It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Again! The days are getting colder and all is slowly turning white. If you’re traveling (hopefully by bus!) between late November and early January, Germany has the perfect way to keep you warm and merry during the holiday season: the Christkindlmarkt. Or Christmas Markets, in plain English.
Bustling outdoor Christmas markets have been around since the Middle Ages and are an absolute must-see in Germany. Every city’s square becomes a maze of stalls stocked with hand-crafted ornaments, unique gifts, and local delicacies. Sweet perfumes of gingerbread and hearty aromas of roasting sausages entice your appetite, while the mulled wine is sure to keep you jolly through the night!
Christmas markets date back to the late Medieval Period in Germanic-speaking Europe. Before they were coined “Christmas Markets”, the markets were held over a few days every year, for people to stock up on food and goods before the wintertime.
The Christmas market tradition as we know it took off in the 16th century with Martin Luther, who suggested that children should receive presents around Christmas time (thanks, Martin!). That’s when the winter markets started calling themselves Christkindlmarkts, which literally means “Christ Child Markets”.
Christmas markets have been popular in Germany and Austria for many centuries. But other European countries have decided to jump on the trend and now host fantastic Christmas markets too.
Now, these festive markets are spreading as far as Singapore, the USA, and Canada. So, if you’re traveling to other parts of the world, you can still enjoy some holiday spirit in the UK, Netherlands, Switzerland, Czech Republic, France, Italy, and Denmark, to name only a few.
Today, Christmas markets in Germany have evolved into large-scale operations, selling regional specialties made for the season, ornaments, delicious treats and much more.
Make sure you check the dates and opening hours of the Christmas Markets you plan to visit beforehand so you don’t end up missing out on all the fun!
To fully enjoy the Christmas magic as you travel through Germany to visit the best Christmas markets, here are some useful tips:
More than six dozen markets spruce up around Germany every year. We tried, but we couldn’t possibly name one absolute best. To make your life easier, we’ve selected a few based on history, charm and yummy treats. Even better, all are accessible by bus! So here you go — the top German Christmas markets you should visit.
It’s only natural to start our best Christmas markets list with the German capital: Berlin. Christmas markets in Berlin start in late November, usually around the 25th, and end by December 31st.
How many Christmas markets are there in Berlin? It may be hard to believe, but there are close to a hundred different markets around the city, all of which are accessible via public transportation.
We realize that it’s virtually impossible to visit all the markets in the city though, even if you’re a local. So, we’ve selected the three best Christmas markets in Berlin. You’re welcome!
You won’t want to miss the Potsdamer Platz Christmas Market, because it’s actually a full-blown Christmas party. Bring your skates along, as this Berlin Christmas market features the usual stands, but also a large toboggan and a 500-square-meter open-air ice rink. On weekends, enjoy live music and an after-ski party ambiance. Definitely the place to be if you like to party!
Insider tips: admission is free and dogs are not allowed.
Located in one of the most beautiful squares in the city, the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market is one of the classic markets in the capital. However, due to construction, between 2022 and 2024 the market will be held at Bebelplatz, which is just a short 5-minute walk from the original place.
Renowned for its fine, handcrafted products, it is set in a picturesque and traditional Christmas decor. It features daily live theatre plays, several music shows, and a lovely choir. According to the locals, it’s the most beautiful market in the city.
Insider tips: Admission is 1 euro, which is donated to charity and helps finance the various artistic events during Christmas time. Children between 0-12 don’t pay. Dogs, big bags and suitcases are not allowed.
The Spandau Christmas Market is the biggest Christmas Market in Berlin, counting over 250 stalls. It is located in the charming district of Spandau, in the old town. What’s great about this Christmas market is that you can walk through the market and the old town for a whole kilometer, while shopping traditional items and tasting delicious food. And, on Fridays, a stage is set up to host “Christmas Meets Rock and Roll” concerts.
Insider tips: Admission is free and dogs are not allowed.
Bremen is a historic city in Northwestern Germany. It is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is transformed into a festive winter wonderland every year around Christmas time.
Located in front of Town Hall, the Bremen Christmas Market is considered one of the best Christmas Markets in the world and features some 170 stalls in a romantic setting. The backdrop is breathtaking, with the Roland Statue, the 600-year-old Town Hall and the medieval square.
How to get there? You can get to the city by train and getting off at Bremen Hauptbahnhof (main station). Once you arrive, take the south exit and you will find yourself on the way to the city center. You can take a tram and get off Obernstraße stop, which is a very short walk to the square.
Insider tips: We urge you to use public transportation to get to the market! Getting there by car tends to be quite annoying, as parking is limited in the Bremen city center… And the market is quite popular!
With an international airport and multiple daily train and bus connections, Frankfurt attracts some 3 million visitors annually, of which many come to experience one of the oldest Christmas markets in the World, the Weihnachtsmarkt Frankfurt Römerberg Christmas Market. The city also hosts smaller markets branching off from the main market, but all gathered together in one central location for easy access.
Running since 1393, this Frankfurt Christmas Market is located in the historic quarter of the city around Römerburg and Paulsplatz. What’s so special about it? It’s huge and got the best food!
It features some of the best Frankfurt marzipan mix specialties. Remember to taste Brenten, rectangular thick cookies, and Bettmännchen, which are round cookie balls with almonds. The market is also the perfect place to step out of your comfort zone and sample Quetschemännchen, a strange Christmas delicacy that consists of decorated figures made out of nuts and prunes.
It also hosts some great art fairs that you’ll want to check out. These are located within the main market (December 7 to 22, from 12 to 8 PM, closing at 6 PM on December 22) and St Paul’s Church (November 27 to December 22 from 12 to 8 PM, also closing at 6 PM on December 22).
Insider tips: Don’t forget to try hot apple wine, a German Christmas market tradition. Also, the Frankfurt Christmas market is easily accessible for wheelchairs (both main access & bathrooms).
These three smaller markets are all extensions of the main market on the Römerberg. What’s fun is that you can enjoy a calmer setting as well as lovely scenery without going out of your way, since these three Christmas markets are all located in the same district. What’s more, they all have the same dates and opening hours as the main market.
Attracting millions of visitors each year, Stuttgart’s winter wonderland is also something to see! Oh yes, Southwestern Germany knows how to celebrate Christmas. Lively and busy, Stuttgart Christmas Markets reflect both medieval and Nordic themes. There is a main market in the city center, while neighboring towns and villages hold smaller-scale specialty markets.
Located on Marktplatz in the city center, the main Stuttgart Christmas market is one of the largest and loveliest in Europe, with some 290 stalls decorated down to the tee, a magical tradition that has been respected for the last 300 years. Unique attractions include specialty candies and handmade ornaments. Starting December 1st, Stuttgart’s town hall (Rathaus) becomes a giant advent calendar with windows lighting up each day leading up to Christmas!
Insider tips: Make sure also to visit the smaller specialty markets branching off from the main market.
Two lovely specialty markets branch off from the main Christmas market in Stuttgart: the Finnish Christmas Village and the Antique Village at Karlsplatz.
If you’re attending the main market at Marktplatz, all you’ll need to do is walk three minutes and you can discover a traditional Finnish Christmas village. Set up with authentic wooden stalls, it is filled with Finnish specialties, such as Flammlachs (salmon cooked over a fire) and Glögi (Finnish mulled wine). The Finnish Christmas Village holds the same dates, opening hours and directions as the main market, so you shouldn’t have any trouble including them in your day trip to Marktplatz.
Started in 1984 with the one-week Christmas flea market, this specialty Christmas market officially became the Antique market in 1999. Located right next to the Finnish village, it is the perfect place to find a gift for that special someone, with more than 20 dealers gathered in a heated antique tent. Unique finds include antique books, watches, jewelry, porcelain and much more. An exciting perk? You can bring your own antiques to have experts estimate them on-site!
Important info: Duration & directions are the same as the Marktplatz Market, but on certain specific dates, the opening hours of the Antique market differ from those of the main market:
Nestled between two mountains in a steep valley in the Odenwald, Heidelberg is known for its romantic cityscape. It hosts several Christmas markets—perhaps not the largest in Germany — but certainly the most romantic. Why? Because the markets are focused on the wintery, festive aspect of Christmas, rather than being overly consumerist.
Spread out across several locations in the old town of Heidelberg, these romantic Christmas markets are all close by and within walking distance of one another. We recommend you follow this simple itinerary to get the most out of your time in Heidelberg.
All the Heidelberg Christmas Markets are located in the old town. They take place on the same dates and hold the same opening hours.
Insider tips: Contrary to popular belief, the Heidelberg castle does not host a Christmas market anymore. It used to, but the stalls were removed in 2016!
If you are planning to head up North while traveling in Germany, make your way to Hamburg, a beautiful German city home to gorgeous harbors and canals.
Quite touristic, Hamburg hosts multiple Christmas markets spread out all over the city. If you have to choose, we recommend that you head to the historical Hamburg Christmas Market at Town Hall and to the Santa Pauli Christmas Market.
The Hamburg Rathaus Christmas Market is the most famous Christmas market in Hamburg. It’s located at the Rathausmarkt, a lovely setting, thanks to the beauty of the historical town hall that serves as a backdrop.
The numerous stands and huts are decorated with lights and sell traditional Christmas market treats, including handmade ornaments, delicious food, and local products. Alleys are individually themed, which helps focus as you shop! Wood carvings, glass art, food… Artisans regroup so you can shop (and compare) easily.
And to add a little touch of magic, every day at 4, 6 and 8 PM, Santa Claus and his sleigh hovers above the historical market in front of the Hamburg Town Hall.
Dates: from November 17th to December 30th. Closed on Nov/20 and Dec/25.
Insider tips: Admission is free!
One of the best Christmas markets in Hamburg is located in the Red Light District. True Story! Enjoy the Christmas spirit with a twist by exploring a loud, frivolous and extravagant Christmas market. You’ll be able to shop for x-rated toys, paraphernalia and, for your more conservative loved ones, classic Christmas items. Entertainment flies high, with shows and live music animating the crowds—and to top it off, a giant disco ball. Oh—and one of the coolest things about this unusual Christmas market? It’s open late into the night for party animals, and it’s even child-friendly on weekends, with a dedicated program for kids on Sundays.
Insider tips: Admission is free.
Located in the state of Bavaria, Nuremberg is a popular destination. Located North of Munich, the city boasts Middle Ages roots and sits in a great location, with multiple daily bus connections to every corner of Germany and Europe. In our opinion, the best Christmas markets in Nuremberg are the Christkindlesmarkt, Sister Cities and Children’s market. Find out why, when and where!
With Nuremberg Christmas Market is one of the oldest in the world, as it dates back to 1530. With hundreds of decorated stalls, the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg serves traditional goodies such as Nuremberg Bratwurst and gingerbread cookies.
Located at the Hauptmarkt, it’s definitely the main event in Nuremberg, thanks to its opening ceremony. Every year, to celebrate the opening of the markets, there is music, and a live choir performing on the Friday before the first Advent.
Insider tip: Admission is free.
To take a break from traditional German goodies, head to the Sister Cities Christmas Market. Located North of the Hauptmarkt, it hosts some 24 booths, representing Nuremberg’s sister cities around the world! The awesome thing about this market is that it features fine products from across the planet, including Antalya (Turkey), Glasgow (Scotland), Atlanta (USA) and Shenzen (China).
Insider tips: Admission is free.
The Children’s Christmas Market in Nuremberg is adored by kids of all ages. It features a magical double-decker carousel and many stalls with toys and children’s attractions. The best part? The little train, to get around on site.
Insider tip: both the carousel and train ride are free!
Famous for its massive cathedral, Cologne is the fourth largest city in Germany. It holds many beautiful markets scattered across the city with all the typical Christmas market extravaganza. But Cologne’s best Christmas market is undeniably the Cathedral Market — you guessed it — located in front of the majestic cathedral.
The cool thing about visiting Cologne during the Christmas season is that the city is set up with a small train called the Christmas Market Express, which connects all of the Cologne Christmas markets together. Now, onto our two favorite markets — the Cathedral Christmas Market and the Cologne Christmas Market in Old Town.
Located in front of the grand gothic cathedral in Cologne’s city center, the Cologne Cathedral Christmas market is the biggest and most famous market out of all of Cologne’s markets! It is truly magical with the towering church in the background, and it hosts 150 attractively designed wooden pavilions. Live music is performed on a stage, nestled under a roof filled with Christmas lights while you can enjoy both famous regional specialties and organic certified goodies.
Insider tips: admission is free.
Even more picturesque than the Cathedral Market is the Old Town Christmas market. Located in the heart of Altstadt (the Old Town), this Christmas market distinguishes itself thanks to its famous house gnomes, who, according to a Cologne legend, used to do all the housework.
Huts and stalls sell the usual German Christmas foods, drinks, gifts, and handcrafted gems so you can stock up on gifts with a full stomach. The highlight? This Cologne Christmas Market’s outdoor ice rink is open all day, and its numerous toy stands make this market a great family destination.
Insider tips: Admission is free.
Dusseldorf is a chic city and a fabulous place to visit if you’re into art and fashion. Located a short train ride from Cologne, Dusseldorf hosts a fair share of Christmas markets spread across the city.
The best way to visit them all is to start at Schadowstrasse and make your way towards the Aldstadt on foot. And, if you have to pick two, don’t miss the Dusseldorf Christmas market in Marktplatz and the Engelchenmarkt on Heinrich-Heine-Platz. They’re both fantastic, and they open earlier than most markets in Germany.
The Christmas Market on Marktplatz is the biggest market in the city! It takes place every year in the heart of the old town and features a 100-year-old carousel. Famous for the glass blowers and woodturners who sell their art on the spot, the market also features a vast array of Christmas ornaments, trinkets, and delicious food.
Insider tips: admission is free. Oh — and don’t forget to try Alt beer, a dark, brownish beer originating from Dusseldorf that’s quite rich in flavors.
Smaller but oh-so-quaint, the Engelchenmarkt takes place on Heinrich Heine Platz. Catch delicious food and homemade ornaments as you walk through the square.
You can even drink the famous Glüwhein at the music pavilion, which sits in the center of the market. As you browse the various stands, you’ll be illuminated by a sea of lights reflecting the golden angels on all the stalls—a truly magical sight.
Insider tips: admission is free.
Home to Oktoberfest, Munich is the third most populous city in Germany after Berlin and Hamburg. During Christmas time, this Bavarian Capital hosts typical Bavarian Christmas markets all over the city. Here are two you won’t want to miss out on.
Happening in Munich’s main square, the Munich Christmas Market at Marienplatz is the largest and most visited market in Bavaria. It overflows beyond Marienplatz and ends up taking over the surrounding pedestrian shopping streets. You can be sure to find a festive ambiance there, with live music starting every evening at 5:30 PM on the balcony of the town hall.
Insider tips: admission is free. We suggest climbing Saint Peter’s Tower at night to see the beautiful market from above!
There you have it! The best Christmas markets in Germany you won’t want to miss. And if you’re planning on traveling by bus, visit Busbud to learn more about buses and trains schedules and how to get around by bus in Germany.
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As a lover of all things Christmas, I have to say that Germany truly knows how to do it right when it comes to Christmas markets. From the twinkling lights to the delicious smells of roasted nuts and mulled wine, there's nothing quite like wandering through a German Christmas market during the holiday season.
Having visited several Christmas markets in Germany over the years, I have to agree with this list of the best Christmas markets in the country. Each market offers its own unique charm and atmosphere, with plenty of opportunities to sample local treats and pick up handmade gifts for loved ones.
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