<P> A Christmas market, also known as Christkindlmarkt (literally: Baby Jesus Market), Christkindlesmarkt, Christkindlmarket, Christkindlimarkt, and Weihnachtsmarkt, is a street market associated with the celebration of Christmas during the four weeks of Advent . These markets originated in Germany, but are now being held in many other countries . The history of Christmas markets goes back to the Late Middle Ages in the German - speaking part of Europe, and in many parts of the former Holy Roman Empire that includes many eastern regions of France . The Christmas markets of Bautzen were first held in 1384 . Dresden's Striezelmarkt was first held in 1434 . Frankfurt was first mentioned in 1393, Munich in 1310 and Augsburg in 1498 . In Austria, Vienna's "December market" can be considered a forerunner of Christmas markets and dates back to 1298 . </P> <P> In many towns in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, Advent is usually ushered in with the opening of the Christmas market or "Weihnachtsmarkt". In southern Germany, Switzerland and Austria, it is called a "Christkind (e) l (s) (i) markt" (German language, literally meaning "Christ child market"). Traditionally held in the town square, the market has food, drink and seasonal items from open - air stalls accompanied by traditional singing and dancing . On opening night at the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, and in some other towns, onlookers welcome the "Christkind" (originally boy Jesus, but often depicted as an angel - like girl), acted out by a local child . </P>

Where is the oldest christmas market in germany