This guide features the best Christmas markets in Germany, based on firsthand visits, plus years of exploring Christmas markets across Europe. It includes well-known classics as well as hidden gems, along with tips to help you plan an unforgettable holiday trip.
Picture medieval town squares glowing with lights, half-timbered houses, steaming mugs of Glühwein, and rows of wooden stalls selling handcrafted gifts and festive treats. From iconic markets that draw visitors from around the world to smaller, atmospheric towns that feel straight out of a fairy tale, Germany delivers some of the most magical Christmas markets anywhere in Europe.
With so many Christmas markets in Germany to choose from, which ones are actually worth visiting?
In this guide, we’re sharing 20 Christmas markets in Germany, ranked from our favorite to least favorite. Along with famous markets in Munich, Nuremberg, and Dresden, we’ll introduce you to smaller towns, underrated markets, and a few unique experiences that deserve a place on your Christmas market itinerary.
Our Experience
We’ve visited 20 Christmas market destinations in Germany on two separate trips, exploring everything from large, world-famous markets to smaller, lesser-known towns. We’ve also spent several years visiting Christmas markets throughout Europe, which gives us a broader perspective on what makes Germany’s markets stand out.
We visited every market in this guide in person. We walked the stalls, sampled the food and drinks, visited at different times of day, and compared each experience to help you choose the best fit for your trip. These rankings reflect our personal experiences, and we’ll share what we loved, what we didn’t, and which markets we think are worth planning a trip around. Every photo is our own.
Which German Christmas Markets Should You Visit?
If you’re planning your first Christmas market trip to Germany, these are our top picks. Each stands out for a different reason, from spectacular decorations and medieval settings to smaller markets with a local feel.
BEST OVERALL: Esslingen am Neckar
Our favorite Christmas market in both Germany and Europe, thanks to its incredible medieval atmosphere and gorgeous historic town.
BEST CLASSIC CHRISTMAS MARKET EXPERIENCE: Dresden
Beautiful decorations, an enormous traditional market, a medieval market, and several smaller markets throughout the historic city.
BEST FOR TRADITIONAL FOOD AND SHOPPING: Nuremberg
One of Germany’s most famous Christmas markets, with traditional crafts, regional specialties, and a spectacular historic setting.
BEST DECORATIONS: Stuttgart
Elaborately decorated stalls unlike anything else we saw in Germany.
BEST UNDERRATED MARKET: Würzburg
A beautiful historic setting, a local atmosphere, and generally smaller crowds during our visit.
MOST UNIQUE SETTING: Ravenna Gorge
A Christmas market underneath an illuminated railway viaduct. The spectacular setting comes with some logistical challenges.
BIGGEST SURPRISE: Erfurt
Erfurt’s Christmas market has a stunning setting in front of Erfurt Cathedral and St. Severus Church, a wonderful local feel, and wasn’t overly crowded during our visit. Plus, it has one of the most unique mugs we’ve seen in Europe.
When Are the Christmas Markets in Germany Open?
German Christmas markets generally run for about four to five weeks, centered on Advent. Here’s what to expect when planning your trip:
Typical Dates for German Christmas Markets
OPENING: Most Christmas markets in Germany open in the last week of November, often between November 25 and November 30. Some markets open a few days earlier, especially in larger cities.
CLOSING: Many markets close on December 23 or December 24. However, some markets, particularly in larger cities, stay open through December 26, and a few continue until December 30 or even January 1.
What to Know Before You Go
Peak Season: Early to mid-December (especially weekends) is the busiest time. In our experience, markets are most crowded from sunset through 8 pm. Friday and Saturday nights are the busiest times to visit the Christmas markets.
Quietest time: Late November and weekday mornings tend to be less crowded.
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day:
- December 24: Markets usually close early or are not open at all
- December 25: Most markets are closed
- December 26: Some markets reopen for one final day
PRO TRAVEL TIP: We list opening and closing dates in each of our guides on the Christmas markets.
Best Christmas Markets in Germany
What qualifies as the best markets to visit in Germany?
Some markets feature beautifully decorated stalls, a wide variety of local foods and authentic crafts, and unique themes. Some markets do this very well; others are so-so.
The setting has a big impact on the overall experience. Being surrounded by colorful, half-timbered houses or historic architecture adds to the magic of the experience.
Crowd levels also influence the experience. Busy markets, like Nuremberg and Cologne on a weekend evening can be almost overwhelming, while less crowded markets such as Ludwigsburg and Erfurt tend to be more enjoyable.
Some towns and cities will have one main market, whereas larger cities could have 10+ markets, each with a different theme.
To rank the best Christmas markets in Germany, we evaluated each market we visited using the following criteria:
- Atmosphere & Setting: Historic town squares, architecture, lighting, and overall festive charm
- Uniqueness: Regional traditions, themed markets, or features you won’t see everywhere
- Food & Drinks: Quality and variety of local specialties, Glühwein styles, and seasonal treats
- Crafts & Shopping: Authentic, locally made goods vs. mass-produced souvenirs
- Crowds & Layout: How easy the market is to enjoy, including crowd flow and size
- Overall Experience: How memorable the market felt compared to others we visited
Here are the best Christmas markets in Germany, starting with our favorite and ending with our least favorite. However, it is important to know that even #20 on this list is a great market to visit, we just liked the other ones more.
1. Esslingen am Neckar
Location: Baden-Württemberg, near Stuttgart
What Makes It Special: A medieval Christmas market in a picture-perfect town, with a local feel and unique activities (fire-eaters, live music, and axe throwing)
Not only is this our favorite Christmas market in Germany, but it is also our favorite Christmas market in Europe.
Esslingen am Neckar has all the ingredients of a perfect Christmas market: a storybook German town paired with a medieval-themed market that still feels wonderfully local. Kara and I visited toward the end of our trip through southern Germany, and from the moment we arrived, we spent the entire evening wandering the stalls in pure delight.
Strolling through Esslingen feels like stepping into a medieval fairytale. Cobblestoned streets wind past colorful, half-timbered houses dating back to the Middle Ages. In fact, Esslingen is home to the oldest continuous row of half-timbered houses in Germany, making the setting just as memorable as the market itself.
The main Christmas market unfolds on Marktplatz, with the striking Altes Rathaus providing a dramatic backdrop. But where Esslingen truly shines is its medieval market, spread across several nearby squares. Here, visitors can try axe throwing or archery, make candles, and watch skilled performers bring the past to life. Kids will love the miniature Ferris wheel, while adults can enjoy jugglers, fire-eaters, and musicians. We were especially fond of the flaming feuerzangenbowle, which felt perfectly at home in this setting.
The food here also stands out from other Christmas markets we’ve visited. Along with classics, you’ll find stockbrot (bread baked on a stick), hearty stuffed breads filled with cheese and other ingredients, quarkbällchen, and oversized cinnamon rolls that are hard to resist.
The only real downside is the crowd size. This is a very popular Christmas market, and even on a Thursday night it was one of the busiest we encountered in southern Germany. Still, the atmosphere, setting, and medieval flair make Esslingen’s Christmas market an unforgettable experience.
How to Visit the Esslingen am Neckar Christmas Market
Esslingen am Neckar is located near Stuttgart. We stayed in Stuttgart for two nights, visiting the Christmas markets in Esslingen am Neckar, Stuttgart, and Ludwigsburg. For more information about the Esslingen am Neckar Christmas Market ↓
Christmas Markets in Stuttgart, Ludwigsburg, and Esslingen am Neckar, Germany
See more photos, get opening and closing dates, and learn how to plan your visit.2. Dresden
Location: Saxony, Germany
What Makes It Special: To visit one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world. The Striezelmarkt is a beautifully decorated market located on a historic square, the Stallhof Medieval Market is a joy to visit, plus there are smaller markets throughout the city.
Dresden is home to Germany’s oldest Christmas market, dating back to 1434, and is renowned for its festive atmosphere and beautiful holiday decorations. During the Christmas season, the city’s historic Old Town becomes part of the experience itself. Grand churches, elegant palaces, towers you can climb for panoramic views, and winding cobblestone streets surround the markets, making Dresden a joy to explore in December.
Like many larger cities, Dresden hosts several Christmas markets scattered throughout the city.
At the heart of it all is the Dresdner Striezelmarkt, the city’s main and most famous market. Located on Altmarkt, this is widely considered Europe’s oldest Christmas market. More than 200 beautifully decorated stalls fill the square, selling everything from traditional crafts to seasonal treats. Located at the entrance is the enormous Christmas pyramid, which earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records in 1999.
We spent several days in Dresden and returned to the Striezelmarkt multiple times, visiting both during the day and after dark. In the evening, the market feels especially magical, with twinkling lights, live music drifting through the square.
There are several more Christmas markets to visit in Dresden.
The Frauenkirche Christmas Market also has a picture-perfect setting next to Frauenkirche, an iconic cathedral in Dresden.
The Stallhof Medieval Market is a smaller version of Esslingen am Neckar’s market. Again, visiting this market is like taking a step back in time. We loved trying our hand at archery, shopping at the unique market stalls, and, of course, sipping on glühwein.
There is also a Romantic Christmas Market to visit, plus smaller markets spread across the city.
In our guide to the Dresden Christmas Markets, we have information and photos about each market in the city, with opening and closing dates ↓
Dresden Christmas Markets 2026 | The Ultimate Guide
Everything you need to know to visit the Christmas markets in Dresden.3. Nuremberg
Location: Bavaria
What Makes It Special: This is another long-running Christmas market and widely regarded as one of the best in Germany.
The Nuremberg Christmas Market (Nürnberg Christkindlesmarkt) dates back to 1530, making this one of the oldest in Germany. The market sits on Main Market Square with the Frauenkirche church forming a picturesque backdrop.
This market is filled with stalls selling some of the highest quality goods we’ve seen in the German Christmas markets.
Local foods to try include Nuremberg Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and heidelbeer glühwein (blueberry mulled wine) sold at Gerstacker.
Kara and I loved the view over the market from Frauenkirche, which we did both during the day and in the evening. From here, you get the iconic view overlooking the market.
Like Esslingen am Neckar, the only thing we didn’t like about this market was the crowd size. This was the busiest Christmas market we visited in Bavaria. On a Saturday night, it felt like a mosh pit. We had several evenings here, and the market was much less crowded Sunday night, and even better Monday evening. So, if you can get it to work out, plan your visit to Nuremberg on a weekday.
Nuremberg itself is also well worth the visit. Sites to see include Kaiserburg Nürnberg (the castle), the Albrecht-Dürer-Haus, a walk along the Pegnitz River, several museums and cathedrals, and Weißgerbergasse, the prettiest street in Nuremberg.
We cover the full list of things to do in Nuremberg, plus more information about the Christmas market, in our guide to the Nuremberg Christmas market ↓
Nuremberg Christmas Markets & Festive Things to Do (2026 Guide)
4. Munich
Location: Bavaria
What Makes It Special: There are a wide variety of markets to visit in Munich, from its photogenic market on Marienplatz to its Christmas village at the Munich Residence to its medieval market, plus many more smaller markets scattered throughout the city. This is also a good starting or ending point to a trip through Bavaria and southern Germany.
Munich was our introduction to the German Christmas markets. On prior trips we had visited Vienna, Prague, and London. We immediately learned that the German Christmas markets are on a whole different level.
Kara and I spent our first afternoon in Munich wandering around the Christkindlmartk on Marienplatz (the city’s main Christmas market) in pure delight. This is an incredibly photogenic market that is surrounded by architectural landmarks such as the Neues Rathaus, St. Peter’s Church, and the Altes Rathaus.
We spent 3 hours trying spaetzle, bratwurst, glühwein, and chocolate-dipped waffles on a stick, as well as taking photos and browsing the handmade items sold by the uniquely decorated stalls.
We also climbed to the top of the Rathaus Tower and the tower of St. Peter’s Church for aerial views of the market.
And this is just one of many Christmas markets in Munich. Also not to be missed are the market on Sendlinger Tor, the Pink Christmas Market which has an LGTBQ theme, the Christmas Village at the Munich Residence, and Munich’s amazing Medieval Christmas Market. I could keep going, as there are even more markets sprinkled throughout Munich.
We spent two and a half days in Munich, to visit its long list of Christmas markets and do some sightseeing. We have guides on the Munich Christmas Markets plus a 2 Day Munich Itinerary to help you plan your time.
We took these photos at the Medieval Christmas Market in Munich
5. Stuttgart
Location: Baden-Württemberg
What Makes It Special: The elaborate decorations on the market stalls, the best we saw in all of Germany.
The Stuttgart Christmas Market is another market with a very long tradition in Germany. It’s also one of the largest on this list, with more than 300 market stalls.
The main reason the Stuttgart Christmas Market is so high on our list is for its incredible decorations on each market stall. The creativity and the high-quality decorations on each stall are what really set Stuttgart apart from other markets in Germany. A few come close, like Dresden and Munich, but no one does this as well as Stuttgart.
Lights, wreathes, and ornaments cover the stalls, while each has different statues on top, from cityscapes to polar bears to reindeer pulling Santa Claus.
We would have put this market higher on our list, but the setting isn’t quite as good as other cities in Germany. Stuttgart’s city center is much more modern than other cities, and this takes away from the overall atmosphere just a little bit.
Stuttgart makes a great home base for visiting two more Christmas markets on our list: Esslingen am Neckar and Ludwigsburg.
See the Stuttgart Christmas Market in photos and learn how to plan your visit ↓
Christmas Markets in Stuttgart, Ludwigsburg, and Esslingen am Neckar, Germany
6. Cologne
Location: North Rhine-Westphalia
What Makes It Special: There are multiple markets throughout the city. The market at the base of the Cologne Cathedral is the most popular, but our favorites are the heavenly Angel Market and the Heinzels Winter Markets.
On a visit to Cologne, not only do you get to visit the spectacular Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) but you also get to stroll through a collection of some of the most interesting markets in Germany.
Cologne’s most popular Christmas market sits at the base of Kölner Dom. It’s worth a quick visit but we recommend venturing away from the cathedral.
The Heinzels Winter Markets are our favorites in Cologne. These twin markets feature elaborate entrances, intricately designed market stalls, a fantastic collection of food, drinks and handicrafts, plus an ice rink.
For an upscale vibe, don’t miss the Angel Market. White, modern market stalls are decorated with garlands, glowing white stars, and white lights. Angels and fairytale stilt figures wander the market. Visit the Angel Bar for something a bit different than glühwein and hot chocolate, where you can sip on champagne and Aperol spritz.
There are also a few more markets spread across town. Visiting the Cologne Cathedral and walking across the Hohenzollern Bridge is a must as well.
The markets in Cologne are among the busiest we visited in Germany, but even so, we loved these Christmas markets, with their amazing themes and decorations.
Learn more in our guide to the Cologne Christmas Markets.
7. Würzburg
Location: Bavaria
What Makes It Special: This Christmas market has a stunning setting on Marktplatz, with St. Mary’s Chapel and rococo-decorated buildings forming the backdrop. With low crowds, a local feel, and beautifully decorated stalls, this is one of the most underrated Christmas markets in Germany. The town is also a pleasure to visit.
We added Würzburg to our Christmas market itinerary to explore its old town and were pleasantly surprised to find its Christmas market quite good.
Würzburg looks and feels like a smaller, Baroque-inspired version of Prague (another European city with a wonderful Christmas market).
Landmarks include the imposing Marienberg Fortress perched above the city, the iconic Old Main Bridge adorned with statues of saints (similar to Charles Bridge in Prague), the towering twin spires of St. Kilian Cathedral, the vibrant red St. Mary’s Chapel, and the magnificent Baroque Palace Residenz.
Add in a Christmas market located on a historic square and you have a perfect Christmas market destination in Europe. Things that we loved about this Christmas market were its low crowds, local feel, stunning setting amidst historic buildings and churches, and nicely decorated market stalls.
We visited Würzburg on a day trip from Nuremberg. We have a one day walking itinerary of Würzburg, that includes the main landmarks plus time in its underrated Christmas market
8. Erfurt
Location: Thuringia
What Makes It Special: Its setting next to the Erfurt Cathedral and St. Severus Church made us feel like we were in a Christmas market next to Hogwarts Castle. The market is fantastic, this is a great spot to collect an Erfurt holiday mug (one of the cutest we’ve seen in Europe), plus the city is charming.
This is another underrated Christmas market in Germany.
The Erfurt Christmas Market has it all… festively decorated market stalls, a wide assortment of food and drinks, shopping, and one of the cutest mugs we saw in Europe. The Erfurt Cathedral and St. Severus Church are located beside the market, and with their spires and lofty positions, they made us feel as if we were in a Christmas market with Hogwarts Castle looming in the background.
And if that’s not enough, Erfurt is a beautiful city. The Krämerbrücke is a must-see, plus there are smaller Christmas markets sprinkled throughout the city.
Erfurt is in Thuringia, which is centrally located in Germany. We visited Erfurt while driving from Dresden to Cologne, but it is also accessible by train from larger cities like Berlin and Frankfurt.
9. Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Location: Bavaria
What Makes It Special: The town and its Christmas decorations are the main reason for visiting; the Christmas market itself is just so-so.
Kara and I had big expectations for this Christmas market. We had visited Rothenburg ob der Tauber in the summer, on a previous trip to Germany, and it left quite an impression on us.
When planning our first Germany Christmas market trip, Rothenburg was at the top of my list of places to visit, so we spent one night in town, to thoroughly enjoy its Christmas market and explore its photogenic streets.
Again, we were captivated by the town’s colorful streets and Christmas decorations, but the Christmas market left a lot to be desired.
The market is held on Marktplatz and spills over onto a few surrounding streets and smaller squares. It is a small market, with around 60 stalls. Other than its gorgeous setting, nothing really stands out about this market to make it special. Kara and I were collecting mugs as we traveled through Germany and Rothenburg’s was one we decided not to keep.
In our experience, this market was not crowded.
For us, exploring the streets of Rothenburg was much more interesting than shopping in its market.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber still makes a wonderful stop on a Christmas market itinerary. The town itself is absolutely stunning when decorated for Christmas, just don’t have high expectations for its market.
See the Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas market in photos in our guide ↓
Christmas in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany: 2026 Market Dates
10. Ravenna Gorge
Location: Bäden-Wurttemberg
What Makes It Special: It is the most unique Christmas market on this list, located under a train viaduct.
This Christmas market, with its stunning setting at the base of a train viaduct, which is illuminated with a rainbow of colors, is a beautiful sight to see. It would have made it higher on our list if it weren’t so logistically difficult to visit.
This market is only held on a few weekends each November and December. It’s one of the few markets you need a ticket for, and tickets sell fast. Transportation logistics can also be slightly challenging (most likely you will park in a nearby town and take a shuttle bus to the market).
Tickets go on sale in mid-October and usually sell out in a few hours. As you plan your Christmas market itinerary, you will have to plan to be in the area on a weekend, plus prepared to purchase tickets the moment they become available.
This is a smaller market, with about 40 stalls, and crowds are large. Kara and I enjoyed our time here, but we think the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is a bit overrated.
Yes, seeing the dance of colors on the viaduct was spectacular. But it is a small, crowded market that is challenging to get to.
We visited this Christmas Market on a whirlwind day that started in Stuttgart. We spent the morning in Strasbourg, visited Freiburg im Breisgau (a small city near Ravenna Gorge), spent the evening at the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market, and ended the day with a drive to Colmar.
We have a detailed guide on how to visit the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market, with times it is open, how to get your tickets, plus information about the shuttles to the market ↓
11. Regensburg
Location: Bavaria
What Makes It Special: Explore four Christmas markets located throughout a medieval city recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Like Würzburg and Erfurt, Regensburg is a gorgeous, historic city that also has a very nice Christmas market. In fact, there are four markets here.
Regensburg is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making the list for its historic architecture, much of which survived WWII relatively unscathed. It is the largest medieval city north of the Alps. Even without its festive Christmas markets, Regensburg is a joy to visit.
The main market, Regensburger Christkindlmarkt, sits on the main square. We tried the ½ meter long Regensburger sausage and other local delicacies.
Our favorite Christmas market in Regensburg was the Romantic Christmas Market at Thurn and Taxis Palace. This is one of the few Christmas markets in Germany that requires a ticket but it is worth it.
This market wraps around the St. Emmeram Palace, making it the largest market in Regensburg. There are rides for kids, a hilltop, heated pavilion where you can sip on champagne, and a collection of stalls selling a wide variety of Bavarian foods.
Two more markets to visit are the Lucrezia Arts and Crafts Market (a tiny market that sells handcrafts) and the Advent Market at Katharinenspital (a tiny market selling food and drinks).
We spent one night in Regensburg, visiting it between Munich and Nuremberg. If you are planning a Bavarian Christmas market itinerary, this one is not to be missed. Learn how to plan your visit in our guide to the Regensburg Christmas Markets.
12. Ludwigsburg
Location: Bäden-Wurttemberg
What Makes It Special: To visit a quiet market with a local vibe, set on a beautiful Baroque square.
Ludwigsburg is a small town located north of Stuttgart. Its market, the Ludwigsburg Baroque Christmas Market, is one of the most beautiful in Germany.
Marktplatz is where the market is held. With its twin churches and colorful buildings, the backdrop is gorgeous. The 150+ market stalls are decorated with greenery, lights, and ornaments, and statues of angels add festivity to the scene.
We really enjoyed this market as they sold a lot of good food, such as pizza, potato soup, gyros, and of course, bratwurst. And a German Christmas market wouldn’t be complete without glühwein and feuerzangenbowle, which you can find here, as well. In fact, this market sells goblets with traditional flaming feuerzangenbowle, a great touch if you cannot make it to Munich’s Medieval Market.
Another thing we loved about this market were its local feel and low crowds.
Ludwigsburg makes a great day trip from Stuttgart and you only need a few hours to visit this small market.
13. Aachen
Location: North Rhine-Westphalia
What Makes It Special: Its picturesque setting next to the Aachen Cathedral (the burial site of Charlemagne) and the Rathaus.
Aachen is one of the more underrated German Christmas markets we’ve visited. This small city is steeped in history, as it was the capital of the Frankish empire under the rule of Charlemagne. In fact, Charlemagne is buried in the amazing Aachen Cathedral, which forms the backdrop of its Christmas market.
Aachen is located in western Germany, near the border of Belgium and the Netherlands. We visited Aachen on a day trip from Cologne, and we really enjoyed our time here. The city center is compact and contains a few important historical sites to visit. We loved the local vibe of this market, its relatively low crowds, and its assortment of food, drinks, and gifts. Plus, with the Aachen Cathedral and the Rathaus sitting next to the market, this Christmas market is extremely photogenic.
14. Heidelberg
Location: Baden-Württemberg
What Makes It Special: The markets are set on historic squares beneath Heidelberg Castle, creating a scenic and intimate setting. It’s ideal for combining classic Old Town sightseeing with a smaller, less crowded Christmas market.
Heidelberg is a small, historic town famous for its castle perched high on a hilltop, and its photogenic bridge, Alte Brücke. Spread across town on its small squares are several festive Christmas markets.
The markets are nice, but it is really the town itself that makes a visit here special. We really enjoyed sipping glühwein and hot chocolate, photographing the squares and colorful streets, and riding the funicular up to the castle.
Heidelberg is very nice to visit if you’ll be in the area (in Frankfurt or Stuttgart) but we don’t think it is worth going out of your way to visit this market, unless Heidelberg is already high on your list of places to visit in Germany.
We Visited the Heidelberg Christmas Market & Here’s What We Thought
How to visit the Heidelberg Christmas market, with dates, photos, plus more places to visit in the city.15. Frankfurt
Location: Hessen
What Makes It Special: To visit a historic Christmas market in a modern city.
We liked Frankfurt’s Christmas market more than we thought we would.
This was our last Christmas market in Germany. Our trip concluded here because Frankfurt has a large international airport, making it the ideal endpoint. Therefore, Frankfurt was included mainly for its airport rather than its Christmas market.
We really enjoyed our time here, both visiting the city and exploring the Frankfurt Christmas Market.
Again, this is a very old German Christmas market. The heart of the market is in Römerberg Square, but stalls extend to the banks of the Main River, up to Hauptwache, east toward Zeil, and west to Roßmarkt.
The portion of the market on Römerberg Square is amazing. The square is framed by half-timbered houses, and the market stalls here are beautifully decorated, many topped with animatronic figurines, animals, and festive scenes. We had a blast trying a variety of foods along with hot chocolate spiked with Jägermeister, our new favorite winter drink (sometimes you need a change from glühwein).
The market also stretches out to more modern sections of Frankfurt. The market on Roßmarkt features a tall Christmas pyramid and cascading lights that stream over the market, illuminating the festivities below.
If your trip to Germany begins or ends in Frankfurt, like ours did, it is well worth planning to spend an afternoon and evening here to explore its lovely Christmas market.
16. Bamberg
Location: Bavaria
What Makes It Special: The Christmas market is small and one of the least exciting we visited; a visit to Bamberg is more about seeing the town than visiting the Christmas market.
Bamberg is a very picturesque small city to visit in Bavaria. It’s Christmas market, however, is nothing special.
Bamberg is a recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its medieval streets and historic buildings. The best things to do here include exploring the old town, visiting the Bamberg Cathedral and Neue Residenz, visiting St. Michael’s Monastery, trying smoked Rauchbier, and capturing the iconic photo of the Old Town Hall.
Kara and I loved walking these city streets, as this town is absolutely charming.
However, we weren’t very impressed with Bamberg’s Christmas Market. The market is located in Maximiliansplatz and features a beautiful Christmas pyramid. The market is small and the stalls don’t offer anything particularly unique compared to other Christmas markets. There is a historic Nativity Trail located throughout town.
We don’t think it is worth going out of your way to visit this Christmas market, unless you like the idea of strolling the streets of Bamberg.
We visited Bamberg on a day trip from Nuremberg. Learn more about how to spend one day in Bamberg ↓
17. Trier
Location: Rhineland-Palatinate
What Makes It Special: To visit a small, lesser-known Christmas market in Germany’s oldest city.
This lesser-known Christmas market is located in western Germany, not far from Luxembourg. We visited Trier in the afternoon, on the same day as the Mosel Wine and Christmas Market (mentioned next).
Trier is Germany’s oldest city, founded in 16 BC by the Romans. The city center is small and compact, and things to do here include visiting Porta Nigra, St. Peter’s Cathedral, the Church of Our Lady, and other Roman sites in town.
The Christmas market sits on Hauptmarkt, the main market square, and in front of St. Peter’s Cathedral. The setting is spectacular, amidst colorful Baroque and historic buildings and the cathedral.
Why this market is so low on our list is for its enormous crowd size. We were here on a Monday midday, one of the least crowded times to visit a Christmas market, and this one was packed. The market is also very small and doesn’t offer anything unique, compared to other Christmas markets we visited.
It’s not worth going out of your way to visit Trier’s Christmas Market. However, if you have plans to visit the next market on your list, it’s worth making the short drive to Trier, since it is just one hour away.
18. Mosel Wine and Christmas Market in Traben-Trarbach
Location: Rhineland-Palatinate
What Makes It Special: This market is held entirely underground, in historic wine cellars.
This is another very unique Christmas market. During the Christmas season, several of the underground wine cellars in Traben-Trarbach are transformed into the a Christmas market. The cellars are decorated for Christmas and are filled with handmade gifts, local wines, cheeses, pottery, clothing, and festive decorations. Being underground keeps the market warm and weatherproof, making it especially appealing in winter.
This market only operates on the weekends and it is another of the few markets that requires a ticket.
The Mosel Wine and Christmas Market is worth it for those who will already be in the area (Frankfurt, Cologne, or Luxembourg) and like the idea of visiting a smaller, lesser-known Christmas market with a local feel.
See more photos and learn how to plan your visit with our guide to the Mosel Wine and Christmas Market ↓
Mosel Wine Christmas Market: Traben-Trarbach’s Underground Market
19. Berlin
Location: Berlin
What Makes It Special: Berlin has an enormous collection of Christmas markets spread across the city, some that sit on iconic squares or in front of historic buildings, plus smaller markets in remote parts of the city.
Berlin hosts more than 80 Christmas markets. Most of these markets sit next to historic landmarks and major tourist sites, making it easy to combine sightseeing with festivities.
With so many markets, why did Berlin score so low on our list?
For one thing, almost every market we visited was incredibly crowded, which really took away from the overall experience. Plus, the markets in Berlin lacked the beautifully-decorated market stalls and festive vibe we had at the other markets on this list. With one exception, none of the markets in Berlin felt special or unique.
Our favorite Christmas market in Berlin is the WeihnachtsZauber Gendarmenmarkt. This market requires a ticket (just a few euros). The setting is stunning, with the Konzerthaus Berlin (Concert Hall), the Deutscher Dom (German Cathedral), and the Französischer Dom (French Cathedral) surrounding the market. The food and handicrafts for sale are exceptional. This market was extremely busy, but overall, we still really enjoyed our experience here.
Another of our favorite Berlin Christmas markets is the Winter Market at Schlossplatz. With a light show, music, and party vibe, this is a fun market to visit in the evening.
We don’t think it is worth going out of your way to visit the Berlin Christmas markets, not with so many other options in Germany. However, if your trip starts or ends here, or you want do to some sightseeing in Berlin, it would be worth spending a few days here.
Here are a few of our Berlin guides to help you plan your trip.
Berlin Christmas Markets 2026: 11 Best Markets to Visit
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20. Freiburg
Location: Bäden-Wurttemberg
What Makes It Special: This market is very small but has a local vibe. It pairs well with a visit to the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market.
Freiburg im Breisgau is beautiful small city tucked away in the foothills of the Black Forest, a 30-minute drive from the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market.
Freiburg has a small Christmas market with a very local vibe. Like Bamberg and Rothenburg ob der Tauber, exploring the streets and seeing the old gates is the real highlight of a visit here. There is nothing special about this market, but in our experience, it was quiet and we really liked the local feel.
It’s not worth going out of your way to visit the Freiburg Christmas market, but if you will be in the area (visiting the Ravenna Gorge market), it is well worth it to spend an hour or two in town.
Map of the Christmas Markets in Germany
How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. To take this map with you, click the star next to the title of the map which adds it to your Google account. Next, within your Google Maps app, select ‘Saved’ and then select ‘Maps’. This map title will now appear in your list.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit the Markets?
The majority of Christmas markets in Germany are free to visit.
A few markets require a ticket. Usually costing just a few euros, these markets tend to be high quality markets that take place on the grounds of a palace (such as the Romantic Market in Regensburg), sell gourmet food and drinks (WeihnachtsZauber Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin), or have a unique setting that can only accommodate so many people (the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market).
Tips for Visiting the Christmas Markets in Germany
💶 CASH: Many market stalls will accept credit cards, but it is a good idea to have some euros available just in case credit cards are not accepted. We typically carry about 100 euros in cash, just in case.
🌅 SUNSET TIMES IN DECEMBER: In December, the sun sets very early. The exact time will vary according to where you are. On December 15, sunset in Berlin is at 3:52 pm, in Munich it is 4:20 pm, and in Cologne it is 4:54 pm.
⏰ BEST TIME OF DAY TO VISIT: If you want low crowds, mornings are the best time to visit. For the best lighting, plan your visit for one hour before sunset. This is a great time for photography, as the sky grows dim and the lights start to shine. The evenings (5 pm and onwards) tend to be the busiest time of day to visit the markets, but also the most festive.
🗓️ BEST TIME OF WEEK TO VISIT: For low crowds, Monday through Thursday are best. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are the busiest days.
🎒 BRING A BAG: Bring a bag for any purchases you make. We bring a cloth bag that I can store in my purse, or Tim will wear a small backpack. We’ve also found it helpful to bring a pack of wet wipes, to clean any mugs we plan to keep. This helps keep our bag and other purchases from getting sticky with leftover glühwein or hot chocolate.
🧤 WHAT TO WEAR: In our experience, the weather has always been cold. We wear a heavy winter coat, hat, and gloves, and comfortable shoes. Layers are a must on colder days. You will be spending a lot of time outside so dress warmly.
Collecting Glühwein Mugs
One of the most fun (and addictive) traditions at German Christmas markets is collecting Glühwein mugs. Each market typically has its own custom-designed mug, making them a festive souvenir of your trip.
We began collecting mugs in Austria, and this has become one of our favorite Christmas market traditions. Each winter, we set them out in our kitchen, filling them with coffee, hot chocolate, or mulled wine. These are souvenirs you’ll actually use.
Mugs at the Dresdner Striezelmarkt
How it Works (Pfand System)
When you order glühwein, hot chocolate, or kinderpunsch, you pay:
- Drink price (usually €4–€6)
- Deposit (Pfand) of about €2–€5 for the mug
If you return the mug, you get the deposit back.
If you keep the mug, you forfeit the deposit, and voilà, instant souvenir.
At each Christmas market, the mug tends to change from year to year. Usually it just a color change from one year to the next, but occasionally a mug will get a complete redesign.
We have also written up a guide to the best gluhwein mugs in Europe, filled with photos of our favorite mugs and where to get them (coming soon).
German Christmas Market Itineraries
Ready to plan your trip to the German Christmas markets?
We have several itineraries to help get you started.
Our Bavaria Christmas Market Itinerary includes several options, from a 7-day trip highlighting the region (Munich, Nuremberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and Regensburg) to longer trips that include Stuttgart, Esslingen am Neckar, the Ravenna Gorge, and even Colmar and Strasbourg in France.
This is our favorite Christmas market itinerary for Europe, as it includes some of our favorite markets and favorite small towns in Germany.
We also have a one week London Christmas itinerary, which combines the top attractions in the city with its Christmas markets and festive light displays. It’s easy to plan and perfect both for first timers to the city and those who want to experience London during the holiday season.
We have also visited the Christmas markets in Wroclaw, Vienna, Prague, Strasbourg, Colmar, and London. Get links to all of our European Christmas Market guides ↓ 🎄
If you have toured the Christmas markets in Germany, we’d love to hear about your favorites! You can share them in the comment section below and ask us any questions you may have.
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