The Ultimate Guide to the Best German Christmas Markets
Christmas time is a magical time in Germany, and the annual Christmas market season is something quite special! With thousands of markets to choose, from it can be overwhelming to decide which markets you should visit.
Enter this list of the very best German Christmas Markets to help you choose the perfect market experience for you!
I spent my childhood in Germany, and the markets comprise some of my favorite childhood memories.
I’m not a fan of crowds, but this is such a special time of year in Germany, I’m willing to brave the crowds (because there will be crowds!) for this magical experience where you too will make memories to last a lifetime!
Travel the markets like a pro with these Christmas Market tips and hacks!
Table of Contents
About the German Christmas Markets
Germany invented the Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market) as we know it back in the Middle Ages, and for this reason, I believe that they do it the best. If you must choose just one country, make it Germany.
Germany during Christmas time is a veritable explosion of all things Christmas! You’ll find festive Christmas decorations around every corner of German cities, from freshly cut greenery to warm glowing strings of lights draped all around.
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Some towns have many different markets. Generally, you’ll find the main market in the town square, a festively decorated giant Christmas tree front and center, but look for smaller markets in other parts of the town.
The traditional Christmas market presents bustling city squares lined with wooden stalls draped in glowing fairy lights.
Food stalls serve delicious food and permeate the air with delightful smells! The smells of hot spiced wine intermingled with cinnamon roasted nuts, Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and juicy roasted wurst delight the senses!
Market stalls feature local artisans selling hand-made gifts. Expect to be treated to live music and bands playing Christmas favorites.
Imagine yourself sipping Glühwein in centuries-old courtyards surrounded by snow dusted cobbled lanes… a real life snow globe. MAGICAL! If you don’t leave these markets with an enormous case of the Christmas spirit, then you better check your pulse!
I’ve broken these down by town size. A Village = a population of under 50,000 people, a medium town between 50,000 and 600,000 and a big city a population of 600,000 and up.
Let’s explore Germany’s Best Christmas Markets and unwrap a bit of holiday magic together!
note on the translating the websites in this article
Many of the official websites in this article are in German so if there isn’t an option to choose the language, have your Google Translate ready to go. For PC: right click on the page and choose “translate to English.” On a phone: 3 dots at the top, choose “translate.”
Looking for Markets that stay open after Christmas?
Christmas Bucket List and what to do on Christmas Day!
Headed to Europe for the holidays? Don’t miss these Christmas bucket list experiences! Planning to be in Europe on Christmas Day? Here are 17 fun ways to spend your day!
Size Small: The Best Village Christmas Markets in Germany
Villages offer a bit of a fairy-tale experience complete with a fantastic medieval times ambiance. Smaller towns offer an undeniable charm and less crowding (SOMETIMES)…simply wander the narrow cobblestone streets and just soak it all in!
Rothenburg ob der Tauber “Rothenbuger Reiterlesmarkt”
Rothenburg is my very favorite town in Germany, and it also just happens to be my favorite village market! This medieval fairy-tale town’s Reiterlesmarkt weaves storybook old-world charm through half‑timbered houses, and cobblestone streets.
This market dates back over 500 years to the 15th century and is one of the best places to experience Germany’s medieval charm. ‘Reiterle,” a local legend and myth, makes an entrance on horseback to officially open the market each year.
The town hall becomes a Giant Advent Calendar, each window decorated by local children. Around 60 stalls spill from the town square and beyond.
Just steps away sits the legendary Käthe Wohlfahrt store where you’ll find the world’s largest collection of Christmas ornaments, and the Christmas Museum covering German Christmas traditions.
The town specialty: Schneeballen (snowballs! deep‑fried balls of dough dusted with sugar) Not my favorite but you may want to give them a try.
I have an entire article to help you plan your time in Rothenburg during the Christmas season!
- Population: 11,365
- Location: Marktplatz, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- Official Website: Rothenburg Tourismus
Dinkelsbühl Christmas Market “Weihnachtsmarkt Dinkelsbühl”
Dinkelsbühl, with its wonderfully intact medieval wall, is a less crowded version of Rothenburg. I was surprised to find it not in the old town square but rather at the Holy Spirit Hospital (Spitalhof) near the shores of the pond!
Inside St. Georg’s Minster, you’ll find a display of miniatures, including nativity scenes. Closer to the town center is an indoor market with unique local creations.
On weekends, the craft hall features culinary highlights from Dinkelsbühl’s partner cities like French oysters and wine or Romanian salami.
The “Weihnachtshof” takes place from late December to early January in the Old Town courtyard with Glühwein and Bratwurst.
- Population: 12,260
- Location: Spitalhof, 91550 Dinkelsbühl
- Official Website: Tourismus Dinkelsbühl
Monschau Christmas Market “Monschauer Weihnachtsmarkt”
Monschau is famous for its half-timbered buildings and romantic market setting. A medieval castle overlooks the intimate feeling market.
The lighted windows of the Troistorff House create a gigantic Advent calendar. Meanwhile, over 60,000 LEDs twinkle overhead. For the young and young-at-heart, there’s a nostalgic historic carousel, and visits from St. Nicholas, who hands out small gifts.
Monschau specialties include the Monschauer Dütchen, a little cone cake filled with cream, fruit, or ice cream, Printen (gingerbread), Eifel ham and Monschau mustard (Moutarde de Montjoie).
Markthalle hand an indoor market. Watch a glass-making demonstration at Glashütte Monschau and then take a glass Christmas ornament keepsake home!
- Population: 12,350
- Location: Markt, 52156 Monschau
- Official Website: Monschau Tourismus
Market “Weihnachtsmarkt Tauberbischfsheim”
A cozy market near the Romantic Road, this market takes place on the Schlossplatz (the castle square) and is Romantically set against the backdrop of the Kurmainzisches Schloss, the town’s historic castle.
The Schlossweihnacht market is held on the 2nd and 3rd Advent weekends.
There’s a children’s carousel, petting zoo, and ice sculpting. A special treat are the regular performances by “Turmbläser” (tower trumpet players.)
Cozy indoor markets at the Schlosskeller (castle cellar), the Jägerhäuschen (“hunter’s hut”), and the Tauberfränkisches Landschaftsmuseum provide indoor warmth.
The ice-skating rink on the Marktplatz brings additional festive flair.
- Population: 13,200
- Location: Schloßpl. (Schlossplatz) 3, 97941 Tauberbischofsheim
- Official Website: Tauberbischofsheim Tourism
Nördlingen Christmas Market “Nördlingen Weihnachtsmarkt”
Nearly perfectly circular Nördlingen was built inside the Ries meteorite crater and is one of the only towns in Germany still surrounded by intact medieval walls, which makes the market extra cozy!
The “Romantic Christmas Market”, with over 70 stalls offering regional Swabian specialties is held in the beautifully preserved medieval old town.
The Krippenweg (Nativity Trail) has around 50 nativity scenes displayed across churches, shops, and public spaces, and don’t miss the living nativity scene & Santa Claus visit at St. Nicholas.
- Population: 20,674
- Location: Marktplatz 86720 Nördlingen
- Official Website: Noerdlingen Tourismus
Bad Wimpfen (Weekends Only) “Altdeutscher Weihnachtsmarkt”
Bad Wimpfen’s nearly 500-year-old medieval “Old German Christmas Market” originates back to 1487 making it one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets.
Trumpets from the Fanfarenzug herald the start, followed by a procession featuring the Christkind, and Nikolaus.
More than a hundred wooden stalls offer artisanal crafts and regional delights. The Genuss-Dorf (Delicacy Village) in the Wormser Hof, offers tempting specialties like pomegranate glühwein, strudels, truffle pasta, and even exclusive cigars.
Guests can explore a nativity (crib) display in the Old Spital or join a nostalgic night watchman walk.
- Population: 7,578
- Location: Marktplatz., 74206 Bad Wimpfen
- Official Website: Weihnachtsmarkt Bad Wimpfen
Meersburg Christmas Market “Meersburger Winterfestival”
Overlooking Lake Constance, Meersburg old town market offers stunning views with around 20 stalls located on the Schlossplatz (castle square) surrounded by medieval architecture. Christmas lights shimmering off of the lake are simply breathtaking!
Additional highlights include: Glühwein strolls through the vineyards offering stunning lakeside views, Advent-themed castle tours, and fackelwanderungen (torchlight walks) to the Burg Meersburg.
You’ll need to plan ahead, this market is one weekend, Friday and Saturday only but the lights will remain up throughout the season.
- Population: 6,000
- Location: Schlossplatz, Meersburg
- Official Website: Meersburg Website
Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market “Ravennaschlucht Weihnachtsmarkt”
Ravenna Gorge market is located in the Black Forest, and it is absolute MAGIC! It’s my #1 favorite German market, and it’s the most unique market on our list.
This magical market is located under a railroad duct that’s lit by projected lights that oscillate from one beautiful color to the next!
It’s the perfect location for an enchanting market experience! The day we visited the area was blanketed in heavy snow and it was breathtaking! Keep your eyes out for the Christmas train!
Note: Dates for this market are limited. You’ll need to purchase tickets in advance, and they do sell out. Get more information here.
- Population: The market is surrounded by a forest!
- Location: Ravennaschlucht, 79874 Breitnau
- Website: Ultimate Ravenna Gorge Market Guide
Quedlinburg Christmas Market “Quedlinburger Weihnachtsmarkt”
In Quedlinburg the village itself becomes the perfect snow-globe backdrop for a magical medieval market.
Nestled within a UNESCO World Heritage listed old town, Quedlinburg market unfolds amid centuries-old half-timbered buildings and winding cobblestone lanes.
Over the first three Advent weekends, around 19 hidden courtyards and alleyways open their gates, unveiling artisan crafts and regional treats.
On the Friday before the first Advent, the town hosts the “Lichtereinkauf” a magical evening where shops stay open late and the historic center glows with candles, lanterns, and live music.
From December 1 to 24, a special window or door opens each day on the Schlossberg, revealing surprises for visitors, it’s an advent calendar for the ages!
- Population: 24,000
- Location: Markt 7-6, 06484 Quedlinburg
- Official Website: Adventsstadt Quedlinburg
Wernigerode Christmas Market “Wintermarkt in Wernigerode”
Celebrate the season in one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Germany!
This market is set against the backdrop of Wernigerode’s fairytale-like half-timbered architecture and medieval alleys. It’s something straight out of the pages of a storybook!
One of the market highlights is the “Lebkuchenwald” (gingerbread forest), a whimsical display of gingerbread figures arranged like a forest. The “Living Advent Calendar” fills the Rathaus courtyard with surprises behind each of its 24 doors.
The Nativity Scene Trail leads visitors on a festive walk to discover charming exhibits scattered throughout the city center.
- Population: 33,000
- Location: Marktplatz, 38855 Wernigerode, Germany
- Website: Wernigerode Tourismus
Size Medium: The Best German Christmas Markets in Medium Sized towns
One benefit of choosing a market in a bigger town is that there are options outside of visiting the market. As much as I love these markets, I also like to take a break and visit the town’s sights and attractions.
Nuremberg Christmas Market “Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt”
I really enjoy this market. There are plenty of things to do in Nuremberg to escape the market’s crowds. Plus, the way the market sprawls through the town it fells a bit less crowded.
Arguably the most famous and one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is the definition of a traditional German Christmas market.
Held in the main square (Hauptmarkt) it consists of nearly 200 wooden stalls clustered around the town. With over two million visitors annually, it’s one of the largest, oldest, and most beloved markets.
Children are delighted by the children’s market with a giant Ferris Wheel and the appearance of the “Christkind” (Christ Child) at the opening ceremony.
- Population: 544,414
- Location: Hauptmarkt, 90403 Nürnberg, Germany
- Official Website: Christkindlesmarkt
Looking for tours?
Dresden Christmas Market “Dresden Striezelmarkt”
Dating back to 1434, Dresden is said to be the oldest market in Germany.
With more than 200 stalls, the market is also the location of a grand Ferris wheel, a massive Christmas pyramid (Guinness World Record sized!) and the world’s largest walk-in candle arch which illuminates the square at night.
For children, the market features puppet theaters, merry-go-rounds, a small railway, arts and craft booths, Santa’s house, and more.
Traditional local specialties include Pflaumentoffel (prune “chimney sweep” figures) and Pulsnitzer gingerbread.
Other notable markets in Dresden include:
Neumarkt, a Renaissance-style market. The Hüttenzauber at Postplatz provides a cozy alpine lodge vibe, complete with rustic huts. Finn Village, also at Postplatz, brings Nordic traditions with Finnish mulled wine (Glögi), smoked salmon, and heated fire-lit tents.
- Population: 563,311
- Location: Main Market: Altmarkt, 01067 Dresden
- Official Website: Dresden Tourism
Looking for tours?
- Dresden: Christmas Market Magic Walking Tour with a Local
- Dresden: Christmas Sightseeing Tour with a ‘Pflaumentoffel’
- Dresden with a touch of Xmas: English small group tour
- Dresden: Guided Bus Tour to Stollen Bakery with Tasting
Trier Christmas Market “Trierer Weihnachtsmarkt”
Trier is Germany’s oldest city, founded by the Romans over 2,000 years ago. The city of Trier’s big draw is its numerous and well-preserved Roman Ruins like The Porta Nigra, a massive Roman city gate, which is beautifully illuminated during the market.
The market itself features over 90 stalls and includes a children’s carousel and a small ice-skating rink. Trier also celebrates the holiday season with local traditions like the Christmas Pyramid, and a wooden carousel-like structure decorated with nativity scenes.
Trier’s market offers specialties influenced by the Moselle wine region, including regional wines mulled into Glühwein.
- Population: 110,000 people
- Location: Simeonstraße 37, 54290 Trier
- Official Website: Trier Weihnachtsmarkt
Heidelberg Christmas Market “Heidelberger Weihnachtsmarkt”
Heidelberg is a German university town that has a castle looming high above. Rather than one large site, Heidelberg’s market is woven through six major locations throughout the city center.
At Kornmarkt, you’ll find the enchanting Winterwäldchen or “Winter Wood” with around 100 fairy-lit fir trees, plus a charming mini-train that kids love.
Karlsplatz boasts a scenic open-air ice rink with castle views.
Heidelberg is a great option if you are flying into or out of Frankfurt International Airport because it’s an easy and fairly short train ride to Frankfurt.
- Population: 163,000
- Location: various locations around Heidelberg
- Official Website: Heidelberger Weihnachtsmarkt
Looking for tours:
Goslar Christmas Market “Weihnachtsmarkt Goslar”
Set in the Harz Mountains, this UNESCO World Heritage town is transformed into a storybook scene. This market features an enchanting Christmas Forest (Weihnachtswald) with over 60 Christmas trees lit with around 160,000 lights.
The Rammelsberg ore mine hosts a Christmas market of its own, an atmospheric underground setting rich with crafts, holiday goods, and a candlelit mine tour.
Look for stalls serving flaming Feuerzangenbowle, a rum-soaked sugarloaf that’s set on fire and drips into mulled wine.
- Population: 47,647
- Location: Markt 1, 38640 Goslar
- Official Website: Weihnachtswald
Bamberg Christmas Market “Weihnachtsmarkt Bamberg”
Bamberg’s many historic buildings and well-preserved medieval architecture have garnered the town a UNESCO World Heritage Site distinction and are the perfect backdrop for a market that will transport you back in time.
If you need a break from the traditional Christmas markets in the “Town of Mangers”, a popular activity in Bamberg during the Christmas season is hunting for the nearly 40 nativity scene locations that you’ll find around town on the nativity trail (Krippenweg).
Plus, you can visit Bamberg’s Nativity Museum (Bamberger Krippenmuseum) to view a vast and varied collection of cribs.
You may want to skip the gluhwein here and give the smoked beer known as Rauchbier a try. It’s Bamburg’s specialty.
- Population: 79,000
- Location: The Main Market is located on Maximiliansplatz (3)
- Official Website: Bamberg Weihnachtsmaerkte
Lübeck Christmas Market “Lübecker Weihnachtsmarkt”
Lübeck is often referred to as the “Christmas City of the North”. You’ll find a market nestled within the UNESCO-listed Old Town, plus a whole constellation of themed markets throughout the city’s medieval streets and squares, each with its own vibe and setting.
Highlights include: The Historical Market at Marienkirchhof (a medieval-themed experience). A Fairytale Forest at the foot of St. Mary’s Church, featuring classic storybook scenes. The Maritime Christmas Market at Koberg, styled with rustic nautical décor and featuring a Ferris wheel for elevated views of the entire town.
- Population: 217,000
- Location: Markt, 23552 Lübeck
- Official Website: Visit Luebeck
Regensburg Christmas Market
This UNESCO-listed city offers several markets, with at least four distinct Christmas markets, each offering its own unique atmosphere.
Regensburger Christkindlmarkt at Neupfarrplatz is considered one of the most beautiful in Germany and has been voted Bavaria’s top market.
The Advent market at Katharinenspital is set by the Danube, just under the Stone Bridge, and offers cozy bonfires, and stunning cathedral views.
Thurn and Taxis Palace is one of my personal favorites. Expect open fireplaces, gourmet treats like wild boar on a spit, live nativities, a children’s magic forest and craftsmen like blacksmithing.
From the Original Regensburger Bratwürste and regional mulled wines (like blueberry and apple glühwein) to traditional specialties like Feuerzangenbowle, the food scene is top notch.
- Population: 174,014
- Location: various locations
- Official Website: Tourismus Regensburg
Large City Christmas markets
For bustling energy, go big! Big cities just aren’t my thing but some of you may love a big bustling cityscape! Big cities in Germany come with world class museums and a cosmopolitan vibe.
PLUS, Many of these have an airport so it’s easy to fly in for a stay.
Cologne Christmas Market “Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom”
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the UNESCO-listed soaring Cologne Cathedral, this market is one of the most popular and the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe.
You’ll find multiple themed markets across the city, with at least seven distinct markets. A few of the most popular include:
The Cathedral Market (Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom) is the largest and is set directly under the iconic Gothic cathedral. This market features a towering 25‑meter natural Christmas tree and a sparkling light canopy of around 50,000 LEDs.
Heinzel’s Wintermärchen (Old Town) is a gnome themed market with a large open-air ice rink, and children’s rides.
Angels’ Market at Neumarkt (the Market of Angels) features hundreds of starry lights overhead.
The nautical-themed Harbour Market (Hafen) is set along the Rhine and comes complete with pirates!
The Christmas Market Express train connects them all, and don’t miss the giant Ferris wheel and ice skating!
- Population: 1.1 million
- Location: Cathedral Market: Roncallipl., 50667 Köln,
- Official Website: Cologne Tourism
Looking for tours?
- Cologne: Winter Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Rhine
- Cologne: “Christmas Magic” Guided Tour by Bike
- Photo shoot at the Cologne Christmas market with a local photographer
Munich Christmas Market “München Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt”
Munich’s Marienplatz market is one of Bavaria’s oldest. Centered around a majestic 30‑meter Christmas tree illuminated by 2,500 lights, it includes around 140 wooden stalls and attracts around three million visitors each year. The New Town Hall (Neues Rathhaus) the spectacular backdrop.
The Krampus Run (Krampuslauf), sees about 300 creepy costumed Alpine folklore figures parading through the streets and causing all out mayhem!
There’s a Medieval Market at Wittelsbacherplatz, Winterworld at Motorworld where classic cars meet cozy huts, Weihnachtsdorf at the Residenz which takes place in the historic city palace, a full-blown Christmas market and ice rink inside the airport, the pink LGBTQ+ market with drag shows, and more!
- Population: 1.6 million
- Location: The original market is located on Marienplatz
- Official Website: Christkindlmarkt Meunchen
Looking for tours?
Stuttgart Christmas Market “Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt”
This is one of Europe’s largest and most charming markets, thanks to around 250–300 beautifully decorated wooden stalls across five historic squares. Expect live choirs, fairy‑tale figures, roller skating rinks, and local delicacies like roasted chestnuts and lebkuchen.
- Population: 635,911
- Location: Königsbau, Königstraße 28, 70173 Stuttgart,
- Official Website: Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt
Leipzig Christmas Market “Leipziger-Weihnachtsmarkt”
With roots dating to 1458, Leipzig’s Christmas market is one of Germany’s oldest and largest featuring nearly 300 stalls and welcoming about 2.8 million visitors.
Themed markets include: Fairytale Land, Finnish Village, South Tyrolean Village, a Nativity with live sheep, a Historic Carousel, and an 8 m tall Ore Mountains pyramid.
The Ferris wheel at Augustusplatz offers sweeping views of the market and gloriously lit cityscape.
- Population: 628,718
- Location: various locations
- Official Website: Leipziger Weihnachtsmarkt
Frankfurt Christmas Market “Frankfurter Weihnachtsmarkt”
Frankfurt am Main is home to Germany’s largest and busiest airport…so, many people find themselves in Frankfurt during the Advent season, and it’s a convenient place to pop into a Christmas Market or two!
Frankfurt’s market sprawls across the old town’s Römerberg, Paulsplatz, and more. With around three million annual visitors, it’s historic, vast, and full of festive energy. Another option in the area is Mainz.
You can catch a direct train from Frankfurt’s Airport Train station to Mainz. The town has several very good markets! On occasion, I use this option before a morning flight if I don’t feel like staying in one of the cold lifeless airport hotels.
- Population: 773,068
- Location: Main Market: Römerberg old town
- Official Website: Frankfurter Weihnachtsmarkt
Looking for tours?
Berlin Christmas Markets
Berlin offers over 80 markets with diverse themes. Gendarmenmarkt is set amid the stunning backdrop of the German and French Cathedrals and the Konzerthaus. Entry fees may apply.
Market choices include: LGBTQ+-friendly markets featuring drag performances, Scandinavian-style markets, medieval-themed markets, and more!
Alexanderplatz Market has a giant illuminated Christmas pyramid (5,000+ lights), a carousel, and an ice rink.
Rotes Rathaus (City Hall) Market features an ice-skating rink circling the Neptune Fountain, street artists, and puppeteers.
Feast on hot mead and roasted meats at The Medieval Market at RAW Compound plus jugglers, acrobats, a carousel, and Ferris wheel.
Spandau Christmas Market has over 400 stalls, and nativity scenes with live animals.
Kurfürstendamm and Tauentzienstraße are transformed by thousands of lit trees lining roughly 4.5 kilometers.
The Christmas Garden Berlin has a magical lighted walk-through with over 1.5 million light points.
- Population: 3.7 million
- Location: various markets
- Official Website:
Looking for Tours?
- Berlin Christmas Markets Tour
- Christmas market lights tour bus through Berlin, free mulled wine (2.5 hours)
Düsseldorf Christmas Market “Weihnachtsmarkt Düsseldorf”
Rather than just one market, Düsseldorf offers multiple Christmas markets woven throughout its Old Town and beyond, each with its own theme and ambiance:
Altstadt Markt (Old Town Market) stalls are modelled after traditional Düsseldorf townhouses.
Handwerker Markt at the Town Hall (Rathausplatz) emphasizes authentic craftsmanship.
Märchenmarkt (Fairytale Market) at Schadowplatz enchants visitors with white-roofed huts topped with characters from Grimm’s fairy tales.
fairy-tale Germany
Love a good fairytale destination? Germany’s Best Fairytale destinations! and The Best Fairytale Castles in Germany
Kö-Lichter Markt / Königsallee Market has the magical Light Dome, a luminous installation more than 15 meters high composed of some 3,500 lights.
Roncalli Christmas Promenade has an almost circus-like atmosphere.
At Corneliusplatz, visitors can enjoy a spacious 1,700 m² ice rink, while Königsallee hosts a unique rink wrapped around a fountain.
The iconic “Big Wheel” Ferris whell at Burgplatz rises over 50 meters.
At Schadow-Arcaden, a mesmerizing light show on a 15-meter tree featuring 30,000 lights runs hourly.
- Population: 653,253
- Location: various market locations
- Official Website: Visit Duesseldorf
WHEN to visit the Best German Christmas Markets
To make matters super confusing, and planning a tiny bit of a nightmare, each individual market sets its own dates! (ALWAYS check the official website, and don’t rely on dates from last year.)
Most markets open in late November, continuing through Christmas Eve or early January. Many of the small-town markets are open on weekends only, and some are open for just one weekend a year!
You can expect markets to be closed on Christmas Day, and early on Christmas Eve, if not closed altogether.
The best time to visit the markets to avoid crowds
The markets are wildly popular and really draw the crowds. To avoid crowds you could:
- Visit early in the day
- Visit during the week
- Visit early in the festive season, crowds tend to grow as Christmas draws near
You’ll want to come back at night when everything is magically lit. Simply brace yourself for the crowds, maybe hug the perimeter if you really hate crowds like I do 😀
Map of the best Christmas Markets in Germany
Use this map to plan your Germany Christmas market travel. You’ll be able to seamlessly plan your route moving from one market to the next. (links to an interactive Google Map)
Getting around: Traveling to the German Christmas Markets
Public Transportation
Generally, when I’m in Germany I like the freedom that having a car provides. However, given winter driving conditions, this may be a good time of year to rely on buses and trains. Trains stop at most all towns in Germany, even the tiniest.
Many of the markets are conveniently located near main squares and are within a 5-10-minute walk of the train station…perfect for easy access via public transportation!
Buses are also a good option. Check the Flixbus website for bus options, or the DB (Deutsche Bahn) website for both train and bus options.
By Car
Driving in a foreign country can be daunting, and driving in winter in Germany can be tricky, since weather conditions are unpredictable. You can check current road conditions in Germany on Weather Online.
Do be aware that some places may require you to have snow chains or socks when driving in winter.
Eating and Drinking at the Markets
The food may just be my favorite part of the markets! Traditional German Food served at the market includes things like bratwurst, candied roasted nuts, crepes, Stollen, gingerbread (Lebkuchen), and most markets have regional specialties.
Glühwine (mulled wine), is the darling of the markets, and intended to get you in the “Christmas spirit,” others include Eierpunsch (eggnog-style punch), hot chocolate. A popular pastime is to collect each market’s signature mug.
Learn more about types of food and drink that you can buy at the markets.
What to buy at the German Christmas Markets
You can knock out your entire Christmas shopping list at the markets. Shop for traditional crafts by local artisans, nativity scenes, hand-carved wooden toys, wood carvings (I bought a beautiful nativity scene carved in Bethlehem!) hand-made Christmas ornaments and decorations, nutcrackers, Christmas Pyramids, Candle Arches, glass-blown art, lace, candles, and wool goods (hats, gloves, scarves, more!)
One of the most popular markets souvenirs are the Glühwein mugs. You’ll pay a deposit for the mug, if you want to keep it it’s yours! Otherwise, take it back and they’ll give you your deposit back.
shopping!
Get the full article on What to buy at the German Christmas Markets and here is a list of the Best German Souvenirs (Christmas finds and beyond!)
how to pay
Be sure to bring cash, some of the vendors don’t accept credit cards!
What to Pack for a Winter Trip to Germany
Wondering what to bring to the Christmas markets? Here are a few things you may want to pack:
- Layers, perfect for keeping warm without the bulk, helping you to pack lighter
- Portable power bank charger for your cell phone and camera. Taking all of those pictures really runs your battery down.
- Spikes or Crampons that you can easily put on and take off of your shoes (I really could have used these during an ice storm in Regensburg!)
- A reusable shopping bag or tote. They have plastic at the markets, but this is more environmentally friendly.
- A packable tote. You can pack your purchases in your luggage for the trip home and use the tote for bringing clothes home in.
Final Thoughts
Germany during the Christmas season is truly a winter wonderland. From bustling squares, to the storybook streets, and everything in between, there’s a perfect place for every kind of traveler.
Let this guide to “The Best German Christmas Markets” inspire your next holiday season. Whether you want to explore the oldest markets, experience a bit of medieval Christmas magic, dive into the fray at the massively marvelous markets in Germany’s biggest cities, or sip wine in smaller towns, you’re destined for unforgettable memories.
Frohe Weihnachten! Merry Christmas!
Want to hear more about my travels around Germany? You may be interested in my Germany page! and don’t forget to check out my “Travel Resources” page for more great resources for booking your trip from hotels to tours to travel insurance!
Ready to Plan your holiday trip to Germany? You’ll want to check out these articles!
Christmas in Europe? don’t miss these articles!
Headed to Germany? Don’t miss these articles!
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