It’s that time of year when we begin to dream about those delicious German Christmas Markets. The festive atmosphere, the taste of Glühwein and the smell of sizzling bratwurst. We love German Christmas markets and the appeal is huge. Here are just some of those taking place and when they’re on.
Typically held in town squares, German Christmas markets (or Christkindlmarkt) are effectively street markets, designed to celebrate Advent. Although the concept originated in Germany back in the Middle Ages, these days Christmas markets are held all over Europe (including the UK), North America and Asia.
If you’ve not been to one of these markets before, you’re in for a treat with the festive atmosphere, the beautifully decorated Christmas trees and the gifts aplenty. There are alcoholic drinks such as Glühwein or Eierpunsch to warm your cockles and all kinds of food options with bratwurst, stollen, soft gingerbread (Lebkuchen and Magenbrot) or Gebrannte Mandeln a few of the traditional favourites.
The best German Christmas markets 2024
Aachen
22nd November to 23rd December 2024
The Aachen Christmas Market is regularly voted one of the Top 10 European Best Christmas Markets. With the streets around the Cathedral and Town Hall transformed with bright lights and colour, the wooden chalets offer original, stylish and precious gifts. There’s even a six-metre Printen gingerbread man mascot!
Baden-Baden
28th November 2019 to 6th January 2020
One of the region’s prettiest Christmas markets, the Baden-Baden market is surrounded by the mountains of the Black Forest. Starting at the world-famous Lichtentaler Allee, there are flickering lights in front of the Kurhaus and festive stands in the Kurhaus Colonnade. The unmistakable smell of mulled wine and gingerbread ever-present as you pass the log cabins. Plus there’s a children’s bakery, merry-go-round and entertainment on an open-air stage.
Berlin
21st November 2024 to 6th January 2025
There are c.70 Christmas markets in Berlin which range from indoor and covered to outdoor and markets for children with funfairs, rides and historical themes. There are nostalgic Christmas markets and modern markets with carousels and attractions. The largest Christmas market is in the old town on Spandau and the historical Gendarmenmarkt is one of the most beautiful. There are Christmas markets in every district of Berlin including Charlottenburg where there are crafts, treats and chestnuts with the baroque Charlottenburg Palace the backdrop. We visited the wonderful Alexanderplatz Christmas Market a couple of times when last in Berlin which sits beneath the iconic Fernsehturm (TV Tower).
Cologne
18th November to 23rd December 2024 (closed 24th November)
The largest and most popular Christmas market in Cologne is the Weihnachtsmarkt Am Kölner Dom which is set before the gothic backdrop of the cathedral. A great location for foodies, there’s gluhwein on offer (naturally!) along with regional organic foods. The wooden pavilions offer handmade gifts like wood carvings, tree decorations and soaps. Children can also enjoy a ride on an old fashioned merry go round or have a spin on a wheel of fortune. There’s also Angel’s which has artisan stalls and mulled wine stands around the shopping district, the Old Market Christmas by the Town Hall and the Harbour Christmas market by the Chocolate Factory.
Dresden
27th November to 24th December 2024
Dresden is home to Germany’s oldest Christmas market Dresden Striezelmarkt. There are in fact eleven completely different Christmas markets in Dresden, each of them different. From the traditional to the medieval to the après-ski charm of the Hüttenzauber. Market favourites include handcrafted nutcrackers and Pflaumentoffel which is a small chimney sweep made from dates. Not forgetting a day which is entirely dedicated to stollen with a colourful parade and giant fruit bread!
Düsseldorf
21st November to 30th December 2024
The Düsseldorf Christmas market with its handcrafted gifts, music and fun takes place at various locations in the city centre (once the St Martins parade has ended). There are seven different themed markets, all of which handily within walking distance of each other. Other attractions include the Dome of Lights on Königsallee, an ice rink on Corneliusplatz and the Big Wheel on Burgplatz. The Christmas market is closed on 24th November and Christmas Day.
Guteneck
29th November to 1st December 2024 (Friday to Sunday)
The Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Guteneck at Castle Guteneck transforms visitors back to medieval times with fires and lights wrapped around trees. Entertainers roam the stalls and farm animals can be petted in their pens. This market offers something different every year whether it be fire dancing, falconry or camel rides.
Hamburg
25th November to 23rd December 2024 (City Hall market)
Hamburg is home to around 30 Christmas markets including fairytale-like Bergedorf, which has handicraft workshops for children, and the enchanting Blankenese, above the River Elbe, which offers eggnog, mulled wine and snacks. There’s also the city Christmas market and colourful parades.
Leipzig
26th November to 23rd December 2024
Leipzig is home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany. Centred around the historic Marketplatz, there are some 250 stalls in six areas by the Old Town Hall and in adjoining streets. In Augustusplatz, in front of the Opera House, there’s a Finnish Village which has a fairytale forest with mythical creatures nearby and of course specialist treats. There’s even a 38 metre high Ferris wheel.
Nuremberg
29th November to 24th December 2024
Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is one of Germany’s oldest with the pre-Christmas event in Market Square dating back to the middle of the 16th century. Offering traditional, often hand-made decorations and culinary treats such as Lebkuchen (gingerbread), almond cookies and Bratwurst, there are around 180 wooden stalls packed into the old town. Nuremberg is also home to the Additional attractions are the Children’s Christmas Market and Sternenhaus children’s theatre and lantern parade.
Munich
25th November to 24th December 2024
Munich’s traditional Christmas Market takes place in Marienplatz and winds its way up to the Richard Strauss Fountain. Advent music is performed each evening from the balcony of the Town Hall. Germany’s largest market can be found in Neuhauser Strasse, not far from Marienplatz, with Wintertollwood for those looking for more of a party atmosphere.
Rothenburg
29th November to 23rd December 2024
Once a year the medieval town of Rothenburg transforms itself into a winter wonderland. Dating back 500 years, not much has changed from his historic origins. Today the winding streets and squares around the town hall, its archways and the marketplace are still lined with Christmas stalls where you can find traditional gifts, mulled wine and pastries. The highlight being the mythical “Rothenburg Riders” or wild horsemen.
Stuttgart
27th November to 23rd December 2024
Set in the capital city of Baden Württemberg is one of the largest and oldest Christmas Markets in Europe. With around 300 stalls, a wide variety of wares are on offer from wooden toys, arts and crafts and jewellery to culinary delights. Host to over 3.5 million visitors, events include live concerts, a children’s fairy tale land with carousels, a mini steam engine and activities children can get involved with. The market stretches from Neuen Schloss and Königsbau to the Karlsplatz and Schillerplatz squares with Alten Schloss and on to the Marktplatz square via the Stiftskirche church.
If these Christmas markets don’t make you want to crave a visit to Germany, I’m not sure what will. I know we’d head to a Germany Christmas market or few every year given half a chance!
