnuts are roasting, the stores are blaring Christmas music ... it's the most wonderful time of the year! There's something to be said for spending the holidays at home, but traveling during Christmas is also a great way to experience the magic of the season. While there are many fantastic holiday destinations, one of the best places in the world to spend Christmas is in Germany, especially at one of their many incredible "der Weihnachtsmarkts," or Christmas markets. 

With approximately 2,500 to 3,000 Christmas markets in Germany (which doesn't include German markets in the rest of Europe), there are plenty to choose from. You'll find tiny markets, themed markets, some in the shadows of cathedrals, some with ice skating rinks, and some with different sections scattered throughout a city. Whichever one you choose, you'll be guaranteed to find mulled wine, wooden stalls, gingerbread, local crafts, a Christmas tree (or two), and plenty of Christmas cheer. For a truly unique, underrated market, head to the Black Forest for the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt in der Ravennaschluct) under the stone arches of the Ravenna Bridge viaduct.

The Ravenna Gorge is a valley in Germany's Black Forest, a fairy-tale spot that inspired Walt Disney, about 30 minutes outside Freiburg im Breisgau. The Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market happens on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the Advent season (starting late November and ending the weekend before Christmas). The market is in a small space, so to prevent overcrowding, you must buy timed tickets ahead of time. At only $6, they sell out quickly when they go on sale in October! You can also purchase parking tickets ahead of time (the parking is very limited) or reserve a shuttle space from several nearby train stations and from Freiburg. If you're up for a hiking adventure, you can also reach the market by guided, lantern-lit hike through the dreamy Black Forest. 

There's only one hotel near the Ravenna Gorge Market, the charmingly rustic chalet of Hotel Hotgut Sternem. There are also plenty of hotels in friendly Freiburg, which has a festive Christmas market of its own. 

It takes planning and forethought to visit the Ravenna Gorge Market, but this underrated gem is unlike any other market in Germany. It's compact, surrounded by the mystical mountains and forest, bathed in various colors, and directly underneath the picturesque viaduct, where regular trains still run. The many trails in the area, including one with illuminated nativity scenes designed by a local artist, add an element of wilderness to this cozy experience. 

Glühwein. Lebkuchen. Eierspunsch. Bargeld. Fröhliche Weihnachten. These are just a few of the essential German words and phrases to know before your trip to a German Christmas market. (Mulled wine, gingerbread, eggnog punch, cash, and Merry Christmas, respectively). If you're not imbibing, kinderpunsch is also a useful term (hot mulled cider sans alcohol). The Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market has some of its own specialties to try, like Nikolausi (hot baked apple liqueur). When you choose your particular cup of cheer, you'll leave a mug deposit (pfand), which you'll get back at the end of the night. Pro tip: you can keep your mug instead of getting your deposit back, and since each year and market has its own design, it makes for a great souvenir!

The Ravenna Gorge market is relatively small, with about 40 wooden stalls, but it only sells locally made goods and regional food specialties. As you browse woodcarvings, wool mittens, and the Black Forest's famous blown glass, sipping your drink along the way, make sure to sample the region's delicacies. Flammkuchen (German pizza with bacon and onions), wild boar, Black Forest cherry cake, Black Forest ham, and raclette (melted cheese with potatoes or bread) are some stand outs. Enjoy the spectacular setting in the gorge, cozy up by the atmospheric campfires, purchase unique gifts, and don't forget to bring cash — no vendors at the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market accept cards.