23 of the Best Christmas Markets to Visit in Germany
Last updated on:The Christmas market – also known as the Christkindlmarkt (Christ child market) or Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Eve market) – is a tradition that began in the German-speaking parts of Europe way back in the Middle Ages. There were special winter markets mentioned way back in the 1300s!
The markets celebrate the Christmas season during Advent, the four weeks leading up to the holiday. They're known today for festive stands selling regional treats and crafts, and for exuding all sorts of Christmas-y cheer.
Today, cities all across Europe carry on the Christmas market tradition. But I still think Germany does them best.
23 of the best Christmas markets to visit in Germany
Here's a map of all the markets included on this list:
And now, on to the best Christmas markets in Germany!
1. Nuremberg
The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, or Nuremberg Christmas Market,
is arguably Germany's most famous Christmas market. The Christmas
market on Nuremberg's Main Market Square can be traced back to documents
first mentioning it in the year 1628, but Nurembergers believe it dates
back even further.
You'll find 180 wooden huts selling everything from the traditional Prune Men that decorate Nurembergers houses at Christmastime to the Original Nuremberger that can only be named as such if they are produced within the city limits and weigh precisely 23 grams.
Jennifer and Tim from Luxe Adventure Traveler, Americans that have called Europe home for a decade, recommend trying the GERSTACKER blueberry glühwein. The GERSTACKER stall has been a fixture of the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt for more than 35 years, and the blueberry mulled wine is a unique twist on the traditional glühwein.
You can also get a fantastic view over the entire Main Market Square by climbing up to the balcony of the Church of Our Lady.
– Submitted by Jennifer of Luxe Adventure Traveler
2. Dresden
Dresden becomes Germany’s so called
‘capital of Christmas’ starting at the end of November and lasting
until Christmas Eve. With so much history and Christmas spirit, Dresden
is the place to be during Advent.
At the time when the market was founded, it was actually used as a meat market for only one day, mostly for the people of town to buy their Christmas roast. It didn’t take long until the market grew thanks to salesmen and craftsmen who came from the area around Dresden.
Nowadays, you will find around 200 huts and stands from different vendors, featuring everything from wood crafts to local foods. Every year about 2.5 million people come to visit this historical Christmas market and enjoy a hot cup of Glühwein.
And of course you will find not only this Christmas market in Dresden. During the Christmas season, there are beautiful markets covering much of the historic center, turning the area from the Altstadt to the Neustadt into a bustling Christmas market quarter.
– Submitted by Rand of Well Traveled Mile
3. Cologne
Like many larger cities in Germany,
Cologne doesn't host just one Christmas market. Instead, Cologne has up
to 8 different Christmas markets each Advent season. Each market has a
different vibe or theme – and each one has its own Christmas market mug
for you to collect!
The best Christmas market for families is probably the Altstadt Market (Old Town Market), located on the Alter Markt in front of Cologne's town hall. This market is “run” by the Heinzelmännchen, or house gnomes. You'll find all the usual Christmas market trappings here, from handicrafts to spicy Glühwein, along with toy stands and a puppet theater for the kids. There's also an ice rink here that's fun for the whole family.
4. Hamburg – City Hall
Hamburg
is incredibly festive during the holiday season, and you will find
Christmas markets all over the city in December. However, the most
iconic one is the market in front of the old city hall. This year, it is
expecting almost 3 million visitors, making it one of the biggest
Christmas markets in Germany.
Three times per day Santa arrives from the skies on his sleigh and tells the story of Rudolf the reindeer for the children at the market.
Another highlight is the Christmas parade that takes place every Saturday until Christmas. Elves, angels, gnomes, and reindeer make their way through the city center, bringing festive cheer to the city.
– Submitted by Annika of The Midnight Blue Elephant
5. Bremen
Bremen, Germany is a German
fairytale town in northern Germany, a short hour and a half bus or train
ride away from Hamburg. Fairytale is no exaggeration: literally, the
town is famous for the Brother's Grimm tale The Bremen Town Musicians.
The other Christmas Market is the Schlachte-Zauber, a Medieval-themed Christmas Market along the waterfront. The Medieval Christmas Market, complete with pirate ships, shop employees dressed in period costumes, and kitschy booths with theme-appropriate wares like spells and potions ingredients. You'll find classic fare like roasted chestnuts and sweet Eiserpunsch with gingerbread cookies, plus delicious mulled Elvesfire wine. Look for the stand with a wide variety of fruity mulled wine, and order either Elvesfire or Dragonsfire – they’re the best.
Other than stuffing your face at Christmas Markets, there are plenty of things to do in Bremen in the winter: be sure to spend a day exploring the hidden alleys in Old Town like the Museen Böttcherstraße and the Schnoor; go chocolate tasting at Hachez Chocolate; and visit the home of Beck's beer. As you explore, keep your eye out for the keys to the city: they're hidden all over town!
– Submitted by Lia of Practical Wanderlust
6. Berlin – Potsdamer Platz
Berlin is bursting with brilliant
Christmas markets. And one you simply must visit is the Christmas market
located at Potsdamer Platz (better known as Winterwelt). It’s probably
one of the most popular markets in Berlin, with a whopping 2.5 million
people visiting a year. And it’s no surprise why.
It’s not all about the food however, Potsdamer Platz also offers a brilliant ice-skating rink to swirl around on. It’s the perfect spot to get into the mood of Christmas, especially since they play Christmas music on a loop. One of my favourite Christmas souvenirs from any Berlin Christmas market is a handmade bauble for the Christmas tree, and this market is bursting with choice. Make sure you look after your baubles on your journey home though – my friend accidentally smashed hers!
– Submitted by Carol-Anne of Dream Big, Travel Far
7. Kassel
Kassel is the heart and soul of
Germany's fairy tale route. At over 600km long as it runs from Bremen to
Hanau, the route pays homage to the iconic Brothers Grimm fables. The
Kassel Christmas Market embraces this and chooses a different tale for
the theme each year. Will it be Snow White or Cinderella? Maybe it'll be
the classic tale of Hanzel and Grettel? You'll just have to attend to
find out!
– Submitted by Lindsay of I've Been Bit
8. Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Last year I went on a road trip trough France and Germany on the hunt for the best Christmas market, and my favorite by far was Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
One of my favorite things to do is get lost along the cobble lanes and in the boutique shops. However, no matter where you walk here all streets seem to lead back to the main square, home to arguably the finest Christmas market in Germany.
Surrounded by wonky houses, the main square in Rothenburg ob der Tauber has a giant 30-foot Christmas tree at one end with stalls forming a square around it.
Like most Germany Christmas markets, expect to find sweet stalls, sausages, gluhwein, and lots of happy faces! Also, if it happens to snow like it did when I was there then it’s even more magical!
– Submitted by Macca of An Adventurous World
9. Heidelberg
With its location on the Necker
River and its historic castle on the hill, the university town of
Heidelberg is magical any time of year. But once the city is decked out
in twinkle lights and pine trees, its charm factor goes off the charts.
10. Leipzig
Leipziger Weihnachtsmarkt has been
setting up in the winter in the city of Leipzig since 1458 and stretches
through town from the Old Market Square in the city centre. It is huge,
with around 250 stalls and lots of attractions, so do allow a few hours
to visit.
The Finnish Market provided a chance to watch chefs flame-cooking whole salmon next to open fires. Then after visiting the SudTiroler Dorf Market for another slice of Europe, we headed to the Medieval Market, where castle and tavern provided all the Glühwein and entertainment we could drink in. This Christmas market specializes in traditional wooden gifts from Saxony; stallholders can talk you through the fascinating process of how they are made.
Music in Leipzig is everywhere, too, so you'll likely find a singing Santa livening up your festive visit.
– Submitted by Kirstie of The Family Adventure Project
11. Stuttgart
Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt dates
back to the 1600s and is famous for being one of the oldest… not only in
Germany, but in all of Europe! I’d argue it’s one of the best, too.
The vendors engage in a little friendly competition trying to outdo each other’s elaborate rooftop decorations while choirs, carolers, and live bands entertain visitors with hymns and holiday music. The market runs all day, but becomes especially magical at night when the Christmas lights really become visible.
Evening is the best time to visit,
when the air is crisp and the market is aglow. There’s just something
about bundling up and strolling among the festive stalls with a cup of
Glühwein to warm your insides… it evokes all the holiday nostalgia you
could ask for!
12. Ludwigsburg Baroque Christmas Market
After a marathon of exploring the Christmas Markets of Baden-Württemberg, Germany,
last winter, I came away with one clear favorite: the Ludwigsburg
Baroque Christmas Market. This charming market is held in the Marktplatz
dominated by two Baroque churches on either end of the market square.
There are plenty of tasty treats to enjoy including German Christmas Market favorites like bratwurst and mulled wine, but you’ll also find some international delicacies too. I enjoyed a pick-me-up snack of empanadas and falafels.
If you need a break from shopping, there’s a merry-go-round and puppet shows for the little ones, or you can take a short walk to the breath-taking Ludwigsburg Residential Palace where you can join one of the many guided tours. Ludwigsburg is just 12km from Stuttgart and is a 15-minute ride on the S-Bahn from the central train station.
– Submitted by Alison of CheeseWeb
13. Esslingen Medieval Christmas Market
When we moved to Stuttgart,
Germany, we knew that we wanted to visit as many Christmas markets as we
possibly could in the few years that we lived in the area. We certainly
made our way around Europe, but the one market that we visited over and
over was the Esslingen Medieval Christmas Market in Esslingen, Germany.
This market features a kid’s area with old fashioned games, such as a human powered Ferris wheel and swings, as well as games of toss a stone on an egg or shoot an arrow to knock down the castle. You’ll also find a place for kids to dip their own candle in a variety of colors among other crafts.
Outside the children’s area, you’ll find entertainment stages with a mix of delights, and an area where you can enjoy a nice hot bath in the middle of the market (with privacy curtains, if you choose). I have to admit that it was tempting to jump into a huge barrel full of steaming hot water on those cold German winter days.
There are ample food options to
lure you as you wander around, from slow cooked pork to roasted corn and
meat pockets. A favorite in our family was the gluhbier, hot spiced
beer. I won’t lie, it’s amazing! Enjoy it in a handcrafted pottery mug
and if you like the mug, keep it for a nice memory of the market. If
not, return it and get your deposit (pfand) back.
14. Munich
Munich is the place to be for
Christmas in Germany as there are markets spread around town, each one a
bit different from the next.
We would recommend heading to the nearby Residenz, the former home of Munich royalty. This Christmas market is sheltered from the weather as it sits in a stunning courtyard, providing an intimate atmosphere for revelers. Musicians perform carols, stalls offer up glühwein and holiday treats, and vendors sell everything from candied nuts to paper stars.
There are eight other Christmas markets around the city, from the Chinese Tower in the English Garden to the Viktualienmarkt, and each one has something that sets them apart. Go to Munich for the Christmas markets and you won’t be disappointed.
– Submitted by Kirsten Maxwell of Kids Are A Trip; check out her post on the best Christmas markets in Europe
15. Altötting
One of my favorite Christmas
markets in Germany is not a big one – which is exactly what makes it so
charming. You can find it in the small Bavarian town of Altötting.
Before Christmas, the square turns into a village of wooden stalls, nicely decorated greens, and impressive Christmas trees. You can wander through illuminated walkways and gaze at the Christmas decorations, glass balls for Christmas trees, and nativity scenes that are displayed in many of the stalls. In others you find huge selections of aromatic candles and incense.
What I like most, however, is the
smell of freshly baked gingerbread, cookies and Christmas Stollen. This
is a rich cake with lots of dried fruit that needs weeks to develop its
flavor. You have to be patient to really taste its richness. A local
speciality is the “Sterntaler,“ a crumpet in the form of a star. These
are made by a local baker and filled with all kinds of good things. My
favorite is a Sterntaler filled with cherries and liquor. That is the
perfect Christmas food for me.
16. Regensburg
Regensburg, nestled in the heart of
Bavaria, is no stranger to great fests and markets. Throughout the
whole year, you can find traditional German festivals calling crowds
from all over. However, it's the city's Christmas Markets that make it
truly a must-visit, especially for anyone looking for memorable
Christmas Markets.
At one, you might get the traditional finds of a Christmas market (ornaments, trinkets, ets) but at another it may be a local artisan market with homemade jewelry and pottery. Then you can go to a romantic market set in the middle of a palace, and at another you can overlook the Danube and Dom while petting sheep and drinking a Feuerzangenbowle (mulled wine with a rum soaked sugar cube lit on fire!).
No matter which market or how many
you choose to go to in Regensburg, one thing is for sure: you'll be in
the holiday spirit in no time!
17. Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market
Deep in the Black Forest you'll find the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market. It is located a 45 minute drive from Freiburg, Germany. What makes this market so unique is not what it sells but its amazing location.
Grab a wine and stand by one of the many fire drums to listen to some traditional music and take in this location. It gets cold (I mean very cold), so dress for the occasion. I would think its one of the most unique Christmas markets in all of Europe.
Another unique but maybe surprising feature is that this is the only Christmas market I have heard of that charges and entry fee. Bring 3.50 euro in change to get in. Parking is at a premium and can be booked online for this amazing experience.
– Submitted by Mark Wyld from Wyld Family Travel
18. Speyer
Sometimes it's the smaller
Christmas markets that leave an impression on you. This was definitely
true in the town of Speyer, an historic city on the Rhine River. The
town only has one Christmas market, located on Maximilianstrasse in
front of the Old Mint.
The Speyer Christmas market is also one of a few that extends into January, meaning you can enjoy it even after the holidays.
19. Berchtesgaden
Berchtesgadener Advent is a small Christmas Market, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in cheer and conviviality.
In the Market Square (Marktplatz), Christmas booths fill the Old Town. We enjoyed gluhwein, hot cocoa, and all sorts of pastries. Other booths sold holiday gifts and crafts.
Our two boys loved wandering through the tree maze and taking a tour of the salt mine. Throughout the Advent season, there was live music and performances, making the spirit of winter come alive. It’s not as big or elaborate as the Christmas Market in nearby Salzburg, but it is cozy and convivial.
On Christmas Eve and New Years Day (and other seemingly random times), costumed men shoot black powder guns over the town. It was always surprising and interesting. We didn’t see it, but apparently at a local festival called Trachtenfest, the town blacksmith will challenge you to a drink by dunking his red-hot iron into your beer, daring you to chug the whole thing.
– Submitted by Mel from TravelingMel
20. Goslar
With the surrounding half-timbered houses dating back to the middle ages, the Goslar Christmas Market provides a medieval vibe to its visitors. You can also find a lot of medieval-themed dishes such as meat sticks and freshly baked bread.
The Christmas Market is small and cute but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth the trip.
– Submitted by Vicki of Vicki Viaja
21. Frankfurt
The Frankfurt Christmas Market is
easily one of the most famous, recognized, and visited in the world. It
is so famous that other Christmas markets use its name as a homage to
it! As a Frankfurt local, I can confirm that it is just as grand as it is rumored to be, but there is much more to it than meets the eye.
If you can't manage to make it to Frankfurt until after Christmas and the main markets are gone, you can head over to Hofheim, where there's a market that stays around until early January. There are sports games, fires, ice skating, and lots of food and drinks. It is a relaxing place to keep the Christmas party going even after the holiday itself.
– Submitted by Megan of MeganStarr.com
22. Passau
Passau, Germany, is a small town of
50,000 people that comes to life during the holidays. Every year the
old town is beautifully decorated for the season as the Passau Christmas
market takes place in the Cathedral square in front of the beautiful
St. Stephan Cathedral.
There are a few things however that make the Passau Christmas market stand out from all of the rest. The market takes place at the same time as the local handcrafters market, so you can see local artisans creating their beautiful pieces of work right before your eyes.
The market also features tasty foods like a 1/2-meter long wurst in a baguette or pretzels cut horizontal and stuffed with tasty cheeses and seasonings. There are flowing chocolate fountains, too, and a lot more. Definitely visit the Passau Christmas market with an empty stomach.
– Submitted by Cailin of Travel Yourself; check out her tips for visiting European Christmas markets
23. Rüdesheim am Rhein
Another small-yet-charming
Christmas market to check out in Germany is the market in the town of
Rüdesheim am Rhein, a town of less than 10,000 people in the Upper
Middle Rhine Valley. Rüdesheim's Christmas market is a popular one for
tourists – especially river cruise ship passengers.
The town's romantic Drosselgasse (and, really, every available space within the town's old quarter) is filled with stalls selling all sorts of trinkets and treats. You'll want to try the Rüdesheim Coffee, which is made with locally distilled Asbach Uralt Brandy and whipped cream, and also check out the life-size Nativity scene on the market square, which is said to be the biggest in Europe.
If you have a choice of when to visit Rüdesheim's Christmas market, I recommend going after dark, when the town just sparkles.
For further reading:
- 5 Things You Must Do at a German Christmas Market
- 23 Photos That Will Make You Want to Go to a European Christmas Market Right Now
- Christmas Markets with Viking River Cruises: What’s It Really Like?
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