Do you want to stroll through a Christmas market in the romantic glow of the lights at dusk? Or drink a hot mulled wine and eat regional delicacies? If you already have Christmas fever and can hardly wait, you might want an overview of the Christmas markets in Germany. We have compiled 10 of the most-beautiful Christmas markets in Germany, some of which are world-famous and some which may only be known to those living in the region.
We present: The most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany
To make it easier for you to choose which Christmas markets in Germany you should visit, we have rounded up some of the best. With about 2,500 of these holiday markets in Germany, it’s not always easy to find the most beautiful one that has what you’re looking for. Visiting a market that you don’t like can also spoil your Christmas spirit.
| 1. Nuremberg | 3. Hamburg | 5. Dresden | 7. Esslingen | 9. Münster |
| 2. Goslar | 4. Cologne | 6. Aachen | 8. Berlin | 10. Trier |
1. Nuremberg Christkindlmarkt
This Christmas market is justifiably world-famous and absolutely worth seeing. On the first weekend of Advent, there’s an event in the gallery of Nuremberg’s Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady) to open the Christmas market. This old and traditional Christmas market enchants its visitors every year, young and old alike. With its 200 stalls, it sets the festive mood for Christmas and offers plenty of unique items. Be sure to try the famous Nuremberg gingerbread during your visit!
2. Goslar Christmas Market
If you are a hopeless romantic, the Christmas market in Goslar is just right for you. This town in the Harz Mountains of Lower Saxony has a snowy Christmas setting. On the historic market square, surrounded by quaint wooden huts, you will feel like you are in a fairy tale. Arts and crafts are well-represented at the Christmas market in Goslar and offer you the opportunity to buy a lot of beautiful gifts for your loved ones.
3. “White Magic” Christmas Market in Hamburg
If you love extravagance, then the Hamburg Christmas market is for you. Instead of classic wooden stalls, this market uses illuminated white tents. The market is located directly on the Alster river, and thus has a very special charm. The sections of tents are sorted by categories such as children’s toys or culinary specialties, so you’ll always find exactly what you’re looking for.
4. Cologne Christmas Market
The Cologne Christmas market is a real classic. Around the Cologne Cathedral you will find 150 stalls with everything that belongs to a good Christmas market. From Domliqueur to Cologne speculoos, you can buy a piece of tradition here. Particular attention is paid to the youngest guests, who will have an unforgettable visit with activities such as a Punch and Judy show, handicrafts, face painting and more.
5. Dresden Striezelmarkt
As one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, the Dresden Striezelmarkt is full of traditional greatness. At the opening every year, a stollen Christmas cake (the city’s specialty) weighing about three tons is cut and then maneuvered in a procession from the Dresden Zwinger to the old market, where you can buy a piece of this giant.
6. Aachen Christmas Market
Aachen scores with its magical Christmas market, which is set up in the city’s old town. Surrounded by the Aachen City Hall and Aachen Cathedral, the Christmas market creates a festive atmosphere that really gets everyone in the Christmas spirit. You should definitely taste the traditional, delicious Aachen printen – a type of sweet similar to gingerbread – during your visit.
7. Esslingen Christmas Market
Together with the medieval market, the Christmas market in Esslingen offers a very special setting. Anyone who visits this market simultaneously embarks on a journey back in time to the Middle Ages. Surrounded by a wide variety of medieval art dealers, craftsmen and merchants, you will meet actors such as fire eaters, market callers and jugglers. With around 180 bunches and an impressive torchlight procession, this one is definitely worth a visit.
8. Berlin Christmas Market at Gendarmenmarkt
At the Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin you can find an annual Christmas market that skillfully delights its visitors. With its huge Christmas tree and Advent market, it’s one of the most romantic markets in Berlin and all of Germany. If you’re still looking for a Christmas gift, you are guaranteed to find it here. Many Berlin artists offer beautiful, unique pieces that will make great gifts.
9. Münster Christmas Market
Every year, the Christmas market on the Square of Westphalian Peace invites culture lovers to its magical city. In addition to a wonderful Christmas scent, there are many market stalls and all kinds of great Christmas good on offer. You’ll be captivated by the amazing sights.
10. Trier Christmas Market
At the Trier Christmas market, the dreamlike scenery in front of the main market and the Trier Cathedral will immediately put you in a holiday mood. In addition to the classic Christmas goods for sale, there is a wide variety of performances like the Maatz puppet stage or musical evenings with live musicians.
The Unmistakable Charm of Christmas Festivals
What would Christmas be without the romantic atmosphere of a Christmas market? We think all the great smells, treats and gift ideas really make you look forward to the holiday season and should therefore not be missed. Even the biggest Christmas grinch can be lured out of their house by the yearly treats and hot drinks.
And best of all: If you have had one too many mugs of mulled wine, you can easily book our taxi service, SIXT ride, with the SIXT app or rent a car with a great Christmas deal . A driver will take you home or to your hotel, and you can pay in the app.
