Finest Christmas Markets in Germany

I’ve visited over 100 Christmas markets in Europe (sure, actually) and I am right here to let you know: Germany has the very best. Should you’re on the lookout for 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 very best Christmas Markets in Germany from all my travels!

I’ve compiled a complete information to the very best Christmas markets in Germany that can assist 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 through the vacation season.

Should you’re on the lookout for an unforgettable Christmas expertise, look no additional than a German Christmas market! Crammed with traditions, historical past, and scrumptious meals, you will not be disenchanted. The truth is, the very best German Christmas markets are among the oldest on this planet and Germans take nice pleasure and element of their traditions.

After I first moved overseas I used to be fearful: how might I expertise the magic of Christmas, away from house, in Germany? What I discovered was essentially the most magical, fantastic, and fairy tale-like locations on earth. Particularly at Christmas time.

Christmas in Europe is particular, however the German Christmas Markets are the very best on the continent. I’ve mapped out my favoriteChristmas Markets together with suggestions, instances, and a information to benefit from your time.

There’s nothing like Christmas in Germany, y’all. Hand carved wood stalls promoting essentially the most scrumptious treats, beautiful ornaments, folks 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 very best on this planet.

Utterly up to date for 2023! As you may know, lots of the markets final yr have been canceled. I am completely satisfied to say that it seems that ALL of the markets are open this yr! I’ve included dates in addition to maps and every little thing you must know to plan your journey.

The custom of Christmas markets dates again to the 1300s, and in the present day’s markets nonetheless echo the appeal of this festive season.

Whereas the massive cities may need flashy shows and a number of markets, do not knock the unbelievable intimate settings of the smaller cities. They typically provide cheaper meals and drinks and the markets have their very own particular aptitude.

I’ve mapped out the finest Christmas markets in addition to the very best cities to expertise the magic of Christmas. Under every city you will additionally discover dates and instances for every Christmas marketplace for 2023.

On the lookout for my information to the very best Christmas Markets in Europe? Try this submit and itinerary!

1. Cologne

Cologne: finest Christmas market in Germany! Cologne is already a stupendous metropolis – gargantuan twin-spired cathedral, subsequent to the mighty Rhine River, and filled with Gothic structure in a picturesque previous city. However the Christmas market takes it excessive. Which is why Cologne is on the high of my checklist for finest Christmas markets in Germany.

Brimming with appeal 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 totally different vibe and ambiance. The market in entrance of the cathedral is likely one of the hottest, and for good purpose. Stunning, conventional wooden stalls encompass a stage with the backdrop of the cathedral.

Additionally, to not be missed is the Previous Christmas market, aka the Alter Market close to city all. This cute market seems straight out of a narrative e book 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: finest conventional Christmas market in Germany! Nuremburg’s Christmas market is likely one of the oldest and most well-known German markets, courting again to 1530. The pink and white stalls convey up a nostalgia that echo again to the unique Christmas markets that began right here lots of of years in the past.

This conventional market provides a stupendous setting in entrance of the Church of Our Woman 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 one among my favorites.

Nuremburg Christmas Market 2023 dates and instances: Sat, Nov 25, 2023 – Tues, Dec 24, 2023 from 10 am to 9pm every day.

3. Aachen

Aachen: finest Christmas market spirit! Decked out with twinkling lights and lavish squares, your eyes will likely be a-glow from the second you arrive in Aachen. The Aachen City Corridor is remodeled to a festive wonderland, town is brimming with magnificence and twinkling lights, and other people from throughout come to hitch in on the merriment of the season.

Aachen is called the historic metropolis of Charlemagne’s reign, however in recent times, they’ve grow to be a serious vacation spot for Christmas. With lovely Roman ruins and a UNESCO world heritage cathedral, you actually can’t go incorrect visiting Aachen. 

What I really 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) comply with you wherever you go and can direct you in direction of the market. 

Aachen’s Christmas market is likely one of the finest adorned and loveliest Christmas markets in Germany. You simply should see it for your self!

Yow will discover my Christmas Market Itinerary proper right here.  

Aachen Christmas Market 2023 dates and instances: Nov 18, 2023 – Solar, Dec 23, 2023, 11m – 9pm every day

4. Trier

The Christmas market in Trier is ready in opposition to the romantic backdrop of the Moselle river and the medieval Important Market. The 95 attractively adorned cubicles present an ideal setting for this glorious occasion, with Trier Cathedral offering a powerful backdrop.

This system adjustments every 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 world wide are additionally out there. The Trier Christmas Market is likely one of 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: finest meals at a Christas market in Germany! Now for those who suppose 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 type, this Christmas market is oozing with appeal. See my full information to Heidelberg’s Christmas Market right here!

There are many outlets, meals, and Glühwein, and even an ice skating rink with a citadel 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: finest 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 a complete different stage. Themed markets in Munich are among the finest Christmas markets in Germany and provide a unique tackle the normal celebrations.

There is a Christmas market live performance held within the metropolis every day through the season, a Youngsters’s market, and the Tollwood Market is an ethnic pageant 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: finest 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 outdoors their previous city.

You will discover over 100 stalls of arts and crafts, scrumptious meals, and merry-go-rounds. Protecting 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 for those who’re visiting simply after Christmas!

Baden-Baden Christmas Market 2023 dates: Thurs, Nov 24, 2023 – Mon, Jan sixth, 2024. Open 11am to 9pm every day.

8. Frankfurt

I am not even going to mislead you, I’m not a giant fan of Frankfurt on the whole. It simply appears like a big metropolis with skyscrapers. It would not maintain the identical appeal as different cities appear to in Germany. With the CLEAR exception of Christmas.

I used to be pleasantly stunned however how nicely Frankfurt does Christmas. I imply… have a look at this view!

Plus, for those who’re coming to Germany from the USA, likelihood is you are going to fly in to Frankfurt. So, you may as nicely benefit 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: most lasting 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 every kind.

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: finest 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 preferred. This alpine-like market will make you’re feeling such as you’ve simply come off the slopes.

Town additionally hosts gospel live shows 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: finest medieval Christmas market. Rothenburg: finest 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 really as for those who’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 outlets and shops. Do not forget to go to Käthe Wolfarht, a retailer promoting every little thing you would potential need at Christmas!

Rothenburg appears like Christmas all yr spherical with its Christmas museum and medieval setting, it is positively among the best 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 useless. As Christianity unfold by means of Europe, he remodeled from a scary determine into a delicate man who gave presents to all of the folks on earth.

Rothenburg Christmas Market 2023 dates: Friday, Nov twenty fifth, 2023 – Friday, Dec twenty third, 2023

12. Hamburg

The primary 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.

Should you’re on the lookout for 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!

Yow will discover erotic Gingerbread males, intercourse toys and all types of different grownup novelties. It is open year-round, however the Christmas market is certainly the preferred time to go to.

I really like Hamburg on the whole as there are many attention-grabbing museums and locations to go to.

Hamburg Christmas Market 2023 dates: Nov 21, 2023 – Dec twenty third, 2023

13. Essen

Often called 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 nicely well worth the cease.

The Essen Christmas market within the metropolis middle is kind of unfold out, with just a few steps between every sq.. The Kennedyplatz is the central focus level the place you possibly can leisurely stroll underneath a cover of twinkling lights whereas being impressed by all the totally different items out there 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 number of issues!

Essen Christmas Market 2023 dates: Sunday, Nov 12, 2023 – Mon, Dec 23, 2023

14. Stuttgart

Stuttgart: finest Glühwein at a Christmas market! The Stuttgart Weihnachsmarkt is exclusive pageant providing the normal market vibes together with some distinctive traditions that make it extraordinarily particular. Throughout Creation the City Corridor of Stuttgart is remodeled into an enormous Creation calendar. Every day a brand new door is opened revealing a brand new picture and coat of arms showcasing one among Stuttgart’s districts. Try 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: finest huge metropolis Christmas market. Berlin is likely one of the most visited cities in Germany, and Christmas must be no exception. The baroque palace of Charlottenburg is a stupendous setting for a market full with conventional stalls and adorned timber. There’s an ice skating rink, decoration tents, and even heated areas with dinner served in a comfortable nook.

There are over 60 totally 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 ambiance stuffed 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 probably the most fashionable spots. There’s 7 totally different markets providing many various sights. 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

Positioned simply quarter-hour away from Heidelberg, is the larger and extra industrial metropolis of Mannheim. And what town may lack in magnificence, it makes up at Christmas. The big markets right here provide tons of actions, stay music, and even a fairy-tale nook. There is a part devoted to lots of the well-known kids’s tales with stay 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 informed to go to Tübingen’s magical Christmas market. That is quintessential German Christmas appeal and feels such as you’ve stepped right into a snow globe. The market is positioned on the historic market in entrance of Tübingen citadel. 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 little thing from handmade crafts to scrumptious food and drinks. You will discover loads of gingerbread, Lebkuchen and roasted almonds to maintain your vitality up when you discover the market. It is solely open one weekend so you will must 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 beautiful market has some beautiful adorned stalls, a life-size manger scene, and loads of locations to drink scorching Glühwein.

Worms Christmas Market 2023 dates: November 21, 2023 – Dec 23, 2023

20. Schwetzingen

If you wish to go to a market on the positioning of a Baroque pink palace than look no additional than Schwetzingen. This market is small, however is nicely 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 it is a tiny village, it is nicely 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 for those who 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

Here 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 method additional south for Baden-Baden, Stuttgart, and Tubingen. Subsequent head east stopping at Rothenburg, Nuremberg, and Munich. Try my full Germany and France Christmas Market Street Journey Itinerary

Regularly requested questions on Christmas Markets in Germany

What are the dates for the Christmas markets?

These can vary for every metropolis, however are usually held from the tip of November till the twenty fourth of December. Just a few cities provide Christmas Markets after Christmas.

What number of Christmas markets are there in Germany?

There are over 100 totally different Christmas markets all through Germany. Nonetheless, it is onerous to calculate since many cities provide smaller markets on the weekend. Chances are high for those who’re in Germany through the vacation season, you will discover a market!

What are the very best Christmas markets in Europe?

There are such a lot of fantastic markets that I’ve written two totally different weblog posts! Listed below 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! The truth is, lots of the touristy cities are distinctive at English. It’s useful to select up on a number of key phrases and phrases and I all the time suggest downloading the language on Google translate.

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