The best Christmas markets in Germany
Christmas markets dull and old-fashioned? No! Warm up with fire pits, mulled wine and hot chocolate, indulge in local specialties, stroll through miles of Christmas knick-knacks and sleep among the locals or the white Christmas opulence in the homeland of Christmas markets: Germany. Ho ho ho! These are the best Christmas markets in Germany where you should go.
From November 14 to January 4 (with the exception of December 25th and 26th) Cologne transforms into a Christmas paradise. The most beautiful and largest Christmas market is located around the imposing cathedral, where you can endlessly browse stalls brimming with trinkets and winter treats. It's no wonder this market won an award for Germany's best and most beautiful Christmas market. Spread across five squares, you'll find various themes, each with its own unique atmosphere. You might not immediately think of it, but Cologne is also a hardcore German Christmas city. The most famous market is held in front of the impressive cathedral, the second-tallest in Germany, and yes: it's a UNESCO World Heritage site. Voilà! impressive backdrop on fleekThen it's almost impossible to go wrong. There are about 160 stalls full of traditional, well, junk. Exactly what you were looking for.
In Hamburg the festivities begin on November 24 and continues until December 30, except on December 24th, 25th, and 26th. It's definitely hip Christmas market hopping here, because in December, markets pop up all over the city. The whole city? Yes! Hamburg is a Christmas market paradise with no fewer than ten different Christmas markets (note that each Christmas market has its own opening hours). The city's largest Christmas market is located on the Rathausmarkt, Hamburg's largest urban square. This market is also known as the 'Historic Christmas Market' mentioned. No commercial fuss here, just a beautifully decorated town hall and classic delicacies.
Extra fun: on the Saturdays before Christmas, Christmas parades with historic carriages make their way through the city, and everywhere you look, there's a sea of lights and culinary delights. Oh! The Santa Pauli Christmas Market in the Red Light District is where you can find those spicy gifts. And the Winter Pride Market is a hub for LGBTQ+ creatives and artisans, with proceeds donated to Hamburg's queer community.
From November 26 to January 4 Dresden reopens its famous Christmas market (except December 24th and 25th), and this year marks the 589th edition since 1434—an ancient tradition. This also makes it the oldest Christmas market in Germany. The city boasts no fewer than nine Christmas markets spread across various squares. Be sure to sample the local pride: the famous Dresden Christmas Stollen.
Between November 14 and December 23 Oberhausen is the place to be for those who love affordable Christmas shopping. It's a favorite among the Dutch, and it's no wonder: right next to the Christmas market is a huge shopping mall, and it's practically within walking distance of the Dutch border. You can easily spend a whole day (or two) shopping here, with a mulled wine in hand, of course.
From November 20 to December 30 Düsseldorf is buzzing with Christmas cheer. Small but perfect, with countless stalls overflowing with adorable Christmas items, mulled wine, and bratwurst. You can explore six different squares, and don't forget to check out the large 450m² ice skating rink. A personal favorite of the Barts Boekje team.
From November 24 to December 23 In Münster, you can find six atmospheric Christmas markets and around 300 stalls. The shopping area runs through it all, making for a pleasant stroll (but also extra expensive, as we're quite strapped for cash). Our recommendation? The Christmas market at the Lamberti Church, also known as the market of lights and rightly so.
Trier radiates from November 21 to December 22 With a smaller Christmas market of around 100 stalls, it's ideal for those looking for unique gifts such as handmade glassware, ceramics, and wooden toys. It's often busy here, and hotels fill up early, which of course only means it's worth it.
In Berlin the Christmas markets open on November 14 and stay until January 4 The German capital boasts the largest number of Christmas markets in the country: no fewer than 16 spread across the city. Besides a huge variety of traditional Christmas gifts, you'll also find fine art and delicacies from various European regions. Perfect for the ultimate Christmas shopper.
From November 25 to December 23 Leipzig transforms into a warm winter wonderland with over 300 stalls. Augustusplatz boasts a huge Ferris wheel overlooking the historic city center, plus a beautiful historic merry-go-round, fun for the kids (or you can even take a spin yourself). Fairytale-like yet traditional.
From November 20 to December 30Every day except December 25th, you can visit one of Germany's largest Christmas markets in Dortmund, just 200 km from Utrecht. With around 300 stalls and a 45-meter-tall giant Christmas tree, this is the ultimate destination for anyone who loves Christmas intensely.
From November 24 to December 22 In Frankfurt, you can visit a Christmas market with a history dating back to 1393, which is also quite ancient. With over 240 stalls and around 3 million visitors annually, this is one of Germany's most important Christmas markets. A special highlight: illuminated ships sail along the Main River, making the city even more atmospheric.
From November 24 to December 23 Bremen is bursting with Christmas cheer, with over 180 stalls and a coziness that instantly captivates. The city is best known for its maritime Christmas market: the Schlachte-Zauber (Slaughter Magic) along the river. Imagine blue lights glittering across the water, wooden huts, warm fires, and an atmosphere that's a little different from your typical Christmas market. A bit more rugged, yet very atmospheric, and perfect for a pleasant winter evening stroll along the quay.
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