Christmas Markets in Germany 2024

Germany is renowned for its enchanting Christmas markets, a cherished tradition that dates back centuries. These festive gatherings transform cities and towns across the country into winter wonderlands, filled with twinkling lights, aromatic scents, and joyful atmosphere. From late November to late December, locals and visitors alike flock to these markets to experience the magic of the holiday season, shop for unique gifts, and indulge in seasonal treats.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore some of the most popular and beloved Christmas markets in Germany, each offering its own unique charm and traditions.

Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt

Dates: November 29  December 24, 2024

Location: Hauptmarkt, Nuremberg

The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of Germany’s oldest and most famous Christmas markets. Dating back to the 16th century, this market attracts over two million visitors annually. The market opens with a ceremony featuring the Christkind, a young woman dressed as an angel who is the symbol of the Nuremberg market.

What to expect:

•  180 wooden stalls decorated with red and white canvas
•  Traditional handmade Christmas decorations
•  Famous Nuremberg gingerbread and grilled sausages
•  The iconic Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) as a backdrop

Don’t miss the opportunity to taste the local specialties, including “Nürnberger Rostbratwürste” (small grilled sausages) and “Lebkuchen” (gingerbread).

Dresden Striezelmarkt

Dates: November 27  December 24, 2024

Location: Altmarkt Square, Dresden

The Dresden Striezelmarkt is Germany’s oldest Christmas market, with a history dating back to 1434. Named after the famous Dresden Christmas cake, Striezel (now known as Stollen), this market offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.

Highlights:

•  World’s tallest Christmas pyramid (14 meters high)
•  Stunning backdrop of the Frauenkirche and other baroque buildings
•  Traditional handicrafts from the Erzgebirge region
•  The famous Dresden Stollen festival

Be sure to visit the Pflaumentoffel, small chimney sweep figures made from prunes, which are unique to this market.

Munich Christmas Markets

Dates: November 25  December 24, 2024

Location: Various locations throughout Munich, with the main market at Marienplatz

Munich hosts numerous Christmas markets, with the main one located in the heart of the city at Marienplatz. The towering Christmas tree in front of the New Town Hall creates a magical atmosphere.

Key features:

•  Over 140 stalls offering traditional Bavarian and unique international gifts
•  Daily musical performances from the Town Hall balcony
•  Kripperlmarkt: A special market dedicated to Nativity scenes
•  Ice skating rink at Karlsplatz

Don’t forget to try the famous Münchner Weißwurst (white sausage) and warm up with a mug of Glühwein (mulled wine).

Berlin Christmas Markets

Dates: November 24, 2024  January 5, 2025

Location: Multiple locations throughout Berlin

Berlin boasts over 60 Christmas markets, each with its own unique character. From traditional markets to more alternative and quirky ones, the German capital has something for everyone.

Notable markets include:

• Gendarmenmarkt: One of the most beautiful markets, set between the German and French Cathedrals
•  Charlottenburg Palace: A romantic market with the baroque palace as a backdrop
•  Alexanderplatz: Features a large ice rink and Ferris wheel
•  Spandau: The largest Christmas market in Berlin, located in the old town

Highlights:

•  Wide variety of international cuisines
•  Unique artisanal crafts and gifts
•  Live performances and entertainment
•  Winter World at Potsdamer Platz with toboggan run

Be sure to try the currywurst, a Berlin specialty, and explore the different themed markets throughout the city.

Cologne Christmas Markets

Dates: November 18, 2024  January 5, 2025

Location: Various locations in Cologne

Cologne hosts seven distinct Christmas markets, each with its own theme and atmosphere. The most famous is the market in front of the iconic Cologne Cathedral.

Key markets:

• Cathedral Market: The largest and most popular, with the Gothic cathedral as a stunning backdrop
• Angel’s Market on Neumarkt: Features angels stiltwalking through the market
• Harbour Christmas Market: Offers a maritime theme at the Chocolate Museum
• “Heinzel” Christmas Market: Themed around the legendary Heinzelmännchen (house gnomes of Cologne)

Don’t miss:

• The largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland at the Cathedral Market
• Unique mulled wine mugs specific to each market
• Ice skating at Heumarkt
• Traditional Kölsch beer and local delicacies

Frankfurt Christmas Market

Dates: November 25  December 22, 2024

Location: Römerberg and St Paul’s Square, Frankfurt

The Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the oldest and most beautiful in Germany, with roots dating back to 1393. The market takes place in the historic center of Frankfurt, with the picturesque halftimbered houses of the Römerberg as a backdrop.

Highlights:

• Over 200 festively decorated stalls
• Huge Christmas tree in front of the Römer (City Hall)
• Chimes concert from the carillon of St. Nicholas Church
• Traditional handicrafts from the Erzgebirge region

Don’t forget to try Frankfurt’s local specialties, including Bethmännchen (marzipan cookies) and hot apple wine.

Stuttgart Christmas Market

Dates: November 27  December 23, 2024

Location: Marktplatz, Schillerplatz, and Kirchstraße, Stuttgart

With over 300 years of history, the Stuttgart Christmas Market is one of the oldest and largest in Europe. The market features nearly 300 beautifully decorated stalls spread across the city center.

Key features:

• Elaborately decorated stall roofs, a unique feature of this market
• Daily concerts on the steps of the Town Hall
• A miniature railway and ice rink for children
• Finnish Christmas Village in the Karlsplatz

Be sure to try the local Swabian specialties, such as Schupfnudeln (potato noodles) and Maultaschen (stuffed pasta squares).

Leipzig Christmas Market

Dates: November 28  December 23, 2024

Location: Marktplatz and surrounding areas, Leipzig

The Leipzig Christmas market, dating back to 1458, is the second oldest in Germany. With over 250 stalls spread across six areas in the historic city center, it offers a diverse and enchanting experience.

Highlights:

• 20meter tall Saxon spruce Christmas tree at Marktplatz
• Finnish Village with specialties from Scandinavia
• Medieval Christmas market at Thomaskirche
• Daily trumpet fanfares from the balcony of the Old Town Hall

Don’t miss:

• The annual opening ceremony with Bach choir performance
• Traditional Saxon pastries like Stollen and Pulsnitzer Pfefferkuchen
• Handcrafted goods from the Ore Mountains

Erfurt Christmas Market

Dates: November 26  December 22, 2024

Location: Domplatz and Anger, Erfurt

Set against the backdrop of St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Severus Church, Erfurt’s Christmas market is one of the most beautiful in Germany. The medieval town square provides a picturesque setting for this festive event.

Key features:

• Over 200 wooden huts selling traditional crafts and local specialties
• 25meter high Christmas tree
• Nativity scene with 14 handcarved, lifesized wooden figures
• Erfurt Ferris Wheel offering panoramic views of the illuminated city

Be sure to try the Erfurter Schittchen, a local Christmas pastry, and admire the traditional blueprinted fabrics unique to the region.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market

Dates: November 29  December 23, 2024

Location: Marktplatz, Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Known as the Reiterlesmarkt, Rothenburg’s Christmas market takes place in one of Germany’s bestpreserved medieval towns. The market’s history dates back to the 15th century, offering visitors a truly authentic experience.

Highlights:

• Picturesque setting amidst halftimbered houses
• Traditional “white mulled wine” unique to the region
• Rothenburger Schneeball pastries
• The appearance of the mythical figure “Reiterle” during the opening ceremony

Don’t miss the opportunity to walk along the town walls and visit the Christmas Museum, open yearround.

Hamburg Christmas Markets

Dates: November 25  December 31, 2024

Location: Various locations throughout Hamburg

Hamburg boasts over 30 different Christmas markets, each with its own unique charm. From traditional markets to more modern interpretations, the city offers a diverse range of festive experiences.

Notable markets include:

• Rathausmarkt: The main market in front of the Town Hall
• Santa Pauli: An adultoriented market in the famous Reeperbahn district
• Winterwald: A forestthemed market in Gänsemarkt
• Jungfernstieg: Featuring white pagoda tents along the Alster Lake

Key attractions:

•  Flying Santa over the Rathausmarkt
•  Historic Christmas ship at the Harbor Christmas Market
•  Spielzeuggasse (Toy Alley) at the main market
•  Ice skating rink at Jungfernstieg

Don’t forget to try Hamburg’s famous fish sandwiches and warm up with some hot Pharisäer (coffee with rum and whipped cream).

Düsseldorf Christmas Markets

Dates: November 23  December 30, 2024

Location: Various locations in Düsseldorf city center

Düsseldorf’s Christmas markets transform the city into a winter wonderland, with over 200 festively decorated huts spread across several locations in the city center.

Key markets include:

•  Marktplatz: Features a traditional carousel and craftsmen’s village
•  HeinrichHeinePlatz: Known for its crystalthemed decorations
•  Flinger Straße: Offers an “Angel’s Market” with white pagoda tents
•  Hofgarten: Home to the unique “Sternchenmarkt” (Little Star Market)

Highlights:

•  Ice skating rink on GustafGründgensPlatz
•  Giant Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the illuminated city
•  Mulled wine served in specially designed mugs unique to each market
•  International flavors at the “Worldwide Market” on Schadowplatz

Don’t miss the opportunity to stroll down the beautifully lit Königsallee, Düsseldorf’s famous shopping boulevard.

Bremen Christmas Market

Dates: November 25  December 23, 2024

Location: Market Square and Schlachte Embankment, Bremen

Bremen’s Christmas market is set against the backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritagelisted Town Hall and the statue of Roland. The market extends from the historic Market Square to the romantic Schlachte Embankment along the Weser River.

Key features:

•  Over 170 festively decorated stalls
•  Historical “SchlachteZauber” medieval market along the river
•  Daily performances by street artists and musicians
•  Bremen Town Musicians statue dressed up for Christmas

Don’t miss:

•  The elaborate Advent calendar on the façade of the Böttcherstraße
•  Traditional Klaben (fruit bread) and hot Lüttje Lagen (beer and schnapps)
•  River cruises with Christmas themes

Aachen Christmas Market

Dates: November 22  December 23, 2024

Location: Around Aachen Cathedral and the Town Hall

Aachen’s Christmas market is one of the most beautiful and festive in Germany, set against the backdrop of the city’s stunning cathedral and historic Town Hall.

Highlights:

•  Over 120 stalls selling traditional crafts and local delicacies
•  Aachen Cathedral, the burial place of Charlemagne, as a majestic backdrop
•  Famous Aachener Printen (a type of gingerbread)
•  “Route of Nativity Scenes” featuring over 40 elaborate cribs

Don’t forget to try the local mulled wine flavored with Aachener Printen spices, a unique twist on the classic drink.

Lübeck Christmas Markets

Dates: November 25  December 30, 2024

Location: Various locations in Lübeck’s Old Town

Lübeck, known as the “Christmas Capital of Northern Germany,” hosts several enchanting markets throughout its UNESCOlisted Old Town.

Key markets include:

•  Historic Market: The main market in front of the Town Hall
•  Craftsmen’s Market: Featuring local artisans at work
•  Maritime Christmas Market: Located in the Koberg square
•  Fairytale Forest: A magical world for children in the St. Mary’s churchyard

Don’t miss:

•  The famous Lübeck marzipan, a local specialty
•  Historic sailboats decorated with lights along the Trave River
•  The giant Christmas tree in front of the HeiligenGeistHospital
•  Guided tours of the city’s seven Christmas markets

Lübeck’s markets offer a perfect blend of medieval charm and festive spirit, making it a mustvisit destination during the holiday season.

Essen Christmas Market

Dates: November 15  December 23, 2024

Location: Kennedy Square and Flachsmarkt, Essen

The Essen International Christmas Market has been awarded the title of Best Christmas Market in Germany and Best Sustainable Christmas Market in Europe. It offers a unique blend of traditional German Christmas atmosphere and international flair.

Highlights:

•  Over 250 stalls from 20 different countries
•  45meter high Ferris wheel offering panoramic views
•  Sustainable practices including ecofriendly lighting and reusable cups
•  International food court with specialties from around the world

Don’t miss the chance to try specialties from different countries and enjoy the market’s commitment to sustainability.

Trier Christmas Market

Dates: November 22  December 22, 2024

Location: Main Market and Cathedral Square, Trier

Set in Germany’s oldest city, Trier’s Christmas market offers a magical atmosphere with the impressive backdrop of the city’s 2000yearold history.

Key features:

•  95 festively decorated wooden booths
•  Puppet theater and merrygoround for children
•  Daily live music performances
•  Guided tours combining Christmas market visit with city history

Be sure to try the local Glühwein and admire the illuminated Porta Nigra, the bestpreserved Roman city gate north of the Alps.

BadenBaden Christkindelsmarkt

Dates: November 21, 2024  January 6, 2025

Location: Kurhaus Colonnades, BadenBaden

The BadenBaden Christmas Market, known as Christkindelsmarkt, transforms the spa town into a winter wonderland with its romantic setting and elegant atmosphere.

Highlights:

•  Over 100 stalls set against the backdrop of the Kurhaus
•  Live performances at the openair stage
•  Ice rink in front of the Kurhaus
•  “Living Nativity” with real animals

Don’t miss the opportunity to combine your market visit with a relaxing spa experience at one of BadenBaden’s famous thermal baths.

Braunschweig Christmas Market

Dates: November 29  December 29, 2024

Location: Burgplatz and surrounding areas, Braunschweig

With a 500year tradition, the Braunschweig Christmas Market is one of the most atmospheric in northern Germany.

Key features:

•  150 artisan stalls around the medieval Burgplatz
•  Historic carousel and Ferris wheel
•  Daily trumpet concerts from the Town Hall balcony
•  Guided tours of the market and historic city center

Be sure to try the local specialty, Braunkohl mit Bregenwurst (kale with sausage), and admire the illuminated Brunswick Lion statue.

Rüdesheim Christmas Market of Nations

Dates: November 21  December 23, 2024

Location: Drosselgasse and Market Square, Rüdesheim am Rhein

The Rüdesheim Christmas Market of Nations offers a unique international flair in the picturesque setting of this Rhine Valley town.

Highlights:

•  Over 120 stalls representing Christmas traditions from 12 countries
•  Europe’s largest Nativity scene with lifesize figures
•  Cable car rides offering panoramic views of the illuminated town
•  Traditional Rüdesheim Coffee, made with locally produced Asbach brandy

Don’t miss the chance to take a winter cruise on the Rhine River to see the illuminated castles and vineyards.

Germany’s Christmas markets offer a magical experience that captures the essence of the holiday season. Each market has its own unique charm, traditions, and specialties, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of different regions across the country. Whether you’re seeking traditional handicrafts, delicious seasonal treats, or simply a festive atmosphere, these markets provide unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages. As you plan your winter travels, consider exploring one or more of these enchanting Christmas markets to truly embrace the spirit of the season in Germany.