Christmas markets, or Weihnachtsmärkte as they are known locally, are synonymous with the holiday season in Germany. They’re a cherished tradition engrained in the local culture that also transports visitors to a wonderful winter wonderland.
The markets are held in towns and cities throughout the country and start in mid to end November, with some lasting until early January. They transform the local squares into a Christmas fairytale and create the most magical atmosphere. Think festive decorations, twinkling lights, and plenty of traditional music gracing your tympanic membranes.
There is also plenty of local cuisine to keep your belly full, seasonal treats such as Lebkuchen (ginger cookies) and sausages, and Gluhwein to warm you up from the inside. The markets are about far more than just shopping though – they’re a celebration of German culture, community, and of course, the joy of the festive season.
Christmas Markets in Germany are also among some of the best in the entire European continent. But it may be overwhelming choosing which ones to go to. So to help you out, I’ve made an entire list!
Let’s get into them!
Photo: @Nic Hilditch-Short
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Must-See Christmas Markets in Germany
Right, now that the wintery scene has been set, let’s dive into the real meaty part of the article.
Here are some of the best Christmas markets in Deutschland: Whether you’re visiting Germany for Christmas, or just happen to be here over the holidays, they are the perfect way to embrace the local culture.
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1. Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
I thought it would be appropriate to kick things off with a bang and start with probably the most famous of all the Christmas markets in Germany. The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest and most well-known Christmas markets in the whole world, casually lighting up the city of Nuremberg since 1530!
The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt shows face every year and runs from the 1st until the 24th of December. During this time, the square of the Hauptmarkt in Nuremberg’s Old Town is transformed into a magical wonderland with an array of goodies on sale. Think handmade Christmas decorations and wooden toys, beeswax candles, and dried prune figurines.
The cuisine is also to die for, with some delicious local specialties like the famous Nürnberg Rostbratwurst, washed down with some mulled wine. Wintery bliss I tell you!
Where to Stay
A great accommodation option is Hotel FIVE, a literal stone’s throw away from the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt. You’ll love the fact that it’s only a 50m walk away so you can have plenty of mulled wine during your visit – you’re welcome!
2. Berlin’s Christmas Markets
Now, it’s no secret – Berlin is a massive city, and as a result, there are plenty of Europe’s best Christmas markets spread across it. In fact, there are in excess of 80 markets dotted throughout the country’s capital city, which can be rather overwhelming.
One that really sticks out is the Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Charlottenburg, located in the heart of the former West Berlin. The market is housed in front of the old summer residence of the royals, so Schloss Charlottenburg (Charlottenburg Castle), certainly lives up to its majestic ties.
Come to Berlin from the 27th of November until the 31st of December and has a whopping 250 vendors present! Be sure to give the famous Pilzpfanne a bash, a type of creamy mushroom dish as well as the wood-fired breads a good try. The mulled Glögg also cannot be missed.
Where to Stay
The Mandala Suites is a great spot to stay if you’re thinking of visiting the Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Charlottenburg. Location, location, location as they say!
3. Striezelmarkt, Dresden
One of the most famous delicacies that comes to mind when I think of staying in Dresden is the world-famous Christstollen. The mighty fruit cake is infused with almonds, orange peel, and rum-infused raisins and is a must-try when visiting the market. You didn’t think you were going to leave sober, did you?
The Striezelmarkt is located in the baroque old town of the city and runs from the 27th of November until the 24th of December. It also happens to be one of the world’s oldest Christmas markets so it really should be on your list if you’re a Christmas market fiend. It opened for the first time as a day market in 1434 so I’ll let you do the maths to see how long it’s been going for. I’ll give you a hint – it’s in excess of 580 years!
Where to Stay
The NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt is a great option for accommodation in the city with its ideal location in the Altmarkt Square in Dresden’s Old Town.
4. Weihnachtsmarkt, Ravenna Gorge
Photo: bebatut (Flickr)
The Ravenna Gorge Weihnachtsmarkt is definitely one of the most scenic of all the Christmas markets in Germany. Located in the Black Forest, some even consider it to be “die Kirsche auf dem Kuchen” or the cherry on the cake of all Christmas markets. It runs from the end of November until the 24th of December and is another one of those bucket list Weihnachtsmarkts.
The location is also one of the most unique of all the German Christmas markets, nestled below a massive railway bridge. While there’s never a bad time to visit, the evenings seem to offer the best scenery, with the bridge lit up in red and the ground often being covered in a white blanket of snow. The somewhat contrasting colours really make it a special sight.
Where to Stay
Hotel Hofgut Sternen is by far the best option for accommodation when visiting the market. It’s a short hop and a skip away, although you might want to take a slow walk after the market.
5. Weihnachtsmarkt auf dem Marktplatz, Leipzig
Photo: Joachim Köhler (WikiCommons)
The Leipzig Weihnachtsmarkt is the younger brother of the Dresden market but only by a small margin. The market first opened its gates way back in 1458 so it’s put in the time and been around the block, so to speak.
It runs every year from the 28th of November until the 23rd of December in Old Leipzig, lighting up the area in front of the Old Town Hall. Now, there are a few things that make the Leipzig Weihnachtsmark unique, the first being the incredible “Magical Forest” light installation. Secondly, the daily trombonist performance is a must-see, performed from the balcony of the Old Town Hall.
My last piece of advice is to come hungry – there are many delicious things to taste and you cannot skip the Leipziger lerche. Trust me on this one!
Where to Stay
The Steigenberger Icon Grandhotel Handelshof Leipzig is by far the best choice for easy access to the market. You could even crawl back if you over-indulged in the mulled wine.
6. Munich Christmas Market
Staying in Munich in December means going to the Munich Christmas market, probably more than once. Located at Marianplatz, it first opened its gates in this venue in 1972, although it’s believed to be traced back to the 14th century. The giant Christmas tree (Tannenbaum) in the square is illuminated by some 2,500 lights and is a real icon of the market.
There are concert performances below the tree every evening which really add to the Chrismassy vibe.
The Munich runs from the 27th of November until the 24th of December every year, with treats like roasted nuts and hot apple wine on offer. The Krampus Run and mulled wine tram (Christkindl) are some fun activities on the go during the month of festivities.
Where to Stay
The Jugend- und Familienhotel Augustin is a great accommodation option, although a little further away than other choices, is in a slightly quieter location.
7. Reiterlesmarkt, Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Photo: BeSt (WikiCommons)
The Reiterlesmarkt is one of the best Christmas markets in Germany for those looking for that real fairytale-esque experience. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a real gem of a city in Nothern Bavaria, with its cobbled streets and medieval architecture. It just gives off this really fairytale charm that elevates the Christmas market experience and cannot be missed.
The market runs from the 1st until the 23rd of December and is one of the more quaint offerings in Germany. There are around 50 food stalls but don’t you worry, there’s no shortage of delicious cuisine! You have to try the local delicacy called schneeball which is a type of shortcrust pastry ball covered in all sorts of delectable toppings of your choice.
Where to Stay
Hotel Reichsküchenmeister is really the icing on the cake for your fairytale trip to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, with its setting in a traditional old building.
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I have a really good friend who is from Aachen so it would be an injustice if I didn’t include the Weihnachtsmakrt in his hometown. He’d probably stop talking to me and that’s a risk I’m not willing to take! Münsterplatz is the home of the Aachener Weihnachtsmarkt and every year, cute little wooden stalls litter the square and fill the air with delicious smells.
The market runs from November 22nd until December 23rd, during which time, there are plenty of delicious festive treats on offer. Think printen and kartoffelpuffer – but I won’t give too much away. You’re going to have to discover them yourself. Oh, and did I mention there’s plenty of mulled wine too? You’re welcome.
Where to Stay
Motel One Aachen is a mere trot over to the Aachen weihnachtsmarkt so don’t worry about over-indulging on the mulled wine!
9. Konstanz Christmas Market
Photo: Ramessos (WikiCommons)
Lake Konstanz aka Konstanzsee aka Bodensee is one of the most beautiful places in the country and a beautiful sight when passing from Germany to Austria and Switzerland. It also happens to be the largest lake in the country and with that comes one of the largest Christmas markets in Germany. There are around 150 stalls, a child-friendly elf village, and some 100,000 lights illuminating from the lake shores up to the town centre.
The market runs from the 30th of November until the 23rd of December, serving up some delicious local delicacies like schupfnudeln. But you’ll likely find me at the bar aboard the “Christmas Ship” sipping on my favourite brew.
Where to Stay
For me, it’s all about the convenient location – and it doesn’t get much better than Hotel Alte Post.
10. Historischer Weihnachtsmarkt Rathausmarkt
Now, it’s no secret that Hamburg is a large city in Germany’s northern territories and as a result, there are a large number of Christmas markets that show face every year. In fact, there are about 30 so you’ll definitely be spoilt for choice when you visit the port city. One of the most famous, however, is the Historischer Weihnachtsmarkt Rathausmarkt located in front of the city hall.
The market runs between the 27th of November and the 23rd of December and is quintessentially Christmassy. There is a mind-blowing amount of holly in front of the Rathaus that really adds to the magnitude of the market. Did I mention it’s one of the largest in Hamburg?
Where to Stay
TORTUE HAMBURG – Schöner als die Fantasie is the perfect spot to stay in Hamburg, an incredibly beautiful place that lives up to its name.
11. Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom
The Cologne Christmas Market takes place in front of the iconic cathedral in the city, a recognised Unesco World Heritage Site. That in itself makes it one of the not-to-be-missed Christmas markets in Germany. It has all the usual suspects you’d expect from an epic market – the gluhwein, the delicious treats, and of course, the massive Christmas tree too.
But the entertainment is one of the biggest attractions at the market, with plenty of free stage performances on the go during the month-long affair.
The Weihnachtsmarkt runs between the 23rd of November and the 23rd of December serving up a mountain of sausages during that time. It’s definitely not the wurst case scenario.
Where to Stay
A great accommodation choice is the Legend Hotel, which you can literally trip into from the market – I’m all about efficiency here.
12. Mosel Wein Nachts Markt
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
Now, you might have noticed that my spelling seems off with this one, but don’t worry, it was intentional. And not from my side, even though I’m a pretty punny guy. The Mosel is most famous for its delicious wines, with the mighty Riesling grape leading the charge, hence the Wein Nachts Markt name. However, there’s more to the Mosel than its world-famous wines and it has one of the most unique Christmas markets in Germany.
The market runs between 24th November and 1st January and is completely underground, spread across four underground cellars which were carved into the local hillside. You’ll be treated to delicious regional cuisine and there are plenty of other crafts on offer – it’s not all about the wine. Although, I’d be lying if that wasn’t the main draw card for me.
Where to Stay
For a great, affordable accommodation option, the Holiday Inn Express-Trier, an IHG Hotel is your answer.
13. Freiburg Weihnachtsmarkt
The Freiburg Christmas market is located near the famous Black Forest, one of Germany’s most picturesque places to visit. The spirit of the mighty Black Forest is really reflected in the market and its offerings. You can find yourself some cute regional gifts like beeswax candles shaped into pinecones and unique straw shoes. There are also some really cool demonstrations on the go by local artisans such as glass blowers, candle makers, and even pastry chefs whipping up some culinary delights.
The market runs every year from the 23rd of November until the 23rd of December in front of the Rathaus of the Altstadt. That’s the City Hall of the Old Town for us non-German-speaking folk.
Where to Stay
Hotel Rappen am Münsterplatz is my recommendation for a well-located spot to stay when visiting the Freiburg Christmas market.
14. Würzburg Weihnachtsmarkt
Photo: wwwuppertal (Flickr)
The final Christmas market in Germany to make my list is the Würzburg Christmas Market, an iconic market dating back to the 1800s. The market has the most stunning backdrop, comprised of both the Falkenhaus and the Marienkapelle, taking its proud place in the Marktplatz. Which came first, the Marktplatz or the Weihnachtsmarkt? There’s always time for a dad joke.
The market runs from the 1st until the 23rd of December every year and you can be sure to find something special to take home with you. Whether it’s a piece of local knitwear, a stunning, blown-glass ornament, or the memories of a delicious bite to eat, you won’t leave empty-handed. Or empty-stomached, for that matter!
Where to Stay
Burkardushaus, Tagungszentrum am Dom is a great accommodation choice, a mere 4-minute walk from the market. Perfection!
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Final Thoughts on the Best Christmas Markets in Germany
Right, that’s all I have time for today, unfortunately, but it should’ve started to feel a lot like Christmas already. I’m certainly feeling that way! There are plenty of epic Christmas markets in Germany and literally every city, small town, village, and other nook and cranny has one. This is just scratching the surface but I think it gives you a pretty solid foundation of some of the most famous Weihnachtsmarkts in the country.
All I can say before I bow out is to prepare to be positively infested with the joy of the holiday season and the Christmas spirit. These markets are infectious and the sights, smells, and sounds are going to stimulate your senses in ways you didn’t think possible.
So, get ready to have your belly filled with delicious spiced pastries and plenty of mulled wine. And you’d better make some space in your mind too for whimsical memories that will last you a lifetime!
Frohe Weihnachten!
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