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If there was one time of year you should come to Germany, winter would be it. Yes, it’s cold and often gloomy but with the approach of the Christmas season, comes the warmth of the holiday spirit and a warm cup of Glühwein surrounded by friends and family.
Towns, villages and cities throughout Germany deck out their city centers in the most vibrant, jolly, Christmas decorations and line up rows upon rows of adorably decorated wooden stalls filled with the most exciting Christmas gifts and goodies!
The smell of roasted chestnuts, spiced red wine with Jack Frost nipping at your nose truly bring the spirit of Christmas alive in the towns across Germany.
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Germany is one of the best European destinations to visit in the winter. We have thousands of Christmas Markets around the country, we have picturesque towns coated in white fluffy snow doubling that magical Disney-esque appeal and mountainous peaks worthy of skiing every day, therefore, Germany is one of the best Christmas destinations in Europe!
But nothing can compete with the magical of German Christmas Markets. Visiting a Christmas Market is one of the best things to do in winter in Europe and everyone waits all year for the four weeks of Christmas magic!
Dresden Striezelmarkt, Saxony
November 23rd to December 24th, 2022
Considered to be the oldest Christmas Market in Germany, Dresden’s Striezelmarkt has been welcoming millions of visitors for the last 586 years! Since 1434, Dresden’s Christmas Market has been belovedly known as “Striezelmarkt”, a reference to a sweet delicacy popular in the region, known as Hefestriezel, or more commonly known as the Dresden Christmas Stollen. Scattered throughout the historic city center, encircling the Frauenkirche and across the river, you’ll find several markets, focused on selling traditional and locally made items, such as Nutcrackers, Christmas Pyramids and other knickknacks hand carved in the Ore Mountains. You’ll also find a variety of yummy foods and drinks, ranging from traditional Glühwein, to Glühbier, Gingerbread Hot Chocolate and so much more!
Abensberg Kuchlbauer Hundertwasser Weihnachtsmarkt, Bavaria
November 23rd – December 18th, 2022
Located just 30 minutes outside of Regensburg, this Christmas market can be found at the Kuchlbauer Brewery surrounding the artistically, unique Hundertwasser Tower designed by the famous Viennese artist Friedrich Hundertwasser, making it one of Germany’s most interested Christmas Markets.
There is so much to do here, there is bound to be something for everyone! From horse-carriage rides to a ride on the Christmas train, live music as well as plenty of stalls offering unique artisan crafts and gifts.
After a stroll through the Christmas market and you have filled up on Bratapfel Glühwein, meander through the Kunst Haus (Art House) which is dedicated to the life of Friedensreich Hundertwasser and his artwork making this Christmas market especially loved by those with children!
- Mon. & Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday & Thursday: 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Friday: 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Saturday: 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Sunday: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m
Heidelberg Romantic Christmas Market, Baden-Württemburg
November 21st, 2022 – January 1st, 2023
By far one of the most romantic Christmas markets in Germany, this one is bound to encourage some smooching with your lover. With 140 stalls spread out in 6 locations across the town, with the ruins of the Heidelberg Castle perched above the town, this market is likely to leave you breathless.
Just beneath the castle at Karlsplatz is an ice skating rink perfect for young and old to relish in the holiday joy. For those who prefer to watch, they can sip on a cup of warm Glühwein near the rink or shop around at one of the many “Old World” stalls.
Or if you’re looking for a unique experience, head up to the Heidelberg Castle and peruse the Castle Christmas Market!
Nuremberg Christkindlmarkt, Bavaria
November 25th – December 24, 2022
Of all the festive Christmas markets that fill every town center in every major city throughout Europe, Nuremberg’s Christkindlmarkt is one of the most famous Christmas Markets in Germany and if you had to choose ONE, this would be the one to visit!
With over 200 stalls, a unique Christkind opening ceremony on the Friday before the first Advent, historic Lebkuchen and Nuremberger sausages, what else could possibly be better?
The historic market sits in front of the Frauenkirche while Gold Angels watch over the market, there is an international Sister Cities market as well as a Children’s Christmas Market where you can even have your picture taken with Santa!
Regensburg Weihnachtsmarkt, Bavaria
November 21st – December 23, 2022
Slightly overlooked by its other more popular neighbors of Munich or Nuremberg, the Regensburg Christmas Market offers plenty to entice you to come for a visit! With four different markets located throughout the town, including at the Schloss Thurn & Taxis Romantic Christmas Market, each with its own unique character, there is bound to be something for everyone making for one magical affair!
The main market surrounding the Neupfarrkirche with St. Stephan’s Cathedral off in the distance offers the most bustling, focal point of all the markets. Here you can enjoy watching glass-blowing, live music and two children’s carousel.
Christmas music, toys, arts and crafts, Christmas decorations and the sweet wafting scent of the Christmas bakeries create a wonderful atmosphere perfect for the whole family.
Rottacher Adevent – Weihnachtsmarkt at Tegernsee, Bavaria
November 26th – December 18th 2022, Saturday and Sunday from 2:00pm – 9:00pm
For a high class Christmas market in Germany, head on down to Lake Tegern outside of Munich for an off-the beaten path, upscale Christmas market. In this region alone, there are 6 different options to visit a market, but two are the most memorable.
Upon arrival in Tegernsee, check out the Christmas Market at the Castle which is small and quaint but offers some pretty unique gifts, such a hand carved wood figured or ornaments.
Dates TBD for 2019: Christmas Castle Market Tegernsee
Sat./Sunday 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
When you’re done, hop aboard the shuttle boat which will take you to the other side of the lake to the most magical market, with wooden huts lined along the banks of the river offering posh food and luxury gifts. Here, if Glühwein isn’t your thing, sip on a glass of champagne while perusing the stalls or warming your hands at one of the open fire pits.
Dates TBD for 2019: Rottacher Advent
2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Stuttgart Christmas Market, Baden-Württemburg
November 23rd – December 23, 2022
One of the oldest Christmas Markets in all of Europe first mentioned in 1692, the Stuttgart Christmas Market is by far one of the most beautiful in Germany, as there is a competition every year as to which Christmas stall is the most beautiful! It is also one of the largest with 290 beautifully decorated stalls spread throughout the entire city center offering everything from hand crafted knickknacks to a wide variety of food enchanting some 3.5 million visitors each year.
Visitors have a chance to enjoy live concerts daily, a children’s fairy tale land with carousel, a real steam engine train and so much more! It’s illuminations are incomparable to any other market and you won’t want to miss it!
Esslingen Medieval Christmas Market, Baden-Württemburg
November 22nd – December 22nd, 2022
After you’ve visited your far share of Christmas markets, they all begin to look and feel the same, but Esslingen’s MEDIEVAL Christmas Market will raise the bar, as it is one of the most unique Christmas Markets in Germany! Banners and flag, gypsies and pirates, blacksmiths and glass-makers take you back in time. Fire lit torches light up the night, warm honey mead, Glühbier or Glühwein in clay cups keep you warm as you stroll from one tent to the next. The medieval town tall and all the half-timbered houses are the backdrop of this unique Christmas market. Jugglers, street artists and musicians liven up the atmosphere as you shop through self-crafted, handmade items.
Schweinhütter Christmas Market, Bavarian Forest
December 3rd & 4th, 2022 from 2:00pm – 9:00pm
December 10th & 11th, 2022 from 2:00pm – 9:00pm
If you’re looking for a mystical Christmas Market in Germany, look no further than the Bavarian forest! Tucked deep in the woods, covered in snow is a special Christmas Market unlike any other! An enchanted forest where gnomes play games on you, the sweet and enticing smell of Christmas treats wafts from a real Gingerbread House but where even Krampus creeps in the darkness. Here at theSchweinhütter Weihnachtsmarkt, you won’t find hordes of tourists but instead, locals offering up a sip of homemade Schnapps gathered round a blazing fire in a small hut. Bring your snow boots, as lanterns guide your way from one stall to the next decorated in forest themes along snowy paths.
Ludwigsburg Baroque Christmas Market, Baden-Württemburg
November 22nd – December 22nd, 2022
An easy day trip from Stuttgart, the Ludwigsburg Baroque Christmas Market is one of the most enchanting Christmas Markets in Germany. Angels truly watch over you as you do your Christmas shopping at over 170 booths. Majestic angles spread their wings to welcome any visitors and illuminate the crisp December nights. Towering over the Christmas Market are two baroque churches at opposite ends of the square. In the center of the square are several glass encased booths illuminating the market like twinkling candle boxes. Peruse some of the traditional German Christmas gifts such as collectible miniature half-timbered houses, nutcrackers and smoking Santas. Best of all, you can find some of the best Glühbier ever here!
Mainz Christmas Market
November 25th – December 23rd, 2022
If you’re looking for a Christmas Market in Germany more geared towards Wine, then look no further than the Mainz Christmas Market, just an easy day trip from Frankfurt. Here you’ll find some of the best Glühwein in Germany, as well as charming, personal wine barrel huts to rent out for the evening while you cozy up with a pipping hot mug of Glühwein. Afterwards, stroll around the twinkling bedecked Christmas Market and look for the perfect gift!
Stay tuned as I add more Christmas Markets to this post!
If you’re interested in visiting Germany and are looking for more information, I highly recommend using the DK Eyewitness Travel Guide! Without these guides, I would be lost! This is my travel Bible!
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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, I might make a little extra spending money, at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own and these products/services have been found useful during our travels and come highly recommended to you from yours truly!
Other Christmas Markets in Europe:
Prague’s Christmas Market, Czech Republic
A COMPLETE Guide to Vienna’s Christmas Markets, Austria
Strasbourg is the “City of Christmas”, France
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Woo, I can’t wait for Christmas market season!
Freiburg also has a nice one 🙂
Oh maybe I’ll have to check that out!
Goood reference guide at least for the next few years! Thnx..
Love Christmas markets!! This year though I’ll barely be able to see anything as I am going home to India
Oh sad! Ya that happened to me last year we went home right at thanksgiving for 2 2 1/2 weeks and by then there was only about a week and a half left before they closed but I had to work 🙁
Still looking foward to going ont he opening day here in Basel 🙂
Ah, I love the Christmas markets! Nothing like a cup of glühwein to keep you warm.
I love Austrian Christmas markets. But Munchen is on my list to visit for so long… I’d love to visit some Christmas markets in Germany too!
I’ll definitely be checking out Munich’s Christmas markets this year! I live only an hour away and haven’t been yet! Sadly I haven’t seen any Austrian markets yet but they’re also on my list for this year!
I love Christmas markets in Germany. I’ve been to the ones in Munich and Nuremberg but I would love to travel to Germany during the Christmas season again and explore some of these as well. #wanderfulwednesday
Last year I did the closest thing I could to traveling during the holiday season … traveling just after Christmas but before the new year. I’d love to visit in December and see the markets when they are in full swing, but traveling just before Christmas probably won’t ever happen. I was glad to see a few markets (and trees!) still up when I got there last year though. It was definitely an experience trying gluhwein and roasted chestnuts for the first time! And seeing the krampus! ? ? ?
Pragues christmas markets stay open until the new year
Heidelberg’s arch looks gorgeous! I hope I can experience authentic German christmas markets some year, but for now I have to stick to the UK’s!
Oh it’s more than just the one arch but yes it’s sooo pretty! You’ll have to come one year!
One of my dreams is to visit at least one of the German Christmas markets! They just look so incredibly festive and perfect to get you in the Christmas spirit!
Have you been to Hamburg during December? I mean it’s my favourite German city anyway but the Christmas markets there are absolutely magical 🙂
No not yet 🙁 I’ve mostly only explore the southern states! I hope to make it to quite a few more markets this year (if I don’t go home for Xmas)
I love German Christmas markets! (I say, having never been to one in Germany)… I’ve gone to Germany-style Christmas markets in England though. I hope that counts. Thanks for letting me relive it all!#wanderfulwednesday
I haven’t been to any of the markets on your list – but I love the German Christmas Markets nonetheless! We visited Munich’s last year and enjoyed bratwurst and wine in the snow by the town hall. It was so wonderful. 😀
It’s sad – I live an hour away from Munich and haven’t been to the markets there, but this year I hope to make it to several!
Wish I could be there! These Christmas markets definitely look magical to me. Hope I get to visit Germany in winter one day! #FarawayFiles
Surely Germany still has to be THE place for Christmas markets. This is a really helful guide – I love Hundertwasser, so Abensburg is now top of my list! #FarawayFiles
We certainly have some of the best but France and Austria also have some pretty amazing markets Im hoping to revisit this winter!
Ooh yes, Germany has the best Christmas markets I am sure. I went to a huge one in Stuttgart some years ago and it was so much fun. We even had a little flurry of snow and I think that makes the experience extra special. Thanks so much for sharing the fun on #FarawayFiles Lolo!
I also went to the Stuttgart market a few years ago and hope to go back this year and really explore it as last time I was helping a friend move there and barely saw anything! And yes, when it snows the magic really comes alive!
I LOVE Germany around the holidays! It’s so festive and fun. You’ve gotten to see so many great markets and reveal some of the smaller lesser known ones! Really getting me in the Holiday spirit 😀
I do think Germany has some of the world’s best Christmas Markets. Great that you’ve picked some of the lesser-known ones. I like the sound of the one at Tegernsee. Thanks so much for linking this up to #FarawayFiles
Christmas Markets can certainly become quite over crowded so it’s nice to find the ones off the beaten path!
The Heidelberg one looks so pretty. I love a good Christmas market and would love to get to one in Germany this year as it’s been ages since I went to one there. #farawayfiles
Then Heidelberg is DEFINITELY the one you want to squeeze in!!
Wow I love the idea of the Heidelberg one, under the castle – definitely one to try! I’ve been to the Frankfurt one which was OK, but it isn’t the best German city. I fancy Stuttgart as well #FarawayFiles
I agree! I went to the Frankfurt market in 2007 and wasn’t left impressed but I was also a youngling not yet seasoned in travel and blogging so maybe one day I’ll give it a go again!
Tis the Season! They are setting up the Christmas Market here in Glasgow just now but I’m sure it’s nothing in comparison to Germany! Every year I say I will fly over in December just to see the markets. May this will be the year! #FarawayFiles
Now this has put me in a festive mood. Gluhwein, pretty towns and smooching – what’s not to love. I really must ‘do’ a Christmas market. We have some in the UK but I keep telling myself that a German one would be so worth going to.
#farawayfiles
I used to sell Christmas holiday packages to Germany all the time and have been seeing all the different Christmas markets that my clients can find there on our brochures. I feel so jealous of them. It’s in my bucket list. 🙂
Oh that’s like when I worked in a bank handing out all this money that wasn’t mine! Painful! You gotta come!
Love a German Christmas market, Heidelberg and Stade are my favourites. What a lovely post makes me feel all Christmassy. #FarawayFiles
Love the German christmas markets! This has added quite a few to my list. Nuremberg is my favorite for sure. Heading to Colgone and Brussels this year for the markets. #farawayfiles
I’d love to go to both of those! Have fun!
This post makes me so nostalgic! I visited my first German Christmas market in Heidelberg last year, and I fell head over heels. I had never felt so much Christmas spirit before! I wish I were back there this holiday season! I’d love to hit up all the places you wrote about 🙂
Heidelberg is a special market! It too will always have a special place in my heart as it too was my first Christmas Market when I studied abroad there in 2007.
I’ve never been to the Christmas Market in Germany, but I hope that changes this year. Fingers crossed. 🙂 #WanderfulWednesday
This is something that I’ve always wanted to do! Unfortunately, I haven’t gotten the chance to go to Germany yet. Love your pictures and pinterest graphic, definitely pinning for later 🙂
Ooh I do home you get the chance to go one day!
I’d love to visit Stuttgart christmas market someday. This year though, I am excited that I will be visiting the Frankfurt christmas market in Birmingham.
It looks like so much fun at the holiday season.
I always tell myself I’ll go to Heidelberg for the Christmas market, but somehow, I never make it. Maybe this year will be different! All the markets definitely make the cold, dark days of winter in Germany much more warm and cozy.
Oooh you have to go to the Heidelberg market!! It’s my favorite!
Great list. You definitely have a few on here that I still haven’t been to, so want to go.
Going to Germany at Christmas time is on my bucket list. Love this breakdown. Saving!
Some lovely German Christmas markets, I haven’t been to any of these. Looking forward to checking our local Christmas market in Edinburgh this year!
My friends fly over especially to go to the German Xmas markets and now I see why. I think I would absolutely stuff my face at all of them!
It’s definitely worth the flight! 🙂
I always wonder of each of these markets is pretty much the same with some small differences — this one has stöllen everywhere and that one has pfeffernusse, etc. So nice over view of what each one offers and which are more unique.
Ya of course you’ll always find the most loved things as each market like Glühwein or Bratwurst but you have to look for the unique qualities
I really thought this year would be the year I finally visit a German Christmas market, but unless I get some surprise plane tickets, it doesn’t look that way 🙁
Ooh boo! Well if you’re ever in Bavaria or near Munich/Nuremberg hit me up! We’re in Regensburg! Happy to show you around from a locals perspective!
In london we have basically the same, we call the winter wonderland. It’s awesome, I can not wait to open!!
<3
This is one of my dreams: to go visit some of Germany’s Christmas markets. I’ve only been in Munich for Christmas, but as your post reflects, there are so many other charming markets across Germany. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Great selection of christmas markets. Looking forward to this Christmas season! #TheWeeklyPostcard
This really helps me get in the Christmas spirit. I can’t believe its that time of year already. Maybe one of these years I will be able to make it to one of the Christmas markets in Germany.
Would love to see some of the Christmas markets in Germany some time, I really enjoyed the Austrian and Czech ones I went to last year. Fantastic shot of Heidelberg there too with the castle in the background. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Oh well if you have to pick one, the Heidelberg market is the best! But maybe I’m biased as it was my first when I studied abroad there!
I had no idea Tegernsee had a market. We so love that place.
Ah you’ve taken me back to last year when we visited lots of European Christmas markets, several in Germany. Frankfurt, Cologne, Heidelberg were all fun but Stuttgart was one we unfortunately did not get to.
I’d love to see Heidelberg castle, it all looks so magical with the market and Xmas decorations!
This is a great round-up with some amazing pictures.
We’re heading to Bruges next month for the Christmas market but after reading this I feel a new Christmas tradition coming on and Germany is next on the list for sure! Thanks for sharing.
#citytripping
There really is nowhere like Germany for Christmas Markets- I have very fond memories of wandering around them with gluhwein during the year I lived there. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
I’d love to go and see the German Christmas markets, they are so famous, all the others are just copycats, one day we’ll get there! #citytripping
Have you been to the one on the island at Chiemsee, if not, definitely definitely go to that one, it’s beautiful! If you are really organised, I would book to stay on the only gasthof there for the night so you can make the most of your time there and enjoy it! I will miss the markets when we move on! 🙂
No we haven’t been yet but I have see pictures and it’s definitely on my radar! Thanks for the tip! 🙂
I love this! Christmas markets are my favorite and really are needed in Europe’s dark winters. I visited the markets in Frankfurt last year and really enjoyed them.
I’ve visited a Christmas marked in the UK, but not in Europe. They are so magical huh. Thanks for sharing #weeklypostcard
Lovely post. I loved your photos, especially the one in Heidelberg framing the castle. I have just spent a few hours in Cologne and agree that German Christmas markets are brilliant. My favourite however is in Salzburg – similar in many ways to Heidelberg. #CityTripping
Oh lovely! I hope to make it the Salzburg market one year! Maybe next year!
I just love Christmas markets!!
In France they have some really nice too!!
Oh I believe it! I’ve been to the Strasbourg market before and am going again finally this year! It was one of the most magical I have ever been to!
Reblogged this on Wag 'n Bietjie.
Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Ooh I love a nice Christmas Market?
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Gorgeous!
I’ve thought about traveling during Christmas…this post is making me think what an experience that could be! Hmmmm…