Germany’s 14 Most Enchanting & Must-See Christmas Markets: For a magical getaway, the Christmas markets in Germany are an unrivaled experience. These are events steeped in tradition across the country, and many dates back to the Middle Ages.
With more than just places to shop for gifts, you’ll discover a wealth of seasonal delights. These treats may vary slightly from market to market, but gingerbread, mulled wine (Glühwein in German), and local marzipan are omnipresent.
You don’t have to limit yourself to big cities to discover the best Christmas markets in Germany. Smaller towns may have fewer stalls, but you will still have the pleasure of tasting local products and traditional dishes from different regions. Don’t know where to go in Germany first? Here is our guide to the most beautiful Christmas markets in the country.
The best Christmas markets in Germany
The tradition of Christmas markets in Germany dates back centuries. Indeed, many on this list are several hundred years old! Most are held in large city squares. Additionally, many German Christmas markets still sell the same festive treats, decorations, and crafts as their medieval predecessors today.
The markets are often characterized by gigantic Christmas trees, Christmas pyramids, and multi-level carousels featuring rotating Nativity scenes. Want to soak up all the festive atmosphere? Visit as many Christmas markets as possible during your exploration of Germany. Here are some of our favorites:
1. Aachen Christmas Market
Discover the historic charm of Aachen, a city marked by the imprint of Emperor Charlemagne. Its former imperial residence, surrounded by a majestic cathedral, is today the heart of an authentic German Christmas market. Soak up the cozy atmosphere and be sure to enjoy exquisite local delicacies such as Aachen Christmas Liver Sausage and Aachener Printen, a generously spiced gingerbread.
Enjoy the abundance of mulled wine and let yourself be dazzled by the streets sparkling with lights, weaving a magical atmosphere. Regularly cited as one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe, the Aachen Christmas Market is the perfect prelude to your end-of-year celebrations.
- Address: Münsterpl. 22, 52062 Aachen, Germany
- Dates: November 24 to December 23, 2023
2. Christkindlesmarkt Christmas Market in Nuremberg
Imagine a market where time seems to have stood still—it’s the Nuremberg Christmas market. With its rich heritage, it is one of the jewels of Germany’s Christmas markets, attracting more than 2 million enchanted souls each year. Inaugurated on the Friday before the first Sunday of Advent, it offers a festive setting until December 24.
Every step in Nuremberg is an invitation to discovery, from fragrant gingerbread that caresses your taste buds to delicate biscuits to local wool clothes woven with passion. Nicknamed “the city of wood and fabric,” Nuremberg is the perfect place to find artisanal treasures that will capture the essence of your unforgettable moments.
- Address : Hans-Sachs-Platz 1, 90403 Nuremberg, Allemagne
- Dates: December 1 to December 24, 2023
3. Berlin Lucia Christmas Market
In the depths of Berlin’s winter, the Lucia Christmas Market shines like a beacon of light, evoking the warm spirit of the holidays. Imbued with a sublime mix of German and Scandinavian traditions, this market invites you on an unforgettable sensory journey. Discover an abundance of exquisite and unique flavors, such as elk sausage, while being seduced by artistic creations, sparkling jewelry, and clothing made with love and local know-how.
This winter treasure is nestled within the Kulturbrauerei in Prenzlauer Berg, inviting you to explore and wonder from late November to late December. What if your quest for wonder didn’t stop there? Immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of the capital and explore the must-do activities in Berlin, captivating and diverse, whatever the time of year.
- Address: Kulturbrauerei, Knaackstr. 97, 10435 Berlin-Prenzlauer-Berg/Pankow
- Dates : November 27 to December 31, 2023
4. Leipzig Christmas Market
The Leipzig Market, opened in 1458, stands out as one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany. Nestled in the heart of the Historic Center, near the Old Town Hall, this market is a hymn to tradition and festivity. Generally made up of more than 250 stands, it reveals a range of elegant gifts and tasty dishes. The atmosphere comes alive, lulled by the harmonies of the Saint-Thomas Boys Choir, while the decorations delicately adorn each stall, making this place a privileged space to savor the essence of Christmas.
- Address : Marktplatz, 04109 Leipzig
- Date: November 28 to December 23, 2023
5. Cologne Christmas Markets
Like Berlin, Cologne hosts several Christmas markets throughout the city. This includes the Heinzels Wintermärchen which hosts over 140 different stands, plus an ice rink where you can try out your new tricks.
Head to the banks of the Rhine for the Hafen Weihnachtsmarkt, where you can taste excellent fish specialties and visit the large mulled wine stand. The Cathedral Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt am Dom) has a huge Christmas tree at its center, as well as a charming festive Christmas village.
- Christmas market at the Cathedral: Am Hof 27, 50667 Cologne
- Harbour Christmas market: At Zollhafen 2, 50678 Cologne
- Heinzel’s winter fairy tale : Heumarkt 55, 50667 Cologne
- Dates: November 23 to December 23, 2023
6. Erfurt Christmas Market
In the old medieval quarter of Erfurt, on Cathedral Square, the Erfurt market is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany. With the backdrop of St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Severus Church, you’ll find a wide range of stalls selling delicious Christmas treats and artisanal items.
Other highlights of this German Christmas market include a life-size nativity scene and an organic bakery. Need a break from the crowds? Escape the main shopping area and enter the enchanted forest located on the edge of the market.
- Address: Dompl. 99084 Erfurt, Germany
- Dates: November 24 to December 22, 2023
7. Christmas market in Munich
The magnificent historic buildings of the city frame the main Christmas market in Munich as it unfolds majestically in the center of the picturesque Marienplatz. Since its humble beginnings in 1757, this iconic market has tirelessly offered Bavarian craftsmanship as well as a variety of traditional German treats.
Stroll between the stands and immerse yourself in a world of Christmas traditions: savor stollen, mulled wine, and roasted chestnuts. Looking for accessories to enhance your nursery? Discover stalls brimming with everything from traditional gifts from the Three Kings to beautiful nativity lanterns.
- Address : Marienplatz 26, 80331 München, Österreich
- Dates: November 27 to December 24, 2023
8. Frankfurt Christmas Market
The Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the most beautiful and oldest German Christmas markets . It is marked by the tantalizing aromas of toasted nuts and freshly baked gingerbread. There are over 200 stalls each year where you can choose from gifts, ornaments, and original works of art.
The market is held in the historic Old Town district of Romerberg, and the stalls blend in perfectly with the historic buildings adorned with Christmas lights. The area has been a market for merchants and artisans for centuries, adding to its magical ambiance.
- Address : Römerberg 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Dates : November 27 to December 21, 2023
9. Striezelmarkt de Dresde
Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is the oldest recorded Christmas market in Germany and welcomes around 3 million visitors each year. With over 200 stalls, this Christmas market offers special events like the Dresden Stollen Festival and the Christmas Pyramid and Ark Festival.
Wooden ornaments are a major attraction, as are candle pyramids and schwibbogen, or arch-shaped candle holders. In addition, pflaumentoffel plum figures serve as both an ornament and an after-Christmas snack. Don’t miss tasting the Pulsnitz gingerbread and mulled wine from the market.
- Address : Altmarkt, 01067 Dresden, Österreich
- Dates : November 29 to December 24, 2023
10. Flensburg Christmas Market
Head to this medieval town on the border of Germany and Denmark for a mix of German and Scandinavian traditions. Locals sell their wares from Nordic-style huts at this northern market, located on the edge of a beautiful fjord. Flensburg is one of the lesser-known markets for international tourists. Looking for something unique and local? There is no better place.
- Address : Südermarkt, Südermarkt, 24937 Flensburg,
- Dates : November 27 to December 31, 2023
11. Bergedorf Christmas Market in Hamburg
Located in the east of Hamburg, on the grounds of Bergedorf Castle, the Bergedorf Christmas Market looks like something out of a fairy tale. Children will love the various craft workshops and live bands playing Christmas tunes every weekend. Plus, you’ll find delicious sweets and handmade products, perfect for wrapping and placing under the Christmas tree. The castle is only a short walk from the nearest S-Bahn station, so it is very easy to access.
- Dates : November 17 to December 30, 2023
- Address : Bergedorfer Schloßstraße 4, 21029 Hamburg, Österreich
12. Lubeck Christmas Market
The centuries-old city of Lubeck, founded in the 12th century, offers, with its medieval old town, an idyllic setting for its annual Christmas market. Don’t miss out on tasting the famous Lubeck marzipan, a true star of local gastronomy. This delicacy, as succulent as it is renowned, benefits from the precious EU Protected Geographical Indication label.
Numerous stands invite you to discover it within this historic market, which has been in place since 1648. Take advantage of this unique experience on this UNESCO World Heritage Site to get a feel for this rich history.
- Address : b. den Methkaten 11, 23730 Sierksdorf, Germany
- Dates : November 27 to December 30, 2023
13. Annaberg-Buchholz Christmas market
Discover this market nestled in the mountainous Erzgebirge region, the birthplace of many traditional German Christmas decorations. Take a day trip from Dresden or Leipzig and explore the bright stalls backed by the city’s majestic 15th-century church. Passionate about Christmas pyramids? This market is a must, the Erzgebirge being the region where they were born. Snow, which is common here, provides a particularly picturesque setting for a festive adventure.
- Address : Markt 4, 09456 Annaberg-Buchholz,
- Dates: December 1 to December 23
14. Rostock Christmas Market
Witness the splendor of northern Germany’s largest Christmas market in Rostock. The city is adorned with its most beautiful Christmas decorations, with the highlight being a 20-meter-high Christmas pyramid, the largest in the world. One of Rostock’s best attractions is the historic Christmas market district, where you can discover festive delights dating back to the Middle Ages. Stay until sunset to enjoy live performances of fire juggling artists, music, and singing.
- Address: New Market. 18055 Rostock. Allemagne
- Dates: November 27 to December 22
15. Baden-Baden Christmas Market
Baden-Baden, this UNESCO World Heritage gem, goes beyond its honorary titles and hosts a dazzlingly beautiful German Christmas market. In the exceptional setting of this German spa town located on the edge of the Black Forest, let yourself be seduced by the magic of a festive getaway imbued with charm and authenticity.
Impossible to resist the call of the Baden-Baden Christmas market, nestled in the heart of the majestic Kurhaus. Stroll among the artisan stalls full of local delights lovingly made gifts and seasonal treats. And to complete this enchanted excursion? Treat yourself to an interlude of pure relaxation in the beneficial spas of Baden-Baden, a haven of peace where you can recharge your batteries after your festive shopping.
- Address : Kurhaus, Kaiserallee 1, 76530 Baden-Baden, Allemagne
- Dates : November 23 to January 6, 2024
Also read :The 10 best Christmas markets in Munich for a magical winter adventure:https://shamelesstravels.com/the-10-best-christmas-markets-in-munich-for-a-magical-winter-adventure/
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