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The 10 best Christmas markets in Germany in 2025
Each Christmas market in Germany tells a story of community, craftsmanship, and timeless traditions. Explore the top destinations to experience the holiday spirit.
Bells are ringing, and the smell of gingerbread is in the air. Christmas markets in Germany aren’t just shopping destinations — they’re centuries-old traditions.
If you’re planning a trip to Germany in November or December, Christmas markets are the perfect place to soak up the holiday spirit and capture the magic of the German festive mood.
All the dates listed are from 2024, as many markets are yet to confirm their 2025 dates. They tend to remain similar from year to year, but just something to keep in mind as you plan your next winter wondertrip.
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When do Christmas markets start in Germany?
The best Christmas markets in Germany kick off during the last week of November, around November 23–27. Most markets usually align their opening dates with the Advent season, which begins on the first Sunday of Advent.
Some markets wrap up around December 23rd or 24th, as Germans traditionally celebrate Christmas at home. However, markets in cities like Berlin and Munich might stay open between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Pro tip: To enjoy special events, try to schedule your German Christmas market tour during the first week of December.
What are the best Christmas markets in Germany?
Germany is home to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Let’s explore the top 10 Wheinachtsmärkte (as they’re called in German) to light up your holiday season.
1. Nuremberg Christkindlmarkt
- Dates: November 29–December 24
- Location: Hauptmarkt
- Opening hours: Daily, 10:00 AM
Nuremberg is home to one of the most famous Christmas markets in Germany. You’ll stroll through a medieval town square with around 180 red-and-white-striped booths.
You can also watch Christkind — a performance to open the market, featuring a local teen dressed as the Christmas angel who appears on a church balcony.
What makes this market unique is its traditional handmade gifts and strict no-plastic rule. Food lovers should try the market’s signature Bratwurst.
2. Dresden Striezelmarkt
- Dates: November 27–December 24
- Location: Altmarkt Square
- Opening hours: Daily, 10:00 AM
Germany’s oldest Christmas market dates back to 1434. With over 200 stalls, the market is popular among locals for its handcrafted goods and intricate ornaments.
Don’t leave without trying the holiday favorite Stollen (a sweet loaf loaded with fruits). You can also buy Pfefferkuchen (a gingerbread cookie), perfect for snacking as you wander around the stalls.
3. Cologne Christmas Market
- Dates: November 18–December 23
- Location: Roncalliplatz, Cologne’s Old Town
- Opening hours: Sunday–Friday, 11:00 AM; Saturday, 10:00 AM
An 82-foot Christmas tree, twinkling lights, stage performances, and festive stalls set the stage at the Cologne Christmas Market.
This market hosts free Christmas swing music events, sing-along concerts, and gospel for visitors. Take advantage of the Christmas market’s opening ceremony, which features traditional German music and carols.
Eat a local specialty, Kölnische Printen (a traditional spiced cookie). If you’re feeling brave, try Feuerzangenbowle, a flaming rum punch, to get into true holiday spirit.
Keep in mind: Cologne is beautiful year-round, and well worth a visit for more than just the Christmas market. In fact, it only just missed out on a spot on our list of the top 10 most beautiful cities in Europe
4. Berlin Christmas markets
- Dates: November 25–December 31
- Location: Various
- Opening hours: Various
There’s plenty of things to do in Berlin, especially around the holidays. The German capital hosts many fabulous Christmas markets spread across over 80 different locations. Here are our top picks:
- Gendarmenmarkt is the fanciest, with high-end artisans, nightly fire shows, and gourmet food.
- Spandau Christmas Market is ideal for live music events.
- The market at Charlottenburg Palace has a beautiful romantic setting — the palace backdrop is lit up at night.
- At the Berlin City Hall Christmas Market, you can ride a Ferris wheel and skate the ice rink to experience the city’s holiday fun.
- If visiting with kids, head to the family-friendly Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church Market, which features various food stalls, crafts, and activities for children.
Confirmed dates and opening hours:
- Gendarmenmarkt: November 25–December 31, 12:00 PM
- Spandau Christmas Market: November 25–December 22, 11:00 AM
- Charlottenburg Palace Market: November 27–December 22, 12:00 PM
- Berlin City Hall Christmas Market: November 25–December 30
- Opening hours: Monday–Friday, Christmas Eve, December 25, 26, & 30, 12:00 PM; Saturday & Sunday, 11:00 AM
- Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church Market: November 25–December 31
- Opening hours: Daily at 11:00 AM; Christmas Day at 1:00 PM
5. Münchner Christkindlmarkt
- Dates: November 25–December 24
- Location: Marienplatz
- Opening hours: Daily, 10:00 AM
Munich’s Christmas Market in Marienplatz has a cozy, Bavarian vibe. Here, vendors sell traditional Christmas foods, like Flammlachs (grilled salmon served with potato and sour cream) and Weisswurst (white sausage).
If you’re visiting on a Friday, stick around for the festive concert at the Marienplatz to enjoy traditional German music and carols. And don’t miss the market’s unique Christkindl-Tram. This festively decorated tram will take you on a tour of the city’s Christmas markets.
Pro tip: Buy Munich tourist cards to travel around at discounted rates using public transport.
6. Stuttgart Christmas Market
- Dates: November 27–December 23
- Location: Near Karlsplatz, Marktplatz, Schlossplatz, and Schillerplatz
- Opening hours: Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM; Sunday, 11:00 AM
Stuttgart’s Christmas Market features 300+ stalls with elaborately decorated rooftops. There’s also a mini-market for antique toys and vintage-style Christmas decorations inside the Old Palace courtyard.
Over 60 music groups perform throughout the festive season, creating a lively atmosphere. You can catch these performances at various locations within the market.
Stop at food stalls that offer unique dishes not commonly found at other Christmas markets in Germany, such as truffle currywurst, Spätzle, Maultaschen, and artisanal cheeses.
7. Hamburg Christmas Market
- Dates: November 25–December 23
- Location: Rathausmarkt
- Opening hours: Daily, 11:00 AM
The Hamburg Christmas Market is a collection of several markets, but most of the action happens at Rathausmarkt in front of the stunning Hamburg Town Hall.
Rathausmarkt is a perfect option if you’re on a family vacation — they’ve got a Flying Santa who flies over the market three times a day on a sleigh suspended from wire.
Foodies can’t miss the Hamburger Schietwettertee (which translates to bad-weather tea). This hot, boozy concoction of rum, orange juice, and spices will keep you warm on a chilly day.
Pair it with Hamburg’s staple Franzbrötchen, and you’re in for a real treat.
8. Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- Dates: November 29–December 23
- Location: Near the market square, green market and church square
- Opening hours: Daily, 10:00 AM
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a picturesque medieval town that transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season.
The main festivities happen in the Market Square (Marktplatz) and surrounding narrow streets, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere.
The town’s enchanting Christmas market is famous for Käthe Wohlfahrt’s Christmas Village store, where locals shop for holiday ornaments and decorations.
Indulge in the market’s special baseball-sized pastry, Schneeballen (snowballs), while enjoying music performances by local brass bands.
9. Frankfurt Christmas Market
- Dates: November 25–December 22
- Location: Römerberg
- Opening hours: Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM; Sunday, 11:00 AM
Frankfurt’s market in historic Römerberg features a giant Christmas tree against the backdrop of iconic stepped-gable buildings.
With around 200 stalls, this visually striking market blends traditional and modern elements.
Enjoy various live performances throughout the market, including Advent concerts and nativity plays. Head to the less-crowded riverside section of the market, MainKai, to find some of the best food stalls.
The views of the river with Christmas lights reflecting in the water also create an ideal photo opportunity.
10. Braunschweig Christmas Market
- Dates: November 27–December 29
- Location: Around St. Blasii Cathedral
- Opening hours: Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM; Sundays and public holidays, 11:00 AM; December 29, 10:00 AM
An iconic backdrop of St. Blasii Cathedral and Dankwarderode Castle boosts the charm of Northern Germany’s Christmas market.
The market also stands out for its commitment to sustainability, featuring eco-friendly lighting and reusable cups.
Choirs, drama groups, fairy tale readings, puppet shows, and cultural programs create a lively atmosphere. There’s also the Christmas workshop for children to engage in craft activities.
Check out the signature Mumme treats made from a thick, almost-black malt extract to satisfy your taste buds.
Tips for visiting Christmas markets in Germany
Check out some practical tips for a hassle-free experience of Germany’s Christmas markets:
Must-try foods and drinks
- Glühwein (mulled wine) is a must, and you’ll want to collect the special mugs it comes in. You pay a deposit (Pfand) and can either return the mug for your money back or keep it as a souvenir. Our suggestion: keep it!
- Look for traditional local treats like Gebrannte Mandeln (sugar-roasted almonds), Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Stollen (fruit bread), and delicious potato pancakes with applesauce. Ask the vendors about their specialties and favorites.
Timing matters
- Most markets close earlier than you might expect (around 8:00–9:00 PM).
- If visiting multiple markets, go to the biggest ones (like Nuremberg) on weekdays. Save small-town markets for weekends when they have special events.
- Plan at least 2–3 hours per market to absorb Germany’s Christmassy atmosphere.
Travel smart
- Buy an eSIM before you visit German Christmas markets. You’ll need enough internet data for navigation, using public transit apps, and live-streaming festive market scenes on social media.
- Learn a few basic German phrases and words like “Frohe Weihnachten” (merry Christmas), “Guten Morgen” (good morning), “Guten Tag” (good day), “hallo” (hello), and “Danke” (thank you). It’ll go a long way in making your experience more enjoyable.
- Consider packing a collapsible duffel bag. You’ll want to bring home handmade ornaments, nutcrackers, food souvenirs, and wooden Christmas pyramids.
What to wear
- The markets are outdoors, and it gets chilly in Germany during the holiday season. So, layer up! Wear a thermal base layer, warm sweater, woolen cap, socks, and winter coat.
- Bring touchscreen gloves to use Google Maps or to easily make calls while you’re out and about.
- At some markets, you’ll walk on cobblestones and stand for hours, possibly in snow or slush. Comfortable, waterproof boots are essential.
Money things
- While some vendors take cards, most food and drink stall owners still prefer cash.
- Budget more than you think for food and drinks — you’ll want to try everything.
Stay connected this Christmas with Holafly
From Nuremberg’s traditional craftsmanship to Berlin’s modern winter wonderlands, every market has a unique element during the festive season.
As some markets are spread across various regions, you need an active eSIM with internet data so you don’t get lost in a foreign city.
An eSIM is a traveler’s best friend while exploring the German Christmas markets. You can buy and set up a Holafly eSIM for Germany before leaving home. Land in Germany, activate your eSIM, and you’re connected!
With unlimited phone data, you can quickly look up info about local customs, translate menu items, or check the opening hours of different Christmas markets.
It’s like having a local guide in your pocket, so you can comfortably and safely step into a real-life Christmas card.
Count memories, not data
Never lose connection with unlimited data eSIMs from Holafly.
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Based in Mumbai, Sharan Kaur Phillora has 6+ years of experience in the B2B writing industry. She has written for brands like Pocket52, Nexweave, Maze, NaNLABS, and Userpilot. When she's not working, Sharan can be found immersed in murder mystery novels or exploring Mumbai's streets on her bicycle in search of the perfect slice of pizza.
