The best Christmas markets in Germany

Recently updated on August 13th, 2023 at 04:47 pm

What could be more instantly evocative of Christmas in Germany than the aroma of sizzling bratwurst, freshly baked stöllen and steaming mugs of glühwein? Popping up across the country during December, the twinkling lights and heavily decorated wooden stalls of these historic Christmas markets herald one of the best times to visit, as Germany gears up for Christmas in true, traditional fashion. Particularly attractive with a fresh dusting of snow, these atmospheric Christmas markets in Germany offer just the right dose of festive cheer.

Berlin

Situated in the square between Französischer Dom, the Konzerthaus and Deutscher Dom, The Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt features rows of peaked white tents festooned with colourful decorations. A range of traditional crafts can be found here, from glassblowing and candle making to millinery and jewellery stalls, as well as live music and festive food by renowned Michelin-starred chefs.

A local favourite is the Christmas market at Charlottenburg Palace, famous for its scenic setting in the shadow of the Baroque building. Each year, this market features a light installation, flooding the cabins with colour and painting the palace in vivid reds and greens. From roasted chestnuts and aromatic gingerbread to carousels and crafts, this is a Christmas market straight out of the storybooks.

Frankfurt

Laid out across St Paul’s Square in the historic quarter of Frankfurt, The Römerberg Christmas market is one of Germany’s largest, dating back as far as 1393. A giant Christmas tree is in pride of place, surrounded by traditional wooden cabins wreathed in festive decorations and flickering lights, and overlooked by the square’s striking red brick church and historic buildings. The market specialises in miniature marzipan figures called Bethmännchen, which originate from the local tradition of baking two-metre tall gingerbread men to represent Father Christmas.

Nuremberg

One of the most popular Christmas markets in Germany, there are as many as 180 wooden stalls, each decorated with red and white cloth, giving it the name, ‘Little Town of Wood and Cloth’. As traditional a Christmas market as one could hope to find, Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is the archetypal festive scene, with wooden toys lined up alongside gingerbread houses and steaming vats of glühwein. A dedicated children’s market features a carousel, ferris wheel and steam train, with a nativity tableau set up alongside it. Aside from the usual Christmas fare, Nuremberg is also famous for its ‘Prune People’, or Zwetschgenmännle, little (inedible) figurines made out of prunes.

Munich

One of Germany’s most historic Christmas markets, the Munich market dates back to the 14^th century, and still has a distinct traditional theme today. A towering Christmas tree lit with thousands of lights has been the central feature for many years, and small groups of Bavarian musicians can be found serenading shoppers as they browse stalls selling everything from wooden carvings to colourful glassware. Set right in the centre of Munich, in Marienplatz (St Mary’s) square, this is the best place to experience an authentic German Christmas.

Eisenach

Set high above the rolling countryside of the Thuringia region, in the courtyard of 11^th century Wartburg Castle (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Eisenach’s Christmas market feels particularly festive, with stalls scattered throughout the labyrinthine castle grounds. Strongly in keeping with the medieval setting, the range of wares here skews strongly towards the traditional, with handcrafted wooden and glass items sitting alongside baked goods and locally sourced German products. When the biting cold finally wins over, visitors venture inside the castle to listen to the Christmas concerts.

Dresden

Commonly known as the Dresden Striezelmarkt, this Christmas market is named after a particular type of Christmas cake, Hefestriezel. Located in Altmarkt Square in the historic centre of the city, stalls are filled with handmade items including pottery, gingerbread, candleholders and blown glass Christmas decorations, some of which are crafted while you watch by the artisans at their stalls. One of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, and certainly one of the most romantic, this festive institution offers fantastic insight into a beloved German tradition.

The Christmas markets in Germany typically run from the last week of November until January 6^th. Travel between the best festive markets in Germany on a Trafalgar Christmas itinerary.

Image credits: Cover photo © iStock / AMzPhoto. Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin © iStock / querbeet. Frankfurt Christmas Market © iStock / sborisov. Nuremberg Christmas Market © iStock / Juergen Sack. Munich Christmas Market © iStock / Liane M. Wartburg Castle, Eisenach Christmas Market © iStock / foto-rolf. Dresden Christmas Market © iStock / ZU.