I’ve visited over 100 Christmas markets in Europe (sure, actually) and I am right here to let you know: Germany has one of the best. In case you’re in search of traditional, wood stalls, or off-beat funky traditions, yow will discover one thing for everybody on the Weihnachsmarkt in Germany. I am bringing you one of the best Christmas Markets in Germany from all my travels!
I’ve compiled a complete information to one of the best Christmas markets in Germany that can provide help to plan your subsequent vacation getaway. Germany is a rustic steeped in historical past and custom, and its Christmas markets are not 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.
In case you’re in search of an unforgettable Christmas expertise, look no additional than a German Christmas market! Full of traditions, historical past, and scrumptious meals, you will not be dissatisfied. In actual fact, one of the best German Christmas markets are a few of the oldest on the planet and Germans take nice delight and element of their traditions.
After I first moved overseas I used to be frightened: how might I expertise the magic of Christmas, away from residence, 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 one of the best on the continent. I’ve mapped out my favoriteChristmas Markets together with suggestions, occasions, and a information to take advantage of 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 fingers and saying “Frohe Weihnachten” (that is Merry Christmas in German). The Weihnachtsmarkts of Germany (which means Christmas Market in German) are one of the best on the planet.
Utterly up to date for 2025! As you may know, lots of the markets final yr had been canceled. I am blissful to say that it seems that ALL of the markets are open this yr! I’ve included dates in addition to maps and all the things you should 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 allure 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 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 one of the best cities to expertise the magic of Christmas. Under every city you may additionally discover dates and occasions for every Christmas marketplace for 2025.
In search of my information to one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe? Try this publish and itinerary!
Christmas Markets in Germany Dates at a look:
| Metropolis | 2025 Dates |
|---|---|
| Cologne | Nov 17 – Dec 23 |
| Heidelberg | Nov 24 – Dec 22 |
| Munich | Nov 24 – Dec 24 |
| Trier | Nov 21 – Dec 22 |
| Nuremberg | Nov 28 – Dec 24 |
| Dresden | Nov 26 – Dec 24 |
| Aachen | Nov 21 – Dec 23 |
| Berlin | Nov 24 – Dec 31 |
| Frankfurt | Nov 24 – Dec 22 |
| Stuttgart | Nov 26 – Dec 23 |
| Düsseldorf | Nov 20 – Dec 30 |
| Hamburg | Nov 24 – Dec 23 |
| Leipzig | Nov 25 – Dec 23 |
| Erfurt | Nov 24 – Dec 22 |
| Wiesbaden | Nov 25 – Dec 23 |
| Bonn | No confirmed date discovered |
| Rothenburg ob der Tauber | Nov 21 – Dec 23 |
| Augsburg | No confirmed date discovered |
| Regensburg | Nov 25 – Dec 23 (estimate) |
| Freiburg | Nov 20 – Dec 23 (estimate) |
1. Cologne
Cologne: greatest Christmas market in Germany! Cologne is already a fantastic metropolis – gargantuan twin-spired cathedral, subsequent to the mighty Rhine River, and stuffed 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 record for greatest Christmas markets in Germany.
Brimming with allure and cheer, there are a number of markets unfold all through town of Cologne. There are seven markets all through town, every bringing a completely totally different vibe and environment. The market in entrance of the cathedral is among the hottest, and for good motive. 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 cute market seems to be straight out of a narrative e book with gnomes (Heinzelmännchen) perched on rooftops.
Lastly, you need to go to the Angel’s Christmas market. That is the oldest market, held in Neumarkt. You may see ladies 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 2025 dates and occasions: Nov 17, 2025 – Solar, Dec 23, 2025 from 11 am to 9pm (Saturdays till 10pm)
There are MULTIPLE markets, so get the complete particulars right here!
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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 crimson and white stalls carry 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 fantastic 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 a logo for Nuremburg and dates again to the concept that she brings kids their Christmas reward.
Of all of the German Christmas markets that is considered one of my favorites.
Nuremburg Christmas Market 2025 dates and occasions: Nov 28, 2025 – Dec 24, 2025 from 10 am to 9pm every day.
3. Heidelberg
Heidelberg: greatest meals at a Christas market in Germany! Now should you suppose I am biased as a result of I lived in Heidelberg, then you definitely’re completely proper. HOWEVER, there’s something so excellent about this Christmas market. Going down all through the Hauptstrasse, you may discover markets dotted alongside the pedestrian road. Conventional in model, this Christmas market is oozing with allure. 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 dimension reindeer. They’re a few of the most detailed of all of the Christmas markets I’ve attended.
Heidelberg Christmas Market 2025 dates and occasions: Mon, Nov 24, 2025 – Solar, Dec 22, 2025 from 11 am to 9pm (Saturdays till 10pm) There is a second market that goes till January 1, 2026!
4. Aachen
Aachen: greatest Christmas market spirit! Decked out with twinkling lights and lavish squares, your eyes might 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 folks from throughout come to hitch in on the merriment of the season.
Aachen is named the historic metropolis of Charlemagne’s reign, however lately, they’ve change into a serious vacation spot for Christmas. With lovely Roman ruins and a UNESCO world heritage cathedral, you actually can’t go flawed 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 the direction of the market.
Aachen’s Christmas market is among the greatest embellished and loveliest Christmas markets in Germany. You simply should see it for your self!
You will discover my Christmas Market Itinerary proper right here.
Aachen Christmas Market 2025 dates and occasions: Nov 21, 2025 – Solar, Dec 23, 2025, 11m – 9pm every day
5. Trier
The Christmas market in Trier is about in opposition to the romantic backdrop of the Moselle river and the medieval Foremost Market. The 95 attractively embellished cubicles present an ideal setting for this excellent occasion, with Trier Cathedral offering a powerful backdrop.
This system modifications every day on the Trier Christmas Market, so there’s all the time one thing new for guests to take pleasure in. 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 foods and drinks, arts and crafts from all over the world are additionally obtainable. The Trier Christmas Market is among the hottest markets in Germany attracting hundreds of tourists every year.
Trier Christmas Market Dates for 2025: November twenty first by means of December twenty second, 2025.
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 degree. Themed markets in Munich are a few of the greatest Christmas markets in Germany and supply a unique tackle the standard celebrations.
There is a Christmas market live performance held within the metropolis every day through the season, a Kids’s market, and the Tollwood Market is an ethnic competition with a glance to celebrations of Christmas all around the world. There’s additionally a homosexual Christmas market at Stephansplaz and a Medieval Christmas Market at Wittelsbacher Platz.
Munich Christmas Market 2025 dates: Nov 24, 2025 – Dec 24, 2025. Occasions are Monday by means of Saturday 10am-9pm. Sunday 10am-8pm.
7. Baden-Baden
Baden-Baden: greatest place to purchase items at a Christmas market. This historic metropolis is situated 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 previous city.
You may discover over 100 stalls of arts and crafts, scrumptious meals, and merry-go-rounds. Conserving their market easy and conventional yow will discover roasting fish or aromatic spiced nuts all through the stalls. This market stays open a bit later within the yr which is ideal should you’re visiting simply after Christmas!
Baden-Baden Christmas Market 2025 dates: Nov 27, 2025 – Jan sixth, 2026. Open 11am to 9pm every day.
8. Frankfurt
I am not even going to mislead you, I’m not a giant fan of Frankfurt usually. It simply looks like a big metropolis with skyscrapers. It would not maintain the identical allure as different cities appear to in Germany. With the CLEAR exception of Christmas.
I used to be pleasantly shocked however how nicely Frankfurt does Christmas. I imply… take a look at this view!
Plus, should you’re coming to Germany from the USA, chances are high you are going to fly in to Frankfurt. So, you may as nicely take advantage of it and expertise this lovely Christmas market!
Frankfurt Christmas Market Dates for 2025: Nov 27, 2025 – Thu, Jan 6, 2026
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 embellished are the right scene in entrance of the massive church. On weekends there is a craft market that takes place in Metropolis Corridor with items 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 2025 dates: November 25, 2025 by means of January sixth 2026.
10. Dresden
Dresden: greatest Christmas market views. Dresden transforms itself into the capital of Christmas when the top 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 2025 dates: Nov 26, 2025 – Dec 24, 2025
11. Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber
Rothenburg: greatest medieval Christmas market. Rothenburg: greatest small Christmas market in Germany! This tiny city continues to be surrounded by it is city partitions! Add within the Christmas market and it is really as should you’re stepping again to medieval occasions. The market could be very small, however the entire metropolis has a Christmas vibe. You may discover decorations in any respect the outlets and shops. Do not forget to go to Käthe Wolfarht, a retailer promoting all the things you can doable need at Christmas!
Rothenburg looks like Christmas all yr spherical with its Christmas museum and medieval setting, it is positively the most effective 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 mild man who gave items to all of the folks on earth.
Rothenburg Christmas Market 2025 dates: Friday, Nov 21, 2025 – Friday, Dec twenty third, 2025
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.
In case 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 situated within the St. Pauli neighborhood, which is understood for its nightlife and red-light district. That is fairly actually a intercourse themed market!
You will discover erotic Gingerbread males, intercourse toys and all kinds 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 usually as there are many attention-grabbing museums and locations to go to.
Hamburg Christmas Market 2025 dates: Nov 25, 2025 – Dec twenty third, 2025
13. Essen
Often known as the “Worldwide Christmas Market” Essen’s market provides guests a twist on the standard Christmas market aptitude. It is one of many largest Christmas markets in Germany and nicely definitely 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 below a cover of twinkling lights whereas being impressed by the entire totally different items obtainable from stalls representing 190 nations worldwide. You may discover handicrafts from Africa, Christmas decorations from Israel and jewellery kind the Baltic States—simply to call just a few issues!
Essen Christmas Market 2025 dates: Nov 14, 2025 – Dec 23, 2025
14. Stuttgart
Stuttgart: greatest Glühwein at a Christmas market! The Stuttgart Weihnachsmarkt is exclusive competition providing the standard 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 considered one of Stuttgart’s districts. Try extra right here.
Stuttgart Christmas Market 2025 dates: Nov 26, 2025 – Dec 23, 2025. Occasions are 10am -9pm Monday by means of Thursday. 10am -10pm Friday & Saturday and 11am-9pm on Sunday.
15. Berlin
Berlin: greatest large 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 fantastic setting for a market full with conventional stalls and embellished 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 2025 dates: November 24, 2025 – Sunday, Jan 1, 2026
16. Dusseldorf
A romantic environment crammed with cheer and the candy scent of gingerbread waft all through the city of Dusseldorf. You may discover the markets unfold all through town with Königsallee probably the most common spots. There’s 7 totally 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 right place to deck the halls.
Dusseldorf Christmas Market 2025 dates: Nov 30, 2025 – Dec thirtieth, 2025
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 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 most important market takes place proper by town’s grand water tower and provides an array of treats and actions for all ages.
Mannheim Christmas Market 2025 dates: Nov 24, 2025 – Dec twenty third, 2025
18. Tübingen
For years, I used to be advised to go to Tübingen’s magical Christmas market. That is quintessential German Christmas allure and feels such as you’ve stepped right into a snow globe. The market is situated 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 all the things from handmade crafts to scrumptious foods and drinks. You may discover loads of gingerbread, Lebkuchen and roasted almonds to maintain your vitality up whilst you discover the market. It is solely open one weekend so you may have to catch it whereas it is there!
Tübingen Christmas Market Dates for 2025: December 12 – 14 2025
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 pretty embellished stalls, a life-size manger scene, and loads of locations to drink sizzling Glühwein.
Worms Christmas Market 2025 dates: November 20, 2025 – Dec 23, 2025
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 nicely embellished and has loads of scrumptious meals. Beneath white tents tinted yellow within the heat mild, distributors promote mustard, honey, and even delicacies from locations like Italy, France, and Hungary.
Schwetzingen Christmas Market 2025 dates: Nov 26- Dec 21, 2025
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 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 eighth by means of December 18th, 2025. However even should you aren’t there for a market, it is a Christmas city all alongside!
Monschau Christmas Market Dates 2025: November 28 to December 21, 2025 – solely on weekends!
Map and Itinerary
Here is a map and itinerary for the Christmas markets in Germany. My suggestion can be to fly in to Frankfurt, take a look at Frankfurt’s market then head north to Cologne and Hamburg and Dusseldorf. Subsequent, head south in the 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 Highway Journey Itinerary
Continuously 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 top of November till the twenty fourth of December. Just a few cities supply 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 exhausting to calculate since many cities supply smaller markets on the weekend. Likelihood is should you’re in Germany through the vacation season, you may discover a market!
What are one of the best Christmas markets in Europe?
There are such a lot of fantastic markets that I’ve written two totally different weblog posts! Listed here are a few of my favourite Christmas Markets in Europe after dwelling overseas and touring to see the magic of Christmas.
Do you must now German to go to the markets?
Nope! In actual fact, lots of the touristy cities are distinctive at English. It’s useful to select up on just a few key phrases and phrases and I all the time advocate downloading the language on Google translate.
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