Dreaming of a fairy-tale Christmas with a mug of mulled wine and gingerbread cookies? Then you should visit a Christmas market in Germany! Germany is famous for its traditional Christmas atmosphere without being over the top or too commercial. If you want a Disney-like Christmas, than Germany is not for you, but if you long for the scent of Christmas spices, twinkling Christmas lights and some traditional entertainment, then Germany is the right place.
I’ve asked some other travel bloggers which is their favorite Christmas market in Germany and this is how I came with this list of the best Christmas markets in Germany – all tried and tested for you with lots of practical tips.
Updated with the 2025 dates of the featured German Christmas Markets
Wherever you will be in Germany this winter season or in the surrounding countries, there will be a Christmas market near you. Find the best Christmas Markets in Germany here.
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Monschau Christmas Market
recommended by Daniela, the author of this blog
Practical info:
Dates: 28 November – 22 December 2021
Opening times: Fri-Sat: 11 am – 9 pm, Sun: 11 am – 8 pm, closed: Mon-Thu
Stay: Check out for hotels in Monschau
If you are looking for both a romantic getaway and a fairy-tale Christmas market, then you should head to Monschau. Monschau is a small town spread along a few bends of the Rur River in the picturesque Eifel Region.
The Christmas market in Monschau is a traditional one – with festively decorated Christmas stalls selling handcrafted Christmas decorations, local traditional Christmas treats and of course the almighty mulled wine. Because what’s a Christmas without the scent of this spiced hot beverage? Besides the mulled wine, which is sold all over Germany, what you have to try in Monschau are the printen – a typical Christmas treat from the Aachen region that is a kind of hard gingerbread cookies.
As Monschau is really tiny, you can combine visiting the market with some sightseeing. Just walk around to get this romantic vibe created by the lovely half-timbered houses, the meandering river and the many small bridges. Get to Der Haller, a 13th-century watchtower, for some of the most amazing views over the town.
Monschau is an easy day trip even if you are staying in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg or Northern France. I’ve visited the place twice from the Netherlands. It tends to be a bit busy in the weekends, as the Christmas market attracts lots of locals and tourists. If you are going by car, which you probably will, the best is to arrive earlier in the day or to park in the nearby Höfen. Parking is quite limited in Monschau. However both times we went there, we parked in the town itself, but the first time was a bit of a nightmare.
Cologne Christmas Market
recommended by Daniela, author of this blog
Practical info:
Dates: 17 November – 23 December 2025
Opening times: Thu-Sat: 11 am – 10 pm, Sun-Wed: 11 am – 9 pm
Stay: Check out for hotels in Cologne
The Christmas market in Cologne may be not among the oldest Christmas markets in Germany but is for sure one of the larges. Actually there isn’t just one Christmas market, but like every square, small or big in the town has it’s very own Christmas market!
The most important of course is the Christmas market at the Cathedral. Here you will find all the Christmas stalls selling handicrafts and Christmas decorations. This is also the best place for Christmas shopping! For the best views of the Christmas market, climb to the top of the Cathedral.
Then there’s the Heinzels Wintermärchen – a fairy-tale like Christmas market with a skating rink in the Old Town. Strolling along the alleys of this Christmas market is absolutely delightful. You can see there a lot of traditional old-fashioned handicrafts and everyone behind the counter is dressed up in 19th-century outfit. This Christmas/winter festival at Heumarkt continues until 4 January.
Straight on the Rhine River you’ll find the Cologne Harbour Christmas Market with a Ferris wheel and lots of winter entertainment.
Munich Christmas Market
recommended by Susanna from Curiosity Saves Travel
Practical info:
Marienplatz Christmas Market (Münchner Christkindlmarkt)
Dates: 24 November – 24 December 2025
Opening times: Mon-Sat 10 am – 9 pm, Sun 10 am – 8 pm, 24 December 10 am – 2 pm
Stay: Check out for hotels in Munich
Munich’s Christmas markets, dating back to the Middle Ages, are an immersive and magical experience. The main Christkindlmarkt in the heart of the Altstadt is one of the best in Germany. Get lost wandering through the festive atmosphere with the grand Gothic Neues Rathaus and a real Christmas tree as a backdrop.
Peruse hundreds of vendors featuring local handicraft goods, such as hand-made wooden German ornaments and decorations, which are a great souvenir to take home. The sprawling market connects with the Kripperlmarkt, where vendors exclusively sell nativity sets and figures, and the Rindermarkt’s Square of Stars, a cozy place to sip Glühwein. Munich’s main market features all your favorite German Christmas market foods, but Käsespätzle, made with Bavarian Alpine Cheese, is a tasty local treat.
Don’t miss the special events around Marienplatz, like the Krampus Run, craft workshops, and more. Always have cash on hand, and return your Glühwein mug to engage in Munich’s zero-waste “pfand” system. The best time to visit the markets is the first three weeks of December, and budget at least two days. Munich is home to more than 20 Christmas Markets, so if you have time, visit local events throughout the city.
About the author: Susanna is originally from Alaska but lived in Munich, Germany, for seven years before landing in Vancouver, Canada. She has an environmental science degree and a travel blog that showcases responsible and sustainable travel adventures. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and her blog Curiosity Saves Travel.
Essen Christmas Market
recommended by Daniela, author of this blog
Practical info: Internationaler Weihnachtsmarkt Essen
Dates: 14 November – 23 December 2025
Opening times: daily 11 am – 9 pm
Stay: Check out for hotels in Essen
The Christmas market in Essen is a nice surprise. As Essen is not among the most popular Christmas destinations in Germany, the Christmas market remains a bit off the radar and is visited mostly by locals. Exactly this makes this Christmas market quite authentic and cozy.
You can find there the traditional Christmas stalls selling ornaments, artisanal products and sweet and savory treats. Of course mulled wine and grog are present, too. There’s a Ferris wheel and a traditional German Christmas carousel.
What makes the Essen Christmas market stand out are the lights! Held traditionally at Kennedyplatz, the market is covered by a canopy of Christmas lights, simply amazing! There’s also a Medieval Christmas market, where the vendors are dressed up in period attire!
Another important side of the Essen Christmas market is that they strive for sustainability. In 2017 Essen was acclaimed European Green Capital 2017, and the Christmas market also was recognized as the Best Sustainable Christmas market in Europe. How do they achieve this? You won’t find there for example any plastic bags, there’s also a deposit system for cups, glasses and plates and they use ‘ green electricity’, among other things.
Freiburg Christmas Market
recommended by Chrysoula from Historic European Castles
Practical info:
Dates: 20 November – 23 December 2025
Opening times: Mon-Sat: 10 am – 8:30 pm, Sun: 11:30 am – 7:30 pm, 23/12: 10 am – 7 pm; closed on 23/11
Stay: Check out for hotels in Freiburg
Germany is home to some of the world’s best Christmas markets and Freiburg’s month-long festive market will not disappoint! Running from the end of November to the 23rd December, Freiburg’s Christmas market is a hive of activity throughout the month with shoppers, sellers and sausage eaters alike coming to the market to enjoy culture, cuisine and crafts.
Freiburg’s Christmas Market is located in and around the narrow streets of Freiburg’s historic Old Town with a large Christmas tree at the centre, giving it a magical atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. Wander around the squares of Rathausplatz and Unterlindenplatz and along Kartoffelmarkt and Franziskanerstrasse to explore the stalls and sights of the Freiburg Christmas Market.
As with any Christmas market, Freiburg’s festivities include lights, music, market stalls selling handicrafts and gifts, and refreshment stands serving up warming mulled wine and snacks. The market has a traditional, German vibe with rustic wooden stalls and hopefully a dappling of snow during these dark winter months.
Visitors can try their hand at glass blowing or candle making at the Christmas market, a lovely idea for a handmade gift for friends and family.
Freiburg’s Christmas market has loads of different goods to try and buy, including handicrafts like ceramics, wooden toys, jewellery, candles and Christmas decorations. The food stalls feature grilled German sausages served with sumptuous fried onions, tasty gingerbread biscuits, hot roasted chestnuts and, of course glühwein (mulled wine), a delicious concoction of red wine, orange and spices!
About the author: Chrysoula is the author of the travel blog that’s all about castles – Historic European Castles. She loves travelling and reading crime novels and adores England. You can follow Chrysoula on Facebook.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market
recommended by Carolyn from Holidays to Europe
Practical info: Reiterlesmarkt
Dates: 21 November – 23 December 2025
Opening times: Sun-Thu: 11 am – 7 pm, Fri-Sat: 11 am – 8 pm
Stay: Check out for hotels in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Set amidst a fairy-tale scene of brightly painted Medieval houses, fortified walls and watchtowers, it’s not surprising that Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s Christmas Market is one of the most famous Christmas markets in Germany.
Known as the Reiterlesmarkt, the Christmas market has been held for more than 500 years and still retains the traditions of by-gone years today.
Every year from late November to just before Christmas, wooden huts appear around the Town Hall, selling everything from food and drink to handmade goods and Christmas ornaments. A huge Christmas tree is installed, fairy lights are strung up, brass bands play and Santa Claus makes a daily appearance to check that all children are behaving.
Another regular visitor is the Rothenburger Reiterle (horseman), whose name the market takes. Once believed to be a spirit who carried the soul of the dead across the skies, his arrival each day on horseback is now eagerly awaited. The Reiterle even has the honour of officially open the Christmas Market each year.
No visit to the Rothenburg Christmas market is complete without enjoying a bag of roasted chestnuts or a mug of mulled wine (gluhwein). You can even buy a souvenir Reiterlesmarkt mug to take home as a memento of your visit.
About the author: Carolyn Schonafinger is the founder and editor of Holidays to Europe. Carolyn travels to Europe annually and particularly loves visiting Switzerland, Germany and Austria. With over a dozen European vacations to her name, Carolyn loves sharing her travel tips and destination ideas with her readers. You can follow Carolyn on Facebook.
Konstanz Christmas Market
recommended by Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan
Practical info:
Dates: 27 November – 23 December 2024
Opening times: Sun-Thu: 11 am – 10 pm, Fri-Sat: 11 am – 9:30 pm
Stay: Check out for hotels in Konstanz
The Christmas market in Konstanz, Germany, is officially named the “Weihnachtsmarkt am See”. In German, this means “Christmas market on the lake”. And indeed, the 170 or so market stalls are set up all around Lake Constance, and even on the lake itself!
This is made possible by the “Christmas Ship” docked in the harbor. You’ll find more stalls on the ship, selling artisanal crafts and local specialty foods along with more international flavors. There’s even an ice bar on board with a 360° panoramic view!
Käsespätzle is a popular local dish sold at many of the stalls. This southern German specialty is a type of fresh pasta eaten with cheese. Vegan options should also be pretty easy to find at the market, especially at the Moroccan and Indian stalls. And be sure to warm up with a steaming mug of gluhwein (mulled wine).
Weihnachtsmarkt am See is open every day of the week, from late November until just before Christmas. If you’re heading to Konstanz from nearby Switzerland, check the SBB Swiss railway company website for special deals. They often sell train tickets discounted up to 50 percent for people visiting Christmas markets in the area, and the deal may even come with a free bottle of gluhwein!
About the author: Wendy Werneth is an intrepid traveler, vegan foodie and animal lover. She’s the creator of the award-winning website The Nomadic Vegan and the author of the book Veggie Planet. Having traveled to all 7 continents and 113 countries, Wendy uncovers hidden vegan treasures in the most unlikely places! You can follow Wendy on Instagram.
Hamburg Christmas Market
recommended by Joanna from The World in My Pocket
Practical info:
Dates: 11 November – 23 December 2025
Opening times: daily, 11 am – 9 pm
Stay: Check out for hotels in Hamburg
Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany, but it’s not that famous for its Christmas markets. It should though, as they are some of the most unique in the entire country. The main Christmas market in Hamburg takes place in front of the city hall. Here you will find plenty of stalls selling traditional foods such as roast pork with crackling, bratwurst and cabbage, as well as mulled wine and the unique Feuerzangenbowle. This consist of rum-soaked sugarloaf set on fire, on top of a mulled wine mug. The sugar drips into the drink slowly, as it burns.
On weekends, don’t miss Santa flying over the Christmas market, wishing everyone happy holidays.
But Hamburg is not just pretty Christmas markets. Its Mile of Sin, as the Reeperbahn is also known as, organises its own Christmas market called Santa Pauli. And, you might have guessed it, it’s pretty naughty. Aimed at adults only, here you will find questionable gifts, sinful nuns, as well as a stripping Santa over the weekend. It is quite the sight.
You will find smaller Christmas markets all around Hamburg. The city celebrates beautifully and dresses up with strings of lights and decorations.
About the author: Joanna is an experienced traveller who has visited over 70 countries. She likes to explore off the beaten path places and find stories and tales from everywhere she goes.
Heidelberg Christmas Market
recommended by Jonathan from JMX Travel Archive
Practical info:
Dates: 24 November – 22 December 2025
Opening times: Sun-Fri: 11 am – 9 pm, Sat: 11 am – 10 pm
Stay: Check out for hotels in Heidelberg
The historic university city of Heidelberg with the castle overlooking the old bridge below has been charming visitors all times of the year.
Come the middle of November, the first stalls offering gingerbread hearts and a selection of handcrafted ornaments start to appear. Soon after, the ice rink is in place opposite the town hall and carousels get going with rides for all ages. The compulsory festive soundtrack gets rolling. “Last Christmas” by Wham!, Slade’s “Merry Xmas Everybody”, Shaky’s “Merry Christmas Everyone”, the “Troika” from Prokofiev’s Lt. Kije Suite, all ready to get you feeling the winter wonderland.
Heidelberg itself is one of the most ideal Christmas market destinations if looking for a market in a medium sized city. As the location of one of Europe’s longest pedestrianized streets this makes a lot of the stands blend in seamlessly with the rest of the town. Starting with helpings of mulled wine and treats at Bismarckplatz, the layout of Heidelberg’s Hauptstrasse makes it very convenient for a pitstop whilst going about your day. Bratwursts, schnitzel burgers, beer, mulled wine, special gifts further on. All not too far away from each other or the main attractions. In fact, the action is not solely limited to the main street. More festive tents with treats are set up by the castle as well with the added bonus of those stunning Neckar views below.
An interesting place of note, in the spirit of that other classic Christmas song about wishing it could be Christmas everyday, is the presence of the Käthe Wohlfahrt store in the very centre of the main street. This part of a small chain of stores that sells Christmas gifts all year round. Just expect very long queues there at this time of year!
About the author: Jonathan is a UK based blogger with an advocacy for slow-paced travel and a specific focus on Europe and North America. You can follow Jonathan on Instagram.
Passau Christmas Market
recommended by Mikkel from Sometimes Home
Practical info:
Dates: 25 November – 22 December 2025
Opening times: Mon-Thu: 10 am – 8 pm, Fri-Sat: 10 am – 9 pm, Sun: 11:30 am – 8 pm
Stay: Check out for hotels in Passau
Passau is a small town in Germany on the Austrian border. It’s often a port on Danube River Cruises (which is how I came to find myself there on a “Danube Waltz” river cruise) and it converges on three rivers total, including the Inn River and the Ilz River. While Munich is a huge city with hundreds of kiosks and stands for their Christmas Market(s), and Stuttgart is a big city too with perhaps over a hundred kiosks or so, Passau has much less (perhaps around 50). Yet its small scale gives it a certain charm you don’t get in big urban areas in Germany.
The main area for Christmas Markets in Passau is their town square in front of the St. Stephan’s Cathedral. There are vendors selling the well-known, large heart-shaped Christmas cookies, various keepsakes and ornaments, and of course, our favorite, bratwurst! If you arrive to Passau on a boat the best news is that the markets are just about a ten-minute walk from where the river cruises dock. Don’t forget to go inside the cathedral and town hall while you’re there! The Cathedral is breathtaking inside! Another great idea? Warm up with Glühwein – warm mulled wine.
About the author: Sometimes Home is a travel site by Mikkel and Dan, for couples who travel internationally and in the domestic United States a few times a year, on a mid-size to luxury budget. When they’re not on the east coast of the United States in Raleigh, North Carolina or New York City, they’re on the road exploring everything from huge cities to quaint villages. You can follow them on Instagram.
Aachen Christmas Market
recommended by Eric from Penguin and Pia
Practical info:
Dates: 21 November – 23 December 2025
Opening times: daily: 11 am – 9 pm
Stay: Check out for hotels in Aachen
If you’re looking for a unique German Christmas market to check out, Aachen should definitely come to mind! Aachen is actually Germany’s most western city. While there are lots of things to check out in Aachen in the summer months, exploring Aachen in December means you get to enjoy sweet treats at the Christmas market.
Aachen – like many German cities – has a beautiful historic old town that transforms into a winter wonderland with something for everyone. Lights are strung up between buildings with colourful shops and stalls lining the cobblestone streets and alleyways.
Aachen’s Christmas market benefits from being situated in the shadow of the famous Aachen Cathedral and the Town Hall. Not every German market surrounds a Cathedral that was built around the year 800 AD!
The Aachen Christmas market has all the usual Christmas market staples such as Glühwein and sausages. You’ll find handmade wooden trinkets, as well as meats and cheeses to buy or sample. However, Aachen has a signature treat that is unique to the area: Printen!
Printen is a Christmas cookie – like gingerbread – similar to the regional cookies you’d find in other cities in Germany. With a soft centre and a variety of toppings – such as almond or chocolate – you can’t go a few steps without seeing Aachener Printen being sold. Printen makes a great Christmas gift – or you can choose to eat a whole package yourself with a mug of Glühwein!
About the author: Eric is a Canadian content creator based in the Netherlands. He’s lived abroad in cities like Edinburgh and is the Co-Creator of Penguin and Pia. You can follow Eric on YouTube.
Read more: Everything you need to know about the Christmas market in Aachen.
Dresden Christmas Market
recommended by Kaylie from Happiness Travels Here
Practical info:
Dates: 26 November – 24 December 2025
Opening times: Mon-Thu: 10 am – 9 pm, 24 December: 10 am – 2 pm
Stay: Check out for hotels in Dresden
Dresden in Germany is home to the longest running German Christmas Market. The Striezelmarkt has been running on the Old Town square for over 500 years.
The large market resembles a small village with wooden buildings constructed each year and adorned with rich seasonal decorations. Many of the rooftops have animated moving characters playing out Christmas scenes.
Glühwein, a hot spiced wine, is the drink of choice. For a Christmas treat the specialty of the region is stollen and sweet buttery fruit loaf glazed with a layer of butter and icing sugar. The Christmas market is opened in November with a parade. Marching bands and horse and carts pass through the streets carting a giant stollen to the official opening ceremony.
The mountain villages around Dresden are known for producing some of the best wooden decorations. The smoking man decoration is a popular decoration from the region. The carved figurine available in a variety of occupations (including Santa) has a hollow belly where an incense cone burns send smoke out the figure’s mouth to look like it is puffing a pipe.
The market has a cinema where kids can watch a Christmas movie and a bakery where you can bake and decorate your own Christmas cookies. There are plenty of rides for the young and young-at-heart as well as a large ferris wheel that gives a fantastic view over the market and surrounding old town.
About the author: Kaylie is a family travel blogger from New Zealand, she spent 4 years living in Germany with her husband and 2 children before moving to the USA where they continue to blog about their travels. Kaylie also works as a health and wellness coach understanding the unique needs of those living and working abroad. You can follow Kaylie on Instagram.
Bremen Christmas Market
recommended by Ulysse from SlowSightSoul
Practical info: Bremer Marktplatz
Dates: 24 November – 23 December 2025
Opening times: Mon-Thu: 10 am – 8:30 pm, Fri-Sat: 10 am – 9 pm; Sun: 11 am – 8:30 pm
Stay: Check out for hotels in Bremen
I stumbled upon the Christmas market in Bremen after I decided to explore Europe through the lens of slow travel. Unaware of how fanatic and enthusiastic Germans were about this tradition, I was shocked to see how much effort they put into the decorations, the atmosphere, and how much of a local gathering it represented.
After it, I have been to many other Christmas markets in Germany, but the one in Bremen always holds a special place in my heart. There are quite a few things making this event special in Bremen. The first is that there are not one but two Christmas market locations: one on the riverbank, which transforms the promenade into a buccaneer market, and the other in the main square, where the real magic happens.
Near the wonderful City Hall and St. Peter’s Dom cathedral, you can find loads of cute little stalls that are set up, a carousel that you can ride on, and many tempting foods. If there is any special treat to try, it has to be the Bremen Klaben. This is a rich fruit loaf similar to Stollen, packed with raisins and nuts, traditionally sprinkled with icing sugar. Traditionally made for Christmas, this local German pastry is a must-try in Bremen.
About the author: Hey, I’m Ulysse, a Slow traveller and the voice behind this article. I run SlowSightSoul where I share my adventures into a world of thoughtful and slow exploration. Have a look :). Follow me on Instagram.
Frankfurt Christmas Market
recommended by Chelsea from Adventures of Chels
Practical info: Römerberg
Dates: 25 November – 22 December 2025
Opening times: Mon-Sat: 10 am – 9 pm, Sun: 11 am – 9 pm
Stay: Check out for hotels in Frankfurt am Main
A great place to visit Christmas markets in Germany is the beautiful city of Frankfurt. Between the charming decor, tasty treats, and overall Christmas cheer, Frankfurt is a destination that should be included on any European Christmas market itinerary. It’s sure to get you into the holiday spirit!
A great place to start when visiting Frankfurt’s Christmas markets is Römerberg. This is the most historic part of the city and it’s full of quintessential charm. Take a stroll through the market stalls where you’ll find all sorts of items like handmade crafts, jewelry, decorations, clothing items, sweet treats, drinks and more. Be sure to try a Bethmännchen, which is a famous pastry, and some hot apple wine to go with it. If you’re interested in finding a unique souvenir, consider purchasing some Quetschemännchen. These are little figures made from plums and nuts and held together by wires.
From Römerberg it’s relatively easy to find the other Christmas markets in the city as they’re mostly all walking distance from there. Just be sure your wanderings include Roßmarkt and Hauptwache (as that’s where you’ll find more markets).
Enjoy your time visiting the Christmas markets in Frankfurt!
About the author: Chelsea is a Southern California native and LAX based flight attendant who loves to travel, take pictures, and share her adventures. You can follow her on Instagram: @adveturesofchels_
