by Janis / 8 comments - Orginally published:15th October 2024
And how to pick the best German Christmas Market for you
We think we're becoming a little obsessed with Christmas markets; we've been travelling to Germany for around 17 years to soak up the fun of the German Christmas markets. We love them, and we hope we can inspire you to give them a try if you haven't already.
One of the things we love about visiting the different regions of Germany is that they all have their own unique delicacies.
It's great fun standing in the bustling market hugging your warm aromatic Gluhwein, and enjoying the local spicy Bratwurst or Lebkuchen.
We understand that it's not always convenient or practical for everyone, but, we have found that the best way to visit these markets is on a road trip. That way you can stuff your boot/trunk full of as many of those German treats as you like, and we do.
Why not Pin it for later?
We've written a post 'Your first German Christmas Market by car', aimed at those heading from Calais onto Germany. I have to be honest I find it really easy (much easier than covering the same distance in the UK).
Aachener Printen for sale at the Dom Christmas Market in Cologne
Also, if you can stay for the evening all the better, it's when the markets twinkle, and they really seem to come to life.
Our Tip
It sounds obvious but dress warm and comfortable, especially make sure you have comfy shoes.
Stalls in Kripperlmarkt, Munich
Now, honestly, we have listed these locations in alphabetical order, we're not biased.
Aachen is perfect for a Christmas market mini-break, especially if it is your first experience discovering a Christmas market in Germany. If you're visiting from the UK, not only is it a reasonably short hop from Calais if you're on a road trip, but it is only around 3 hours 35 minutes on the Eurostar from London, with a seamless change in Brussels.
Aachen's Christmas Market, Aachen Christmas Markets, Germany
Aachen has one primary market in the ancient Old Town, the WeihnachtsMarkt, which is incredible.
The Yuletide huts weave their way all around the stunning Aachen Cathedral, built by the Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne, and then snake around the base of the beautiful 14th-century Rathaus.
Highlights
- Aachener WeihnachtsMarkt
- Visiting Aachen Cathedral
- A Magical Winter guided tour
- Aachen Rathaus tour
- Aachener Printen
- Easy to walk between all the markets
The carousel in front of the Rathaus, Aachen Christmas Markets,
As you stroll amongst the twinkling wooden cabins in Aachen, you're swept along on a magical wave of sweet gingerbread known in Aachen as Aachener Printen and the spicy aromatic flavour of glühwein.
There are some delightful and unique gifts to be found throughout the festive stalls in Aachen, and many are locally made.
Stall full of traditional German dwellings
Allow time to visit the magnificent Aachen Dom as it will take your breath away when you step through the ancient wooden doors.
History, style and some very nice Christmas Markets. To be honest they are spread around Berlin, so you best get familiar with the cities public transport system, but it's quick, relatively cheap and easy.
The tree in front of the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin
I think we found we liked the Berliner Weinachtszeit market next to the Rotes Rathaus the best, and it's only a short walk to the one at Alexanderplatz.
As always a great selection of food & drink available on the Market.
Highlights
- Gendarmenmarkt & Rotes Rathaus
- History everywhere
- Brauhaus Georgbraeu - great beers
The ice rink in front of the Ferris Wheel at Berliner Weinachtszeit
The added bonus is there's so much more to see and do in Berlin.
There's the Berliner Fernsehturm, that iconic '60's viewing platform, the Berlin wall memorial, The Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, Reichstag Building and the Currywurst Museum.
You may want to consider the EasyCityPass Berlin which offers discounts on attractions and transport
If you've yet to discover Berlin's incredible history, then let’s start planning. I find these DK Travel Guides invaluable, they're extremely informative, easy to follow, and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more of those fascinating sites.
You can now grab a recently revised copy of this guidebook, so you won't miss a thing.
We loved Bremen and thought it would make a great introduction for the first timer. There's two main market area's but the whole of the old town really comes to life.
The Rathaus in Marktplatz, Bremen
The town's website indicates there are around 160-170 stalls here, but they're spread out so it's never too claustrophobic.
The little Ferris-wheel
Then there's the river market which is just 3 or 4 minutes from the old town.
Strictly speaking, there are two markets here the Winter & Maritime, but they join in the middle.
The markets are great and do have two distinct feels - there are fewer pirates in the Winter Market.
Highlights
- The size - plenty to see and do for a weekend, but all within easy walking distance of the oldtown.
- The Schnoor district
- Glockenspiel House
- Schmalzuchen - sorta mini doughnuts.
Always something to buy
However, visiting a town or city is more than just the markets, and Bremen has that covered.
You have to take a stroll around the Schnoor district (again, it adjoins the old town, so no big walks here), and don't miss Glockenspiel house either, check the timings of the peel of the bells.
If you're interested you can pick up a guided tour of the city centre in English.
We would highly recommend Cologne for various reasons, firstly, is that it has so many markets, seven we believe.
The first time you walk into the Dom (cathedral) market it is magical. The towering sparkling Christmas tree stands as the centrepiece, all its twinkling lights draped across the red huts, almost acts as a warm blanket hovering above you.
The Dom towers over the Christmas Market in Cologne
Our favourite market in Cologne is the Alter Markt (Old Market). We have nicknamed it the Gnome market, as the theme throughout revolves around these little folks.
Highlights
- Gendarmenmarkt & Rotes Rathaus
- Heimat der Heinzel Martket
- Bierhaus en d'r Salzgass - a must
- Actually - Everything
Entrance to the Home of the Elves in Cologne
The Alter Markt stretches through the main cobbled square, by the Town Hall (Rathaus) tempting you all the way with baked apples, cinnamon sticky nuts & currywurst.
The aromas just shout out Christmas.
Arts & crafts stalls at the Christmas Markets
If that isn’t enough in the Old Market, you then have an ice rink like no other. The young and old take to the ice and put us Brits to shame, it's good fun to watch though.
Skating around Friedrich Wilhelm III
The Angel Market at night
We just have to mention the Angel Market as well in Neumarkt, always a favourite for a hot chocolate with a splash of Baileys. Just before we head off into the Käthe Wohlfahrt store.
Cafe Paris in the Angel Market
In 2012 snow fell
It gets busy
Some of these markets get very busy at weekends so small children may feel a bit swamped with the crowds.
Düsseldorf is not too far from Cologne (45km/28 miles), so you could incorporate both together. Düsseldorf also has seven markets to its name, and I think there is a little rivalry between the two west German cities.
The Bandstand at the Engelchenmarkt, Düsseldorf
Once again, the atmosphere within the markets is great fun.
We enjoyed it around Marktplatz and the colourful carousel, with the traditional Rathaus as a backdrop.
Highlights
- Marktplatz, Burgplatz & Engelchenmarkt markets
- Hot Chocolate at the Lindt Shop
- Altbiers at the traditional brauhauses
The Beautiful old carousel at Marktplatz, Düsseldorf
Also, the market on the banks of the river, at Burgplatz with its towering Ferris wheel. We found the Burgplatz market to be a little quieter than others, perhaps timing, but certainly not lacking in fun.
The Schifffahrt Museum and Wheel of Vision, Düsseldorf
Weave your way up through the pedestrianised town, passing the spinning pyramid tower and treat yourself to a warming Gluhwein along the way.
You can pick up the DüsseldorfCard, a discount card that gives you free access to public transport and discounts on attractions.
Frankfurt can trace its Christmas market history back 1393. However, it wasn’t until the early 19th century that the Christmas tree was introduced.
One of the carousels in Frankfurt
When Janis did her initial research on the festive season in Frankfurt, she thought the market was going to be reasonably small.
However, on our arrival, we were pleasantly surprised. It weaved its way effortlessly through the highlights of Frankfurt’s old town, it was certainly bigger than we had expected.
Highlights
- Easy to walk between all the markets
- Römerberg market
- Schokoküsse
- The singing reindeer
The Christmas Pyramid
Local tipples
It had a great mixture of local crafts and gifts and also had some excellent food & drink cabins. Here we tried apple gluhwein and a blackberry gluhwein.
You can pickup a Frankfurt Card offering free transport & discounts on wide range of attractions, experiences and even shopping.
The Pfand
You always pay a deposit for the mug you get your glühwein in, this is the pfand. In some regions in Germany give you a token for your mug, so, you’re able to return it to a central kiosk, rather than the hut you bought your drink from. Either way you get your deposit back when you return your mug.
Now, this is a great city. We love Hamburg. I'm not sure what the official number of markets are, 4 or 5? But it feels like there's more. We don't get too hooked up on the number of markets, it's more about quality than quantity, and Hamburg is quality.
The market in front of the Rathaus, Hamburg
The main market, centred around the Rathaus is where you'll see Santa fly above you on his sleigh, before addressing the crowd.
No really, you have to see it to believe it.
He performs 3 times daily at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm.
Highlights
- Easy to walk between all the markets
- Rathaus market
- The architecture
- Miniatur Wunderland
- Flying Santa
Santa and his reindeer, Hamburg
However there's plenty of other markets to discover all within close proximity to the Rathaus.
Attractive white huts, Hamburg
As we say, the markets come to life after the sun has gone down. So what to do during the day? Well, Hamburg will not disappoint. It has excellent shopping (Or so I'm told!) Just head to Neuer Wall for some fine stores.
Christmas in Brauhaus Joh. Albrecht, Hamburg
There's more, for us, we love history culture, and great architecture. So there's Chilehaus and the Speicherstadt, home to Miniatur Wunderland - If you've an inner geek then don't miss it.
Don't forget there's the Hamburg Card, offering free transport, and discounts on restaurants & activities in the city.
If you've yet to discover Hamburg, then let’s start planning. I find these DK Travel Guides invaluable, they're extremely informative, easy to follow, and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more of those fascinating sites.
You can now grab a recently revised copy of this guidebook, so you won't miss a thing.
Koblenz is an ideal location for a Christmas market mini-break, especially if you love the Moselle wine region in Germany and you fancy sampling the local Koblenz wines hot. Don't worry, you can also enjoy the traditional glühwein.
Giant pyramid in Am Plan Christmas market
Koblenz's seven Christmas Markets are dotted all through the city's Altstadt, and each charming square has its own festive theme.
You'll find the quaint Christmas cabins in Zentralplatz, Willi-Hörter-Platz, Jesuitenplatz, Liebfrauenkirche, Görresplatz, Am Plan and Münzplatz. All the markets are within easy walking distance of each other. You'll enjoy the festive tunes around the delightful street as you amble between them.
Highlights
- Koblenzer Weihnachts Markt - Explore the seven markets.
- Wirsthaus Alt Coblenz - Great food and atmosphere.
- Deutsches Eck - German Corner, where two rivers meet.
- Hot Koblenz wine
- Schokoküsse
The Christmas markets in Koblenz are undoubtedly enjoyable throughout the day; however, it's that the sun begins to set when the Yuletide fun truly begins. The carousels are twirling, the gluhwein is flowing, and the saxophonist begins to play his festive tunes.
Koblenz’s largest advent calendar
When you visit the Christmas Market in Jesuitenplatz, be sure to look skywards to the roof of the Baroque Rathaus; you'll find the city's largest advent calendar. The 24 cute little dormer windows wait to be illuminated as the days tick by.
Münzplatz Christmas market
Other sights to be visited in Koblenz is Deutsches Eck "German Quarter" it is at this confluence where the two magnificent rivers of the Rhine and the Moselle merge. An enormous equestrian monument of William I, the first German Emperor, stands high on a plinth overlooking the waterways.
Opposite the monument, sitting high on a rocky outcrop is the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress; luckily there's a cable car for you to jump upon to go and visit.
Oh, we love Bavaria and arriving at is capital Munich was fantastic, if not a little cold. Janis even had to invest in a new hat!
Müchner Christkindlmarkt
Marienplatz Market is Munich’s most popular, as the magnificent Rathaus looking down from above, creates a fantastic surrounding. There are some great stalls here, with everything that twinkles.
Snowing in front of the Rathaus
Attractive gifts in Munich
However, one that we really enjoyed was the Medieval Market on Wittelsbacherplatz.
Fire-breathing dragons, birds of prey and goblets of feuerzangenbowle (which is a gluhwein with a lump of sugar balanced above, drizzled with alcohol then set alight), what’s not to like?
Highlights
- The Medieval Market & Feuerzangenbowle
- The Marienplatz & English Garden Markets
- Kirsch glühwein
- Hofbrauhaus
Warm to touch
Fire-breathing dragon
Of course, being British (English) we had to head to the English Garden. Within here is Christmas Market held under the Chinese Tower. I know I keep saying it, but, this market was very charming too, it felt very family orientated.
Your carriage awaits
In Munich, we found the Apfelschmarrn, apple pancakes with nuts and a plum sauce, you were even able to eat the bowl that it came in (it tasted like an ice cream cone).
Trying Apfelschmarrn, Munich, Germany
Munich's a fabulous city, with so much to see and do. Even on our three days in the city we barely scratched the surface, and it's a city we'd love to return to.
If you've got the time to explore, then we'd recommend grabbing the CityTourCard Munich, check out the benefits to see if it's for you.
I love nothing more than planning a trip and so often I use the DK Eyewitness books. I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more.
We used a previous version of this book to plan our Germany road trips, now you can grab the revised copy.
If you're considering visiting the magical Christmas markets in Münster, then you are in for a festive treat. I'm sure you'll also love strolling along Prinzipalmarkt, an elegant street lined with stylish gabbled topped homes; you can part take in a little bit of retail therapy too.
Lights Market St. Lamberti, Münster Christmas Markets, Germany
The round tower at the back of Rathaus
There are six Christmas markets to explore and an abundance of traditional German cuisine to indulge upon. The fairy-tale markets weave their way through the historic city, all around the feet of St Lamberti Church and in the picturesque timber-framed square of Kiepenkerl.
Münster's oldest Yuletide market is Weihnachtsmarkt, located at the rear of the ancient Rathaus and "Hall of Peace".
Highlights
- Six Christmas markets to explore
- Strolling the stylish Prinzipalmarkt
- Spicy glühwein
- Visit the Rathaus and "Hall of Peace"
- Gaststätte Pinkus Müller
Entrance to Giebelhüüskesmarkt
The Christmas market that we especially enjoyed in Münster and full of magical stalls, is Giebelhüüskesmarkt. The festive cabins are nestled along the ancient walls of Überwasserkirche and offer such a beautiful backdrop.
The Christmas markets to be discovered in Münster are;
- Lights Market St. Lamberti
- Münster’s Weihnachtsmarkt
- Giebelhüüskesmarkt
- Christmas Village around Kiepenkerl
- X-MS Christmas Market on Harsewinkelplatz
- Aegidii-Weihnachtsmarkt in Aegidiimarkt plaza
Tempted to?
If you’re flying into Germany and fancy visiting a few of the Christmas markets, why not hire a car with Rental Cars and create your own road trip.
Nuremberg was another town we fell in love with & the people were so friendly. There’s plenty of markets to explore here and a city with quite a bit of history.
Wandering through the Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg
The central festive hub in Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is on Hauptmarkt in front of Frauenkirche.
With over 160 red & white striped cabins enticing you with baubles, toy soldiers & snow globes.
Then there’s the obligatory German stall which sells all types of brushes (obviously, you can never have too many brushes).
Highlights
- The Christkindlesmarkt in Hauptmarkt
- Nuremberg Gingerbread
- Our prune man & Imperfect Angel
- The Nuremberg Glühwein, Winter Warmer & Feuerzangenbowle
- Hausbrauerei Altstadthof
A selection of baubles
The local differences in Nuremberg were their traditional recipe gingerbread, the “Drei im Weggla” – “Three in a bun” sausages and one not to eat was the Prune Men.
Our prune man
Gingerbread loaves for sale
Take a little wander up to the Craftsmen’s Courtyard, this market had a lovely Medieval feel about it and had some different ornaments to tempt you with.
Inside the Craftsmens Courtyard
The cobbled lanes of the Craftsmens Courtyard
The 2-Day Nuremberg Card is ideal is you want to explore more around the historic city.
We can highly recommend the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, even if it's not the most festive of activities
So you know
Germany’s Christmas markets are really for all ages, don’t be put off that it is all for children, it really isn’t. We are all big kids at heart.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber has to be one of the most magical destinations to experience Christmas.
The classic view of Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Santa and his organ
The markets here are quite small, but that really goes with the essence of the town.
Half-timbered homes, cobbled streets and all surrounded by fortified walls.
Highlights
- Christkindlesmarkt in Marktplatz
- Exploring the town, its walls & towers
- The Flammbrot
- The Käthe Wohlfahrt stores
- The Magic
Gathering in Markplatz, Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The evening we arrived was extremely cold, with a mist just hovering above us, but we didn’t care it just made the whole atmosphere even more enchanting.
The Rathaus and Christmas tree
The Rathaus and Christmas tree
In Rothenburg ob der Tauber the whole town embraces the festive season. Christmas lights were running up and down the gables of the houses and trees hanging from doorways.
This town is also home to Käthe Wohlfahrt’s “Christmas Village”, their flagship store. Their Christmas fun last all year round.
Käthe Wohlfahrt deliveries
The Toy Soldier stands guard
Stuttgart is the capital city of the German state Baden-Wurttemberg & has been holding a Christmas market for over 300 years, so they certainly know how to do it. We found that all the Christmas markets were more central in the town, which made them very easy to stroll between and lots going on.
Santa on the rooftops
Once again, it’s those little things that make the difference.
Stuttgart loves to decorate the roofs of their huts, they were terrific.
We’d also never seen a miniature railway in any markets we’d previously visited.
Highlights
- The Weihnachtsmarkt
- Alten Schloss, especially at night
- Carls Brauhaus
The miniature steam train
The Alten Schloss is particularly picturesque and holds daily concerts, and for something, a little different is the indoor antiques Christmas market.
Alten Schloss at night
We’ve tried our fair share of different food throughout all the markets; however, we’d never seen mackerel being smoked over charcoal.
Cooked over charcoal
You may want to consider the StuttCard for your stay.
As well as being your ticket for public transport, you also have free access to nearly all museums, including the Mercedes-Benz & Porsche ones.
The ancient city of Trier in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany is perfect for a Christmas market mini-break, especially if it is your first experience discovering a Christmas market in Germany or if, like us, you're including it in German Christmas market road trip.
Christmas pyramid in Trier
Trier is considered to be Germany’s oldest city and is overflowing with Roman history and ancient monuments; the Porta Nigra, the ‘Black Gate’, was erected by the Romans in AD 170.
So, if you’re looking to combine a historical city break with your Yuletide market adventure, then Trier is the place for you.
Highlights
- Visiting the Trier Weihnachts Markt
- Exploring Trier's Roman history
- Hot apple wine
- The Singing Moose
At Christmas time, Trier’s pedestrian Altstadt is transformed into a fairy-tale scene for the young and old; we're all big kids at heart, and everyone loves a carousel.
The Medieval Main Market square is surrounded by beautiful timber-framed buildings with gabled rooflines; during the festive season, the shops and homes are aglow with twinkling lights.
The Hauptmarkt is the perfect backdrop for the Trierer Weihnachts Markt. The tall, rotating Christmas pyramid above the traditional Käthe Wohlfahrt cabin really is a delightful sight to see.
Trier Cathedral and Christmas Market
As we strolled towards Trier's Cathedral Square to another joyful Christmas market, the sweet aroma of sticky sugar-coated nuts and the spicy fragrance of glühwein were irresistible. We loved all the Yuletide cabins around the feet of magnificent Dom.
Hot mulled apple wine
Christmas carols were being sung, the carousel was twirling, and the local hot mulled Viez, an Apple Wine, was flowing.
What more do you want from a German Christmas Market? Ahh, yes, a singing moose.
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That is some dedication to German Christmas markets you have going on there 🙂 I’ve only been to the one at Stuttgart and I thought it was so much fun. I had not done a lot of research about what to expect and the crowds were a bit overwhelming. So I’d like to try the markets at Rothenburg ob der Tauber for a different pace #FarawayFiles
Yes, we love the differences that can be found in each region, we’re off to Bremen, Hamburg and Berlin this year.I know what you mean about the crowds, the weekends are particularly busy. That’s the advice we give to others if they have smaller children, that it may become a bit daunting for them.
I can’t believe you’ve been to so many! I think that the atmosphere at a German Christmas market is one of those things everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. #FarawayFiles
Yes, we seem to have become addicted to them. There’s such a great atmosphere amongst the locals and the visitors, everyone is out to enjoy themselves.
There’s nothing like a Christmas Market! So cozy and festive. I have never been to one in Germany but did have the opportunity to visit Strasbourg’s a few years ago along with a handful of others in France. They embody all the best parts of the holiday spirit. Thanks for sharing your list! #farawayfiles
We’ve also been to Strasbourg which was fantastic, although I still think the Germans celebrate it the best. The crafts are wonderful but food and drink selections go the extra mile.
Totally agree that a Christmas Market just competes the holiday spirit.
I love a Christmas Market, I used to go to the Heidelberg one as I lived nearby, some of my best Christmas treasures came from there #FarawayFiles
We do too and the ones in Germany are really magical. We’ve never been to Heidelberg at Christmas, it may need to go on our list.