Best Christmas Markets in Germany 2024: Confirmed Dates

Germany remains one of the top destinations for Christmas markets, with a long legacy of festive traditions and a welcoming atmosphere. However, deciding where to go can be challenging with so many options.

Where to Go for the Best Christmas Markets in Germany

This guide features the best Christmas markets in Germany based on visitor feedback and additional insights from my experiences.

2024 Dates – Confirmed

German dates: 27th November to 24th December 2024 (specific dates vary by market – see below).

Update: This year’s schedule was finalised in August. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.

Quick Guide to the Top 8 Markets

1. Dresden

Dresden’s Christmas history is well-known, with the famous Striezelmarkt continuing to attract visitors. The city has a range of markets, including the traditional Frauenkirche Christmas Market and the smaller Romantic Christmas Market.

Dresden dates: 27th November to 24th December 2024 (confirmed).

Make sure to leave time to explore Dresden’s baroque Old Town (Altstadt). Visit the Frauenkirche, a renowned church, Brühl’s Terrace along the waterfront, the Opera and the Zwinger, which houses several museums.

Dresden offers plenty of opportunities for exploration and memorable experiences. It’s my top pick!

Read the full Dresden Christmas Market Guide.

2. Nuremberg

Nuremberg is home to one of the world’s most popular winter markets. It is known for its size and authenticity, even surpassing Dresden in terms of interest.

Nuremberg dates: 29th November to 24th December 2024 (confirmed).

Located in the historic Old Town Square, the market features timber stalls with vendors committed to selling handmade products from local artisans.

This market maintains its traditions by excluding plastic and foreign-produced goods, focusing solely on Bavarian crafts and foods, and even excluding items from other German regions.

Expect a lively, festive atmosphere and a special opening ceremony performed by Christkind, the market’s angel.

Read the full Nuremberg Christmas Market Guide.

3. Munich

Having friends in Munich has allowed me to explore the city’s numerous markets relatively often. What I like about Munich is that there are so many to choose from.

Munich dates: 25th November to 24th December 2024 (confirmed).

The main Marienplatz Christmas Market stands out as one of the best in Germany. It has a traditional atmosphere, stunning decorations and a Christmas tree at its centre.

Beyond Marienplatz, the market off Odeonsplatz has a cosy and intimate setting, while Wittelsbacherplatz has cute medieval-style market stalls.

For a more unique experience, the Tollwood Winter Festival is an interesting destination. The festival features themed tents, human circus acts and an alternative atmosphere.

Read the full Munich Christmas Market Guide.

4. Rothenburg

Known as the Reiterlesmarkt, Rothenburg’s market dates back to the 15th century. It’s named after the ‘Reiterle’, a character from local legends that has transitioned from a feared spectre to a symbol of the holidays.

Rothenburg dates: 29th November to 23rd December 2024 (confirmed)

As you wander the market, you’ll find regional handcrafted items and local delicacies like the ‘Schneeballen’, a unique, snowball-shaped pastry. Full disclosure: I’ve tried Schneeballen and thought it was awful, but to each their own.

Read the full Rothenburg Christmas Market Guide.

5. Heidelberg

On the banks of the Neckar River, Heidelberg is one of Germany’s loveliest small cities, renowned for its panoramic views, iconic castle and charming atmosphere.

Heidelberg dates: 25th November to 22nd December 2024 (confirmed).

Beyond the castle, Heidelberg’s other attractions include the picturesque Old Town, the Gothic Church of the Holy Spirit, and the Old Bridge.

Read the full Heidelberg Christmas Market Guide.

6. Cologne

Cologne has always been one of my favourite cities in Germany. Way back when I lived in Paris, it was quick, easy and affordable to hop on the train and head there for the weekend.

Cologne dates: 18th November to 23rd December 2024 (confirmed).

Cologne is home to some of the most unique festive events, including the waterfront markets that take place on the Rhine River. There is also the Christmas Garden at the Zoo, music events and thematic weekend-only markets.

I always recommend visitors walk over the famous Hohenzollern Bridge so you can look back towards Cologne Cathedral as the sun sets.

Read the full Cologne Christmas Market Guide.

7. Berlin

Berlin always buzzes with energy and excitement, especially over the holidays and New Year. The city’s streets are decorated, and the atmosphere is fun and festive.

Berlin dates: 25th November to 31st December 2024 (confirmed).

While the shops and bars can get crowded during the holiday season, there’s always something new and exciting to discover. Attend some art exhibitions, theatre performances, live music shows and winter festivals.

Of course, one of the main draws is the city’s many events. There’s no shortage of options, from the traditional market near Berlin Cathedral to the hugely popular one at Alexanderplatz.

Gendarmenmarkt is a personal favourite, with its beautiful architecture and classy atmosphere. Hopefully, it will return to this location next year.

Another popular option is the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church event on Kurfürstendamm, known for its live entertainment.

Read the full Berlin Christmas Market Guide.

8. Frankfurt

Frankfurt hosts one of Germany’s most iconic holiday markets, attracting many international visitors.

Frankfurt dates: 25th November to 22nd December 2024 (confirmed).

The event stretches through the city centre, starting at Mainkai on the waterfront and continuing through Römerberg, Paulsplatz, and Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz before ending at Hauptwache.

This extensive route offers visitors a cosy, accessible experience, with plenty of opportunities to explore and discover new things.

The market is renowned for its stunning decorations, towering tree and beautifully adorned chalets.

Read the full Frankfurt Christmas Market Guide.

For travel inspiration outside of Germany, this European Christmas Markets guide lists the best places and can help you decide where to go.

Alphabetical List of the Rest

• Aachen Christmas Market Guide – Located in front of Aachen Cathedral, this market is known for its diverse stalls and famous Printen gingerbread cookies.
• Augsburg Christmas Market Guide – One unique aspect is the Engelsspiel, a special Angel Performance on the balcony of Augsburg Town Hall. The 24 angels represent an Advent calendar. Families can also enjoy the area near Moritzplatz, a dedicated Children’s market.
• Bamberg Christmas Market Guide – In Maximiliansplatz, enjoy traditional crafts, Franconian cuisine, and local beer against the city’s historic architecture.
• Bielefeld Christmas Market Guide – One of the largest in North Rhine-Westphalia.
• Berlin Christmas Market Guide – Makes my top 8.
• Bremen Christmas Market Guide – In Bremen’s Market Square, you’ll find festive decorations and a variety of stalls surrounded by historic landmarks like the Town Hall and the UNESCO-listed Roland Statue.
• Cologne Christmas Market Guide – Makes my top 8.
• Dortmund Christmas Market Guide – Home to the largest Christmas tree in the world, made from 1000 Norway spruce trees from Germany’s Sauerland forests. The tree is decorated with 48,000 fairy lights and topped with an angel.
• Dresden Christmas Market Guide – Makes my top 8.
• Dusseldorf Christmas Market Guide – The Altstadt Markt is a sprawling market with more than 200 stalls that extends along two main thoroughfares in the Old Town, Flinger Straße and Marktstraße.
• Essen Christmas Market Guide – The city’s industrial heritage, typified by the UNESCO World Heritage Zollverein, contrasts beautifully with the festive glow of its illuminated huts.
• Esslingen Christmas Market Guide – The Medieval Market emphasises authenticity and quality rather than mass-produced goods and unique demonstrations of ancient crafts.
• Frankfurt Christmas Market Guide – Makes my top 8.
• Freiburg Christmas Market Guide – Stands out for its long-standing tradition, tracing its roots back to the 19th century and officially running since 1973. Now, over 120 chalets are spread across the city centre.  
• Fulda Christmas Market Guide – In the heart of Germany’s Hesse region, Fulda is renowned for its baroque architecture, stunning cathedral and Palace Park.
• Hamburg Christmas Market Guide – The festive highlight is held at the iconic Rathausmarkt and various neighbourhoods, like the hip atmosphere of St Pauli and the maritime flair of HafenCity.
• Hanover Christmas Market Guide – Featuring 111 stalls, where you can find items including wooden toys originating in the Erzgebirge and South Tyrol regions.
• Heidelberg Christmas Market Guide – Makes my top 8.
• Leipzig Christmas Market Guide – With a history spanning over 500 years, Leipzig is one of the oldest and most vibrant in Germany. It features over 250 stalls, a historic carousel, a fairytale forest for children and a cultural programme for adults.
• Mainz Christmas Market Guide – As the capital and largest city of Rhineland-Palatinate, Mainz is known for centuries-old buildings, cobblestone streets and a busy cultural scene.
• Monschau Christmas Market Guide – Explore the 30 stalls selling everything from traditional handicrafts and decorations to Monschau’s unique culinary items, such as Moutarde de Montjoie and Monschauer Dütchen.
• Munich Christmas Market Guide – Makes my top 8.
• Munster Christmas Market Guide – Advent in Munster is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year, especially the historic Aegidii market, which dates back to the 14th century.
• Nuremberg Christmas Market Guide – Makes my top 8.
• Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market Guide – A unique place to visit this winter in the heart of the Black Forest near Freiburg.
• Regensburg Christmas Market Guide – Regensburg is a UNESCO World Heritage site well-known for its medieval city centre. The Bavarian Christkindlmarkt and the Thurn und Taxis Palace events are highlights.
• Rostock Christmas Market Guide – Uniquely combines a medieval market with a traditional fair. While you’re there, be sure to visit the fishing village of Warnemuende.
• Stuttgart Christmas Market Guide – Landmarks like the Old Castle, Collegiate Church and New Castle become the grand stage for the Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt and its 300 years of tradition.
• Trier Christmas Market Guide – Browse the 100 beautifully decorated wooden huts at Hauptmarkt, next to the Church of Our Lady and St Peter’s Cathedral.
• Tubingen Christmas Market Guide – This picturesque university town is stunning at all times of the year. Enjoy Swabian specialties this winter.
• Wiesbaden Christmas Market Guide – The Twinkling Star Christmas Market is in Schlossplatz. A traditional German pyramid with spinning wooden figures is surprising to see. Families with young children might like the separate children’s market on Luisenplatz, where you can visit Santa Claus.

Sustainability

• Shop mindfully: Make a plan and try only to purchase needed items.
• Walk, cycle and use public transport: Germany’s big cities have excellent public transport networks, including buses, trains and trams. When the weather is good, you can also explore on foot or by bike.
• Stay in a sustainable hotel: Look for hotels powered by renewable energy or with eco-friendly practices. This list of eco-friendly hotels in Berlin is a great place to start planning.
• Avoid plastic: Avoid items packaged in plastic, and bring your reusable bags and containers when shopping. Several events in Germany are now going plastic-free or zero waste.
• Eat locally sourced organic food: Order locally sourced, organic food options when possible.
• Limit your consumption of meat and dairy: Consider vegetarian or vegan options during your travels. Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, and Munich have many locations that serve plant-based specialties.
• Be open to diverse cultures and experiences: Germany is a diverse country with many different cultures and regional traditions. Explore outside of the main tourist areas and learn about the local customs and history.
• Support the arts: Attend local events, such as concerts, theatre performances or art exhibitions.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.