Last Updated on December 19, 2022 by Nellie Huang
Having lived in Europe for over 12 years, I’ve visited loads of Christmas markets and have discovered these to be one of the best Christmas markets in Germany.
It’s starting to look so much like Christmas! The aroma of candy mulled wine and gingerbread fills the air, and festive music floods the streets. In Europe, Christmas markets and are a severe affair. Main squares get reworked into huge Christmas villages dotted with a whole lot of stalls, Christmas bushes and decorations.
For Europeans, Christmas markets mark the beginning of Advent. These markets normally keep open for 4 weeks main as much as Christmas. They first began in Germany throughout the Late Middle Ages, earlier than spreading round Europe. It’s no marvel the German Christmas markets are the most important, brightest and most festive.
When we lived in Amsterdam, we went to Germany each winter because it was only a brief drive away. Here I’ve handpicked a number of the finest Christmas markets in Germany so that you can absorb the festive ambiance.
Best Christmas Markets in Germany
What to Do at a Christmas Market
For Christmas fanatics, going to a Christmas market in Germany is like being let unfastened in a sweet retailer! There’s a lot magic and grandeur in every thing, from the picket Nutcracker to the Nativity scene and big pyramids.
Christmas markets in Germany are additionally nice locations to attempt traditional German meals just like the Lebkuchen Christmas cookies. I by no means go away a Christmas market with out having a bratwurst (grilled sausage) and glühwein (scorching mulled wine). If you’re questioning what to eat in Germany, right here is my detailed German meals information.
German Christmas markets are the locations to go for the finest journey presents. Traditional artisan merchandise just like the colourful nutcracker and handcrafted picket incense smoker collectible figurines make nice journey presents for youths. Another wonderful memento to convey house is the collectible market mug that the glühwein is served in. You’re requested to pay 2-4 euros as a deposit for the mug which you’ll be refunded if you return it. Or you may merely preserve the mug as a memento!
Which German Christmas Market Should I Visit?
There are a whole lot of Christmas markets in Germany, even small villages have their very own little Christkindlmarkt. So how do you determine which Christmas market to go to?
The hottest German Christmas markets are present in Cologne, and obtain over 4 million guests annually. The Christmas markets in Dortmund are available in at second place, with greater than 3.5 million guests scouring their 300 stalls. Next hottest ones are in Stuttgart and Frankfurt.
Look on the numbers and you may think about how fashionable these German Christmas markets are. Don’t let that deter you from visiting although, you simply have to plan your journey to keep away from the gang. I’ve included the opening dates and occasions for every market, in addition to the closest resort to the market under.
Tips for Visiting a Christmas Market in Germany
- Christmas markets in Germany normally open for the 4 weeks main as much as Christmas. Most finish on the twenty third December.
- To keep away from the crowds, I like to recommend planning your journey near the tip of November to coincide with the opening of the German Christmas markets.
- Visit the Christmas markets within the morning and also you’ll are inclined to have the markets to yourselves. Most markets open round 10am and shut at 10pm.
- Credit playing cards aren’t accepted in most German Christmas markets, so be ready with some money (euros)!
- In main cities, there are normally greater than 1 Christmas market. Some of them even have Christmas market trains that present a hop-on hop-off service connecting the markets.
- The meals on the Christmas markets are superb, but in addition overpriced.
Best Christmas Markets in Germany
Here’s a take a look at one of the best Christmas markets in Germany on a map.
1. Dresden Christmas Market*
Dresden‘s Striezelmarkt was first held in 1434 and is considered the first genuine German Christmas market. Today it’s some of the visited Christmas markets of Germany, drawing in about 2 million folks annually.
This was additionally the primary Christmas market we ever visited, and it’s nonetheless our favourite up to now! Not solely is it the oldest Christmas market in Germany, the Striezelmarkt additionally showcased the world’s tallest Christmas pyramid in 1999.
The Striezelmarkt’s identify really comes from the phrase ‘Striezel’, which refers to a cake made at the moment of yr referred to as a ‘Stollen’. It’s a traditional German meals from the area and one thing that you must attempt if you’re right here!
Dates: 27 Nov – 24 Dec 2019
Times: 10.00-21.00
Location: On the Altmarkt sq. within the centre of Dresden
Where to Stay: Gewandhaus Dresden Autograph Collection
2. Leipzig Christmas Market
Just about an hour west of Dresden is Leipzig’s lesser-known outdated city Christmas market. We completely beloved the Christmas market right here and had so many enjoyable evenings right here with our native good friend!
More than 300 exhibitors arrange store in the marketplace sq. and within the close by streets. At weekends (1pm and 5pm), the sound of trumpeters rings out from the balcony of the Old Town Hall, including to the festive ambiance. Kids can discover the fairytale forest or benefit from the elves’ workshop.
The market’s primary characteristic is the big Christmas pyramid by the Nikolaikirche (St Nicholas Church), which is a formidable masterpiece. The festive live shows carried out by the Thomaner choir within the Thomaskirche are additionally wonderful.
Dates: 26 Nov – 23 Dec 2019
Times: 10.00-21.00 (Sun-Thurs); 10.00-22.00 (Fri-Sat)
Location: On Marktplatz within the coronary heart of Leipzig
Where to Stay: Steigenberger Grandhotel Handelshof Leipzig
3. Cologne Christmas Market*
The world-famous Am Dom Markt is essentially the most visited Christmas market in Germany, receiving round 4 million folks annually. Situated on the foot of the UNESCO World Heritage Cologne Cathedral, the Am Dom Markt has a spectacular setting.
The 150 stands that make up this Christmas market is ready across the largest Christmas tree in all the Rhine. Explore its glittering picket pavilions, attempt some scrumptious German meals and discover handmade presents together with wooden carvings and tree decorations.
Other Christmas markets I like to recommend visiting in Cologne are Angel’s Market in Neuwmarkt Square and the Old Market at Alter Markt. We are heading again this yr and shall be writing extra about it!
Dates: 25 Nov – 23 Dec 2019
Times: 11.00-21.00 (Sun-Wed); 11.00-22.00 (different days)
Location: On Roncalliplatz subsequent to Cologne Cathedral
Where to Stay: Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom
4. Munich Christmas Market*
Munich is my favourite metropolis in Germany — we celebrated New Year’s Eve right here as soon as and it was significantly our greatest ever! What I really like most about Munich is the sturdy Bavarian tradition and traditions. It’s really the finest place to go to in Germany to expertise the normal facet of Germany.
Held within the well-known Marienplatz, the Munich Christkindlmarkt is actually a conventional German Christmas market surrounded by historic buildings together with the New and Old Town Halls. The pedestrian coronary heart of town turns into an enormous market annually.
Don’t miss the Middle Ages Market at Wittelsbacherplatzhis recreates the ambiance of what the unique Munich Christmas markets will need to have been like, with music, handmade stalls and stallholders wearing clothes from the Middle Ages.
Dates: 27 Nov – 24 Dec 2019
Times: 10.00-21.00; 10.00-14.00 on Christmas Eve
Location: On Marienplatz and the primary buying centre streets
Where to Stay: BEYOND by Geisel
5. Heidelberg Christmas Market
Another private favourite, Heidelberg is well amongst Germany’s most lovely cities. But to see the picturesque outdated city and the fortress illuminated by fairy lights throughout the Christmas season is the icing on the cake.
The Christmas market in Heidelberg is an ideal mix of custom and romance. It’s unfold out throughout seven places within the outdated quarter: within the pedestrian space and on Bismarckplatz, Anatomiegarten, Universitätsplatz, Marktplatz and Kornmarkt, essentially the most lovely sq. of all.
There are loads of issues to do in Heidelberg: Head to the inside courtyard of Heidelberg fortress that gives a picturesque setting for one more Christmas market. Beneath the fortress, you may go ice skating and luxuriate in full of life music on the ‘Christmas on Ice’ rink at Karlsplatz sq..
Dates: 25 Nov – 22 Dec 2019
Times: 11.00-21.00; Karlsplatz ice rink 10.00 – 22.00 till Jan 2020
Location: On Hauptplatz within the coronary heart of Heidelberg
Where to Stay: Hip Hotel
6. Dortmund Christmas Market
The Dortmund Market is lauded as one of many greatest Christmas markets in Germany, with over 300 stalls packed round a big Christmas “tree” that stands 45 metres (148 ft) tall. In truth, it’s not only one tree — it’s made up of 1,700 particular person fir bushes, lit up by 13,000 gentle bulbs.
What I like concerning the Dortmund Christmas Market is the way it caters to households. Every day there’s a colourful present program by the Alter Markt Theatre Company and a puppet or magic present for youths of all ages.
The Dortmund Christmas Market is break up throughout ten completely different sections, all inside Dortmund City Centre. They’re all shut to one another and solely about 10 minutes’ stroll from the Dortmund Train Station.
Dates: 21 Nov – 30 Dec 2019 (closed on 24 & 25 Dec)
Times: 10.00-21.00 (Mon-Thurs); 10.00-22.00 (Fri-Sun)
Location: The primary part is at Hansaplatz
Where to Stay: Coffee Fellows Hotel Dortmund
7. Frankfurt Christmas Market
Frankfurt, as a significant monetary centre with skyscrapers marking the surroundings, has a fame as a booming fashionable metropolis. But within the outdated city, you may nonetheless really feel the sturdy historical past of old-world Germany.
Drawing in round 3 million guests annually, the Frankfurt Christmas Market is a single large market within the historic quarter of town round Römerburg and Paulsplatz. It stretches from the Hauptwache Square to the quayside on the river.
Over the centuries, the Frankfurt market has developed its personal speciality and it’s turn into well-known for its baked marzipan (a confection made from sugar and almond).
Dates: 25 Nov – 22 Dec 2019
Times: 10.00-21.00 (Mon-Sat); 11.00-21.00 (Sun)
Location: On Römerburg
Where to Stay: Motel One Frankfurt-Römer
8. Stuttgart Christmas Market
I’ve by no means been an enormous fan of Stuttgart, however the Stuttgart Christmas Market undoubtedly received my coronary heart because it’s some of the distinctive within the nation.
Firstly, the Stuttgart Town Hall transforms into an enormous Adventure calendar (from 1 December onwards). Windows of the constructing signify the dates and every quantity is revealed per day up till Christmas.
Another distinctive characteristic of the Stuttgart Christmas Market is the rooftop decor on the stalls. Almost each stall has whimsical shows of teddy bears, big nutcrackers, mechanical reindeer that go all out to impress.
Dates: 27 Nov – 23 Dec 2019
Times: 10.00-21.00 (Mon-Thurs); 10.00-22.00 (Fri-Sun)
Location: The primary part is at Marktplatz
Where to Stay: Apartment Central 11
9. Esslingen Medieval Christmas Market*
Just 12km away from Stuttgart is a small, charming metropolis that was voted the ‘Best Christmas City‘ in 2018. The time-warped town oozes with character and charm, especially so during Christmas. It’s additionally dwelling to the oldest row of half-timbered homes in Germany.
The Esslingen Medieval Christmas Market is what the city is most well-known for. Merchants in historic clothes supply their items on the market throughout 80 stalls, simply as they did a whole lot of years in the past. Craftsmen like blacksmiths and rope-makers show their craftsmanship.
Renowned performers from throughout Europe additionally be a part of within the leisure program which adjustments every day. Expect to see puppet reveals, fireplace reveals and storytelling classes.
Dates: 26 Nov – 22 Dec 2019
Times: 11.00-21.30 (Thurs-Sat); 11.00-20.30 (Sun-Wed)
Location: The primary part is at Rathausplatz
Where to Stay: Buroma-Apart Suites Esslingen
10. Nuremberg Christmas Market
Poised within the middle of the Old Town, the gold-hued Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt oozes with historical past and Bavarian custom. More than 180 market stands have on show conventional Christmas ornaments of all styles and sizes, together with the native gold-foil angel, “Zwetschgenmännle”.
Nuremberg Christmas market is most well-known for its regional German meals. Be certain to order a drei im weggla (three in a roll) Nuremberg Bratwurst or the well-known Lebkuchen (gingerbread).
Pro tip: Climb to the highest of the Church of our Lady to see the pink and white cubicles on the streets under.
Dates: 29 Nov – 24 Dec 2019
Times: 10.00-21.00; 10.00-14.00 on Christmas Eve
Location: On Hauptmarkt within the coronary heart of Nuremberg
Where to Stay: Sorat Hotel Saxx Nürnberg
11. Berlin Christmas Market
Germany’s capital metropolis, Berlin, is dwelling to over 70 Christmas markets and they’re as numerous as town itself. They vary from heat indoor markets to outside enjoyable festivals and markets with historic themes.
The historic Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market is my favourite and doubtless essentially the most well-known. It’s a small tent metropolis with a whole lot of stands as and greater than 1,000 fairy lights enhancing the ambiance.
The nostalgic Christmas market on the Opernpalais has a formidable array of artisans from everywhere in the world. You’ll additionally discover amusement rides and conventional culinary delights reminiscent of roasted almonds.
Dates: 25 Nov – 1 Jan 2020
Times: 11.00-22.00; 11.00-18.00 on Christmas Eve; 11.00-01.00 on NYE
Location: On Gendarmenmarkt
Where to Stay: Titanic Gendarmenmarkt Berlin
12. Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market
Located within the Franconian heartland of Germany, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a type of candy fairy-tale cities that you must see to imagine. Whimsical timbered homes line the cobblestone lanes that weave previous bell towers and old-world church buildings.
Step again in time on the Rothenburg Reiterlesmarkt, and benefit from the festive season amidst its magical setting. If you’re there for the opening ceremony, look out for the looks of the “Reiterle” determine. The determine was believed to be an envoy from one other world that introduced the souls of the deceased at winter time. Now it’s been reworked right into a pleasant character.
Also, you’ll want to attempt Rothenburg’s trademark Schneeball biscuit, a form of fried dough coated in powdered sugar or melted chocolate. Rothenburg ob der Tauder is unquestionably one of many finest locations to go to in Germany all yr spherical.
Dates: 29 Nov – 23 Dec 2019
Times: 11.00-19.00 (Mon-Thurs); 11.00-20.00 (Fri-Sun)
Location: On Grüner Markt within the coronary heart of town
Where to Stay: Hotel Reichs-Küchenmeister
Are you planning to go to a German Christmas market? Which of those Christmas markets in Germany do you wish to go to?
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