I’ve visited over 100 Christmas markets in Europe (sure, actually) and I am right here to inform you: Germany has the most effective. In the event you’re in search of traditional, wood stalls, or off-beat funky traditions, you could find one thing for everybody on the Weihnachsmarkt in Germany. I am bringing you the most effective Christmas Markets in Germany from all my travels!
I’ve compiled a complete information to the most effective Christmas markets in Germany that may allow you to plan your subsequent vacation getaway. Germany is a rustic steeped in historical past and custom, and its Christmas markets aren’t any exception. From the festive lights and vacation music to the candy smells of gingerbread and roasted chestnuts, there’s one thing magical about visiting a German Christmas market in the course of the vacation season.
In the event you’re in search of an unforgettable Christmas expertise, look no additional than a German Christmas market! Stuffed with traditions, historical past, and scrumptious meals, you will not be upset. In truth, the most effective German Christmas markets are among the oldest on the planet and Germans take nice pleasure and element of their traditions.
Once I first moved overseas I used to be anxious: how might I expertise the magic of Christmas, away from dwelling, in Germany? What I discovered was probably the most magical, great, and fairy tale-like locations on earth. Particularly at Christmas time.
Christmas in Europe is particular, however the German Christmas Markets are the most effective on the continent. I’ve mapped out my favoriteChristmas Markets together with ideas, instances, and a information to profit from your time.
There may be nothing like Christmas in Germany, y’all. Hand carved wood stalls promoting probably the most scrumptious treats, beautiful ornaments, individuals singing carols, and shaking gloved palms and saying “Frohe Weihnachten” (that is Merry Christmas in German). The Weihnachtsmarkts of Germany (which means Christmas Market in German) are the most effective on the planet.
Utterly up to date for 2023! As you would possibly know, lots of the markets final yr have been canceled. I am pleased to say that it seems that ALL of the markets are open this yr! I’ve included dates in addition to maps and every thing it’s essential know to plan your journey.
The custom of Christmas markets dates again to the 1300s, and immediately’s markets nonetheless echo the attraction of this festive season.
Whereas the large cities might need flashy shows and a number of markets, do not knock the unimaginable intimate settings of the smaller cities. They typically supply cheaper meals and drinks and the markets have their very own particular aptitude.
I’ve mapped out the greatest Christmas markets in addition to the most effective cities to expertise the magic of Christmas. Under every city you will additionally discover dates and instances for every Christmas marketplace for 2023.
Searching for my information to the most effective Christmas Markets in Europe? Take a look at this put up and itinerary!
1. Cologne
Cologne: greatest Christmas market in Germany! Cologne is already a wonderful metropolis – gargantuan twin-spired cathedral, subsequent to the mighty Rhine River, and stuffed with Gothic structure in a picturesque outdated city. However the Christmas market takes it excessive. Which is why Cologne is on the high of my listing for greatest Christmas markets in Germany.
Brimming with attraction and cheer, there are a number of markets unfold all through town of Cologne. There are seven markets all through town, every bringing a very completely different vibe and environment. The market in entrance of the cathedral is among the hottest, and for good cause. Lovely, conventional wooden stalls encompass a stage with the backdrop of the cathedral.
Additionally, to not be missed is the Outdated Christmas market, aka the Alter Market close to city all. This lovable market seems straight out of a narrative guide with gnomes (Heinzelmännchen) perched on rooftops.
Lastly, you will need to go to the Angel’s Christmas market. That is the oldest market, held in Neumarkt. You will see girls dressed up as angel’s handing out treats to kids and sparking white lights atop all of the stalls. It is breathtaking.
Cologne Christmas Market 2023 dates and instances: Nov 21, 2023 – Solar, Dec 23, 2023 from 11 am to 9pm (Saturdays till 10pm)
2. Nuremburg
Nuremburg: greatest conventional Christmas market in Germany! Nuremburg’s Christmas market is among the oldest and most well-known German markets, courting again to 1530. The purple and white stalls convey up a nostalgia that echo again to the unique Christmas markets that began right here a whole lot of years in the past.
This conventional market provides a wonderful setting in entrance of the Church of Our Girl with a particular child’s choir that performs all through the season on the “Christkindlesmarkt.” The Christkind is an emblem for Nuremburg and dates again to the concept that she brings kids their Christmas present.
Of all of the German Christmas markets that is considered one of my favorites.
Nuremburg Christmas Market 2023 dates and instances: Sat, Nov 25, 2023 – Tues, Dec 24, 2023 from 10 am to 9pm day by day.
3. Aachen
Aachen: greatest Christmas market spirit! Decked out with twinkling lights and lavish squares, your eyes will probably be a-glow from the second you arrive in Aachen. The Aachen City Corridor is reworked to a festive wonderland, town is brimming with magnificence and twinkling lights, and folks from throughout come to affix in on the merriment of the season.
Aachen is called the historic metropolis of Charlemagne’s reign, however in recent times, they’ve change into a significant vacation spot for Christmas. With lovely Roman ruins and a UNESCO world heritage cathedral, you actually can’t go improper visiting Aachen.
What I like about Aachen’s market is that it’s unfold all through town however you an get to every spot by strolling! The markets are centered round Aachen Cathedral, Charlemagne Centre, and Aachen city corridor. Aachener Printen (gingerbread) observe you wherever you go and can direct you in direction of the market.
Aachen’s Christmas market is among the greatest adorned and loveliest Christmas markets in Germany. You simply must see it for your self!
You’ll find my Christmas Market Itinerary proper right here.
Aachen Christmas Market 2023 dates and instances: Nov 18, 2023 – Solar, Dec 23, 2023, 11m – 9pm day by day
4. Trier
The Christmas market in Trier is ready in opposition to the romantic backdrop of the Moselle river and the medieval Essential Market. The 95 attractively adorned cubicles present an ideal setting for this glorious occasion, with Trier Cathedral offering a powerful backdrop.
This system modifications day by day on the Trier Christmas Market, so there’s all the time one thing new for guests to get pleasure from. Whether or not it is historic puppet theater or a star tenor efficiency, there’s one thing for everybody within the household. Along with scrumptious food and drinks, arts and crafts from around the globe are additionally obtainable. The Trier Christmas Market is among the hottest markets in Germany attracting 1000’s of holiday makers annually.
Trier Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November 18th by means of December twenty second, 2023.
5. Heidelberg
Heidelberg: greatest meals at a Christas market in Germany! Now when you assume I am biased as a result of I lived in Heidelberg, then you definately’re completely proper. HOWEVER, there’s something so good about this Christmas market. Going down all through the Hauptstrasse, you will discover markets dotted alongside the pedestrian road. Conventional in fashion, this Christmas market is oozing with attraction. See my full information to Heidelberg’s Christmas Market right here!
There are many retailers, meals, and Glühwein, and even an ice skating rink with a fortress view. However my favourite facet are the ornate wood stalls. Every metropolis has its personal distinctive tackle decor, and Heidelberg’s is my favourite. Hand carved stalls bursting with Santas, lights, and full measurement reindeer. They’re among the most detailed of all of the Christmas markets I’ve attended.
Heidelberg Christmas Market 2023 dates and instances: Mon, Nov 18, 2023 – Solar, Dec 22, 2023 from 11 am to 9pm (Saturdays till 10pm) There is a second market that goes till January 1, 2024!
6. Munich
Munich: greatest themed Christmas markets! Munich is the jewel of Germany with a stunning backyard, spectacular buildings, and Oktoberfest celebration. The Marienplatz is already an distinctive instance of European magnificence. However the Christmas market in Munich is a feast for all of the senses.
A spectacle of lights, conventional markets, and a few out-there markets that take celebrating Christmas to an entire different stage. Themed markets in Munich are among the greatest Christmas markets in Germany and supply a special tackle the normal celebrations.
There is a Christmas market live performance held within the metropolis every day in the course of the season, a Kids’s market, and the Tollwood Market is an ethnic competition with a glance to celebrations of Christmas everywhere in the world. There’s additionally a homosexual Christmas market at Stephansplaz and a Medieval Christmas Market at Wittelsbacher Platz.
Munich Christmas Market 2023 dates: Nov 21, 2023 – Dec twenty fourth, 2023. Instances are Monday by means of Saturday 10am-9pm. Sunday 10am-8pm.
7. Baden-Baden
Baden-Baden: greatest place to purchase presents at a Christmas market. This historic metropolis is positioned simply on the outskirts of the enchanting Black Forest (the place so many fairytales come from!). Baden Baden has a market happening on a protracted stretch simply exterior their outdated city.
You will discover over 100 stalls of arts and crafts, scrumptious meals, and merry-go-rounds. Conserving their market easy and conventional you could find roasting fish or aromatic spiced nuts all through the stalls. This market stays open a bit later within the yr which is ideal when you’re visiting simply after Christmas!
Baden-Baden Christmas Market 2023 dates: Thurs, Nov 24, 2023 – Mon, Jan sixth, 2024. Open 11am to 9pm day by day.
8. Frankfurt
I am not even going to misinform you, I’m not a giant fan of Frankfurt typically. It simply appears like a big metropolis with skyscrapers. It would not maintain the identical attraction as different cities appear to in Germany. With the CLEAR exception of Christmas.
I used to be pleasantly stunned however how effectively Frankfurt does Christmas. I imply… take a look at this view!
Plus, when you’re coming to Germany from the USA, likelihood is you are going to fly in to Frankfurt. So, you would possibly as effectively profit from it and expertise this lovely Christmas market!
Frankfurt Christmas Market Dates for 2023: Mon, Nov 21, 2023 – Thu, Dec 22, 2023
9. Speyer
Speyer: longest enduring Christmas market in Germany! (As in, the dates go over a month!) The yuletide cheer is all the time discovered within the fairly city of Speyer. The glistening stalls lovingly adorned are the proper scene in entrance of the massive church. On weekends there is a craft market that takes place in Metropolis Corridor with presents and trinkets of all types.
This can be a nice market to attend in case your coming to Germany proper after Christmas or New Years because the market stays open later.
Speyer Christmas Market 2023 dates: November 21, 2023 by means of January sixth 2024.
10. Dresden
Dresden: greatest Christmas market views. Dresden transforms itself into the capital of Christmas when the tip of November rolls round. There are a number of markets all through town, however the Striezelmarkt is the most well-liked. This alpine-like market will make you’re feeling such as you’ve simply come off the slopes.
The town additionally hosts gospel concert events and provides exhibitions and performs centered round Christmas tales. That is the most important Christmas Market in Germany and to not be missed! There are 11 (YES REALLY) markets all through town!
Dresden Christmas Market 2023 dates: Nov twenty third, 2023 – Dec twenty fourth, 2023
11. Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber
Rothenburg: greatest medieval Christmas market. Rothenburg: greatest small Christmas market in Germany! This tiny city remains to be surrounded by it is city partitions! Add within the Christmas market and it is actually as when you’re stepping again to medieval instances. The market may be very small, however the entire metropolis has a Christmas vibe. You will discover decorations in any respect the retailers and shops. Do not forget to go to Käthe Wolfarht, a retailer promoting every thing you may potential need at Christmas!
Rothenburg appears like Christmas all yr spherical with its Christmas museum and medieval setting, it is undoubtedly top-of-the-line German cities for Christmas markets. However there’s one thing particular about visiting “Reiterlesmarkt”, the Rothernburg Christmas Market is known as after a legend that claims a horse rider carried the souls of the lifeless. As Christianity unfold by means of Europe, he reworked from a scary determine into a mild man who gave presents to all of the individuals on earth.
Rothenburg Christmas Market 2023 dates: Friday, Nov twenty fifth, 2023 – Friday, Dec twenty third, 2023
12. Hamburg
The principle market is in entrance of lovely metropolis corridor and with the Rathaus as a backdrop it makes for a powerful scene. This can be a tyoical, conventional Christmas market. However to not fear, Hamburg provides many unorthodox markets.
In the event you’re in search of a extra distinctive Christmas market expertise, look no additional than Hamburg’s Santa Pauli. This year-round Halloween and Christmas market is positioned within the St. Pauli neighborhood, which is understood for its nightlife and red-light district. That is fairly actually a intercourse themed market!
You’ll find erotic Gingerbread males, intercourse toys and all types of different grownup novelties. It is open year-round, however the Christmas market is unquestionably the most well-liked time to go to.
I like Hamburg typically as there are many fascinating museums and locations to go to.
Hamburg Christmas Market 2023 dates: Nov 21, 2023 – Dec twenty third, 2023
13. Essen
Often known as the “Worldwide Christmas Market” Essen’s market provides guests a twist on the normal Christmas market aptitude. It is one of many largest Christmas markets in Germany and effectively definitely worth the cease.
The Essen Christmas market within the metropolis middle is kind of unfold out, with only some steps between every sq.. The Kennedyplatz is the central focus level the place you possibly can leisurely stroll beneath a cover of twinkling lights whereas being impressed by all the completely different items obtainable from stalls representing 190 international locations worldwide. You will discover handicrafts from Africa, Christmas decorations from Israel and jewellery type the Baltic States—simply to call a couple of issues!
Essen Christmas Market 2023 dates: Sunday, Nov 12, 2023 – Mon, Dec 23, 2023
14. Stuttgart
Stuttgart: greatest Glühwein at a Christmas market! The Stuttgart Weihnachsmarkt is exclusive competition providing the normal market vibes together with some distinctive traditions that make it extraordinarily particular. Throughout Creation the City Corridor of Stuttgart is reworked into an enormous Creation calendar. Every day a brand new door is opened revealing a brand new picture and coat of arms showcasing considered one of Stuttgart’s districts. Take a look at extra right here.
Stuttgart Christmas Market 2023 dates: Monday, Nov 21, 2023 – Friday, Dec 23, 2023. Instances are 10am -9pm Monday by means of Thursday. 10am -10pm Friday & Saturday and 11am-9pm on Sunday.
15. Berlin
Berlin: greatest massive metropolis Christmas market. Berlin is among the most visited cities in Germany, and Christmas ought to be no exception. The baroque palace of Charlottenburg is a wonderful setting for a market full with conventional stalls and adorned bushes. There’s an ice skating rink, decoration tents, and even heated areas with dinner served in a comfy nook.
There are over 60 completely different markets in Berlin so that you actually cannot miss it!
Berlin Christmas Market 2023 dates: Mon, Nov 21, 2023 – Sunday, Jan 1, 2024.
16. Dusseldorf
A romantic environment crammed with cheer and the candy scent of gingerbread waft all through the city of Dusseldorf. You will discover the markets unfold all through town with Königsallee one of the crucial common spots. There’s 7 completely different markets providing many alternative points of interest. There is a magical dome of lights, an ice skating rink, and even a Ferris wheel! Dusseldorf is the proper place to deck the halls.
Dusseldorf Christmas Market 2023 dates: Nov 17, 2023 – Dec thirtieth, 2023
17. Mannheim
Situated simply quarter-hour away from Heidelberg, is the larger and extra industrial metropolis of Mannheim. And what town would possibly lack in magnificence, it makes up at Christmas. The massive markets right here supply tons of actions, dwell music, and even a fairy-tale nook. There is a part devoted to lots of the well-known kids’s tales with dwell motion characters to entertain the younger and younger at coronary heart. The largest market takes place proper by town’s grand water tower and provides an array of treats and actions for all ages.
Mannheim Christmas Market 2023 dates: Nov 21, 2023 – Dec twenty third, 2023
18. Tübingen
For years, I used to be instructed to go to Tübingen’s magical Christmas market. That is quintessential German Christmas attraction and feels such as you’ve stepped right into a snow globe. The market is positioned on the historic market in entrance of Tübingen fortress. It is one of many oldest and most lovely markets in Germany with a historical past courting again over 500 years.
There are round 80 stalls arrange, which promote every thing from handmade crafts to scrumptious food and drinks. You will discover loads of gingerbread, Lebkuchen and roasted almonds to maintain your power up when you discover the market. It is solely open one weekend so you will have to catch it whereas it is there!
Tübingen Christmas Market Dates for 2023: December 9 – 11 2023
19. Worms
Pronounced “Voms” this metropolis is understood for well-known Martin Luther showing earlier than the emperor in 1571, kicking off the Reformation. Among the many shiny Christmas decorations and carousels you possibly can see the Luther Monument statues to commemorate the Protestant reformer. This gorgeous market has some beautiful adorned stalls, a life-size manger scene, and loads of locations to drink sizzling Glühwein.
Worms Christmas Market 2023 dates: November 21, 2023 – Dec 23, 2023
20. Schwetzingen
If you wish to go to a market on the location of a Baroque pink palace than look no additional than Schwetzingen. This market is small, however is effectively adorned and has loads of scrumptious meals. Beneath white tents tinted yellow within the heat gentle, distributors promote mustard, honey, and even delicacies from locations like Italy, France, and Hungary.
Schwetzingen Christmas Market 2023 dates: dates not but introduced however solely on weekends
21. Monschau, Germany
Head to the picturesque city of Monschau, Germany on the border of Belgium. Though this can be a tiny village, it is effectively value it to take a look at this picturesque, half-timbered city. A river rushes by means of city and cuts between gingerbread buildings within the Eifel area of Germany. The market solely takes place on the weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) from November twenty fifth by means of December 18th, 2023. However even when you aren’t there for a market, it is a Christmas city all alongside!
Monschau Christmas Market Dates 2023: Solely on Weekends November twenty fifth – December 18th, 2023
Map and Itinerary
This is a map and itinerary for the Christmas markets in Germany. My suggestion could be to fly in to Frankfurt, try Frankfurt’s market then head north to Cologne and Hamburg and Dusseldorf. Subsequent, head south in direction of Heidelberg, Worms, Schwetzingen, and Mannheim. Then make your manner additional south for Baden-Baden, Stuttgart, and Tubingen. Subsequent head east stopping at Rothenburg, Nuremberg, and Munich. Take a look at my full Germany and France Christmas Market Street Journey Itinerary
Incessantly requested questions on Christmas Markets in Germany
What are the dates for the Christmas markets?
These can vary for every metropolis, however are sometimes held from the tip of November till the twenty fourth of December. A number of cities supply Christmas Markets after Christmas.
What number of Christmas markets are there in Germany?
There are over 100 completely different Christmas markets all through Germany. Nevertheless, it is onerous to calculate since many cities supply smaller markets on the weekend. Likelihood is when you’re in Germany in the course of the vacation season, you will discover a market!
What are the most effective Christmas markets in Europe?
There are such a lot of great markets that I’ve written two completely different weblog posts! Listed here are a few of my favourite Christmas Markets in Europe after residing overseas and touring to see the magic of Christmas.
Do it’s a must to now German to go to the markets?
Nope! In truth, lots of the touristy cities are distinctive at English. It’s useful to choose up on a couple of key phrases and phrases and I all the time advocate downloading the language on Google translate.
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