If you are trying to put together a full German Christmas markets list, you will soon notice that a truly complete version is almost impossible, as there are more than 3,000 markets across the country every year. From the famous Striezelmarkt in Dresden to tiny one-weekend village fairs in the Black Forest, these markets are at the center of winter life in Germany. This guide looks at the best-known places, what makes them special, and the key details you need to plan a festive trip to the home of the Christmas market.
What Are German Christmas Markets?
German Christmas markets are open-air events held during the four weeks of Advent. They are full of sights, sounds, and smells: roasted chestnuts, thousands of fairy lights on old buildings, and groups of friends standing together with hot mulled wine. They draw many visitors from abroad, but for locals they are still everyday meeting points, where people gather after work to enjoy the season.
Visiting a market is more than shopping; it is a way to step into local culture. Each market reflects the history and crafts of its region. You might stand under the tall towers of a Gothic cathedral or wander through a harbor market with a nautical theme. In every case, the mood aims to create gemütlichkeit-a German idea of coziness, warmth, and a feeling of belonging.
What Are German Christmas Markets Called?
The most common word you will see is Weihnachtsmarkt (“Christmas market”), used in most of Germany. In the south, and in Austria and Switzerland, you will often see Christkindlmarkt or Christkindlesmarkt, meaning “Christ child market.”
The “Christkind” is a traditional bringer of gifts, usually shown as a young, angel-like girl with golden hair. In cities such as Nuremberg, the Christkind plays a leading role and officially opens the market with a well-known speech. Some cities also use special historic names, like Dresden’s Striezelmarkt, named after “Striezel,” an old word for the famous Stollen fruit bread sold there.
Key Features of German Christmas Markets
Every market has its own style, but many things are the same wherever you go. You will see rows of wooden stalls selling handmade ornaments, nutcrackers from the Ore Mountains, and fine lace work. Classic foods include Bratwurst, Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes), and Lebkuchen (gingerbread). At the center of the social life stands Glühwein, hot spiced wine served in special mugs that many people like to collect.
Most markets also have a Weihnachtspyramide (Christmas pyramid)-a wooden tower that turns from the heat of candles-and a Weihnachtskrippe (nativity scene). Larger cities may add ferris wheels, ice rinks, and groups of Christmas trees placed right in the middle of old town squares.
History and Traditions
The roots of these markets go back to the Late Middle Ages. At first they were “winter markets,” where people could buy meat, warm clothing, and other basic goods to get through the cold season. Over time, they changed into festive gatherings where craftspeople sold toys, baskets, and sweets.
Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is officially listed as the oldest Christmas market, starting in 1434. Cities such as Frankfurt and Munich also began their markets in the 14th and 15th centuries. You can still see this long history in the traditional costumes worn by singers and performers, and in old recipes for treats like Aachener Printen gingerbread.
How Many Christmas Markets Are There in Germany?
Because almost every town and many districts in big cities have their own events, the total number of markets is over 3,000. Berlin alone hosts somewhere between 70 and 100 markets and festive events, from large commercial fairs to small design markets focused on local makers. With so many markets, wherever you are in Germany in December, you are likely to be close to at least one.
The variety is huge. You can visit a “floating” market on a ship in Constance, a market set in the steep Ravenna Gorge under a railway bridge, or a medieval-style market with blacksmiths and glassblowers working with methods from the 1300s. This high number of markets makes Germany the clear center of Christmas celebrations in Europe.
Major Cities vs. Small Towns
Big cities such as Cologne and Munich are great for “market hopping.” You can see several different markets in one day using special “Christmas Market Express” buses or trains. These big markets often have large light shows, huge Christmas trees, and food from many countries. Dortmund, for example, is known for its “tree of trees,” a 45-meter-high tower built from around 1,700 individual fir trees.
Small towns offer a quieter and more personal feeling. In places like Monschau or Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the whole town feels like a life-size advent calendar. These smaller markets often focus more on community, and prices for food and drinks are usually lower than in the big cities.
Regional Differences
Where you are in Germany strongly shapes your market experience. In the north, especially in old Hanseatic cities such as Bremen and Lübeck, markets often have a sea theme, with blue lights and stalls that sell fish dishes along with sausage. Lübeck calls itself the “Marzipan Capital of the World” and is an excellent place to buy almond sweets.
In the south, especially Bavaria and the Black Forest, markets feel more “alpine,” with lots of wood carvings and rich, warming mountain food. In the east, especially Saxony and the Ore Mountains, many famous decorations began here, such as the Schwibbogen (candle arch) and the nutcracker. Markets in Dresden and Zwickau are a dream for anyone who wants to buy traditional wooden crafts.
When Do German Christmas Markets Open and Close?
Timing matters when planning your visit. By tradition, markets open in the week before the first Sunday of Advent. In 2026, the first Sunday of Advent is November 29. Many markets will open on Friday, November 27, while some large city markets may already start on Monday, November 23, 2026.
Most markets end on December 23 or around midday on December 24. Many people think the markets run through all 12 days of Christmas, but this is usually not the case. On Christmas Eve, stall owners close up and go home to their families, and by the evening of the 24th the squares are normally quiet.
Typical Opening and Closing Dates
For most German Christmas markets, the main season is from the last week of November until December 23. Usual opening hours are about 10:00 or 11:00 in the morning until 8:00 or 9:00 in the evening. Weekends are much busier, as many locals visit then, so people who want fewer crowds often choose weekday mornings or early afternoons.
By around 4:00 PM in December it is already getting dark in Germany. This is a great time to see the lights and decorations at their best, just before the after-work rush. If you plan to go on December 24, keep in mind that most markets close by about 2:00 PM.
Which Markets Open Early or Stay Open Late?
If you travel a bit earlier or later than Advent, you still have choices. Markets in North Rhine-Westphalia, such as Essen and Duisburg, often open in mid-November, a couple of weeks before many others. In 2026, some river cruise companies even plan starts as early as November 20.
If you arrive after Christmas, some “Winter Markets” continue until the New Year. Berlin, Düsseldorf, and Baden-Baden often keep stalls open into early January. Speyer is known for running one of the longest seasons, often into the first week of January, which is very handy for late December or early January travelers.
German Christmas Markets List by City
To make it easier to find your way through the many options, here is a selected list of important and special markets in major cities and historic towns across Germany.
Berlin Christmas Markets
Berlin is often called the “Christmas Capital,” with around 100 different events. The WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt (temporarily at Bebelplatz during renovation) is one of the most stylish, with a small €2 entry fee that helps pay for high-quality crafts and heated tents where you can sit and eat. For a royal setting, the market at Charlottenburg Palace is hard to beat, and the Santa Lucia market in Prenzlauer Berg has a Nordic-inspired feel.
Dresden Striezelmarkt
The Striezelmarkt in Dresden is a must-see. It has the world’s tallest Christmas pyramid (more than 14 meters high) and the biggest Schwibbogen. The market is closely linked with Dresdner Christstollen, and there is even a special Stollen Festival. Beyond the main square, visit the Stallhof, a medieval-style market in the courtyard of the Royal Palace, where there are no electric lights-only torches and lanterns.
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
Often described as one of the most traditional markets anywhere, Nuremberg is easy to recognize by its red-and-white striped stalls. It is the perfect place to try Nürnberger Rostbratwurst (small sausages, usually three in a bun) and Elisenlebkuchen, a high-quality gingerbread with protected origin status. The market opens with a ceremony led by the Christkind from the balcony of the Frauenkirche.
Munich Christkindlmarkt and Other Markets
Munich’s main market on Marienplatz is a classic in front of the town hall, but the city is also well known for its themed markets. There is a Medieval Market at Wittelsbacher Platz, a “Pink Christmas” market for the LGBTQ+ community at Stephansplatz, and the Tollwood Winter Festival, which offers an “alternative” feel with organic food and international art displays.
Cologne Christmas Markets
Cologne has 11 large markets. The most famous is the Cathedral Christmas Market, right under the towers of the UNESCO-listed cathedral. The Heinzels Wintermärchen in the Old Town is themed around the city’s gnomes (Heinzelmännchen) and includes a large ice rink. For something different, try the Harbour Christmas Market next to the Chocolate Museum.
Stuttgart Christmas Market
Stuttgart is famous for its beautifully decorated stall roofs. There is a yearly contest for the best-decorated stall, so you will see moving reindeer, nativity scenes, and tiny winter landscapes on top of the huts. The Town Hall is turned into a huge advent calendar with lit-up windows.
Frankfurt Christmas Market
In Frankfurt, the contrast is striking: the old wooden stalls on the Römerberg square sit below modern glass skyscrapers. This is one of Germany’s oldest markets, first mentioned in 1393. Here you can try Bethmännchen, small marzipan pastries, and hot Apfelwein (apple wine), which is more popular here than the usual grape-based Glühwein.
Aachen Christmas Market
Set around the historic Aachen Cathedral, where Charlemagne is buried, this market often ranks among Europe’s favorites. It is best known for Aachener Printen, a hard gingerbread often shaped like a person. A six-meter-tall “Printenmann” statue stands at the entrance, and the smell of spices fills the narrow medieval lanes.
Hamburg Christmas Markets
Hamburg combines Hanseatic merchant history with a modern big-city feel. The main market is in front of the Rathaus (Town Hall), but the best-known special market is Santa Pauli on the Reeperbahn. Called the “Sexmas” market, it sells adult-themed gifts and has live shows, reflecting the area’s red-light district background.
Heidelberg Christmas Market
Heidelberg is often seen as one of the most romantic markets in Germany. Stalls are spread across several Old Town squares, all watched over by the lit ruins of Heidelberg Castle above. The Hauptstrasse, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets, glows with lights, and the market includes a cozy “Winter Woods” area on the Kornmarkt.
Lübeck Christmas Market
Known as the “Christmas City of the North,” Lübeck’s UNESCO-listed Old Town gives a medieval backdrop to 11 different markets. The sea trade history is still visible, and the Niederegger Christmas Bazaar is a must for marzipan fans, with more than 300 kinds of marzipan treats.
Other Notable Markets Across Germany
Apart from the large cities, many smaller places are also worth visiting. Erfurt has a 12-meter Christmas pyramid and a nativity scene with life-size figures carved in Oberammergau. Rothenburg ob der Tauber hosts the Reiterlesmarkt, named after a legendary rider who now brings gifts instead of fear. In the Black Forest, the Ravenna Gorge market sits under a tall stone railway bridge in a narrow valley, while Bernkastel-Kues on the Mosel River shows a huge advent calendar in the windows of a half-timbered house.
German Christmas Markets Map and Itinerary Suggestions
Planning a route between markets means balancing travel time with the wish to see different regions. Germany’s strong rail network (Deutsche Bahn) makes it easy to move from city to city without a car. Most markets are in the old town centers, usually close to the main train stations.
How to Plan Your Route
When you plan your trip, it helps to use a “cluster” approach. Group nearby cities together so you spend less time on trains. For example, Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Bonn are all close by and linked with frequent trains. Nuremberg, Rothenburg, and Munich form a nice loop in Bavaria. Always check each city’s exact dates, because some small-town markets only run on certain weekends.
Try to pack light or bring an extra foldable bag for gifts and souvenirs. Carrying lots of shopping bags through crowded areas can be tiring, so many people prefer a backpack. Also, have cash (Euros) with you, since many small stalls still do not take cards, even though more and more now use phone-based payment systems in the bigger cities.
Suggested Multi-City Itineraries
One classic 10-day itinerary could start in Frankfurt, which has a major international airport. From there, travel to Nuremberg for gingerbread, then continue to Erfurt and Leipzig. Next stop is Dresden for the Striezelmarkt, then go north to Berlin for a few days visiting different markets. End the trip in Hamburg, which also has a large airport for your return flight.
Another option is a Western Germany route starting in Cologne, then going south to Bonn and Koblenz, and then along the Rhine or Mosel rivers to Bernkastel-Kues and Trier. This trip is especially nice for people who like Roman history and half-timbered houses and want a slower pace compared with the biggest cities.
For a South-to-North “Grand Tour”, begin in Munich, then continue to Stuttgart and Heidelberg, and move north to Frankfurt and Cologne. On this route, you see how the style changes from Alpine traditions in the south to Gothic and Romanesque influences along the Rhine, giving you a broad picture of how different parts of Germany celebrate Christmas.
Whatever markets you visit, knowing a few local habits makes the experience better. One key point is the Pfand system: when you buy a drink, you pay a deposit (often €3-€5) for the mug. You can return the mug later to get your deposit back, or keep it as a low-cost souvenir. Many markets bring out a new mug design each year, so repeat visitors often build up a small collection over time.
Leave a comment