Where better to soak up the festive atmosphere and shop for gifts than in Germany? In this article, you’ll find a list of 20 of the best Christmas markets in Germany. Which one will you visit this year?
Christmas Markets in Germany
Christmas markets in Germany are among the most beautiful and traditional in Europe. They attract visitors from around the world with their unique atmosphere, the scent of spices, mulled wine, and freshly baked goods.
Each city offers its own special charm – from the majestic markets in Dresden and Nuremberg to the cosy, authentic markets in smaller Ore Mountains towns like Seiffen or Annaberg. German Christmas markets are famous not only for their traditional handcrafted goods, such as wooden Christmas ornaments, pyramids, and nutcrackers, but also for their rich cultural programmes, including concerts, parades, and children’s workshops.
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Christmas Markets Germany: 20 Best Places to Visit
If you’re planning a trip to the Christmas markets in Germany and can’t decide where to go, I’ve put together a list of 20 of the best Christmas markets in Germany. Just pick your favourite.
💡TIP: Many tour operators offer organised trips to German Christmas markets. You can browse available packages on GetYourGuide. Looking for accommodation? Check out deals on Booking.com.
1) Dresden
The Christmas markets in Dresden, known as Striezelmarkt, are among the oldest and most famous in Europe – their tradition dates back to 1434. The market’s centrepieces are a giant Christmas pyramid and a wooden candle arch, symbols of Saxon craftsmanship.
At the market, you’ll find over 200 stalls offering traditional delicacies, including the famous Dresden Stollen (Striezel), and a wide selection of handcrafted goods, such as wooden toys from the Ore Mountains. The atmosphere is enhanced by a cultural programme, including concerts, children’s workshops, and the annual Stollen parade.
In addition to the Striezelmarkt, smaller markets are also well worth a visit, such as those in the historic Altmarkt district or near the Frauenkirche.
2) Nuremberg
The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of the biggest and most famous Christmas markets in Germany. It spreads across the historic main square (Hauptmarkt) and is renowned for its rich selection of handcrafted goods, from hand-made Christmas ornaments to the famous Nuremberg gingerbread and sausages.
The market’s atmosphere is enhanced by the traditional opening ceremony led by the Christkind (Christ Child), which is an unforgettable experience. For children, there’s a special section with carousels, workshops, and Christmas trains.
3) Regensburg
Regensburg offers Christmas markets in a stunning historic setting with a truly unique atmosphere. The most famous is the market at Thurn und Taxis Palace, where visitors find themselves in a fairy-tale setting with an illuminated palace and hand-made decorations.
Other highlights include smaller markets in the historic centre, where you can taste Bavarian specialities or admire traditional crafts.
4) Seiffen
Seiffen, a small town in the Ore Mountains, is the heart of traditional Saxon craftsmanship. The Christmas markets here have a breathtaking atmosphere, as the town is famous for producing wooden toys and Christmas decorations, such as nutcrackers, pyramids, and candle arches.
The markets are steeped in family tradition and artisan skill. Local workshops often open their doors so visitors can watch these items being made.
5) Berlin
Berlin offers dozens of Christmas markets that reflect the diversity and energy of this vibrant capital. Among the most popular is the market at Gendarmenmarkt. Another favourite is the market at Charlottenburg Palace, which attracts visitors with its romantic setting and rich programme.
💡TIP: Things to do in Berlin
6) Cologne
Cologne offers several Christmas markets, the most famous of which is located right beneath the iconic Cologne Cathedral. Another unique market is set on boats on the Rhine River, where you can enjoy a one-of-a-kind festive atmosphere. Cologne Christmas markets are among the most visited in all of Germany.
7) Munich
The Christmas markets in Munich are a real treat for lovers of tradition and Bavarian hospitality. The main market on Marienplatz is set in the historic city centre and its highlight is a huge Christmas tree lit up with thousands of lights.
You’ll find more than 150 stalls with handcrafted goods, Christmas decorations, and local specialities such as sausages, pretzels, and mulled wine.
Munich also offers a special medieval Christmas market on Wittelsbacherplatz, where you can taste period food and soak up an atmosphere from times gone by. For families with children, the children’s market on Karlsplatz with its ice rink and creative workshops is ideal.
8) Annaberg
Annaberg-Buchholz, a small town in the Ore Mountains, is known for its traditional Christmas markets that celebrate the local mining history. The markets take place on the picturesque town square and their atmosphere is enhanced by miners’ music and parades.
9) Aachen
The Christmas markets in Aachen are known for their enchanting setting near the famous cathedral and town hall. The markets offer traditional delicacies, including the renowned Aachen gingerbread (Printen).
10) Düsseldorf
At Christmas, Düsseldorf transforms into a city full of lights and joy. Christmas markets spread throughout the city centre, but the most famous is the market on Marktplatz with its historic atmosphere and rich programme.
A highlight is the ice rink at Königsallee, surrounded by stalls serving mulled wine and festive treats.
11) Erfurt
The main Christmas market in Erfurt takes place on Domplatz, where you’ll be greeted by the imposing backdrop of the cathedral and an illuminated square. The market is known for its rich offering of traditional handcrafted goods, Christmas ornaments, and local specialities, such as bratwurst and gingerbread.
One of the main attractions is the giant Christmas pyramid and a hand-carved nativity scene.
12) Baden-Baden
Baden-Baden offers Christmas markets in the heart of this elegant spa town. The markets at Kurhaus Kolonnaden have a wonderful atmosphere, and you can enjoy mulled wine, marzipan sweets, and other delicacies. The markets are accompanied by a musical programme, concerts, and performances.
13) Meissen
The Christmas markets in Meissen, known as Meißner Weihnacht, take place on the picturesque historic square with views of the famous porcelain factory. At the markets, you’ll find local specialities, hand-made ornaments, and of course Meissen porcelain, which makes an ideal gift for your loved ones.
14) Saxon Switzerland and Elbe Valley
The Saxon Elbe Valley offers several smaller but charming Christmas markets. In towns like Pirna or Radebeul, you’ll find markets with an authentic atmosphere and a selection of traditional handcrafted goods, such as Ore Mountain ornaments and candles.
15) Zwickau
The Christmas markets in Zwickau take place on Hauptmarkt square. The market offers a rich selection of handcrafted goods, from traditional Ore Mountain decorations to wooden toys and candles.
The market atmosphere is enlivened by a packed programme, including concerts, parades, and activities for children.
16) Leipzig
Leipzig offers one of the biggest Christmas markets in Germany, stretching across Marktplatz and into the surrounding streets of the historic centre. This market is known for its extensive range, covering everything from traditional crafts to international specialities.
A unique experience is visiting the Finnish Christmas market, where you can try traditional elk sausages and hot liqueur.
17) Chemnitz
Every year, Chemnitz hosts the Ore Mountain Christmas Market, one of the largest in the region. On Marktplatz, you’ll find more than 200 stalls with traditional ornaments, handcrafted goods, and local specialities. The market is accompanied by a rich cultural programme, including concerts and parades.
18) Passau
Passau, the city at the confluence of three rivers, offers beautiful Christmas markets on Domplatz next to the imposing St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The market is known for its wide range of local specialities, including sausages, gingerbread, and regional beers.
19) Marienberg
Marienberg, a town in the Ore Mountains, is known for its traditional Christmas market, which reflects the rich mining history of the region. At the market, you’ll find local handcrafted goods, from wooden ornaments to hand-carved nativity scenes. Part of the market is a miners’ parade, a cherished Advent tradition in the Ore Mountains.
20) Zittau
The Christmas markets in Zittau take place on the historic town square. The market offers a combination of traditional Advent specialities, local crafts, and cultural performances. Visitors can enjoy Ore Mountain wooden decorations, mulled wine, and local pastries.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Christmas markets start in Germany?
Most markets open at the end of November, usually around the first Sunday of Advent, and run until Christmas Eve.
Which is the biggest Christmas market in Germany?
Nuremberg and Dresden are among the biggest and most visited Christmas markets in Germany.
What specialities should you try?
Mulled wine (Glühwein), bratwurst, gingerbread, Stollen cake, and roasted chestnuts are classics you simply can’t miss.
How to get to the Christmas markets?
Most cities are well connected by train and road. From the UK, you can fly to major German hubs like Berlin, Munich, Cologne, or Düsseldorf, and then take regional trains to your destination.
Which markets are best for children?
The markets in Leipzig and Seiffen offer great activities for children, such as carousels and ornament-making workshops.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
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Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
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