For a festive treat like no other, it’s hard to beat German Christmas markets. They’re a long-standing tradition throughout the country, with many dating back to medieval times. Not just brilliant places to shop for gifts, you’ll also find heaps of delicious seasonal treats. These differ slightly from market to market, but gingerbread, mulled wine (Glühwein in German) and local marzipan are all staples.
You don’t have to stick to big cities to find the best German Christmas markets, either. Smaller towns may not have as many stalls, but you’ll still have the joy of getting to try local goods and traditional food from different regions. Not sure where to go in Germany first? Here’s KAYAK’s definitive guide to the country’s most magical Christmas markets.
The best Christmas markets in Germany
The tradition of Christmas markets in Germany dates back centuries. In fact, many on this list are hundreds of years old. German Christmas markets today still sell the same festive foods, ornaments, and handcrafted goods as their medieval predecessors.
Common features include giant Christmas trees, Christmas pyramids, and multi-tiered carousels that rotate nativity scenes. Want to soak up all the festive spirit? Tick off as many Christmas markets as you can when you explore Germany by train. Here are a few favourites:
- Aachen
- Nuremberg
- Berlin
- Leipzig
- Cologne
- Erfurt
- Munich
- Frankfurt
- Dresden
- Flensburg
- Hamburg
- Lubeck
- Annaberg-Buchholz
- Rostock
- Baden-Baden
1. Aachen Christmas Market
Aachen is a city full of history. It was once the Imperial residence of Emperor Charlemagne, who ordered the construction of the cathedral that this German Christmas market centres around. Make sure to try local specialities like Aachen Christmas Liver Sausage and Aachener Printen: a delicious, richly spiced type of gingerbread.
Mulled wine is plentiful and the streets are all lit up to create a gorgeous atmosphere. Regularly considered one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, the Aachen Christmas market is the perfect way to kick off the festive season.
- Address: Münsterpl. 22, 52062 Aachen, Germany
- Dates: 24th of November to 23rd of December
2. Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
No list of Christmas markets in Germany would be complete without the Nuremberg Christmas Market. It sees over 2 million visitors each year and it’s one of the oldest Christmas markets in the country. Usually, it begins each year on the Friday before Advent First Sunday and ends on the 24th of December.
You’ll find some beautiful and tasty souvenirs here, from delicious gingerbread and cookies to gorgeous clothing made from local wool. Nuremberg is known as ‘the city of wood and cloth’, so it’s perfect for picking up handcrafted goods to take back home.
- Address: Hans-Sachs-Platz 1, 90403 Nürnberg, Germany
- Dates: 1st of December to 24th of December.
3. Berlin Lucia Christmas Market
Berlin hosts dozens of Christmas markets every year but the Lucia Christmas Market is easily one of the most popular. It’s renowned for its blend of German and Scandinavian traditions. Keep your eyes peeled for plenty of unique foods, such as elk bratwurst, alongside locally made artworks, jewellery and clothes.
You’ll find this German Christmas market at the Kulturbrauerei in Prenzlauer Berg from late November to late December. Looking for more to do in the country’s capital during your winter break? Check out the best things to do in Berlin all year round.
- Address: Kulturbrauerei, Knaackstr. 97. 10435 Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg / Pankow.
- Dates: 27th of November to 31st of December
4. Leipzig Christmas Market
This Leipzig market first opened in 1458, making it one of the oldest Christmas Markets in the country. You can find it at the Historical Centre, just outside the Old Town Hall. It usually hosts over 250 stalls where you can find beautiful gifts and delicious food. With the sounds of the St. Thomas Boys Choir filling the air and decorations all along the stalls, there’s really no better place to get into the Christmas spirit!
- Address: Marktplatz, 04109 Leipzig
- Date: 28th of November to 23rd of December
5. Cologne Christmas Markets
Like Berlin, Cologne hosts multiple Christmas markets throughout the city. This includes the Heinzels Wintermarchen which hosts over 140 different stalls, plus an ice rink where you can test your skating skills.
Head to the Rhine for the Hafen Weihnachtsmarkt to sample excellent fish specialities and visit the large boat serving mulled wine. The Christmas Market at the Cathedral (Weihnachtsmarkt am Dom) has a massive Christmas tree at its centre, as well as a charmingly festive Christmas village.
- Christmas Market at the Cathedral: Am Hof 27, 50667 Cologne
- Hafen Weihnachtsmarkt: Im Zollhafen 2, 50678 Cologne
- Heinzels Wintermarchen: Heumarkt 55, 50667 Cologne
- Dates: 23rd of November to 23rd of December
6. Erfurt Christmas Market
In Erfurt’s medieval old town district on Cathedral Square, the Erfurt Christmas market is one of the country’s most beautiful and festively atmospheric markets. Against the backdrop of St Mary’s Cathedral and the Church of St Severus, you’ll find a wide range of stalls selling delicious Christmas treats and handcrafted goods.
Other highlights of this German Christmas market include a handcrafted, wooden, life-size nativity scene and an organic bakery. Need a break from the crowds? Get away from the main shopping area and step into the enchanted forest located on the market’s edge.
- Address: Dompl. 99084 Erfurt, Germany
- Dates: 24th of November to 22nd of December
7. Munich Christkindlmarkt
The main Munich Christmas market is hosted on the Marienplatz, with a backdrop of beautiful historic buildings. First held in 1757, this market still sells Bavarian handmade goods and a range of delicious German treats. You’ll find plenty of traditional Christmas items on offer – think stollen, mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. Want to create your own nativity scene at home? Browse the stalls to discover everything you’ll need, from the classic gifts of the Three Magi to beautiful manger lanterns.
- Address: Marienplatz 26, 80331 München, Germany
- Dates: 27th of November to 24th of December
8. Frankfurt Christmas Market
Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the largest and oldest German Christmas markets. It’s marked by the tantalising aromas of roasted nuts and freshly baked gingerbread. There are over 200 stalls here each year where you can pick up gifts, ornaments, and original art.
The market is hosted in the historic Old Town district at Romerberg, and the stalls fit right in with the historic buildings adorned with Christmas lights. The area has been a marketplace for merchants and craftspeople for centuries, adding to its magical ambience.
- Address: Römerberg 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Dates: 27th of November to 21st of December
9. Dresden Striezelmarkt
The Striezelmarkt in Dresden is the oldest recorded Christmas Market in Germany and it sees around 3 million visitors each year. With over 200 stands, this Dresden Christmas market features special events like the Dresden Stollen Festival and the Pyramid and Christmas Arch Festival.
Wooden Ornaments are a major draw, as well as Candle Pyramids and Schwibbogen: arch-shaped candle holders. In addition, the pflaumentoffel prune figurines double as an ornament and an after-Christmas snack. Don’t skip sampling the market’s Pulsnitz gingerbread and mulled wine, either.
- Address: Altmarkt, 01067 Dresden, Germany
- Dates: 29th of November to 24th of December
10. Flensburg Christmas Market
Head to this medieval town on the border of Germany and Denmark for a blend of German and Scandinavian traditions. Locals sell their wares out of Nordic-style huts at this northern market that sits on the edge of a beautiful fjord. Flensburg is one of the less well-known markets amongst international tourists. Looking for a unique, local flavour? There’s no better place to visit.
- Address: Südermarkt, Südermarkt, 24937 Flensburg,
- Dates: 27th of November to 31st of December
11. Hamburg’s Bergedorf Christmas Market
Found in east Hamburg, on the grounds of Bergedorf Castle, Bergedorf Christmas Market looks like something out of a fairy tale. Kids will love the various craft workshops and live bands playing Christmas music every weekend. Plus, you’ll find delicious sweets and handmade goods perfect for wrapping up and putting under the tree. The castle is only a short walk from the nearest S-Bahn station too, so it’s super easy to get to.
- Dates: 17th of November to 30th of December
- Address: Bergedorfer Schloßstraße 4, 21029 Hamburg, Germany
12. Lubeck Christmas Market
The city of Lubeck dates back to the 12th century, making its Medieval Old Town a picturesque setting for its yearly Christmas market. Lubeck Marzipan is a must-try here. Not only is Lubeck Marzipan delicious, but it also has EU Protected Geographical Indication status. You’ll find heaps of stalls selling it in the market, too. This festive event has been running since 1648, so make sure you head to this UNESCO World Heritage Site to get a taste of all that history.
- Address: Holstentorplatz 1, 23552 Lübeck
- Dates: 27th of November to 30th of December
13. Annaberg-Buchholz Christmas Market
You will find this market in the Erzgebirge mountain region, where many traditional German Christmas decorations have their roots. Visit the market on a day trip from Dresden or Leipzig and explore the brightly lit stalls that sit against the backdrop of the town’s 15th-century church. Love Christmas pyramids? You must visit this market as Erzgebirge was the region where they originated. Snowfall is common here, too, making it a particularly picturesque setting for a festive adventure.
- Address: Markt 4, 09456 Annaberg-Buchholz,
- Dates: 1st of December to 23rd of December
14. Rostock Christmas Market
At the largest Christmas market in Northern Germany, Rostock goes all out with its stunning Christmas decorations. The centrepiece is the 20-metre-high Christmas pyramid: the biggest in the world. One of the best features of Rostock is the historical Christmas market area where you can discover festive treats that have been enjoyed since the Middle Ages. Staying out ’til sunset? Get ready to watch live entertainers show off their fire juggling, music and singing skills.
- Address: Neuer Markt. 18055 Rostock. Germany
- Dates: 27th of November to 22nd of December
15. Baden-Baden Christmas Market
Not just a wonderful UNESCO World Heritage site, Baden-Baden also hosts a brilliant Germany Christmas market. The German spa town’s setting on the edge of the Black Forest makes it an enchanting location for a festive break.
A must-see is Baden-Baden’s Christmas market. It’s held at the Kurhaus: a grand local landmark in the heart of the city. Browse artisan stalls selling all kinds of local treats, from handmade gifts to delicious seasonal food. And afterwards? Treat yourself to a post Christmas shopping pamper at one of Baden-Baden’s soothing spas.
- Address: Kurhaus, Kaiserallee 1, 76530 Baden-Baden, Germany
- Dates: 23rd of November to 6th of January 2024
FAQs
When do Christmas markets start in Germany?
Most markets run in the four weeks leading up to Christmas, from late November to late December. Some even continue up until New Year. The most common starting date is the Friday before Advent Sunday which, in 2023, is the 24th of November. Typically, most markets close on the 23rd of December. and they usually close on Christmas Eve or a few days before.
When is the best time to visit the German Christmas markets?
There’s no bad time to visit the best Christmas markets in Germany. If you want to experience fewer crowds though, avoid going on weekends or in the week leading up to Christmas. Remember also that most markets close on the 23rd of December as it’s the tradition in Germany to celebrate Christmas on the 24th.
Where are the Christmas markets in Berlin?
You’ll find festive wonderlands scattered across the whole of Germany’s capital. Nevertheless, some of the very best Berlin Christmas markets include the enchanting Charlottenburg Christmas Market that’s right outside the Charlottenburg Palace. There is also a duo of markets located within the central Spandau old town.
Looking for more festive holiday inspiration? Discover the best Christmas Markets in London. Or check out KAYAK’s guide to Munich’s top Christmas markets.
