Where better to soak up the festive atmosphere and pick up some unique gifts than Germany? In this article, you’ll find a list of the 20 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 draw visitors from around the world with their enchanting atmosphere, the scent of spices, mulled wine, and freshly baked treats.
Every city offers its own unique charm — from the grand markets in Dresden and Nuremberg to the cosy, authentic fairs in smaller Ore Mountains towns like Seiffen or Annaberg. German Christmas markets are famous not only for their traditional handcrafted goods, such as wooden ornaments, pyramids, and nutcrackers, but also for their rich cultural programmes featuring concerts, parades, and children’s workshops.
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20 Best Christmas Markets in Germany
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 the 20 best Christmas markets in Germany. All you need to do is pick your favourite.
💡TIP: Many tour operators run organised trips to the German Christmas markets. You can browse available packages on Invia. Alternatively, you can easily fly from London to most major German cities with airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, or Eurowings, and book your accommodation via Booking.com.
1) Dresden
The Christmas market in Dresden, known as the Striezelmarkt, is one of the oldest and most famous in Europe — its tradition dates back to 1434. The market’s centrepieces are a giant Christmas pyramid and a wooden candle arch, both iconic symbols of Saxon craftsmanship.
You’ll find over 200 stalls offering traditional delicacies, including the famous Dresden Stollen (Striezel), along with a wonderful selection of handmade goods such as wooden toys from the Ore Mountains. The atmosphere is enriched by a cultural programme featuring concerts, children’s workshops, and the annual Stollen Festival parade.
Besides the Striezelmarkt, smaller markets are also well worth a visit, including those in the historic Altmarkt area or near the Frauenkirche.
2) Nuremberg
Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is one of the biggest christmas markets in Germany and arguably the most iconic. Set on the historic main square (Hauptmarkt), it’s celebrated for its rich selection of handcrafted goods — from hand-made Christmas ornaments to the famous Nuremberg gingerbread and bratwurst.
The traditional opening ceremony, led by the Christkind (an angelic figure), is an unforgettable experience. There’s also a dedicated children’s section with carousels, craft workshops, and miniature Christmas trains.
3) Regensburg
Regensburg offers Christmas markets in a stunning historic setting with a truly magical atmosphere. The most famous is the market at the Thurn and Taxis Palace, where visitors are transported into a fairy-tale world of illuminated palace grounds and handcrafted decorations.
There are also charming smaller markets dotted around the old town centre, where you can sample Bavarian specialities and admire traditional crafts.
4) Seiffen
Seiffen, a small town in the Ore Mountains, is the heartland of traditional Saxon craftsmanship. The Christmas market here has a breathtaking atmosphere, as the town is renowned for its wooden toys and Christmas decorations, including nutcrackers, pyramids, and candle arches.
The market is steeped in family tradition and artisan skill. Local workshops often open their doors during the festive period, giving visitors a chance to watch these beautiful pieces being made by hand.
5) Berlin
Berlin boasts dozens of Christmas markets that reflect the diversity and energy of this vibrant capital. Among the most popular are the Christmas markets in Berlin at Gendarmenmarkt. Another must-visit is the market at Charlottenburg Palace, which draws visitors with its romantic setting and packed programme of events.
💡TIP: Things to Do in Berlin
6) Cologne
Cologne is home to several wonderful Christmas markets, the most famous of which sits right beneath the iconic Cologne Cathedral. Another unique experience is the floating market on boats on the Rhine, where you can enjoy a one-of-a-kind festive atmosphere on the water.
7) Munich
The Christmas markets in Munich are a real treat for anyone who loves tradition and Bavarian hospitality. The main market on Marienplatz is set in the heart of the historic centre, dominated by a towering Christmas tree ablaze with thousands of lights.
You’ll find more than 150 stalls selling handcrafted goods, Christmas ornaments, and local specialities like bratwurst, pretzels, and Glühwein (mulled wine).
Munich also features a special medieval Christmas market on Wittelsbacherplatz, where you can taste period-style food and soak up an atmosphere straight out of the Middle Ages. For families with children, the kids’ market on Karlsplatz — complete with an ice rink and creative workshops — is an absolute must.
8) Annaberg
Annaberg-Buchholz, a charming little town in the Ore Mountains, is known for its traditional Christmas market that celebrates the region’s rich mining heritage. The market takes place on a picturesque square, with the atmosphere brought to life by miners’ music and lantern parades.
9) Aachen
The Christmas market in Aachen is celebrated for its enchanting setting beside the famous cathedral and town hall. The stalls offer traditional treats, including the renowned Aachener Printen — the city’s distinctive spiced gingerbread biscuits.
10) Düsseldorf
During the festive season, Düsseldorf transforms into a city of lights and joy. Christmas markets stretch across the entire city centre, but the most popular is the market on Marktplatz, which combines a historic atmosphere with a rich programme of events.
A real highlight is the ice rink on Königsallee, surrounded by stalls serving mulled wine and festive treats.
11) Erfurt
Erfurt’s main Christmas market takes place on Domplatz, where visitors are greeted by the imposing backdrop of the cathedral and a beautifully lit square. The market is known for its wide selection of traditional handicrafts, Christmas ornaments, and local specialities such as bratwurst and gingerbread.
One of the main attractions is a giant Christmas pyramid and a hand-carved nativity scene.
12) Baden-Baden
Baden-Baden hosts its Christmas market in the heart of this elegant spa town. The market at the Kurhaus Colonnade has a wonderfully refined atmosphere, where you can enjoy mulled wine, marzipan sweets, and other delicacies. Live music, concerts, and performances add to the festive spirit.
13) Meissen
The Christmas market in Meissen, known as Meißner Weihnacht, takes place on the charming historic square with views of the famous porcelain factory. You’ll find local specialities, handmade ornaments, and, of course, Meissen porcelain — a perfect gift for your loved ones.
14) Saxon Switzerland and the Elbe Valley
The Saxon Elbe Valley is dotted with several smaller but utterly charming Christmas markets. In towns like Pirna or Radebeul, you’ll discover markets with an authentic atmosphere and a lovely selection of traditional handcrafted goods, including Ore Mountains ornaments and candles.
15) Zwickau
The Christmas market in Zwickau takes place on the Hauptmarkt square. It features a wide range of handcrafted goods, from traditional Ore Mountains decorations to wooden toys and candles.
The market’s atmosphere is enhanced by a packed programme including concerts, parades, and activities for children.
16) Leipzig
Leipzig is home to one of the largest Christmas markets in Germany, sprawling across Marktplatz and into the surrounding streets of the historic centre. The market is known for its impressive range of goods, from traditional handicrafts to international specialities.
A unique experience is a visit to the Finnish Christmas market, where you can try traditional elk sausages and hot liqueur.
17) Chemnitz
Each year, Chemnitz hosts the Ore Mountains Christmas Market, one of the largest in the region. On Marktplatz, you’ll find more than 200 stalls brimming with traditional ornaments, handcrafted goods, and local delicacies. The market is accompanied by a rich cultural programme, including concerts and parades.
18) Passau
Passau, the city where three rivers meet, offers a beautiful Christmas market on Domplatz beside the imposing St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The market is known for its wide selection 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 that reflects the rich mining history of the region. The stalls feature local handcrafted goods, from wooden ornaments to hand-carved nativity scenes. A highlight is the miners’ parade — a cherished Advent tradition in the Ore Mountains.
20) Zittau
The Christmas market in Zittau takes place on the historic town square. It offers a delightful mix of traditional Advent specialities, local crafts, and cultural performances. Visitors can browse Ore Mountains wooden decorations, warm up with mulled wine, and sample local pastries.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Christmas markets start in Germany?
Most markets open in late 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 largest and most visited Christmas markets in the country.
What specialities should you try?
Glühwein (mulled wine), bratwurst, gingerbread, Stollen cake, and roasted chestnuts are absolute classics you shouldn’t miss.
How do you get to the Christmas markets?
Most cities are well connected by train and motorway. From the UK, you can fly from London to major German cities like Berlin, Munich, Cologne, or Düsseldorf with airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways, or Eurowings.
Which markets are best for children?
The markets in Leipzig and Seiffen are particularly family-friendly, offering activities for children such as carousels and ornament-making workshops.
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