15 Best German Christmas Markets

This is a guest post by Kristin, a Germany-based travel blogger.

I’ve lived all over the world and seen a lot of ways to celebrate Christmas, all of which have their own charm. However, I’ve found that no other country can match the cozy Christmas charm of the German Christmas Market. After all, Germany is where the Christmas tree originated!

I currently live in Germany and love spending the month before Christmas exploring ALL the Christmas markets. Below are 15 of the Best German Christmas Markets and what you have to do or see in each:

1. Dresden

Dresden is famous for being one of the best Christmas markets in all of Europe, so of course it has to be on this list. 2.5 million annual visitors can’t be wrong!

The Striezelmarkt is the biggest and most famous of the markets. It claims the world’s largest Christmas pyramid (the wooden, wedding-cake-like structure with candles that is a popular Christmas item in Germany).

Dresden is also known for its stollen, a candied fruit bread that’s especially yummy here. I can vouch that it’s the best in Germany ;). As you munch on your stollen, walk through the Winterlights of Dresden on Prager Strasse for great lights and shopping.

Getting there: The Striezelmarkt is in the heart of the old city at the Altmarkt.

Dates: November 29 – December 24, 2024

2. Bad Wimpfen

Bad Wimpfen is an adorable town with a Christmas market that dates all the way back to 1487. The whole place gets into the holiday spirit and the traditional decorations go perfectly with the half-timbered houses. Keeping with the traditional spirit, most of what is for sale is traditional handcrafts.

This market is slightly less crowded than others in bigger cities, so you won’t have to fight the crowds. Plus, it allows for a nice touch: Santa and the Christchild walk around this market handing out gifts to children and telling stories.

Getting there: Bad Wimpfen is between Stuttgart and Heidelberg and can be reached by public transportation.

Dates: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays from November 29 – December 15, 2024

3. Tübingen

Tübingen is a university city south of Stuttgart and its Christmas market is short and sweet (literally).  It’s six days only but it’s all about chocolate! Over 100 chocolate vendors sell different types of chocolate during this chocolART event: Think hot chocolate, chocolate-covered fruit, spicy chocolate, vegan chocolate, and even boozy chocolate.

The market takes place in the old town square; a special touch is the lights at night. Special light art projected on the building transforms the square into a collection of cheery gingerbread houses.

Getting there: Tubingen is 45 km south of Stuttgart and easily reachable by train or bus.

Dates: December 3-8, 2024

4. Heidelberg

Heidelberg is always a favorite city among travelers to Germany. There’s the Philosopher’s Way walk, the cute old town, and the castle on the hill. If you need another excuse to visit, there are several Christmas markets, making an already beautiful city really sparkle.

Heidelberg is home to the world’s largest wine barrel, so of course there will be a smaller (but still big!) replica of this at the Marktplatz.

Don’t miss the ice skating rink on Karlsplatz which has a great view of the castle!

Getting there: Take the train or bus from Heidelberg train station to Heidelberg-Altstadt station.

Dates: November 25 – December 22, 2024

5. Hattingen

Hattingen is a small Christmas market but one that really keeps the traditions alive. It centers around the church square and the 5:30 pm Turmbläser who blows the daily signal from the church tower.

Every day at 5:00 pm a new window is added to the living Advent calendar on the facade of the old town hall. A woman dressed as Frau Holle from the Brothers Grimm tale comes to the window and shakes out her feather pillow filled with gold coins and candy. You can bet it’s a hit with the children!

The glühwein in a boot-shaped mug fits in perfectly at this fairy tale market.

Getting there: Hattingen is between Essen and Dortmund.

Dates: November 25 – December 22, 2024

6. Essen

Essen’s Christmas markets are a bit of an eclectic mix, from an international market with a Peruvian potato stand to a medieval market.

The Flachsmarkt is a medieval market offering hand-made goods and food and drink with a medieval theme.

Essen displays a beautiful blanket of white lights and a collection of gleaming statues of animals that are fun to find.

Also check out the Zeche Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex.  It’s also unique–a converted coal mine that is part event space, part museum and even a UNESCO World Heritage Site!  Read more about it on the best things to do in Germany in the winter. 

Getting there: Take the train to Essen main railway station.

Dates: November 15 – December 23, 2024

7. Cologne

Cologne is well-known for its various Christmas markets, so be prepared for crowds.  It’s all worth it, however, to see the beautiful Christmas tree in front of the Cologne cathedral!

Many markets here open in mid-November, so you have lots of time to enjoy them all.  Plus, with so many markets Cologne is a great place to do your Christmas shopping.

The Heinzels Wintermärchen is based on the legend of the Heinzelmännchen, friendly gnome-like spirits.  No details were skipped to make this a true fairy-tale market! Here visitors can ice skate, curl, and enjoy demonstrations by tradespeople as they sip their glühwein.

Getting there: The main market is a three-minute walk south of the main train station.

Dates: November 18, 2024 – January 5, 2025 but check each market for specific dates

8. Aachen

Aachen is a city famous for gingerbread and this is clearly some of the best in Germany – the best in Germany if the locals are to be believed. Try to spot the giant gingerbread man at the market.

The market here takes place in front of the cathedral (I know, I know, most markets do) but this cathedral is a very unique shape and is worth your time to visit. The ceilings have golden mosaics and the floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows will take your breath away.

Getting there: Aachen is right on the border of Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Dates: November 22 – December 23, 2024

9. Ravennaschlucht

This market might be the hardest of all of them to get to, because it’s right smack in the middle of the Black Forest. The location makes it special though, because the arches of the railroad bridge that snakes over the market are lit up. Climb up the hill for great photos, and wait for just the right moment to get the passing train in the shot.

This smaller market fits perfectly in the gorge and offers specialties from the Black Forest region like wild game, wool hats and wine. You’ll need to bring cash if you want to try some of these goodies though, as the remote location means the signal for credit card machines can be unreliable. There is a Christmas post office here to send a postcard to Santa Claus.

Don’t miss the nativity trail to learn more about the Christmas story. Note that because of the location there is a fee of 7.50 euro for adults.

Getting There: You’ll want to drive to this small town in the southwest of Germany.

Dates: Open most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from November 22 – December 15, 2024

10. Frankfurt

Frankfurt’s many Christmas markets will get you in the holiday spirit quickly. Start at the river and snake through Römerberg square and the old town, all the way to Hauptwache, the city’s main shopping area. I loved the potato pancakes with applesauce and glühwein made with white wine here!

One especially cute market is the Rosa Weihnacht or Pink Christmas market. It’s small and only serves food and drink, but it’s a favorite for after-work drinks. Everything here is pink, including the pink tinsel Christmas trees.

Getting there: There are markets at Römerberg, St. Paul’s Square, Main Quay Hauptwache, Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz and Roßmarkt.

Dates: November 25 – December 22, 2024. Note that the markets close early for a major city, at 9:00 pm

11. Esslingen

Esslingen is one of my favorite cities in Germany – their tiered pink Rathaus can’t be beat for German charm! There is a respectable-sized Christmas market in Esslingen alongside the gigantic medieval market. It’s certainly the largest medieval Christmas market I’ve ever been to, and I loved the variety and fun, hands-on feel.

The entertainment schedule includes jugglers, fire-swallowers, dancers, musicians and comedians, and these guys are good!

Read about some of the rides (yes, medieval rides!) for the kids and the wooden bathtubs for the adults. Grab some medieval bread on a stick, dip your own candle, and hone your ax-throwing skills at this market.

Getting there: Esslingen is 20 minutes from Stuttgart and then a 5-minute walk up Berliner Strasse to the town center.

Dates: November 26 – December 22, 2024

12. Ludwigsburg

Ludwigsburg’s Baroque Christmas market has a special magic to it. It takes place on the Marktplatz with the Baroque Cathedral lit up in the background and I just loved the vibe. White lights and enormous angel wings make this the perfect setting!

A highlight is the choir and music groups that perform on the small stage. Grab a hot chocolate and some Christmas cookies as you listen. The white glow makes this one of my favorite Christmas markets!

Getting there: Ludwigsburg is a 20-minute train ride north of Stuttgart

Dates: November 26 – December 22, 2024

13. Munich

Munich is magical at any time of the year, but it especially shines at Christmas. The Munich Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz is the one you’ll see in postcards. The romantic background of the gothic town hall makes this market really special.

As you stroll through Munich make sure to stop at the city’s giant feuerzangenbowle or fire tongs bowl at Isartor Gate.  This is a potent glühwein with rum, special spices and lots of fire. It’s fun to try this very sweet concoction that is sold in its own special mug.

Other special markets include a medieval market at Wittelsbacher Platz, a fairy tale market and a market on a decommissioned boat.  If that’s not enough, there is also a market at the Munich airport, so you can get your celebrations started the moment you arrive!

Getting there: Marienplatz is just east of the main train station

Dates: November 25 – December 24, 2024 (check dates of individual markets)

14. Stuttgart

Stuttgart’s market, spread out between Schillerplatz and the Marktplatz, is one of the oldest in Europe and sees over three million visitors annually. The city is home to the auto giants Porsche and Mercedes-Benz and you can bet they’ll be a touch of holiday car culture at the market here.

Some special features include the roller skating rink (the city decided keeping an ice skating rink cold used too much energy), a huge Christmas tree and a massive wooden Christmas pyramid. Plus, there is a contest to determine which stall has the most beautifully decorated roof, so don’t forget to look up!

Getting there: Schlossplatz is the closest station

Dates: Daily from November 27 – December 23, 2024

15. Gengenbach

Gengenbach’s market masterpiece is a giant advent calendar.  You may know that Advent calendars are very popular in Germany, where children mark the 24 days before Christmas by opening a small window on their cardboard or wooden calendar.  In Gengenbach, the majestic town hall lights up a different window each night at 6:00 pm as the town counts down the days.

Get some Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and sausages, which are a specialty in the Black Forest region here. I also like to grab Flammkuchen (a cracker-thin flat bread pizza with creme fraiche and onions) when I’m in the area, but if you want something more Christmasy, you can’t go wrong with the roasted chestnuts.

Getting there: Gengenbach is 40 km east of Strasbourg

Dates: November 30-December 23, 2024

What are some of your favorite Christmas markets around the world, or in Germany? Let me know in the comments!

About the author: Kristin of My Corner of Germany is an American teacher and travel lover who has lived all over the world while working in international schools. Her passion is sharing other cultures with others and helping them become more global-minded. She is currently living in Stuttgart, Germany and enjoying exploring all of the castles and Christmas markets in the region.