Where to visit Christmas markets in Germany

Germany is renowned for its enchanting Christmas markets, or "Weihnachtsmärkte," which transform picturesque cities and towns into festive wonderlands every December. These markets offer a magical experience with twinkling lights, delightful scents of mulled wine and gingerbread, and a unique array of hand-crafted items. If you're wondering where to visit Christmas markets in Germany, here's a detailed guide to the must-see locations.

Berlin: The Urban Festivities

Berlin, the vibrant capital of Germany, hosts a variety of Christmas markets, each offering its own unique charm. The WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt is one of the most famous, set against the backdrop of the stunning Konzerthaus and the German and French Cathedrals. This market boasts high-quality crafts, gourmet foods, and spectacular Christmas music performances.

For a more alternative feel, the RAW Gelände in Friedrichshain offers a hipster vibe with street food, exceptional street art, and an ice-skating rink. Meanwhile, the Spandau Christmas market, deeply engrained in history, presents an authentic experience with medieval pagodas and traditional glühwein.

Munich: Traditional Bavarian Experience

Munich is home to the Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz, one of Germany's oldest and most traditional Christmas markets. Here, you'll find beautifully decorated stalls offering Bavarian crafts, local delicacies, and classic decorations. The market culminates in the grand Christmas tree at the city hall, lit up magnificently and drawing visitors from far and wide.

For something unique, the Tollwood Winter Festival at the Theresienwiese, where Oktoberfest usually takes place, offers a multicultural experience with global arts and crafts, delicious food from around the world, and phenomenal live entertainment.

Dresden: The Historical Splendor

Dresden's Striezelmarkt, dating back to 1434, is Germany's oldest Christmas market. Its name comes from the "Stollen," a famous Christmas bread that originated in Dresden. The market features a giant, beautifully lit Christmas pyramid, a traditional carousel, and hundreds of quaint stalls selling artisanal crafts and regional food specialties.

Apart from Striezelmarkt, the advent celebration extends across the city with smaller markets such as the Frauenkirche Christmas Market, where you can enjoy a more intimate and peaceful atmosphere with the stunning Frauenkirche as a backdrop.

Cologne: The Cathedral's Charm

Cologne offers several Christmas markets, but the Alter Markt and the Köln Cathedral (Cologne Cathedral) Christmas Market are the most remarkable. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Cologne Cathedral, this market features beautifully decorated wooden pavilions, a large ice-skating rink, and enchanting light displays. The aroma of roasted almonds, mulled wine, and grilled sausages fills the air, making it a sensory delight.

The Harbour Christmas Market located at the Chocolate Museum presents a nautical twist while delivering delightful maritime-themed crafts and culinary treats.

Nuremberg: The Christkindlesmarkt

Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt is perhaps the most famous Christmas market in Germany, known for its traditional gingerbread, original Nuremberg sausages, and the famed "Christkind," who opens the market with a prologue. The old town's charming ambiance, with its wooden booths and decoration, brings a fairy-tale atmosphere.

Don't miss the "Sternenhaus" (House of Stars), where children can enjoy storytelling, puppet shows, and workshops, ensuring that the Christmas spirit captivates all visitors, young and old alike.

Guide Steps

Plan Early: Popular Christmas markets in Germany can get very crowded, so it’s good to plan your visit well in advance.
Accommodation: Book hotels or guesthouses close to the markets to make the most of your experience.
Transportation: Utilize Germany’s efficient public transport system to travel between markets.
Local Delights: Don’t miss out on trying local specialties such as Stollen in Dresden, gingerbread in Nuremberg, and mulled wine across the markets.
Shopping: Look for unique handmade crafts to take home as cherished mementos of your trip.
Stay Warm: German winters can be quite cold, so dress warmly and enjoy hot beverages to stay cozy.