14 Best Christmas Markets in Germany

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When you think about Christmas markets in Europe, I can bet 9 times out of 10, Germany is the first place that comes to mind. And it’s really no surprise! The best Christmas Markets in Germany are pretty much the best in Europe. Or, at least, they’re very high up there – which makes sense, since that’s where the tradition started in the first place!

The earliest records of Christmas markets date back to the late Middle Ages in Germany. Back then, they were less of a festive free-for-all and more of a place for locals to buy seasonal goods, food, and decorations, as well as gather in a festive atmosphere.

Today, they are a bit of everything. A place to sit and have a glass of mulled wine with some friends, a great reason to travel Europe in December, and a place to get in some early and unique Christmas shopping. 

But first and foremost, they are a way to soak up the festive atmosphere. And while we now have Christmas markets all over Europe, Germany remains particularly renowned for its traditional and enchanting markets, which continue to attract visitors from all over the globe.

The Best Christmas Markets in Germany

So, if you’ve been wondering where best to embrace the Christmas spirit, here are the 14 most amazing German Christmas markets.

1. Frankfurt – One of the most well-known German Christmas Markets

Frankfurt is undoubtedly one of the best Christmas markets in Germany. It was also the first Christmas market we visited in the country, and so was our first taste of the gloriousness that Germany offers at Christmas time.

The markets are spread all over the town centre. The largest part of the market is held near the Romer building in Frankfurt’s old town. The history of the market dates back to the 15th century and it is one of the most famous and traditional Christmas markets in Germany and Europe.

Wandering through the market the atmosphere is electric. There are thousands of twinkling lights, decorated stalls, and a towering Christmas tree. Visitors are greeted with the scent of roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and other traditional holiday treats. 

I loved the gingerbread lollipops, homemade knitwear, and countless bratwursts and hot ciders. It was so much fun wandering around the market, buying trinkets, eating food, soaking in the atmosphere.

In addition to traditional Christmas items, you can also find arts and crafts from local artisans, making it a great place to shop for unique gifts and souvenirs.

2. Cologne Christmas Market

Cologne was another incredible German Christmas Market and one of Germany’s most renowned and enchanting markets. Located in the heart of Cologne, the backdrop of the Cologne Cathedral makes this market especially stunning. 

With its picturesque setting and festive atmosphere, the Cologne Christmas Market is a true winter wonderland. You can explore a plethora of beautifully decorated stalls selling handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and traditional German treats like bratwurst, roasted chestnuts, and mulled wine. 

Live music, carolers, and the aroma of spiced gingerbread cookies add to the magical atmosphere, making it a cherished destination for both locals and tourists seeking the spirit of Christmas in Germany. 

The Cologne Christmas market seemed to have more in the way of activities than the Frankfurt Market. There was a large ice skating rink, little animated figurines, and lots of themed areas. It was great and such a fun market to visit. 

3. Baden Baden – One of the most Beautiful Christmas markets in Germany

Baden Baden was beautiful. There’s really no other way to describe it. Nestled against the backdrop of the town’s elegant architecture and in the Black Forest region, this market exudes a cosy and traditional atmosphere. 

It also has a woodland feel to it, with beautiful hand-carved wooden gifts and toys. Its location is also gorgeous: partly in a garden area and partly tucked underneath the historic Trinkehalle, a fabulous spa complex with stunning architecture.

You can meander through stalls adorned with artisanal gifts, holiday decorations, and festive treats like gingerbread cookies and mulled wine. 

What sets the Baden-Baden Christmas Market apart is its emphasis on art and craftsmanship, with many local artisans showcasing their talents. The market’s beautiful lights, seasonal music, and the scenic beauty of the surrounding area make it captivating.

Oh, and don’t forget to visit the nearby Hohenbaden Castle.

4. Heidelberg Christmas Market

This was the smallest of the Christmas Markets in Germany that we visited. Tucked underneath the city’s historic castle, and along the charming cobbled streets, you’ll find an intimate collection of stalls and an ice rink.

Here, you can wander through the stalls selling artisan handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and delicious seasonal treats such as roasted chestnuts and spiced mulled wine. The backdrop of the stunning Heidelberg Castle, beautifully illuminated during the evenings, adds to the market’s enchanting charm. 

5. Dresden Christmas Market – One of the Oldest Christmas Markets in Germany

One of the most historic Christmas Markets in Germany, Dresden is largely considered the place it all began. Dating back to 1434, it is often considered the oldest Christmas market in the country. Set against the backdrop of Dresden’s stunning architecture, including the iconic Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), this market has a magical atmosphere.

The Striezelmarkt is renowned for its beautifully crafted holiday decorations, handcrafted gifts, and the famous Dresden Stollen, a traditional Christmas fruitcake. Visitors can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere, enjoy seasonal music and entertainment, ice skating and jolly good fun!

6. Trier Christmas Market

Voted Germany’s favourite Christmas Market in 2022, Trier deserves a top spot on any Christmas bucket list. Framed by half-timbered homes and Germany’s oldest cathedral, the Trier Christmas Market is undeniably picturesque and appeals to those itching to witness the charm of German small towns. 

The city is nestled in the scenic Mosel Valley, a region known for fine Rieslings and apple wine, making it an excellent market for wine lovers. Other noteworthy things to do at the market include meeting the German Mulled Wine Queen and shopping at the Kathe Wohlfahrt Store inside a life-sized Christmas pyramid.

As Germany’s oldest city, there are countless unique things to do in Trier to fill a Christmas weekend or day trip. Visitors should make time for the city’s medieval architecture, sprawling vineyards, and impressive Roman ruins like the Porta Nigra.

Additionally, Trier is located near the Insta-famous Burg Eltz and the charming wine towns of Bernkastel Kues and Cochem, two other incredible places to witness Christmas magic in Germany. 

Due to its more rural locale, the best way to get to Trier is via car. However, Trier’s central train station offers various routes connecting surrounding destinations.

7. Berlin Christmas Market

Berlin has dozens of Christmas markets but one of the best is at Charlottenburg Palace. The setting is gorgeous, with the palace as the backdrop. This market is perfect for anyone who wants a traditional feel for German Christmas markets.

You’ll find traditional German food here, like sausages and potatoes, but also international cuisine, and of course, candied almonds and other sweets. There are also stalls selling Glühwein and other drinks. And there are stalls selling Christmas decorations, winter hats and scarves, wooden toys, chocolates, and many other things.

Carolers sing Christmas songs, and when the sun goes down, the palace is lit up for extra holiday cheer. Don’t forget to climb the stairs at the Hungarian food hut to reach the viewing platform. From here, you’ll get wonderful views of the palace and the Christmas market.

The Charlottenburg Palace Christmas market is a little outside the centre of the city. For hotels near Berlin Christmas markets, especially if this one is a priority, stay near the zoo in the Charlottenburg district. It’s easy to get the M45 bus from Zoo Station to the palace.

8. Hamburg Christmas Market

Hamburg is a port city and the second-largest city in the country. It’s located in Northern Germany, and it hosts 20+ Christmas markets in November/December. The markets are open from November 22^nd till December 23^rd, with a few continuing after Christmas. Opening times are 11am till 9pm.

The Christmas markets in Hamburg are spread throughout the city, each has its own theme. The ones in the city centre are the most popular. You can reach the markets best with public transport and on foot.

In Sankt Pauli the market has a ‘red light’ theme and is nicknamed Santa Pauli. Bergedorf has the oldest Christmas market in Hamburg. Am Rathaus has a more historically themed Christmas market, this one is the most famous of them all. St. George hosts a pink Winter pride market. So there’s a suitable one for everyone.

At the Christmas markets, you have to at least try some of the traditional German treats, such as currywurst, lebkuchen, roasted chestnuts, pretzels, glühwein and hot chocolate with rum.

9. Monschau Christmas Market

The beautiful Monschau Christmas Market is located in the small town of Monschau, Germany. It’s one of the most popular Christmas markets in the area and takes place every year during Advent, the four weeks leading to Christmas.

The nearest airports to Monschau are Maastricht (MST), Cologne (CGN), and Dusseldorf (DUS). To get to Monschau, you can take public transport. But, the best way is by car, allowing you the flexibility to explore other Christmas markets nearby.

This Christmas market is best for anyone who appreciates cute little markets. It’s a hidden gem in the charming town of Monschau. The main market is set at Marktplatz, the town’s main square, but you’ll also discover several Christmas corners scattered throughout the town.

Stroll around the colourful stalls at Monschau’s market. They offer traditional German Christmas decorations, handmade candles, wooden toys, jewellery, and pottery. You can also enjoy local specialities like Bratwurst and Glühwein. Local artisans showcase their talents with leather goods and glassware.

Don’t forget to dress warmly, as Germany can be quite cold at that time of the year. This market is only open from Friday to Sunday, so plan accordingly and soak in the festive atmosphere while exploring it.

10. Stuttgart Christmas Market

The Stuttgart Christmas Market is not only one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany but also one of the oldest. First documented in 1692, the market draws a jaw-dropping 3 to 4 million visitors annually!

The Stuttgart Christmas Market, or Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt, is located about 2.5 hours south of Frankfurt. It’s easily accessible by public transport. Just hop on the U-Bahn (subway) to Schlossplatz, and you’ll find yourself in the middle of this incredible German winter wonderland.

Perfect for families, couples, and solo travellers alike, Stuttgart’s Christmas Market has something for everyone. With over 300 gorgeous wooden stalls decorated with twinkling lights, you are sure to find the perfect handcrafted gifts or ornaments to take home with you.

Of course, you can’t visit the Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt without indulging in a few classic German treats like bratwurst, pretzels, and Maultaschen. Be sure to try the mulled wine (Glühwein). It will keep you toasty warm as you explore the market’s many offerings.

As you walk around the market, enjoy live music and performances on the market’s stage, incredible carolers circulating through the market, or the real-life Nativity Scene. The kids will love Santa’s Workshop, the skating rink, the vintage carousel, and the huge lighted sculptures of Stuttgart’s iconic landmarks.

The Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt is open from late November through December 23rd. 

11. Dusseldorf Christmas Market

With one of the most underrated Christmas Markets in Europe, Dusseldorf is definitely a city worth visiting. Dusseldorf boasts seven different Christmas markets throughout the city, each with its own unique theme. All of these markets are conveniently located in the city centre and within walking distance of each other. 

Englechenmarkt, or Angel’s Market, is small but has a festive atmosphere. Sternchen Markt, in the inner courtyard of Wilhelm-Marx-Hause, has a blue and white colour theme. The Altstadt Markt in the Old Town features wooden stalls decorated to look like Dusseldorf’s old Burgher houses and is complete with a large Christmas pyramid selling hot gluhwein.

One of the larger Christmas markets in Dusseldorf is the Handwerker-Markt, which is set against the backdrop of the Rathaus. There’s also the Marchen Markt, which feels like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale, as well as Schadow Markt on one of Düsseldorf’s most popular shopping streets, Schadowstrasse, where festive huts line the streets. 

Stroll through the wooden stalls selling handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and delicious treats while sipping a mug of warm gluhwein. Keep an eye out for local specialties like Reibekuchen, or potato pancakes.

Families will appreciate the kid-friendly attractions and activities like ice skating or the Ferris wheel, while couples can enjoy romantic strolls under the Lichtdom, a dome of lights that arches across the canal.

12. Nuremberg Christmas Market

The Nuremberg Christmas market is a classic German advent period market in Bavaria, Germany. Better known as Christkindlesmarkt in German, it has a traditional vibe that will dazzle you on your visit. You can expect stalls filled with goodies such as cookies, roasted nuts, Glühwein, and other regional specialities. 

Stock up on the Nuremberg Lebkuchen, the Elisenlebkuchen, which is a Gingerbread variety from the city, and it’s most definitely one of the best that you will ever get to taste. 

If you can make it for the opening ceremony, which takes place on the Friday before the 1st Advent candle is lit, you’ll be able to take part in the age-old tradition of the Christkindles. The Christkindles is a young woman dressed as an angel. She opens the Christmas market with a prologue while standing on the balcony of the Frauenkirche church. 

The market can be accessed freely at the Hauptmarkt opposite the Frauenkirche between 10 am and 9 pm daily. Moreover, the first market usually happens at the end of November or at the beginning of December and ends on the 24th of December at 2 pm. 

The best way to get there is to take the U1 subway line to the Lorenzkirche station. From there it’s just a 7-minute walk across the beautiful old town. Many other historical monuments and attractions of Nuremberg are situated in this area, such as the Nuremberg Castle.

13. Munich Christmas Market

Munich is famous for its Christmas markets. While there are many markets all around the city, the most well-known is the Munich Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatz Square.

Located in the heart of the Old Town, this traditional market dates back to the 14th century, making it one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets. Hundreds of stalls can be found in Marienplatz, the city’s main square, along with the surrounding streets and the courtyard of the town hall. 

The vendors sell everything from gluhwein (sold in the cutest boot-shaped mugs!), sausages, gingerbread cookies, traditional crafts, and much more. It’s also home to a giant Nativity scene. There is something for everyone here!

The stalls are set up against a romantic backdrop of the square’s notable buildings. This includes the Town Hall and Frauenkirche church. Seeing the twinkly lights of the Christmas tree and decorations here makes it extra magical!

Getting here is super easy, as Marienplatz is very centrally located. It is easily accessible by the city’s network of subways, trams, and buses.

14. Geierlay Bridge – A German Christmas Market on a Suspension Bridge

A guided glühwein hike in the Hunsruck forest across Germany’s second-longest suspension bridge for Christmas?  Yes, please!  Easily accessed by Cochem Germany, the GeierLights Christmas market is a unique project. It transforms the Geierlay suspension bridge in Germany’s Rhineland-Palatinate region into a stunning work of art and a super fun and active Christmas market. 

This market is unusual because it’s literally on a Nepalese-mountain-style walking bridge.  It features a synchronised display of lights, music, and sound effects that will create an immersive experience. You can drink your gluhwein and enjoy a walk across a bridge 100 metres in the air in addition to a lovely hike through a soft forest. 

The Geierlay bridge, which is the second longest walking suspension bridge in Germany, will be illuminated with a variety of colours and patterns, making it a fantastic sight.  Organised by the local tourism association, it is expected to attract visitors from all over the world.

Lines to cross the bridge will be mitigated by the delicious food and drinks being served to visitors while they wait to walk across the 360-metre-long bridge.

The GeierLights project is set to take place in 2023 and is sure to be a popular destination for anyone looking to experience the magic of light art. This guided hike is a great way to experience the beauty of the region, both before and after the Christmas season. After the hike, warm up with mulled wine, punch, and some nibbles.

It costs around €18 per person, and you’re required to wear weatherproof clothing, sturdy shoes, and bring a headlamp. A head for heights is also necessary to cross the suspension rope bridge. 

FAQ about the best German Christmas Markets

What is the biggest Christmas market in Germany?

There are several Christmas Markets in Germany in close contest for being the ‘biggest’. However, those at the top are Nuremberg, Dresden, and Leipzig. Many of these have over 250 stalls tucked into their historic centres and the Nuremberg and Dresden Markets alone attract over 2 million people.

Nonetheless, if we look at the largest Christmas market in all of Europe, Vienna takes the crown. Despite having only around 150 stalls, it attracts over 3 million people annually!

What is the oldest Christmas market in Germany?

The oldest Christmas Market in Germany is considered Striezelmarkt in Dresden. The Striezelmarkt, originally known as the “Dresdner Striezelmarkt,” traces its roots back to the early 15th century when it was first mentioned in historical records in 1434. It has a long and storied history, making it one of the most traditional and historic Christmas markets in Germany.

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