Thomas Bauer - In Search of the Real Germany My discovery of Germany happened thanks to an old Volkswagen that I bought for a ridiculous price in 2013. Being an engineer by education and an adventurer by spirit, I decided to test German reliability – I set off on a journey without a route or final destination. What was planned as a two-week vacation turned into a three-month expedition. I camped by Bavarian lakes, stopped in tiny Black Forest villages where they still make the famous cuckoo clocks, and tasted wines straight from the barrel in family wineries of the Rhine Valley. Upon returning home, I quit my job and moved to Germany. Today, I organize "non-tourist routes" for those who want to see the country through the eyes of a local. I know where they serve the best Eisbein in Berlin, which castles can be visited without crowds of tourists, and how to get to secret local festivals. By the way, I also happily develop classic routes to famous attractions – it all depends on your wishes. The main thing for me is that each client finds their own Germany!
Christmas Markets in Germany 2025
Germany is widely recognized as the birthplace of Christmas markets, a cherished tradition that began in the 14th century and has evolved into one of Europe’s most enchanting winter celebrations. From late November through December, German cities and villages transform into magical fairy-tale settings where the aromas of mulled wine and roasted almonds mingle with the sounds of Christmas carols, and thousands of lights create an unmatched festive atmosphere.
This guide will introduce you to the most famous and memorable Christmas markets in Germany for 2025.
Nuremberg — Christkindlesmarkt
Dates: November 28 — December 24, 2025
Hours: Daily 10:00 AM — 9:00 PM (December 24: 10:00 AM — 2:00 PM)
Location: Main Market Square (Hauptmarkt), Nuremberg Old Town
Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest and most iconic Christmas markets in the world, with a history dating back to the 17th century. It has become a symbol of German Christmas spirit, attracting over 2 million visitors from around the globe each year.
The market’s grand opening features a time-honored tradition: the Nuremberg Christkind (Christmas Angel), a young woman dressed in snow-white robes and adorned with a golden crown, delivers a heartfelt prologue from the balcony of the Frauenkirche church. This magical moment captivates the hearts of thousands of spectators.
Around 180 wooden stalls, adorned with traditional red-and-white canopies, offer a variety of goods. Here, you can find famous Nuremberg gingerbread (Lebkuchen), handcrafted wooden toys, Christmas decorations, and numerous other traditional items. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste the iconic Nuremberg sausages (Nürnberger Rostbratwürste), which are small grilled sausages served in groups of six with sauerkraut or potato salad.
Click here to learn more about creating a personal itineraryDresden — Striezelmarkt
Dates: November 26 — December 24, 2025
Hours: November 26 (opening) 4:00 PM — 9:00 PM; November 27 — December 23 daily 10:00 AM — 9:00 PM; December 24: 10:00 AM — 2:00 PM
Location: Altmarkt, Dresden
Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is Germany’s oldest Christmas market, boasting a history of nearly 600 years, with its first mention in documents from 1434. The market’s name is derived from a traditional Dresden Christmas cake known as Striezel, which is now commonly referred to as Stollen.
The centerpiece of the market is a large Christmas pyramid, standing 14.61 meters tall— the world’s largest Erzgebirge step pyramid, as recognized by the Guinness World Records. Additionally, visitors can admire the world’s largest walk-through Christmas arch (Schwibbogen).
Special attention is drawn to traditional prune figures — Pflaumengoffel — which are charming little chimney sweeps regarded as symbols of good luck and exclusively available at this market. Be sure to try the original Dresden Stollen, a Christmas cake featuring raisins, candied fruits, and marzipan, generously dusted with powdered sugar.
Berlin — Multiple Christmas Markets
Berlin boasts over 60 distinct Christmas markets, each showcasing its own unique character and atmosphere, making Germany’s capital a true paradise for Christmas bazaar enthusiasts.
WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt (November 24 — December 31, 2025) is renowned as Berlin’s most beautiful and elegant market. Situated in one of Europe’s most stunning squares, surrounded by the German Cathedral, the French Cathedral, and the Concert Hall, this market features exquisite handicrafts and gourmet delicacies. Admission is €2 for adults, which ensures a more comfortable experience and high-quality offerings.
Christmas Market at Red City Hall (November 24 — December 30, 2025) provides family-friendly entertainment, including a 50-meter Ferris wheel and a 600-square-meter ice rink around Neptune’s fountain.
Market at Charlottenburg Palace (November 24 — December 26, 2025) offers a fairy-tale atmosphere set against the backdrop of the beautiful baroque palace, which is illuminated in varied colors.
Click here to create a personal itinerary for GermanyMunich — Münchener Christkindlmarkt
Dates: November 24 — December 24, 2025
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM — 9:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM — 8:00 PM (December 24: 10:00 AM — 2:00 PM)
Location: Marienplatz and nearby pedestrian streets
Munich’s Christmas market at Marienplatz is one of the oldest in Germany, dating back to the 14th century. Positioned in the heart of the Old Town and framed by the stunning neo-Gothic town hall, this market creates an unmatched Bavarian Christmas atmosphere.
The market features a 25-meter Christmas tree adorned with 3,000 candles, serving as its centerpiece, while melodies played from the town hall balcony enhance the festive mood. Free Bavarian folk music concerts take place here from Tuesday to Thursday at 5:30 PM.
A special highlight is the Kripperlmärkt, Germany’s largest Christmas nativity market located at St. Peter’s Church. Here, you can find a variety of nativity figures, from stable lanterns to the gifts of the Magi.
On December 14, 2025, the traditional Krampus run will showcase these mythical creatures from Alpine folklore, attracting up to 50,000 spectators.
Cologne — Themed Christmas Markets
Cologne features a unique twist on Christmas markets, with six themed markets each offering its own distinct concept and atmosphere.
Christmas Market at Cologne Cathedral (November 17 — December 23, 2025) is the largest and most renowned market in the city. Set against the backdrop of the stunning Gothic cathedral, it dazzles visitors with its canopy of twinkling lights over Roncalliplatz square.
Heinzels Wintermärchen (November 24 — January 4, 2026) — translated as “Winter Fairy Tale of the Elves” — is one of the most enchanting markets, honoring the legendary Cologne elves (Heinzelmännchen). Here, you can enjoy an open ice rink spanning 2,400 square meters and savor the unique drink Feuerzangenbowle.
Angel Market (November 17 — December 23, 2025) at Neumarkt is Cologne’s oldest Christmas market, celebrated for its stilt-walking angels who interact with visitors.
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Rothenburg ob der Tauber — Reiterlesmarkt
Dates: November 29 — December 23, 2025
Hours: Daily
Location: Market Square, Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The Christmas market in Rothenburg takes place in one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval towns. This quaint yet incredibly atmospheric market immerses you in a fairy tale setting, surrounded by half-timbered houses dating back to the 14th-17th centuries.
The market’s highlight is the local “white mulled wine,” a unique beverage that cannot be found anywhere else. You can also indulge in the famous Rothenburg snowballs (Schneeball), traditional puff pastry treats dusted with powdered sugar.
Hamburg — Multiple Markets by the Alster
Dates: November 25 — December 31, 2025
Hours: Vary for each market
Main Locations: Town Hall Square, Jungfernstieg, St. Pauli
Hamburg boasts over 30 distinct Christmas markets, ranging from classic to unconventional. The primary market is held at Town Hall Square, in front of the magnificent town hall, where a grand Christmas tree stands amid beautifully adorned kiosks.
Some highlights include a “flying Santa Claus” over Town Hall Square and a historic Christmas ship docked in the harbor. At Jungfernstieg, you can enjoy outdoor ice skating with picturesque views of Lake Alster.
Düsseldorf — Crystal-Style Markets
Dates: November 20 — December 30, 2025
Hours: Daily
Main Locations: Market Square, Heinrich-Heine-Platz, Schlossplatz
Düsseldorf is famous for its elegant Christmas markets, featuring over 200 festively decorated huts in the city center. A standout attraction is the ice rink at Gustav-Gründgens-Platz and a large Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the beautifully illuminated city.
At Heinrich-Heine-Platz, the market is designed with a crystal theme, creating a truly magical winter wonderland atmosphere.
Erfurt — Christmas Market at the Cathedral
Dates: November 25 — December 22, 2025
Hours: Daily
Location: Domplatz and Anger, Erfurt
Erfurt’s Christmas market is held in one of Germany’s most beautiful squares, located at the foot of St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Severus Church. Over 200 wooden huts create a cozy, medieval-town atmosphere.
The market’s main attractions include a 25-meter Christmas tree and a nativity scene featuring 14 hand-carved, life-sized wooden figures. A Ferris wheel also offers stunning views of the illuminated city.
Click here to create a personal itinerary for GermanyAachen — Christmas Market at Charlemagne’s Cathedral
Dates: November 21 — December 23, 2025
Hours: Daily
Location: Around Aachen Cathedral and Town Hall
Aachen’s Christmas market is set against the stunning backdrop of the cathedral, the site of Charlemagne’s coronation and a UNESCO World Heritage site. More than 120 stalls provide traditional handicrafts and local delicacies.
A highlight of the market is the renowned Aachen Printen, a distinctive type of gingerbread with a unique flavor you can only find here. Visitors should also explore the “Christmas Nativity Road,” featuring over 40 artfully arranged scenes.
Frankfurt am Main — Historic Christmas Market
Dates: November 24 — December 22, 2025
Hours: Daily
Location: Römerberg and St. Paul’s Square
Frankfurt’s Christmas market is one of Germany’s oldest, with its history dating back to 1393. It takes place in the city’s historic center at the picturesque Römerberg square, surrounded by charming half-timbered houses.
More than 200 festively decorated stalls encircle a massive Christmas tree in front of the Römer (city hall). The daily carillon at St. Nicholas Church plays Christmas melodies, creating an unparalleled atmosphere.
Practical Tips for Visiting Christmas Markets
Planning Your Trip
Best time to visit: The optimal period is November 26 — December 22, 2025, when the maximum number of markets will be operating. If you prefer smaller crowds, try to avoid weekends.
Accommodation: Book hotels in advance, particularly in popular cities like Nuremberg, Dresden, and Cologne, where prices significantly increase during the market season.
Transportation: Most markets are located in historic city centers and are easily accessible by public transport. Many cities offer special Christmas tourist tickets.
What to Try
Glühwein — hot spiced wine, the signature drink at all Christmas markets. Mugs often serve as souvenirs.
Feuerzangenbowle — mulled wine with burning sugar soaked in rum.
Roasted chestnuts and almonds — traditional winter treats.
Regional specialties: Nuremberg gingerbread, Dresden Stollen, Aachen Printen, Frankfurt Bethmännchen.
What to Buy
Christmas decorations: glass ornaments, wooden toys from Erzgebirge, Christmas pyramids.
Handmade items: ceramics, textiles, wood carvings, candles.
Gastronomic souvenirs: spices, honey, regional sweets.
Click here to learn more about creating a personal itineraryUseful Tips
- Bring cash; many vendors don’t accept cards.
- Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes.
- Visit on weekdays in the morning or afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Many markets have free toilets, but sometimes there is a fee of €0.50 to €1.50.
- Keep your mulled wine mugs as souvenirs.
- Review market maps in advance to ensure you don’t miss any interesting sections.
Special Events
Advent concerts are held in many churches and market squares.
Christmas performances for children include puppet theaters and Kasperl shows.
Craft workshops offer opportunities for making candles, decorations, and baking.
Parades and processions, such as the popular Krampus runs, are especially favored in Alpine regions.
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