Christmas Markets in Germany
Germany is the top spot to celebrate Christmas while enjoying carols, drinking mulled wine and feasting on amazing holiday treats. If you are dying to visit Germany for Christmas but cannot decide which town to choose, our guide is for you. As we have already covered the top Berlin Christmas markets, this article will go over other towns and cities.
Bavaria is a Southen German State that is home to a fifth of the population of the country. The land of delicious sausages and Oktoberfest, Bavaria meets thousands of tourists every year.
The Nuremberg market is called Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt and dates back to the 17th century. Locals are proud of its rich history and keep on preserving traditions, including craftsmanship and food. Besides the famous Bavarian sausages, this market is also known for the traditional gingerbread or Lebkuchen in German. If you get thirsty, try the blueberry glühwein (mulled wine), a local Christmas beverage that would keep you warm during cold German winters. Discover more about this wonderful Bavarian city and embark on tours in Nuremberg.
Address: Hauprmarkt ( the main square), Nuremberg, Germany
Working hours: 10 am to 9 pm
Munich’s main market is also referred to as Christkindlmarkt and dates back to the 14th century. Situated near the neo-Gothic town call, the market conveys the traditional old-timey atmosphere of Bavaria. This market attracts tourists with its largest Nativity scene, a custom that was first established in 1757 and still remains imperative. While adults can indulge in glühwein and local delicacies like sausages or potato pancakes, children can try their craftsmanship skills at the workshop. It is a gorgeous city with a rocky centuries-long history that you can explore during one of the tours in Munich.
Address: Marienplatz (main square), Munich, Germany
Working hours: 10 am to 9 pm, except Sunday 10 am to 8 pm.
The local market is called Reiterlesmarkt which is a traditional Christmas market in Germany with music, choral singing and other performances that entail classical and popular pieces. Here you can indulge in delicious treats like Flammkuchen (flat bread), sausages and gingerbread. Enjoy a mug of warming glühwein while gazing at gorgeous ornaments and lights. The market also hosts local artists and craftsmen that share their unique skills and offer artisanal works.
Address: Marktplatz (main square); Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Working hours: 11 am to 7 pm Monday through Thursday and 11 am to 8 pm Friday through Sunday.
One of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, Bavaria, the 15 century Augsburger Christkindlesmarkt is considered one of the most breathtaking ones. The regular Angel Performance makes this place truly magical and unique. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening, young girls from Augsburg appear on the facade of the city hall to turn the building into an Advent calendar. Meanwhile, the visitors can taste local delicacies and warm up drinking Glühwein.
Address: Rathausplatz, Augsburg, Germany
Working hours: 9:30 am to 8 pm Monday through Thursday, 9:30 am to 8:30 pm Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 8 pm Sunday.
A city protected by UNESCO, Regensburg is one of the best Christmas destinations in the entire country. The market is covered with different stalls that offer gifts and souvenirs as well as tasty treats like sausages, almonds, flatbread and more. Here, you can also try different versions of glühwein, including apple, cherry, orange and even local eggnog.
Address: Neupfarrplatz (main square), Regensburg, Germany
Working hours: 10 am to 8 pm Sunday through Wednesday, 10 am to 9 pm Thursday through Saturday
Another UNESCO-protected gem, Bamberg is an adorable small town in Germany with medieval structures fully intact and separated by cobblestone roads. The Christmas market is located in the heart of the city and takes up more than 2,000 square meters. The stalls are full of enticing treats such as roasted almonds and freshly baked gingerbread as well as local artisanal crafts.
Address: Maximiliansplatz (main square), Bamberg, Germany
Working hours: 9 am to 9 pm Monday through Saturday, 11 am to 8 pm Sunday
Nordrhein Westfallen is located in the West and is famous for numerous historic sites like Cologne and Aachen Cathedral as well as the Imperial Abbey of Corvey. The region is brimming with UNESCO-protected monuments and will astonish you with its hospitality and architecture.
The Christmas market in Essen was awarded as the best one in Germany and 6th best in Europe. This fairly small town will astonish you with its incredible architecture, endless shopping streets and marvelous festive lights. Here you can taste potato pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer), famous German bratwurst and mulled wine. The market especially stands out due to its diversity and internationality with 170 stalls offering arts, crafts, gifts and more. Don’t forget to stop by the X-mas Lounge located on the Kennedyplatz which encompasses a market cafe and various vendors.
Address: Kennedyplatz, Essen, Germany
Working hours: 11 am to 9 pm Sunday through Thursday, 11 am to 10 pm Friday and Saturday
Known as the Cathedral city, Cologne (Köln) hosts one of the top Christmas markets in Germany right in the center. In the evenings, you can enjoy wonderful singing from the local choir as well as musical concerts. The local delicacy is called Mutzen, fried sweet dough covered in sugar or cinnamon powder. The stalls are packed with ornaments, candles and other Christmas decorations that would illuminate your home. A city with ancient history, it is worth digging deeper during tours in Cologne.
Address: Alter Markt, Cologne, Germany
Working hours: 11 am to 9 pm Monday through Wednesday, 11 am to 10 pm Thursday through Saturday, 10 am to 9 pm Sunday
The Christmas market in Dortmund is split into small sections across the city center. The stalls are highly diverse and offer traditional German cuisine alongside international treats like Italian pasta and French crepes. However, the centerpiece of the entire market is definitely the Christmas tree. Known as the largest Christmas tree in the world, it’s 45 meters tall and weighs over 40,000 kilograms.
Address: across multiple streets but you can start at the Hansastraße 15, Dortmund, Germany
Working hours: 10 am to 9 pm Monday through Thursday, 10 am to 10 pm Friday and Saturday, 12 pm to 9 pm Sunday
A former capital of Western Germany, Bonn is often overshadowed by neighboring cities like Cologne or Dortmund. However, the city is still worth your time and will surprise you with a vibrant atmosphere, award-winning museums and adorable Christmas markets. This year, the city of Bonn is focusing on preserving energy by limiting the time of lighting Christmas lights across the town. You can still enjoy the decorations after dusk and taste various local treats.
Address: Münsterplatz, Bon, Germany
Working hours: 11 am to 9 pm Monday through Sunday
Located in the West on the border with Belgium and Netherlands, Aachen hosts its Christmas market on the central square near the cathedral and town hall. The market offers a large variety of foods and goods including leatherware and wooden toys. Here you can indulge in freshly baked waffles, grilled sausages and Aachener Printen, a local type of gingerbread. While adults can warm up by drinking mulled wine, children and non-drinkers can try local Kinderpunch which is a hot juice with spices.
Address: Katschhof, Aachen, Germany (take a shuttle bus from Bendplatz)
Working hours: 11 am to 9 pm Monday through Sunday
Bordering Switzerland and France, Baden-Württemberg is the land of endless and majestic Black Forest with numerous hiking trails, deep lakes and thermal baths. This unique region will be a pristine addition to your Christmas market destination list.
The main Christmas market in Stuttgart is located right in the center of the town in front of the town hall which acts as a giant Advent calendar using the building’s windows. The market itself is brimming with numerous stalls with crafts, wooden products and even cleaning supplies. If you are looking for unique gastronomical experiences, try Maultaschen, a Swabian dish that would remind you of giant dumplings.
Address: Marktplatz (main square), Stuttgart, Germany
Working hours: 10 am to 9 pm Monday through Thursday, 10 am to 10 pm Friday and Saturday, 11 am to 9 pm Sunday
Heidelberg is known in Germany as the city with the oldest university which dates back to 1386. During the winter holidays, the Christmas market is dispersed throughout the city, in particular in six sections. Universitätsplatz is a vibrant place with heavy crowds and delicious sweets, including Schneebällchen (deep-fried cookie balls), Schokoküssen (chocolate-covered marshmallows) and Dampfnudeln (sweet treats made with yeast rolls and vanilla sauce). On the Marktplatz, you will find local jewelry, candles, ornaments and other brilliant crafts.
Address: Universitätsplatz, Marktplatz, etc., Heidelberg, Germany
Working hours: 11 am to 9 pm Sunday through Friday, 11 am to 10 pm Saturday
Located in the Black Forest region, Freiburg is famous for its woodworking craftsmanship. Here, you can also make your own candles at the local workshop or ask the candlemaker to create tailored products just for you. Besides handmade crafts, Freiburg offers a wide range of tasty dishes such as gingerbread, cookies, sausages, potatoes and a lot more. You can even bake your own Christmas cookies at a bakery on Kartoffelmarkt.
Address: Rathausplatz, Freiburg, Germany
Working hours: 10 am to 9:30 pm Monday through Saturday, 11:30 am to 8:30 pm Sunday
Esslingen is a town where you can celebrate Christmas differently, namely in medieval style. This ancient town was saved from battlefields during the 20th-century wars and still holds medieval architecture. On the Christmas market, you can witness craftsmen present their art while local performers will astonish you with tricks like fire-eating, stilt walking and juggling. Traditionally, you can taste German treats and keep yourself warm with a mug of glühwein.
Address: Marktplatz, Esslingen, Germany
Working hours: 11 am to 8:30 pm Sunday through Thursday, 11 am to 9:30 pm Friday and Saturday
Rheinland-Pfalz has a turbulent history which resulted in a unique mixture of Italian, French and German cultures. Visit this magical state to witness extraordinary architectural gems and still remaining relics from the Roman empire.
An ancient Roman town located on the border with France, Trier is a fusion of architectural styles including Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and others. On the Christmas market, you can taste various sweet treats like Pfannkuchen (pancakes), Reibekuchen (potato cake with apple sauce) and Dampfnudeln. As for activities, you can watch a historical puppet show depicting the background of the town as well as enjoy wonderful singing from the local choir.
Address: Hauptmarkt and Domfreihof, Trier, Germany
Working hours: 10:30 am to 8 pm Monday through Saturday,11 am to 8 pm Sunday
Another ancient town, Mainz holds the largest hand-carved Nativity in Europe which illuminates the Christmas market. Another unique detail is the Christmas pyramid, of the biggest in Germany. It is said that the pyramid was a predecessor to the modern Christmas tree due to its shape. If you have a sweet tooth, you will also enjoy an endless supply of roasted almonds, freshly baked waffles, chocolate-covered fruit and marshmallows and potato pancakes.
Address: Schillerplatz and Neubrunnenplatz, Mainz, Germany
Working hours: 11 am to 8:30 pm Sunday through Thursday, 11 am to 9 pm Friday and Saturday
While Hannover is part of Lower Saxony, Hamburg and Bremen are independent states. Northern Germany offers experiences to anyone, diverse nightlife in Hamburg, relics from the medieval past in Bremen and a Finnish Christmas village in the heart of Hannover.
The second-largest city in Germany, Hamburg hosts multiple Christmas markets across its borders. The central market is located near the town hall and offers a cozy experience accompanied by mulled wine, sweet treats and local crafts. If you move to the Saint Petri Church, you can taste local Fischbrötchen, a sandwich with herring and onions. Finally, Sankt Pauli market located on Reeperbahn street offers a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas market experience. Situated in the Red Light District, Sankt Pauli stalls will surprise you with spicy Christmas gifts and even strip tents. Book tours in Hamburg to discover other hidden gems of this Northern town.
Address: Rathausmarkt, Petrikirche, Reeperbahn, Hamburg, Germany
Working hours: 10 am to 11 pm Monday through Sunday
A home to Brother Grimm’s town musicians of Bremen, this is a truly magical and fairytale-like city. The main Christmas market is located on a large square and offers a multitude of goods and delicious meals. Alongside typical treats, try Raclette (melted cheese and bread) and local crepes. You can also shop for jewelry, candles, beeswax, numerous spices and more. The market is quite elaborate for such a small town and even includes a Ferris Wheel, multiple rides and a carousel. Afterward, stop by the Schlachte-Zauber Christmas market to discover a medieval fair. To discover more about the medieval past of the town, check out free tours in Bremen.
Address: Marktplatz, Bremen, Germany
Working hours: 10 am to 8:30 pm Monday through Thursday, 10 am to 9 pm Friday and Saturday, 11 am to 8:30 pm Sunday
Hannover is a northern town that is known for the High German language which means the most understandable and pure speech. In the center of the town, you can browse more than a hundred Christmas market stalls with toys from Erzgebirge and various arts and crafts. Nearby, at the Ballhofplatz you can witness a Finnish village with authentic specialties and even a Lappish tent. Finally, you can enjoy both local and Finnish cuisine and warm up with glühwein and non-alcoholic cider and punch.
Address: Marktkirch and Marktplatz, Hannover, Germany
Working hours: from 11 am to 9 pm Monday through Sunday
Although most of the Saxony state had to be reconstructed after World War II, the cities are brimming with breathtaking cathedrals and museums. Enjoy a Christmas celebration in the most musical towns of the country, Leipzig and Dresden.
The capital of Saxony, Dresden is an iconic town with priceless art galleries and a Christmas market that originates in the 15th century. You can learn more about the history of this city at one of the free tours in Dresden. On the main square, you can gaze at the world’s largest Christmas pyramid which even made its way into the Guinness Book of Records. Another market can be found near the famous Frauenkirche and is filled with stalls offering food and crafts. Here, you can enjoy choir singing and taste the popular winter dessert called Stollen. The treat is made from dough with candied and dried fruit and can be stored for weeks on end without going bad.
Address: Altmarkt, Münzgasse, Dresden, Germany
Working hours: 10 am to 9 pm Monday through Sunday
One of the largest Christmas markets in Germany, it covers the entire city center. The Leipziger market begins on the Augustusplatz and goes through the streets offering treats from all over Europe. You can taste Scandinavian smoked salmon, French crepes and local cuisine that includes Leipziger Lerche, a cupcake with marzipan or jam. Leipzig has another market, much smaller than the main one that is located on Naschmarkt and offers a large array of food and beverages as well as musical entertainment.
Address: Augustusplatz, Naschmarkt, Leipzig, Germany
Working hours: 10 am to 8 pm Sunday through Thursday, 10 am to 9 pm Friday and Saturday
Hessen is known for well-preserved ancient Roman baths and the childhood house of probably the most known German, Goethe. Come and enjoy eclectic Frankfurt and magical Wiesbaden for the best Christmas holiday.
Frankfurt am Main is one of the oldest cities in Germany that somehow manages to combine Baroque architecture with modern skyscrapers. In the center of this magical town, you will find multiple Christmas market locations, the most popular of which is on Römerberg. Browse the stalls with crafts, jewelry and souvenirs and stop by the honey house. Another famous location is referred to as Pink Christmas where you can enjoy grilled salmon and amazon Apfelwein (apple wine).
Address: Römerberg, Paulsplatz, Hauptwache, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Working hours: 10 am to 9 pm Monday through Saturday, 11 am to 9 pm Sunday
Wiesbaden Christmas market is called Twinkling Star Christmas Market and provides numerous activities to kids and adults. The unique festive atmosphere comes from lit-up lilies that float above the stalls and illuminate the entire area. In this market, you can treat yourself to gingerbread and Bethmännchen, a marzipan dessert while listening to the tunes of local musicians.
Address: Schlossplatz, Wiesbaden, Germany
Working hours: 10:30 am to 9 pm Monday through Thursday, 10:30 am to 9:30 pm Friday and Saturday, 12 pm to 9 pm Sunday
Germany is a country that truly knows how to celebrate Christmas in the most festive and memorable way. Also, don’t forget to read about one of the best Christmas markets in Berlin. Regardless of where you decide to go, you will most definitely have a great holiday. Merry Christmas and a happy new year!
Bavarian Christmas Markets
Bavaria is a Southen German State that is home to a fifth of the population of the country. The land of delicious sausages and Oktoberfest, Bavaria meets thousands of tourists every year.
Nuremberg Christmas Market
The Nuremberg market is called Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt and dates back to the 17th century. Locals are proud of its rich history and keep on preserving traditions, including craftsmanship and food. Besides the famous Bavarian sausages, this market is also known for the traditional gingerbread or Lebkuchen in German. If you get thirsty, try the blueberry glühwein (mulled wine), a local Christmas beverage that would keep you warm during cold German winters. Discover more about this wonderful Bavarian city and embark on tours in Nuremberg.
Address: Hauprmarkt ( the main square), Nuremberg, Germany
Working hours: 10 am to 9 pm
Munich Christmas Market
Munich’s main market is also referred to as Christkindlmarkt and dates back to the 14th century. Situated near the neo-Gothic town call, the market conveys the traditional old-timey atmosphere of Bavaria. This market attracts tourists with its largest Nativity scene, a custom that was first established in 1757 and still remains imperative. While adults can indulge in glühwein and local delicacies like sausages or potato pancakes, children can try their craftsmanship skills at the workshop. It is a gorgeous city with a rocky centuries-long history that you can explore during one of the tours in Munich.
Address: Marienplatz (main square), Munich, Germany
Working hours: 10 am to 9 pm, except Sunday 10 am to 8 pm.
Rothenburg Christmas Market
The local market is called Reiterlesmarkt which is a traditional Christmas market in Germany with music, choral singing and other performances that entail classical and popular pieces. Here you can indulge in delicious treats like Flammkuchen (flat bread), sausages and gingerbread. Enjoy a mug of warming glühwein while gazing at gorgeous ornaments and lights. The market also hosts local artists and craftsmen that share their unique skills and offer artisanal works.
Address: Marktplatz (main square); Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Working hours: 11 am to 7 pm Monday through Thursday and 11 am to 8 pm Friday through Sunday.
Augsburg Christmas Market
One of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, Bavaria, the 15 century Augsburger Christkindlesmarkt is considered one of the most breathtaking ones. The regular Angel Performance makes this place truly magical and unique. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening, young girls from Augsburg appear on the facade of the city hall to turn the building into an Advent calendar. Meanwhile, the visitors can taste local delicacies and warm up drinking Glühwein.
Address: Rathausplatz, Augsburg, Germany
Working hours: 9:30 am to 8 pm Monday through Thursday, 9:30 am to 8:30 pm Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 8 pm Sunday.
Regensburg Christmas Market
A city protected by UNESCO, Regensburg is one of the best Christmas destinations in the entire country. The market is covered with different stalls that offer gifts and souvenirs as well as tasty treats like sausages, almonds, flatbread and more. Here, you can also try different versions of glühwein, including apple, cherry, orange and even local eggnog.
Address: Neupfarrplatz (main square), Regensburg, Germany
Working hours: 10 am to 8 pm Sunday through Wednesday, 10 am to 9 pm Thursday through Saturday
Bamberg Christmas Market
Another UNESCO-protected gem, Bamberg is an adorable small town in Germany with medieval structures fully intact and separated by cobblestone roads. The Christmas market is located in the heart of the city and takes up more than 2,000 square meters. The stalls are full of enticing treats such as roasted almonds and freshly baked gingerbread as well as local artisanal crafts.
Address: Maximiliansplatz (main square), Bamberg, Germany
Working hours: 9 am to 9 pm Monday through Saturday, 11 am to 8 pm Sunday
Nordrhein Westfallen Christmas Markets
Nordrhein Westfallen is located in the West and is famous for numerous historic sites like Cologne and Aachen Cathedral as well as the Imperial Abbey of Corvey. The region is brimming with UNESCO-protected monuments and will astonish you with its hospitality and architecture.
Essen Christmas Market
The Christmas market in Essen was awarded as the best one in Germany and 6th best in Europe. This fairly small town will astonish you with its incredible architecture, endless shopping streets and marvelous festive lights. Here you can taste potato pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer), famous German bratwurst and mulled wine. The market especially stands out due to its diversity and internationality with 170 stalls offering arts, crafts, gifts and more. Don’t forget to stop by the X-mas Lounge located on the Kennedyplatz which encompasses a market cafe and various vendors.
Address: Kennedyplatz, Essen, Germany
Working hours: 11 am to 9 pm Sunday through Thursday, 11 am to 10 pm Friday and Saturday
Cologne Christmas Market
Known as the Cathedral city, Cologne (Köln) hosts one of the top Christmas markets in Germany right in the center. In the evenings, you can enjoy wonderful singing from the local choir as well as musical concerts. The local delicacy is called Mutzen, fried sweet dough covered in sugar or cinnamon powder. The stalls are packed with ornaments, candles and other Christmas decorations that would illuminate your home. A city with ancient history, it is worth digging deeper during tours in Cologne.
Address: Alter Markt, Cologne, Germany
Working hours: 11 am to 9 pm Monday through Wednesday, 11 am to 10 pm Thursday through Saturday, 10 am to 9 pm Sunday
Christmas Market Dortmund
The Christmas market in Dortmund is split into small sections across the city center. The stalls are highly diverse and offer traditional German cuisine alongside international treats like Italian pasta and French crepes. However, the centerpiece of the entire market is definitely the Christmas tree. Known as the largest Christmas tree in the world, it’s 45 meters tall and weighs over 40,000 kilograms.
Address: across multiple streets but you can start at the Hansastraße 15, Dortmund, Germany
Working hours: 10 am to 9 pm Monday through Thursday, 10 am to 10 pm Friday and Saturday, 12 pm to 9 pm Sunday
Bonn Christmas Market
A former capital of Western Germany, Bonn is often overshadowed by neighboring cities like Cologne or Dortmund. However, the city is still worth your time and will surprise you with a vibrant atmosphere, award-winning museums and adorable Christmas markets. This year, the city of Bonn is focusing on preserving energy by limiting the time of lighting Christmas lights across the town. You can still enjoy the decorations after dusk and taste various local treats.
Address: Münsterplatz, Bon, Germany
Working hours: 11 am to 9 pm Monday through Sunday
Aachen Christmas Market
Located in the West on the border with Belgium and Netherlands, Aachen hosts its Christmas market on the central square near the cathedral and town hall. The market offers a large variety of foods and goods including leatherware and wooden toys. Here you can indulge in freshly baked waffles, grilled sausages and Aachener Printen, a local type of gingerbread. While adults can warm up by drinking mulled wine, children and non-drinkers can try local Kinderpunch which is a hot juice with spices.
Address: Katschhof, Aachen, Germany (take a shuttle bus from Bendplatz)
Working hours: 11 am to 9 pm Monday through Sunday
Baden-Württemberg Christmas Markets
Bordering Switzerland and France, Baden-Württemberg is the land of endless and majestic Black Forest with numerous hiking trails, deep lakes and thermal baths. This unique region will be a pristine addition to your Christmas market destination list.
Stuttgart Christmas Market
The main Christmas market in Stuttgart is located right in the center of the town in front of the town hall which acts as a giant Advent calendar using the building’s windows. The market itself is brimming with numerous stalls with crafts, wooden products and even cleaning supplies. If you are looking for unique gastronomical experiences, try Maultaschen, a Swabian dish that would remind you of giant dumplings.
Address: Marktplatz (main square), Stuttgart, Germany
Working hours: 10 am to 9 pm Monday through Thursday, 10 am to 10 pm Friday and Saturday, 11 am to 9 pm Sunday
Christmas Market Heidelberg
Heidelberg is known in Germany as the city with the oldest university which dates back to 1386. During the winter holidays, the Christmas market is dispersed throughout the city, in particular in six sections. Universitätsplatz is a vibrant place with heavy crowds and delicious sweets, including Schneebällchen (deep-fried cookie balls), Schokoküssen (chocolate-covered marshmallows) and Dampfnudeln (sweet treats made with yeast rolls and vanilla sauce). On the Marktplatz, you will find local jewelry, candles, ornaments and other brilliant crafts.
Address: Universitätsplatz, Marktplatz, etc., Heidelberg, Germany
Working hours: 11 am to 9 pm Sunday through Friday, 11 am to 10 pm Saturday
Freiburg Christmas Market
Located in the Black Forest region, Freiburg is famous for its woodworking craftsmanship. Here, you can also make your own candles at the local workshop or ask the candlemaker to create tailored products just for you. Besides handmade crafts, Freiburg offers a wide range of tasty dishes such as gingerbread, cookies, sausages, potatoes and a lot more. You can even bake your own Christmas cookies at a bakery on Kartoffelmarkt.
Address: Rathausplatz, Freiburg, Germany
Working hours: 10 am to 9:30 pm Monday through Saturday, 11:30 am to 8:30 pm Sunday
Esslingen Christmas Market
Esslingen is a town where you can celebrate Christmas differently, namely in medieval style. This ancient town was saved from battlefields during the 20th-century wars and still holds medieval architecture. On the Christmas market, you can witness craftsmen present their art while local performers will astonish you with tricks like fire-eating, stilt walking and juggling. Traditionally, you can taste German treats and keep yourself warm with a mug of glühwein.
Address: Marktplatz, Esslingen, Germany
Working hours: 11 am to 8:30 pm Sunday through Thursday, 11 am to 9:30 pm Friday and Saturday
Rheinland-Pfalz Christmas Markets
Rheinland-Pfalz has a turbulent history which resulted in a unique mixture of Italian, French and German cultures. Visit this magical state to witness extraordinary architectural gems and still remaining relics from the Roman empire.
Trier Christmas Market
An ancient Roman town located on the border with France, Trier is a fusion of architectural styles including Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and others. On the Christmas market, you can taste various sweet treats like Pfannkuchen (pancakes), Reibekuchen (potato cake with apple sauce) and Dampfnudeln. As for activities, you can watch a historical puppet show depicting the background of the town as well as enjoy wonderful singing from the local choir.
Address: Hauptmarkt and Domfreihof, Trier, Germany
Working hours: 10:30 am to 8 pm Monday through Saturday,11 am to 8 pm Sunday
Mainz Christmas Market
Another ancient town, Mainz holds the largest hand-carved Nativity in Europe which illuminates the Christmas market. Another unique detail is the Christmas pyramid, of the biggest in Germany. It is said that the pyramid was a predecessor to the modern Christmas tree due to its shape. If you have a sweet tooth, you will also enjoy an endless supply of roasted almonds, freshly baked waffles, chocolate-covered fruit and marshmallows and potato pancakes.
Address: Schillerplatz and Neubrunnenplatz, Mainz, Germany
Working hours: 11 am to 8:30 pm Sunday through Thursday, 11 am to 9 pm Friday and Saturday
Northern German Christmas Markets
While Hannover is part of Lower Saxony, Hamburg and Bremen are independent states. Northern Germany offers experiences to anyone, diverse nightlife in Hamburg, relics from the medieval past in Bremen and a Finnish Christmas village in the heart of Hannover.
Hamburg Christmas Markets
The second-largest city in Germany, Hamburg hosts multiple Christmas markets across its borders. The central market is located near the town hall and offers a cozy experience accompanied by mulled wine, sweet treats and local crafts. If you move to the Saint Petri Church, you can taste local Fischbrötchen, a sandwich with herring and onions. Finally, Sankt Pauli market located on Reeperbahn street offers a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas market experience. Situated in the Red Light District, Sankt Pauli stalls will surprise you with spicy Christmas gifts and even strip tents. Book tours in Hamburg to discover other hidden gems of this Northern town.
Address: Rathausmarkt, Petrikirche, Reeperbahn, Hamburg, Germany
Working hours: 10 am to 11 pm Monday through Sunday
Bremen Christmas Market
A home to Brother Grimm’s town musicians of Bremen, this is a truly magical and fairytale-like city. The main Christmas market is located on a large square and offers a multitude of goods and delicious meals. Alongside typical treats, try Raclette (melted cheese and bread) and local crepes. You can also shop for jewelry, candles, beeswax, numerous spices and more. The market is quite elaborate for such a small town and even includes a Ferris Wheel, multiple rides and a carousel. Afterward, stop by the Schlachte-Zauber Christmas market to discover a medieval fair. To discover more about the medieval past of the town, check out free tours in Bremen.
Address: Marktplatz, Bremen, Germany
Working hours: 10 am to 8:30 pm Monday through Thursday, 10 am to 9 pm Friday and Saturday, 11 am to 8:30 pm Sunday
Hannover Christmas Market
Hannover is a northern town that is known for the High German language which means the most understandable and pure speech. In the center of the town, you can browse more than a hundred Christmas market stalls with toys from Erzgebirge and various arts and crafts. Nearby, at the Ballhofplatz you can witness a Finnish village with authentic specialties and even a Lappish tent. Finally, you can enjoy both local and Finnish cuisine and warm up with glühwein and non-alcoholic cider and punch.
Address: Marktkirch and Marktplatz, Hannover, Germany
Working hours: from 11 am to 9 pm Monday through Sunday
Saxony Christmas Markets
Although most of the Saxony state had to be reconstructed after World War II, the cities are brimming with breathtaking cathedrals and museums. Enjoy a Christmas celebration in the most musical towns of the country, Leipzig and Dresden.
Dresden Christmas Market
The capital of Saxony, Dresden is an iconic town with priceless art galleries and a Christmas market that originates in the 15th century. You can learn more about the history of this city at one of the free tours in Dresden. On the main square, you can gaze at the world’s largest Christmas pyramid which even made its way into the Guinness Book of Records. Another market can be found near the famous Frauenkirche and is filled with stalls offering food and crafts. Here, you can enjoy choir singing and taste the popular winter dessert called Stollen. The treat is made from dough with candied and dried fruit and can be stored for weeks on end without going bad.
Address: Altmarkt, Münzgasse, Dresden, Germany
Working hours: 10 am to 9 pm Monday through Sunday
Leipzig Christmas Market
One of the largest Christmas markets in Germany, it covers the entire city center. The Leipziger market begins on the Augustusplatz and goes through the streets offering treats from all over Europe. You can taste Scandinavian smoked salmon, French crepes and local cuisine that includes Leipziger Lerche, a cupcake with marzipan or jam. Leipzig has another market, much smaller than the main one that is located on Naschmarkt and offers a large array of food and beverages as well as musical entertainment.
Address: Augustusplatz, Naschmarkt, Leipzig, Germany
Working hours: 10 am to 8 pm Sunday through Thursday, 10 am to 9 pm Friday and Saturday
Hessen Christmas Markets
Hessen is known for well-preserved ancient Roman baths and the childhood house of probably the most known German, Goethe. Come and enjoy eclectic Frankfurt and magical Wiesbaden for the best Christmas holiday.
Frankfurt Christmas Market
Frankfurt am Main is one of the oldest cities in Germany that somehow manages to combine Baroque architecture with modern skyscrapers. In the center of this magical town, you will find multiple Christmas market locations, the most popular of which is on Römerberg. Browse the stalls with crafts, jewelry and souvenirs and stop by the honey house. Another famous location is referred to as Pink Christmas where you can enjoy grilled salmon and amazon Apfelwein (apple wine).
Address: Römerberg, Paulsplatz, Hauptwache, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Working hours: 10 am to 9 pm Monday through Saturday, 11 am to 9 pm Sunday
Wiesbaden Christmas Market
Wiesbaden Christmas market is called Twinkling Star Christmas Market and provides numerous activities to kids and adults. The unique festive atmosphere comes from lit-up lilies that float above the stalls and illuminate the entire area. In this market, you can treat yourself to gingerbread and Bethmännchen, a marzipan dessert while listening to the tunes of local musicians.
Address: Schlossplatz, Wiesbaden, Germany
Working hours: 10:30 am to 9 pm Monday through Thursday, 10:30 am to 9:30 pm Friday and Saturday, 12 pm to 9 pm Sunday
Germany is a country that truly knows how to celebrate Christmas in the most festive and memorable way. Also, don’t forget to read about one of the best Christmas markets in Berlin. Regardless of where you decide to go, you will most definitely have a great holiday. Merry Christmas and a happy new year!
