The most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany
Oh you merry 🎶🔔... It's that time again! The Christmas season is just around the corner 🎄✨. And what could be better than warming up in the cold winter months with a steaming mulled wine or a delicious hot chocolate while marveling at the enchanting landscape of lights in a magical Winter Wonderland? ❄
Whether in company or alone - a visit to the Christmas market is always a good idea! Here you can take a leisurely stroll, rack your brains at the puzzle stalls or start shopping for Christmas presents 🎁. Christmas markets simply have a very special magic - the festive atmosphere combined with the smell of gingerbread and roasted almonds are the perfect way to get in the mood for Christmas and are also the best way to bring you and your loved ones together 💞🎠.
Whether you like the historic charm of small towns or large, glowing markets in big cities - here you will find the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany that you should definitely pay a visit to. And hey... maybe one or two are waiting for you right near you! 🎅
Christmas markets in Berlin
LGBTQIA*Winterdays am Nollendorfplatz
The capital's queer Christmas market brings a festive atmosphere with colorful shows, mulled wine and lots of color. A more colorful Christmas than ever before! 🏳🌈
🔥 HEISSA HOLZMARKT 🔥 WINTERFESTIVAL 🔥
The Heissa Holzmarkt is here again this year to warm your heart during the cold Christmas season with mulled wine, glitter and tasty treats. And if that's not warm enough for you, we have another hot tip for you: 🔥 THE SAUNABOOT🔥 You can sweat directly on the banks of the Spree with a view of the Heissa Holzmarkt...it doesn't get any hotter than this!
Weihnachtsmarkt und Winterwelt am Potsdamer Platz
Of course, Berlin also has traditional Christmas markets to offer! The Christmas market at Potsdamer Platz offers you everything your winter heart desires and gives you a wonderfully romantic view of the Brandenburg Gate to boot. ✨
Christmas markets in Hamburg
SANTA PAULI 2025
A very special kind of Christmas market - because at Hamburg's most erotic Christmas market, visitors don't just get hot from the mulled wine... Curious? 😉
Winter Pride
Pride month is every month! And this can also be seen at Hamburg's Winter Pride Christmas Market, for Queers & Allies 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Historischer Roncalli-Weihnachtsmarkt
The lovingly and historically decorated Christmas village with its quaint alleyways promises a nostalgic journey back to a festive childhood. The flying Santa Claus provides magical moments and the culinary delights, from roasted almonds to specialties, make the market a traditional Christmas paradise for every taste.
Christmas markets in NRW
Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom
Against the impressive backdrop of Cologne Cathedral, you can expect a sea of lights, around 150 festive stalls and a wide selection of treats and arts and crafts. The cozy atmosphere and the festive cathedral in the background make this market one of the most popular Christmas markets in Germany. It takes "Home is where the Dom is" to a whole new level!
Weihnachtsstadt Dortmund
Dortmund has the biggest! At this Christmas market you will find the WORLD'S largest Christmas tree, 45 meters high. Consisting of around 1200 red spruce trees, it weighs almost 40 tons. Definitely an eye-catcher! 🎄👀
Aachener Weihnachtsmarkt
Of course, you MUST try the famous Aachen Printen at the Aachen Christmas market! Unfortunately, you are not allowed to leave the market. That's the rule, sorry 🤷♀️
Schlossweihnacht in Schloss Dyck
Magical Christmas atmosphere in the middle of the magnificent castle park!🏰🎄 Over 140 lovingly selected stalls, the smell of cookies, fairy lights and a nativity play. This event will really get you in the Christmas spirit!🧑🎄
Burgweihnacht
The Castle Christmas at Satzvey Castle, located on the north-eastern edge of the Eifel in Mechernich in the district of Euskirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, is a fairytale experience that takes you straight back to the Middle Ages! Festively decorated stalls, traditional handicrafts and medieval music await you against the impressive backdrop of the historic castle - everything you need for a very special Christmas atmosphere.
Christmas market in Frankfurt
Weihnachtsmarkt am Römer
Live like in a winter fairy tale! Enveloped by the half-timbered houses on the Römerberg, a magical backdrop is created, as if from a fairytale world. 🎠
Christmas market in Erfurt
Weihnachtsmarkt Erfurt
The Christmas market in Erfurt is one of the oldest and most beautiful in Germany! Here you can enjoy the famous Erfurt sausages and sweet specialties such as gingerbread - perfect for a leisurely Christmas stroll!
Christmas markets in Munich
Münchner Christkindlmarkt
24.11. to 24.12. ⭐️ There's something going on in the city center: the Christmas market on Marienplatz attracts visitors with all kinds of treats, hot drinks and gift ideas. Here you can immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Munich and marvel at the town hall and the giant fir tree with other Christmas fans!
Tollwood Winterfestival 2025
Much more than just a Christmas market - art, music and a big pinch of sustainability await you here! Under this year's motto "Now more than ever!", the festival sets an example for peace, democracy and the environment ❤️🌍
Die Sternenflotte - Weihnachtsmarkt
27.11. to 23.12. ⭐️ Christmas market on the high seas? At least you can dream about it on the Alte Utting. Stop by and enjoy mulled wine, all kinds of food, great gift ideas and, of course, a round of curling. Unique winter atmosphere guaranteed!
Christmas market in Stuttgart
Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt 2025
The Christmas market in Stuttgart is an absolute highlight in the run-up to Christmas! The festively decorated city center, with the Schlossplatz as its center, is transformed into a true winter wonderland with over 280 stalls. 🎄
Christmas market in Dresden
Dresdner Striezelmarkt
It is not only one of the most beautiful, but actually the oldest Christmas market in Germany! Since 1434, the market has been attracting visitors every year who come to soak up the festive atmosphere and sample the famous Dresden Stollen. This is pure Christmas magic! ✨
Christmas market in Nuremberg
Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt
THE Christmas market of all Christmas markets is of course a must! The Nuremberg Christmas Market is one of the oldest and, thanks to its long tradition, probably the best-known Christmas market in Germany, attracting around 2 million visitors every year. It's practically the granddaddy of all Christmas markets and is probably number 1 on your Christmas market bucket list!
Christmas market in the Black Forest
Weihnachtsmarkt in der Ravennaschlucht
A breathtaking backdrop like no other! You can marvel at the Christmas market directly under the illuminated viaduct in the Ravenna Gorge in Breitnau. There is also a wide range of lantern, torchlight and other hikes through the gorge to the Christmas market, which you should definitely not miss out on - a unique experience! 🌟
Christmas market in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Reiterlesmarkt
The Reiterlesmarkt in Rothenburg ob der Tauber demonstrates a cute medieval village at Christmas time! With its traditional stalls, mulled wine and local specialties, the market exudes pure Christmas magic and invites you on a medieval journey through time. 🕑
Frequently asked questions about Christmas markets in Germany
1 Why should you definitely visit Christmas markets in Germany?
German Christmas markets have a long tradition and offer a unique combination of festive atmosphere, handmade arts and crafts and delicious regional specialties such as mulled wine and gingerbread. German cities in particular are known for their fairytale flair. As many of the Christmas markets take place in picturesque, historic old towns, you'll feel like you're in your own winter wonderland ❄.
2. are there Christmas markets in Germany with special themes?
Yes, many Christmas markets have special themes! Traditional Christmas markets such as the medieval castle Christmas market at Satzvey Castle or the fairytale Christmas market in Hamburg are great examples. A very special atmosphere is created here with suitable decorations and activities 💜.
3. which Christmas market in Germany is the oldest?
The Dresden Striezelmarkt is considered the oldest Christmas market in Germany, with roots dating back to 1434! This is where history meets festive tradition, and you can try the famous Dresden Stollen 🤤.
4. which regional specialties should I try at Christmas markets in Germany?
Of course, there are different Christmas specialties from region to region. But mulled wine is a must when visiting the Christmas market - because this hot, spiced wine is the typical Christmas drink 🍷. Gingerbread and roasted almonds are also a must for those with a sweet tooth🍬🍭 . If you like it savory, potato pancakes with apple sauce, which are a Christmas market highlight especially in the Rhineland, are just the thing for you! For northern German Christmas markets, Schmalzkuchen, small deep-fried dough balls sprinkled with powdered sugar, are a real must-eat at Christmas markets. And don't forget the famous Dresdner Stollen, a sweet fruit bread that is particularly popular at traditional Christmas markets in Saxony.
5. which Christmas markets in Germany offer special events?
Many Christmas markets have highlights such as ice skating rinks, light shows or concerts. At the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, for example, the famous Nuremberg Christ Child gives a festive speech at the opening every year. There are also Advent concerts and children's choirs to add to the atmosphere. There is also live music and shows at the Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral 🎤.
