The Top 10 Christmas Markets in Germany

Christmas markets are becoming increasingly popular in European countries as the winter holidays approach. However, it is worth noting that German Christmas markets are in the spotlight. Mulled wine, chocolate, caramel, and gingerbread aromas are already in the air. It’s impossible not to feel the magic when a fairy tale comes to life.

Wreaths, garlands, and spruce branches adorn shop windows and house facades, and thousands of lights illuminate the streets in the evenings. Small pavilions with souvenirs, gifts, toys, and treats line the squares under the shadow of Christmas trees. The festive and cheerful atmosphere of these locations captivates all visitors.

However, the scenery and locations are also spectacular. So, if you’ve decided to visit Germany this Christmas, take a look at this list of the best Christmas markets in Germany.

Dresden Christmas Market

Dresden is one of Germany’s most romantic cities, and its allure is sometimes surpassed on the eve of the holidays. The historic center’s streets and squares are transformed into a giant Christmas fairy tale. No matter how corny it may sound, if there is anywhere that will cheer you up, which there isn’t, it’s pre-holiday Dresden! The city was filled with the glow of lights, the hot aroma of spiced wine and baked apples, and the sounds of Christmas music.

Of course, the city’s main decoration in December is the Christmas market, one of Europe’s oldest and most beautiful. Germany’s oldest fair is held on the Altmarkt market square, just as it was nearly 600 years ago. Around 200 merchants from Saxony travel to Dresden to sell their wares, which include traditional souvenirs, household items, Christmas decorations, and food.

Best hotels in Dresden

Hamburg Christmas Market

If you visit Germany during the Christmas season, make a point of visiting the Hamburg Christmas Market, which is one of the most beautiful in the country. With its innovative approach to commerce and extensive entertainment program, Hamburg’s largest Christmas market attracts millions of visitors each year.

You can walk around it and see a beautiful view of the Alster River. Furthermore, this fantastic market offers an impressive array of entertaining activities. You can, for example, attend various parades and even entertain your children with a visit from Santa.

Why are tourists so taken with this market in Germany? The solution is straightforward. The main things are incredible Christmas delight and happiness. Furthermore, Hamburg is a port city. So you can enjoy two exciting activities: a visit to the festive markets and a boat ride around the well-known harbor.

Best hotels in Hamburg

Lucia Christmas Market, Berlin

If you want to have an unforgettable vacation this year but aren’t sure which city is best for you, consider Berlin. The splendor of Checkpoint Charlie and Brandenburg Gate will undoubtedly take your breath away. The Christmas market, on the other hand, is a must-see event during the holiday season. Every year, more than 70 Christmas markets are held here, with a variety that rivals that of the city.

The Lucia Christmas Market is the most famous of Berlin’s Christmas markets, known not only to Berliners but to people all over the country and the world. The fair at Kulturbrauerei is dedicated to St. Lucia, the Scandinavian patroness of the world, and the Scandinavian theme is unmistakable.

Sweet German traditional songs can be heard playing throughout the market, and flags flutter from the beautifully decorated stalls. In addition, this fantastic market includes small wooden stands. Their proprietors will serve you hot drinks such as glühwein, chocolate, and delectable German fare. Don’t pass up the chance to try Bratwurst and Schmalzkuchen.

You might prefer to do your Christmas shopping in a smaller town. In this case, you can visit any of the city’s other excellent holiday markets.

Best hotels in Berlin

Leipzig Christmas Market

Leipzig is a city where every street is steeped in a century’s worth of history, and you’ll fall in love with it from the first step. On the eve of Christmas, this is the city you want to return to again and again.

Leipzig’s Christmas market tradition dates back to 1458, making it Germany’s second oldest market. More than 250 stalls are located on the central square in the city’s historical district. The Christmas market in Leipzig is one of the most beautiful in Germany due to its adherence to centuries-old traditions and culinary diversity.

In addition, the world’s largest free-standing advent calendar with an area of 857 m2 is located right in the city. Not only that, but the 38-meter-tall Ferris wheel and the Saxon spruce Christmas tree are two of the market’s most eye-catching features. Finally, the music heard on the square deserves special consideration. After all, it is performed from the balcony of the Old Town Hall by a group of trumpeters.

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Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg

Nuremberg is a popular tourist destination. And it is, indeed, one of the best places to visit during Christmas in Germany. If you visit this wonderful location, you will be able to see many picturesque sights of the city, such as churches, museums, and Nuremberg Castle.

The most important place to visit in Nuremberg, however, is the Christkindlesmarkt. It is located in the city’s main square. This Christmas market is regarded as the best in Bavaria and one of Europe’s most popular, visited, and beautiful Christmas markets. It depicts a true festive market.

In the center of the square is a large Christmas nativity scene. Today’s Christkindlesmarkt consists of approximately 180 wooden stalls that are traditionally decorated with red and white striped fabric. This Christmas market in Germany is centuries old and represents the essence of the holiday season. You’ll find a wide range of traditional crafts and delectable national foods here. There is also a children’s market where you can entertain them.

Christkind is the symbol of the Nuremberg Christmas Market. For more than a half-century, a beautiful young girl from the town has been chosen for this honorary role. The Nuremberg Christmas market is traditionally opened by the girl – the angel Christkind. The ceremony takes place on the city’s main market square, culminating in the appearance of the angel Kristkind on the balcony of Our Lady’s Church and the opening of Nuremberg’s Christmas market.

Best hotels in Nuremberg

Marktplatz, Stuttgart Christmas Market

Stuttgart is another excellent Christmas destination. This city is ideal for car enthusiasts, particularly those who prefer German brands. Throughout the day, various automobile manufacturer museums are open to the public.

But there is one thing that will take your breath away in Stuttgart. The market is over 300 years old and one of Europe’s largest. Stuttgart’s Christmas market is one of the most charming in Germany, retaining a traditional feel while being less “touristy.” The brilliant surroundings of this Christmas market in Germany will undoubtedly captivate you. Next to it is the magnificent Old Castle of the city. This place is a true miracle, thanks to hundreds of tiny sparkling lights. There are numerous small shops selling traditional German glühwein, handicrafts, and other items.

I can tell you a little bit about the Christmas market in Stuttgart. You must come here and see everything for yourself. After that, you’ll understand why this market outperforms all others in Germany.

Best hotels in Stuttgart

Cologne

This German town is known for its magnificent cathedral, which is located near one of the Christmas markets. The city is filled with a festive atmosphere, and the squares and streets are illuminated. The aroma of mulled wine, roasted nuts, hot chestnuts, gingerbread, and caramelized apples pervades the air, as do New Year’s melodies. When you visit during the winter holidays, you’ll be able to do two things at once: admire the cathedral’s beauty and peruse the numerous markets.

You will be able to admire a large Christmas tree and the charming holiday atmosphere in Cologne. Furthermore, because the market is in a beautiful location, many vendors will offer you their festive goods.

The Christmas market in Cologne is popular with visitors from other countries. There are seven Christmas markets in Cologne, including one on a Rhine cruise ship and the famous medieval fair outside the Cologne Chocolate Museum. Fresh Kelsch beer and mulled wine with ‘Shus,’ which means hot wine with rum or liquor, are available here.

Best hotels in Cologne

Munich Christmas Market in Marienplatz

Munich is undoubtedly one of the most visited cities in Germany. It is especially popular around the holidays. Tourists flock to see sights such as Munich’s Residence Palace and Neuschwanstein Castle.

If you are fortunate enough to spend Christmas in Munich, don’t miss out on visiting one of the Christmas markets and purchasing some Bavarian specialties. The fair’s merchandise has remained largely unchanged over the centuries: you can buy Christmas gingerbread, traditional dolls made of dried plums and almonds, and wooden crafts from neighboring regions here.

The aroma of mulled wine, Christmas sweets, incredible gifts, and souvenirs for the entire family – you can’t get to know Christmas Munich unless you visit this fair. You will undoubtedly be amazed, and the festive merriment will stay with you for a long time.

Best hotels in Munich

Frankfurt Christmas Market

Frankfurt, the metropolis of three hundred banks and the global financial center, transforms into a true Christmas wonderland for a month and also hosts one of Germany’s most popular Christmas Markets. The city’s officials are proud that they install the tallest Christmas tree in the country every year. The square is illuminated with 1000 LED lights in the evening. The facades of half-timbered houses surrounding the square reflect all of this light, giving the impression that you are in a fairy tale.

Frankfurt’s Christmas market is one of the most rich in traditions and customs. Frankfurt’s main Christmas market on Römerberg Square and the surrounding streets is still one of the largest and most beautiful in Germany. Every year, it attracts over 200 participants and approximately 3 million visitors. Many products by masters from the Ore Mountains can be found on shop shelves, including puppets, candles, nutcrackers, tin toys, Christmas tree decorations, traditional Frankfurt ceramics, and a variety of other gifts.

Best hotels in Frankfurt

Schlachte Magic Christmas Market, Bremen

Bremen is the most spectacular city in Northern Germany. Its main draw is a bronze statue of “die Bremer stadtmusikanten,” a well-known fairy-tale character.

Visit Bremen at Christmas and experience the fantastic atmosphere of this fantastic and always sunny northern German city. There is also another beautiful location in Bremen that you should visit. The Schlachte Magic Christmas Market is open to the public in November and December. This Christmas market provides enjoyable entertainment.

Best hotels in Bremen

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