The best Christmas markets in Germany

Address: Münsterpl. 22, 52062 Aachen, Germany

Dates 2025: from November 21 to December 23, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

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 market centers around. Make sure to try local specialties like Aachen Christmas Liver Sausage and Aachener Printen, a delicious, richly spiced type of gingerbread.

Mulled wine is plentiful, and the streets light up to create a gorgeous atmosphere, especially at night. Regularly considered one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe, the Aachen Christmas market is the perfect way to kick off the festive season, open from late November to late December.

Address: Hauptmarkt Nürnberg, 90403 Nürnberg, Germany

Dates 2025: November 28 to December 24, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

No list of Christmas markets in Germany would be complete without the Nuremberg Christmas Market, which sees over 2 million visitors each year. It’s one of the oldest Christmas Markets in the country. It is also one of the best Christmas markets in Europe.

You’ll find some fantastic souvenirs here, both beautiful and tasty such as delicious gingerbread and cookies or 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: Schönhauser Allee 36, 10435 Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg, Germany

Dates 2025: November 24 to December 22, Monday – Friday 3 p.m – 10 p.m., Saturday – Sunday 1 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Berlin hosts several Christmas Markets, over 70 each year, but the Lucia Christmas Market is one of the most popular. It’s noted for its blend of German and Scandinavian traditions, and you’ll find plenty of unique foods, such as elk bratwurst, alongside locally made artworks, jewelry, and clothes.

You’ll find it at the Kulturbrauerei in Prenzlauer Berg from late November to late December. And, if you’re looking for more to do in the German capital on your winter break, check out our Guide to Berlin.

Address: Marktplatz, 04109 Leipzig, Germany

Dates 2025: November 25 to December 23, Sunday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Leipzig Christmas Market, located under 2 hours from Berlin, first opened in 1458, making it another one of the oldest Christmas Markets in the country. You can find it at the Historical Centre, 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 the decorations along the stalls, there’s no better way to get into the Christmas spirit.

Christmas Market at the Cathedral: Roncalliplatz, 50667 Cologne
Harbour Christmas Market: Im Zollhafen 2, 50678 Cologne
Heinzels Christmas Market: Heumarkt 55, 50667 Cologne, Germany

Dates 2025:
Christmas Market at the Cathedral – November 17 to December 23
Harbour Christmas Market – November 14 to December 28
Heinzels Christmas Market: November 24 to January 4

Like Berlin, Cologne hosts multiple Christmas markets throughout the city. The Heinzels Wintermärchen hosts over 140 different stalls, plus you can test out your skating skills at their ice rink. Head to the Rhine for the Hafen Weihnachtsmarkt for some excellent fish specialties and the large boat serving mulled wine.

The Christmas Market at the Cathedral (Weihnachtsmarkt am Dom) has a massive Christmas tree as its centerpiece to go along with a gorgeous Christmas village.

Address: Domplatz, 99084 Erfurt, Germany

Dates 2025: November 25 to December 22

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 include a handcrafted, wooden, life-size nativity scene and a hands-on organic bakery. Then, get away from the main market area and step into the enchanted forest at the market’s edge.

Address: Marienplatz 26, 80331 Munich, Germany

Dates 2025: November 24 to December 24.

Munich hosts its Christmas market on the Marienplatz, so the different stalls are backdropped by beautiful historic buildings. Discover Bavarian handmade goods and a range of delicious German treats at this market, first hosted in 1757.

You’ll find plenty of traditional Christmas goods on offer here, with stollen, mulled wine, and chestnuts. Plus, discover everything you need for a nativity scene, from the classic gifts of the Three Magi to beautiful manger lanterns.

Address: Römerberg, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Dates 2025: November 24 to December 22

Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the largest and oldest Christmas Markets, marked by the tantalizing 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 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.

Address: Altmarkt, 01067 Dresden, Germany

Dates 2025: November 26 to December 23

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 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 after-Christmas snack, while the Pulsnitz gingerbread and mulled wine are must-tries.

Address: Südermarkt, 24937 Flensburg, Germany

Dates 2025: November 24 to December 30

Head to this town, steeped in medieval history, on the border of Germany and Denmark, where you’ll find a blend of German and Scandinavian traditions.

Sellers offer 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, so if you’re looking for a unique, local flavor, there’s no better place to start.

Address: Bergedorfer Schloßstraße 4, 21029 Hamburg, Germany

Dates 2025: November 24 to December 30, Daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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 workshops on various crafts, and live bands play 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, so it’s easy to get to and well worth a visit.

Address: Markt/Breite Straße, 23552 Lübeck, Germany

Dates 2025: November 24 to December 30, Sun-Thu 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri and Sat 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The city of Lübeck dates back to the 12th century, and many of its buildings date back to the Middle Ages, making its Medieval Old Town a picturesque setting for its yearly Christmas Market. Lübeck Marzipan is a must-try here.

Not only is Lübeck Marzipan delicious, but it also has EU Protected Geographical Indication status, so you’ll definitely want to try it in its hometown. The market 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: Neuer Markt, 18055 Rostock, Germany

Dates 2025: November 24 to December 22

The largest Christmas market in Northern Germany, Rostock goes all out with large and stunning Christmas decorations. The market’s centerpiece is the 20-meter-high Christmas pyramid, the largest in the world.

One of the best features of Rostock is the historical Christmas market area, where you can discover the festive treats of the Middle Ages. Live entertainers show off their fire juggling, music, and singing skills at night.

Address: Kurhaus, Kaiserallee 1, 76530 Baden-Baden, Germany

Dates 2025: November 27 to January 6, 2026

Baden-Baden is not only a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site, it also home to a fantastic German Christmas market. The spa town on the edge of the Black Forest is a festive place for a winter trip in Germany.

A visit to the Baden-Baden Christmas market is a must. It takes place at the Kurhaus, the spa house and a large landmark in the heart of the city. First, you can browse the stalls of artisans offering all sorts of great things from the region – from handmade gifts to delicious seasonal food.

And afterward? After your Christmas shopping, treat yourself to a pampering program in one of Baden-Baden’s world-renowned thermal baths.