Planning a festive short getaway? Whether you're interested in a medieval stroll through Guteneck or experiencing tradition in Munich, Germany is a holiday delight. Our guide showcases the top German Christmas markets...
1. Weihnachtsmarkt Am Kölner Dom, Cologne
Set against the gothic backdrop of Cologne Cathedral and beneath the largest Christmas tree in the Rhine region, you'll find Weihnachtsmarkt Am Kölner Dom – Cologne's biggest and most popular Christmas market. Wander through its sparkling wooden pavilions to discover handmade gifts like wood carvings, tree decorations, and soaps.
Focusing on regional organic foods, this market is ideal for food-loving travelers. Grab a mug and fill it with gluhwein, then join the festivities with music and dance in the streets. There's entertainment for all ages, including children, who can enjoy a ride on a vintage merry-go-round or try their luck on the wheel of fortune.
Elsewhere in the city, you'll come across the Angel’s Christmas Market, known as Cologne’s oldest. It boasts various artisan stalls and mulled wine stands throughout the shopping district, with an added touch of magic as angels sprinkle glitter through the alleyways. With some luck, you might even spot Santa Claus riding on a horse.
Other markets worth visiting include the picturesque Old Market Christmas in front of the town hall, and the Harbour Christmas Market near the chocolate factory.
Dates: 23 November – 23 December
2. Dresden Striezelmarkt, Dresden
Amidst a dazzling array of lights reflecting on the river, the rich aroma of mulled wine, the lively sounds of festive music, and the spinning carousels, the Dresden Striezelmarkt creates a perfect setting for Christmas joy.
It is not only Germany's oldest Christmas market but also featured the world's tallest Christmas pyramid in 1999, reaching an impressive 14.62 meters. The latest record was set at the Berlin Christmas Market with a height of 20 meters.
As you wander through the stalls, look for traditional handcrafted nutcrackers, popular at the market, and the Dresden Pflaumentoffel – a small chimney sweep made from dates. Besides these miniature figures, visitors can enjoy Germany’s classic stollen fruit loaf.
Dates: 29 November – 24 December
3. Berlin’s Christmas markets, Berlin
Considered the most beautiful square in Berlin, Gendarmenmarkt is especially captivating during the holiday season. Explore as artisans skillfully carve wooden gifts and seamstresses work in their stalls. It is also a favored location for artists to congregate and showcase their creations; expect everything from jugglers and fire-eaters to various musical performances.
Märchenhafter Weihnachtsmarkt at Jagdschloss Grunewald offers a picturesque day trip not far from the city center. Situated by a reflective lakeside, market stalls open in the courtyard of Berlin’s oldest palace on Advent weekends, where visitors are welcomed by fairy tale characters like Hansel and Gretel.
Dates: 27 November – 31 December
4. Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt, Stuttgart
With nearly 300 ornately decorated stalls and prizes awarded for the best, it's no wonder the Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt is considered one of Europe's most beautiful.
Stroll through a medieval setting against the impressive backdrop of the New Castle, Old Castle, and Collegiate Church. Enjoy the choirs, indulge in local delicacies, and have a great time at the ice rink.
Nearby is the Esslingen Medieval Market, featuring 100 stalls with stunning Christmas decorations, medieval vendors, and sweet treats. There's plenty of fun to be had on the carousel and at the candle workshops.
Dates: 29 November – 23 December
5. Leipziger Weihnachtsmarkt, Leipzig
Located around the historic Marketplatz, approximately 300 stalls, overshadowed by the massive Old Town Hall, form the Leipziger Weihnachtsmarkt, Germany's second oldest market, originating in 1458.
The core of the market extends into the nearby streets, filled with an array of lights, music, and parades.
Dates: 28 November – 23 December
6. Aachener Weihnachtsmarkt, Aachen
Each winter, the area in front of the illuminated Aachen Cathedral and Town Hall is transformed into an authentic Christmas village, with clusters of wooden chalets drawing visitors to the Aachener Weihnachtsmarkt.
Indulge in a renowned Aachen Printen (gingerbread) and meet the six-meter Printen gingerbread man mascot. Fill stockings with gifts ranging from traditional to extraordinary, and take the time to enjoy the thoughtfully arranged fair that is cherished by both locals and visitors.
Dates: 24 November – 23 December
7. Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, Nurember
Situated in the Old Town, the golden Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is steeped in history and tradition. Witness the opening ceremony outside the church and look up to the balcony to hear the festive prologue announced amid a flourish of trumpets.
Try a drei im weggla (three in a roll) Nuremberg Bratwurst or the renowned Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and explore the stalls for gifts from around the world, like Czech wooden angels and French marmalade.
You can share your wishes with the crowned, gilded-robed Christkind, and ascend to the top of the Church of Our Lady, to view the red-and-white striped market stalls lining the streets below.
Dates: 1 – 24 December
8. Münchner Christkindlmarkt, Munich
Munich's primary and highly traditional market, the Münchner Christkindlmarkt, extends from the Marienplatz, weaving up the shopping street and stretching to the Richard Strauss Fountain.
Anticipate a Bavarian spectacle featuring hand-painted glass ornaments and homemade Beerenglühwein, along with a towering Christmas tree in front of the town hall that illuminates the stalls.
Dates: 27 November – 24 December
9. Hamburger Weihnachtsmarkt, Hamburg
The historic Hamburger Weihnachtsmarkt takes place in Hamburg’s largest square, featuring around 80 vendors setting up stalls in front of the sparkling town hall.
Walking through these old-fashioned streets will quickly make you forget about your mobile phone as you become captivated by the unique gifts on display. The Glühwein here is a must-try, crafted specifically for Hamburg’s market by a small winemaker – you won’t find it quite like this anywhere else.
In past years, children have enjoyed rides on a large model railway through the toy lanes and could see Father Christmas on his reindeer-led sleigh announcing himself with a cheerful ‘ho, ho, ho!’.
Dates: 27 November – 23 December
10. Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Guteneck, Guteneck
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