For a festive treat like no other, it’s hard to beat a German Christmas market. 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? 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, and many of the markets on this list are hundreds of years old. Most often held in town squares, many Christmas markets today still sell many of the same festive foods, ornaments, and handcrafted goods as their Middle Ages predecessors.
Common features of the markets include giant Christmas trees, seasonal food and drinks, Christmas Pyramids, and multi-tiered carousels that rotate nativity scenes. See as many Christmas markets as you can by exploring Germany by train whether you’re a solo traveler or visiting with friends and family.
- Aachen
- Nuremberg
- Berlin
- Leipzig
- Cologne
- Erfurt
- Munich
- Frankfurt
- Dresden
- Flensburg
- Hamburg
- Lubeck
- Annaberg-Buchholz
- Rostock
Aachen Christmas Market
- Address: Münsterpl. 22, 52062 Aachen, Germany
- Dates: 24th of November to 23rd of December
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.
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
- Address: Hans-Sachs-Platz 1, 90403 Nürnberg, Germany
- Dates: December 1st to December 24th
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.
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.
Berlin Lucia Christmas Market
- Address: Schönhauser Allee 36, 10435, Berlin, Germany
- Dates: 27th of November to 31st of December
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
Leipzig Christmas Market
- Address: Marktplatz, 04109, Leipzig
- Date: 28th of November to 23rd of December
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.
Cologne Christmas Markets
- Christmas Market at the Cathedral: Am Hof 27, 50667 Cologne – 23rd of November to 23rd of December
- Hafen Weihnachtsmarkt: Im Zollhafen 2, 50678 Cologne – 23rd of November to 23rd of December
- Heinzels Wintermarchen: Heumarkt 55, 50667 Cologne – 24th of November to 23rd of December
Like Berlin, Cologne hosts multiple Christmas markets throughout the city. The Heinzels Wintermarchen 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.
Erfurt Christmas Market
- Address: Dompl. 99084 Erfurt, Germany
- Dates: 28th of November to 22nd of December
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.
Munich Christmas Market
- Address: Marienplatz 26, 80331 München, Germany
- Dates: 27th of November to 24th of December
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.
Frankfurt Christmas Market
- Address: Römerberg 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Dates: 27th of November to 21st of December
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.
Dresden Christmas Market
- Address: Altmarkt, 01067 Dresden, Germany
- Dates: 29th of November to 24th of December
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.
Flensburg Christmas Market
- Address: Südermarkt, Südermarkt, 24937 Flensburg,
- Dates: 27th of November to 31st of December
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.
Bergedorf Christmas Market
- Address: Bergedorfer Schloßstraße 4, 21029 Hamburg, Germany
- Dates: 21st of November to 23rd of December
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.
Lubeck Christmas Market
- Address: b. den Methkaten 11, 23730 Sierksdorf, Germany
- Dates: 27th of November to 30th of December
The city of Lubeck 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. Lubeck Marzipan is a must-try here.
Not only is Lubeck 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.
Annaberg-Buchholz Christmas Market
- Address: Markt 4, 09456 Annaberg-Buchholz,
- Dates: 1st of December to 23rd of December
You will find this market in the Erzgebirge mountain region, where many traditional German Christmas decorations have their roots. You can visit the market on a day trip from Dresden or Leipzig and explore the brightly lit stalls that sit against the backdrop of the 15th-century church.
If you love Christmas pyramids, you must visit this market as Erzgebirge was the region where they originated. Frequent dusting of snow makes this a picture-perfect Christmas market, especially at dusk.
Rostock Christmas Market
- Address: Neuer Markt. 18055 Rostock. Germany
- Dates: 27th of November to 22nd of December
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.
German Christmas market FAQ
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.
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.
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.
