German Christmas Markets, or Weihnachtsmarkt, are an instant infusion of Christmas spirit! 

They come in all sizes, from the grand and spectacular in major cities to the charming and rustic in medieval villages. They are a magical maze of wooden huts trimmed in greenery and lights, sprawling out from town centers and set against stunning backdrops. Picture the medieval timbered houses of Esslingen, the great cathedral of Cologne, and the grounds of Guteneck Castle. 

What You’ll Find at a German Christmas Market

Tradition

With most in existence since the 14th and 15th centuries, German Christmas Markets are steeped in tradition. 

Starting with Advent, four Sundays before Christmas, you’ll be immersed in Scandinavian influences, Tannenbaum or Christmas trees, Advent calendars, nutcrackers, and Weihnachtspyramide or Christmas pyramids (wooden structures of one to five rotating levels decorated in carved figures). 

This sense of tradition is so important to locals that many markets pride themselves on only selling regional handicrafts and food. For example, Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt proclaims itself the “Little Town from Wood and Cloth” ⎼ no plastic there! Most markets also end on Christmas Eve.

As you shop and eat your way through the markets (which we’ll get to momentarily!), be sure to chat with the locals who love their Christmas Markets as much as you will. Not only will they be happy to share a cup of Glühwein and some Christmas cheer with you, but they’ll be sure to point you in the direction of the best local delicacies, handicrafts, and activities.

Food & Drink

You’ll want to go to a Weihnachtsmarkt with an appetite! 

You’ll smell the bratwurst before you see them roasting on giant round griddles. You can opt for a regular sized wurst or a half-meter one (yes, that’s a foot long!) in a long bun or a small bun, but certainly with mustard.

Wash it down with sipped mulled wine, or Glühwein, made of red wine, sugar and spices, and served warm in ceramic mugs to keep your hands toasty as you wander the twinkling lanes. Return the mug for your deposit (€1 or €2) or keep it as a souvenir! Hot apple wine, brandies, and nonalcoholic refreshments are also available.

Sweets are plentiful and include Stollen, marzipan cookies, gingerbread (invented here!), fried breads, fruit jams, roasted chestnuts and candied almonds. 

Activities & Shopping

There are ice rinks, ferris wheels, and carousels when you’re not eating and drinking, and each market offers its own unique experiences, from falconry displays to candle making. Concerts and choirs at nearby churches are musical feasts for the soul. And there is no shortage of shopping opportunities.

In fact, German Christmas Markets are the perfect place to get some holiday shopping in, either for yourself or family and friends! Every town or city will have its own regional goods on offer, like lace in Plauen, wooden figurines in Erzgebirge, blue-dyed fabrics in Thuringia, and chimney-sweep prune people or Pflaumentoffel in Dresden.

If nothing else, pick up a hand-painted glass ornament for your own tree and stock up on some marzipan pigs to give out as New Year’s good luck gifts to unsuspecting friends and family when you get home!

1. Dresden’s Striezelmarkt

Dating back to 1434, it boasts the largest nutcracker, 230 huts with crafts & food, and a Christmas pyramid standing over 45 feet high! The name is derived from the early names for that famous German fruit cake, Stollen, which you must try while there.

2. Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s Reiterlesmarkt*

A 500 year-old market in a fairytale town that will whisk you back in time as it opens with the arrival of the mythical Reiterle (rider). Try the Schneeballbiscuit (fried dough covered in powdered sugar or melted chocolate) and visit the year-round Christmas Museum.

4. Berlin’s Christmas Markets*

With over 70 Christmas Markets throughout the city, you may feel like you’ve arrived in the Christmas capital of the world! Take advantage and explore as many as you can. You’ll find everything from traditional to modern themes, fairy lights to spectacles. 

5. Frankfurt’s Römerberg Market*

Surrounded by half-timbered buildings, you’ll find 200 stalls, a grand Christmas tree, and those adorable prune people. Stay through Christmas Eve to hear the "pealing of the bells," when all the church bells of the Old Town ring in the arrival of Christmas in perfect harmony.

6. Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt

Try to be there for opening day when the Christkind, or Christ child, played by a local child arrives in golden splendour. Then explore the 200 huts, sample gingerbread, or Lebukhan, where it was first baked, and feast on the famous Nuremberg bratwurst.

7. Cologne’s Weihnachtsmarkt Am Kölner Dom*

The city’s most impressive Christmas market, nestled against its towering Gothic Cathedral. A climb to the top of the church will give a stunning view of the 160 red covered booths below. You’ll also be able to pass your wish on to the crowned and golden cloaked Christkind. 

9. Schloss Guteneck’s Weihnachtsmarkt 

A more rustic market hosted on the grounds of the yellow Guteneck Castle, you’ll stroll snowy lanes with candle lit trees and experience the middle ages brought to life with roaring fires, falconry displays, farm animals, and minstrels.

10. Monschau’s Weihnachtsmarkt*

A day trip from Cologne or Düsseldorf, this charming town of half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and a rushing stream is like a Christmas fairytale. As evening descends and fires are lit you’ll feel transported to a bygone, romantic time.

So if you’re planning to be in Germany at Christmastime, you must plan to fill up on the Christmas spirit at one or more of the many Christmas Markets you’ll encounter on your travels. 

Bundle up in a scarf and hat, be sure to carry some Euros in your pocket, and book a photographers to take full advantage of the magical backdrop.

Fröhliche Weihnachten!