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! 🎅
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!
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!
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. 🎠
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! ✨
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.
Tollwood Winterfestival 2024
Much more than just a Christmas market - art, music and a big pinch of sustainability await you here! On the Theresienwiese, you can feast on organic delicacies, find special handicrafts and be inspired by performances and exhibitions.
Santa Pauli Weihnachtsmarkt
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? 😉
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. 🕑
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 Avenue Berlin
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! 🏳🌈
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! 🌟
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 🎤.