I’ve visited over 100 Christmas markets in Europe (sure, actually) and I am right here to inform you: Germany has the very best. Should you’re on the lookout for basic, wood stalls, or off-beat funky traditions, yow will discover 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 make it easier 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 throughout the vacation season.
Should you’re on the lookout for an unforgettable Christmas expertise, look no additional than a German Christmas market! Full of traditions, historical past, and scrumptious meals, you will not be upset. Actually, the very best German Christmas markets are a number of the oldest on the earth and Germans take nice delight and element of their traditions.
Once I first moved overseas I used to be apprehensive: how might I expertise the magic of Christmas, away from house, in Germany? What I discovered was essentially the most magical, great, and fairy tale-like locations on earth. Particularly at Christmas time.
Christmas in Europe is particular, however the German Christmas Markets are the very best on the continent. I’ve mapped out my favoriteChristmas Markets together with suggestions, instances, 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, individuals 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 the very best on the earth.
Fully up to date for 2026! I’ve included the 2026 dates for each market, plus maps and every thing it’s worthwhile to know to plan your journey.
The custom of Christmas markets dates again to the 1300s, and at this time’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 unimaginable intimate settings of the smaller cities. They typically supply cheaper meals and drinks and the markets have their very own particular aptitude.
I’ve mapped out the finest Christmas markets in addition to the very best cities to expertise the magic of Christmas. Beneath every city you may additionally discover dates and instances for every Christmas marketplace for 2026.
Searching for my information to the very best Christmas Markets in Europe? Try this submit and itinerary!
Christmas Markets in Germany Dates at a look:
| Metropolis | 2026 Dates |
|---|---|
| Cologne | Nov 16 – Dec 23 |
| Heidelberg | Nov 23 – Dec 22 |
| Munich | Nov 20 – Dec 24 |
| Trier | Nov 20 – Dec 22 |
| Nuremberg | Nov 27 – Dec 24 |
| Dresden | Nov 25 – Dec 24 |
| Aachen | Nov 20 – Dec 23 |
| Berlin | Nov 23 – Dec 27 |
| Frankfurt | Nov 23 – Dec 22 |
| Stuttgart | Nov 25 – Dec 23 |
| Düsseldorf | Nov 19 – Dec 30 |
| Hamburg | Nov 23 – Dec 23 |
| Leipzig | Nov 24 – Dec 23 |
| Erfurt | Nov 24 – Dec 22 |
| Wiesbaden | Nov 24 – Dec 23 |
| Bonn | Nov 18 – Dec 23 |
| Rothenburg ob der Tauber | Nov 20 – Dec 23 |
| Augsburg | Nov 23 – Dec 24 |
| Regensburg | Nov 23 – Dec 23 |
| Freiburg | Nov 19 – Dec 23 |
1. Cologne
Cologne: finest Christmas market in Germany! Cologne is already a wonderful metropolis – gargantuan twin-spired cathedral, subsequent to the mighty Rhine River, and stuffed with Gothic structure in a picturesque previous city. However the Christmas market takes it excessive. Which is why Cologne is on the high of my record for finest Christmas markets in Germany.
Brimming with allure and cheer, there are a number of markets unfold all through the town of Cologne. There are seven markets all through the town, every bringing a completely totally different vibe and environment. The market in entrance of the cathedral is likely one of the hottest, and for good cause. Stunning, 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 lovely 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 may see girls dressed up as angel’s handing out treats to youngsters and sparking white lights atop all of the stalls. It is breathtaking.
Cologne Christmas Market 2026 dates and instances: Mon, Nov 16, 2026 – Wed, Dec 23, 2026 (closed Solar, Nov 22). Open 11am to 9pm Sunday by Wednesday, 11am to 10pm Thursday & Friday, and 10am to 10pm on Saturdays. A few of Cologne’s different markets open as early as Nov 13, and the Outdated City market runs till Jan 10, 2027!
There are MULTIPLE markets, so get the complete particulars right here!
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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 crimson and white stalls deliver up a nostalgia that echo again to the unique Christmas markets that began right here a whole lot of years in the past.
This conventional market provides a wonderful setting in entrance of the Church of Our 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 youngsters their Christmas reward.
Of all of the German Christmas markets that is one in every of my favorites.
Nuremberg Christmas Market 2026 dates and instances: Fri, Nov 27, 2026 – Thu, Dec 24, 2026 from 10am to 9pm each day (Christmas Eve till 2pm).
3. Heidelberg
Heidelberg: finest meals at a Christas market in Germany! Now should you suppose I am biased as a result of I lived in Heidelberg, you then’re completely proper. HOWEVER, there’s something so excellent about this Christmas market. Happening all through the Hauptstrasse, you may discover markets dotted alongside the pedestrian road. Conventional in fashion, this Christmas market is oozing with allure. See my full information to Heidelberg’s Christmas Market right here!
There are many retailers, meals, and Glühwein, and even an ice skating rink with a 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 number of the most detailed of all of the Christmas markets I’ve attended.
Heidelberg Christmas Market 2026 dates and instances: Mon, Nov 23, 2026 – Tue, Dec 22, 2026 from 11am to 9pm (Saturdays till 10pm). The markets at Bismarckplatz and the Winterwäldchen at Kornmarkt keep open till January 1, 2027!
4. Aachen
Aachen: finest Christmas market spirit! Decked out with twinkling lights and lavish squares, your eyes shall be a-glow from the second you arrive in Aachen. The Aachen City Corridor is reworked to a festive wonderland, the town is brimming with magnificence and twinkling lights, and folks from throughout come to affix in on the merriment of the season.
Aachen is named the historic metropolis of Charlemagne’s reign, however in recent times, they’ve grow to be a serious vacation spot for Christmas. With stunning Roman ruins and a UNESCO world heritage cathedral, you actually can’t go mistaken visiting Aachen.
What I like about Aachen’s market is that it’s unfold all through the town however you an get to every spot by strolling! The markets are centered round Aachen Cathedral, Charlemagne Centre, and Aachen city corridor. Aachener Printen (gingerbread) observe you wherever you go and can direct you in direction of the market.
Aachen’s Christmas market is likely one of the finest adorned and loveliest Christmas markets in Germany. You simply must see it for your self!
You will discover my Christmas Market Itinerary proper right here.
Aachen Christmas Market 2026 dates and instances: Fri, Nov 20, 2026 – Wed, Dec 23, 2026, 11am – 9pm each day (on Solar, Nov 22 it solely opens 6pm – 9pm).
5. Trier
The Christmas market in Trier is about towards the romantic backdrop of the Moselle river and the medieval Fundamental Market. The 95 attractively adorned cubicles present an ideal setting for this excellent occasion, with Trier Cathedral offering a powerful backdrop.
This system adjustments each day on the Trier Christmas Market, so there’s all the time one thing new for guests to get pleasure from. Whether or not it is historic puppet theater or a star tenor efficiency, there’s one thing for everybody within the household. Along with scrumptious food and drinks, arts and crafts from around the globe are additionally obtainable. The Trier Christmas Market is likely one of the hottest markets in Germany attracting hundreds of tourists annually.
Trier Christmas Market Dates for 2026: November twentieth by December twenty second, 2026 (closed Sunday, Nov 22).
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 an entire different stage. Themed markets in Munich are a number of the finest Christmas markets in Germany and supply a special tackle the standard celebrations.
There is a Christmas market live performance held within the metropolis every day throughout the season, a Kids’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 2026 dates: Fri, Nov 20, 2026 – Thu, Dec 24, 2026 (closed Solar, Nov 22). Instances are Monday by Saturday 10am-9pm. Sunday 10am-8pm. Christmas Eve 10am-2pm.
7. Baden-Baden
Baden-Baden: finest place to purchase presents 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 going down on an extended stretch simply outdoors their previous city.
You may discover over 100 stalls of arts and crafts, scrumptious meals, and merry-go-rounds. Preserving 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 12 months which is ideal should you’re visiting simply after Christmas!
Baden-Baden Christmas Market 2026 dates: Thu, Nov 26, 2026 – Wed, Jan 6, 2027. Open 11am to 9pm each day, with shorter hours on the vacations.
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 allure 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, should you’re coming to Germany from the USA, likelihood is you are going to fly in to Frankfurt. So, you would possibly as nicely take advantage of it and expertise this stunning Christmas market!
Frankfurt Christmas Market Dates for 2026: Mon, Nov 23, 2026 – Tue, Dec 22, 2026. Open Monday by Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday 11am-9pm.
9. Speyer
Speyer: longest enduring Christmas market in Germany! (As in, the dates go over a month!) The yuletide cheer is all the time discovered within the fairly city of Speyer. The glistening stalls lovingly adorned are the proper scene in entrance of the massive church. On weekends there is a craft market that takes place in Metropolis Corridor with presents and trinkets of every kind.
It is 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 2026 dates: November 23, 2026 by January ninth, 2027 (restricted hours Dec 24–26).
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 the 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 the town!
Dresden Christmas Market 2026 dates: Wed, Nov 25, 2026 – Thu, Dec 24, 2026. Open 10am to 9pm each day (Christmas Eve till 2pm).
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 actually as should you’re stepping again to medieval instances. The market could be very small, however the entire metropolis has a Christmas vibe. You may discover decorations in any respect the retailers and shops. Do not forget to go to Käthe Wolfarht, a retailer promoting every thing you may potential need at Christmas!
Rothenburg appears like Christmas all 12 months spherical with its Christmas museum and medieval setting, it is undoubtedly 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 lifeless. As Christianity unfold by Europe, he reworked from a scary determine into a mild man who gave presents to all of the individuals on earth.
Rothenburg Christmas Market 2026 dates: Friday, Nov 20, 2026 – Wednesday, Dec twenty third, 2026. Open 11am-7pm Sunday by Thursday, 11am-8pm Friday & Saturday.
12. Hamburg
The primary market is in entrance of gorgeous metropolis corridor and with the Rathaus as a backdrop it makes for a powerful scene. It is 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 situated within the St. Pauli neighborhood, which is thought 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 like Hamburg on the whole as there are many attention-grabbing museums and locations to go to.
Hamburg Christmas Market 2026 dates: Nov 23, 2026 – Dec twenty third, 2026. Open 11am to 9pm each day.
13. Essen
Generally 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 only some steps between every sq.. The Kennedyplatz is the central focus level the place you’ll be able to leisurely stroll below a cover of twinkling lights whereas being impressed by all the totally different items obtainable from stalls representing 190 nations worldwide. You may discover handicrafts from Africa, Christmas decorations from Israel and jewellery type the Baltic States—simply to call just a few issues!
Essen Christmas Market 2026 dates: Nov 13, 2026 – Dec 23, 2026. Open 12pm-9pm Sunday by Thursday, 12pm-10pm Friday & Saturday.
14. Stuttgart
Stuttgart: finest Glühwein at a Christmas market! The Stuttgart Weihnachsmarkt is exclusive pageant providing the standard market vibes together with some distinctive traditions that make it extraordinarily particular. Throughout Creation the City Corridor of Stuttgart is reworked into an enormous Creation calendar. Every day a brand new door is opened revealing a brand new picture and coat of arms showcasing one in every of Stuttgart’s districts. Try extra right here.
Stuttgart Christmas Market 2026 dates: Nov 25, 2026 – Dec 23, 2026. Instances are 11am-9pm Sunday by Thursday and 11am-10pm Friday & Saturday.
15. Berlin
Berlin: finest large metropolis Christmas market. Berlin is likely one of the most visited cities in Germany, and Christmas ought to be no exception. The baroque palace of Charlottenburg is a wonderful setting for a market full with conventional stalls and adorned bushes. There’s an ice skating rink, decoration tents, and even heated areas with dinner served in a comfy nook.
There are over 60 totally different markets in Berlin so that you actually cannot miss it!
Berlin Christmas Market 2026 dates: The Charlottenburg Palace market runs November 23, 2026 – Sunday, Dec 27, 2026 (closed Dec 24).
16. Dusseldorf
A romantic environment full of cheer and the candy scent of gingerbread waft all through the city of Dusseldorf. You may discover the markets unfold all through the town with Königsallee some of the common 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 2026 dates: Nov 19, 2026 – Dec thirtieth, 2026 (closed Nov 22 and Dec 25).
17. Mannheim
Situated simply quarter-hour away from Heidelberg, is the larger and extra industrial metropolis of Mannheim. And what the town would possibly lack in magnificence, it makes up at Christmas. The big markets right here supply tons of actions, reside music, and even a fairy-tale nook. There is a part devoted to lots of the well-known youngsters’s tales with reside motion characters to entertain the younger and younger at coronary heart. The most important market takes place proper by the town’s grand water tower and provides an array of treats and actions for all ages.
Mannheim Christmas Market 2026 dates: Nov 23, 2026 – Dec twenty third, 2026. Open 11am to 9pm each day.
18. Tübingen
For years, I used to be instructed 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 stunning markets in Germany with a historical past courting again over 500 years.
There are round 80 stalls arrange, which promote every thing from handmade crafts to scrumptious food and drinks. You may discover loads of gingerbread, Lebkuchen and roasted almonds to maintain your power up when you discover the market. It is solely open one weekend so you may must catch it whereas it is there!
Tübingen Christmas Market Dates for 2026: December 11 – 13, 2026
19. Worms
Pronounced “Voms” this metropolis is thought 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’ll be able to see the Luther Monument statues to commemorate the Protestant reformer. This beautiful market has some pretty adorned stalls, a life-size manger scene, and loads of locations to drink scorching Glühwein.
Worms Christmas Market 2026 dates: November 20, 2026 – Dec 23, 2026 (closed Nov 22).
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. Underneath 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 2026 dates: Anticipated to run Thursdays by Sundays from about Nov 26 – Dec 20, 2026 (official dates not introduced but).
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 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 seventh by December twentieth, 2026. However even should you aren’t there for a market, it is a Christmas city all alongside!
Monschau Christmas Market Dates 2026: November 27 to December 20, 2026 – 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 direction of Heidelberg, Worms, Schwetzingen, and Mannheim. Then make your manner additional south for Baden-Baden, Stuttgart, and Tubingen. Subsequent head east stopping at Rothenburg, Nuremberg, and Munich. Try my full Germany and France Christmas Market Street Journey Itinerary
Often 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 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 arduous to calculate since many cities supply smaller markets on the weekend. Chances are high should you’re in Germany throughout the vacation season, you may discover a market!
What are the very best Christmas markets in Europe?
There are such a lot of great markets that I’ve written two totally different weblog posts! Listed below are a few of my favourite Christmas Markets in Europe after dwelling overseas and touring to see the magic of Christmas.
Do it’s a must to now German to go to the markets?
Nope! Actually, lots of the touristy cities are distinctive at English. It’s helpful to select up on just a few key phrases and phrases and I all the time suggest downloading the language on Google translate.
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