Germany’s Christmas markets are renowned for their unique traditions steeped in history and folklore, a distinctive and magical ambiance, and delectable local confections.
Here’s a tour of some of the best Christmas markets in Germany that you might want to add to your wish list this year.
Nuremberg Christmas market in Germany at night. Image Credit: Getty Images, adele
Nuremberg Christmas market
Closest train station: Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof
Dates: 29 November - 24 December 2024
Market hours: Monday to Sunday 10am-9pm (on the last day: 10am-2pm)
The Nuremberg Christmas Market, or Christkindlesmarkt, is one of Germany's most famous and historic markets, with its roots dating back to the 16th century. Each year, the market is opened by the Nuremberg Christkind, a young “angelic” woman dressed in white and gold — the giver of gifts, and, well, bringer of joy! While visiting, be sure to try Lebkuchen (Nuremberg's famous gingerbread), Bratwurst (perfectly grilled small sausages), and some warm mulled wine. For trinkets and ornaments, head to the booths of “the little city of wood and cloth”, where you'll find traditional, handcrafted treasures.
Related: Explore Bavaria, Germany’s largest state, by train
Munich Christmas market
Closest train station: Munich Hauptbahnhof
Dates: 25 November - 24 December 2024
Market hours: Monday to Saturday 10am-9 pm; and 10am-8pm on Sundays (Christmas Eve: 10am-2pm)
The main Christmas market in Munich is held in the historic Marienplatz, surrounded by the stunning architecture of the New Town Hall and the Frauenkirche. Ushering in the festive season with great fervor, it features a towering 25-meter Christmas tree aglow with 3,000 candles and live Bavarian folk music that lingers in the square. The famous Krampus Run brings a touch of Alpine eeriness, as people dressed as horned creatures parade through the streets, playfully scaring onlookers.
Just a few steps away is Germany’s largest Kripperlmarkt, where you'll find anything and everything that make up a traditional nativity scene, from stable lanterns to the gifts of the Magi. The city also hosts the Karlsplatz market, which features an ice skating rink, a two-storey wooden stall, and live performances.
Related: Best Christmas markets 2024 in Europe to visit by train
Frankfurt Christmas market in Germany at night. Image Credit: Getty Images, George Pachantouris
Frankfurt Christmas market
Closest train station: Frankfurt (M) Hauptwache
Dates: 25 November - 22 December 2024
Market hours: Monday to Saturday 10am-9pm; and 11am-9pm on Sundays
Frankfurt’s Frankfurter Weihnachtsmarkt is one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Germany, located in the heart of the city. Expect beautifully decorated stalls, a dreamy merry-go-round with carved wooden horses, and a Christmas tree set against the historic backdrop of the Old Town.
An excellent market to eat your way through an evening, you’ll find a range of traditional delicacies, including Handkäse mit Musik (marinated cheese), Apfelwein (hot apple wine) and Bratkartoffeln (pan-fried potatoes). The market’s highlight, however, is the Frankfurter Bethmännchen — a marzipan cookie that’s a local specialty.
Related: Best things to do in Frankfurt
Cologne Christmas market
Closest train station: Köln Hauptbahnhof
Dates: 18 November - 23 December 2024
Market hours: Sunday to Wednesday 11am-9pm; Thursday and Friday 11am-10pm; and 10am-10pm on Saturdays
Cologne, the fourth largest city in Germany, practically glows with festive spirit, hosting seven Christmas markets and numerous holiday themed activities. The markets on the Neumarkt and Alter Markt squares were founded in the 1970s, while the renowned Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom, set against the backdrop of the iconic Cologne Cathedral, opened in the 1990s. Known for its impressive location, this market features a wide range of stalls offering everything from traditional crafts to gourmet food — and if you’re lucky, your Glühwein might come in a collectible mug that you can take home.
Related: Discover Cologne Karneval, Germany’s answer to Mardi Gras
Aerial view of the Heidelberg Christmas market in Germany at night. Image Credit: Getty Images, George Pachantouris
Heidelberg Christmas market
Closest train station: Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof
Dates: 25 November - 22 December 2024
Market hours: Open everyday 11am-9 pm; and until 10 pm on Saturdays
Heidelberg’s Heidelberger Weihnachtsmarkt is one of the more cosy, idyllic markets in Germany, spanning several squares in the city’s old town. Live your Hallmark Christmas movie dreams as you glide across one of Germany’s most picturesque ice rinks, framed by the romantic backdrop of the Heidelberg Castle. At the heart of the largest square, you’ll find an antique carousel and the Heidelberg Barrel — a massive wooden structure with a viewing room that offers a unique view of the bustling market below. Additionally, you can also step into Santa's House for a small donation, to capture and create special holiday memories with your little ones.
Related: Best things to do in Heidelberg
Dresden Christmas market
Closest train station: Dresden Hauptbahnhof
Dates: 27 November - 24 December 2024
Market hours: Open everyday 10am-9pm
The Dresdner Striezelmarkt is one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets, dating back to 1434. Held in the historic Altmarkt Square, it is named after the Striezel, a type of traditional German Christmas cake popularly known as the Dresden Stollen. So, if there’s one thing you try at the Striezelmarkt, it should be a slice of this iconic fruit bread filled with nuts, marzipan, and spices, dusted with icing sugar.
Related: Best day trips from Berlin, including Dresden
Alexanderplatz market in Germany. Image Credit: Getty Images, Atlantide Phototravel
Berlin Christmas market
Berlin offers a festive array of markets scattered across the city. At Alexanderplatz, the market buzzes with lively stalls, a Ferris wheel, and an ice-skating rink. Try Scandinavian treats at the Lucia Christmas Market in Kulturbrauerei, or head to the opulent Charlottenburg Palace with its illuminated gardens for a night straight out of a fairytale. Speaking of, pop by the fairytale forest next, at the Rotes Rathaus Christmas Market which is also frequented by good ol’ Santa Claus. Check dates and timings of specific markets before making your way there (alternatively, follow the lights).
Regensburg Christmas market
Closest train station: Regensburg
Dates: 22 November - 23 December, 2024 | Closed on Remembrance Sunday, 24 November
Market hours: Monday to Thursday 3pm to 10pm; Friday 3pm to 11pm; Saturday 12pm to 11pm; Sunday 12pm to 10pm. Open until midnight on Monday, December 23, 2024.
The Romantic Christmas Market (officially called Schloss St. Emmeram), located at Thurn and Taxis Palace in Regensburg, offers a unique, intimate holiday experience. Set within the grounds of a historic palace, it features handcrafted gifts, traditional food, and live entertainment. Unlike many bustling Christmas markets, this one has an entrance fee which helps it keep the quaint, charming and peaceful ambiance. A short day trip from Munich visitors can also enjoy watching artisans demonstrate their crafts, making it a cultural and festive highlight of Regensburg’s holiday season.
Stuttgart Christmas market
Closest train station: Stuttgart
Dates: 27 November - 23 December 2024
Market hours: Sunday to Thursday 11am to 9pm; Friday and Saturday 11am to 10pm
Located in the heart of Stuttgart, the Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt is one of Europe’s oldest and most beautiful markets, dating back to 1692. It features nearly 300 decorated wooden stalls and hosts over 60 choirs and music groups during its 26-day run. Visitors can explore an antique market in a heated tent, skate on an outdoor ice rink, and enjoy the market powered by local green electricity. A family favorite is the Children’s Fairyland on Schlossplatz, where a miniature train delights young visitors as it steams through a charming landscape. Plan ahead and you'll also have time to check out the best things to do in Stuttgart.
Still in need of more festive cheer? After you’ve exhausted all the German Christkindlesmarkts why not download the Trainline app and embark on a Christmas market tour of Europe.
Gingerbread heart at Nuremberg Christmas Market in Germany. Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Juergen Sack
