14 Best German Christmas Markets You Need to Visit This Winter

There’s no better place to experience the magic of the holiday season than at the best German Christmas markets.

From medieval town squares glowing with fairy lights to the scent of roasted almonds and mulled wine drifting through the air, Germany’s Weihnachtsmärkte are the stuff of festive dreams.

With more than a dozen markets under my belt, I’ve wandered cobblestone streets sipping Glühwein in the snow, chatted with local artisans, and compared Lebkuchen like it’s a competitive sport.

Whether you’re planning your first German Christmas market trip or looking to discover a new favorite, this list is here to guide you to the very best.

Planning Your First Trip to Germany for the Holidays? Don’t miss my Ultimate Guide to German Christmas Markets—it’s packed with tips on what to eat, what to wear, how to get around, and how to make the most of your visit!

What Makes a Great German Christmas Market?

Before we dive into the best German Christmas markets, let’s talk about what actually makes one great—because not all markets are created equal.

For me, a truly magical Christmas market hits all the senses.

There’s the smell of roasting chestnuts and spiced Glühwein the second you walk in. The twinkle of fairy lights strung across timber-framed buildings. The sound of a brass quartet playing “Silent Night” in a town square. And that warm, slightly nostalgic feeling that settles in your chest when you watch snowflakes swirl around a wooden stall selling hand-carved nutcrackers.

The best German Christmas markets aren’t just pretty—they’re atmospheric, authentic, and anchored in place. You feel like you’re in a living snow globe. The setting matters, whether it’s nestled in a medieval old town, under the gaze of a hilltop castle, or outside a grand baroque cathedral. Bonus points for cobblestone streets and carol singers.

Then there’s the food and drink. Great markets don’t just serve up the basics—they celebrate regional specialties. Think Nuremberg’s drei im Weckla, Dresden’s famous Stollen, or cherry Glühwein in Hamburg. Add in some handmade gifts, friendly vendors, and an old-school carousel or Advent calendar—and you’ve got a winner.

In short: the best German Christmas markets aren’t just places to shop—they’re places to feel. Places where holiday magic is real, even if just for a moment.

And now? Let’s explore where to find them.

Berlin

Berlin has more than 60 different Christmas markets, so you can’t get to all of them. But the variety is one of the best reasons to come here, and you could easily include several really good ones on a Berlin Christmas market itinerary.

The Rotes Rathaus Christmas Market is a popular one located near the Red City Hall building, which it’s named after. There’s a large Ferris wheel and an ice skating rink around the Neptune Fountain. Kids will enjoy seeing Santa flying overhead in his sleigh three times a day. Adults can enjoy the variety of mulled wine and other hot beverages, and there is lots of food, including traditional German food and other cuisines. 

The Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market is another favorite with locals and tourists. It’s located on the square it’s named for, which is framed by three historic buildings. The stalls are all a little more elegant, making it feel a bit more upscale, and you’ll find delicious food and plenty of mulled wine, and lots of opportunities for shopping. There is a 2 euro entry fee.

The Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market is set in front of a gorgeous palace, and that alone makes it feel special. Like other markets, you won’t have a problem finding good food, drinks, and gifts or souvenirs. Don’t forget to go to the viewing platform on top of the Hungarian food hut for nice views of the palace and market from above. 

Dresden

Come November, and the several parts of Dresden start putting up stalls and fairy lights to welcome Christmas. It is one of the German cities where different Christmas markets gear up to bring all the festive moods, usually from the end of November to the first week of January.

But, out of all the smaller as well as sprawling ones, Dresden´s Striezelmarkt is my favourite. Located in the city’s Old Market square, Striezelmarkt has everything from historic significance to romantic vibes, making it one of the best German Christmas markets. 

I was awestruck that it dates back to 1434 and was founded as a one-day market only. Now, after 590 years to be exact, Striezelmarkt has blossomed into a month-long celebration, offering attractions like the historic Ferris wheel, the famous plum potato, a children’s railway, and a puppet theatre. The painted wooden fairy-tale castle, especially in the evening, is a sight to behold.

But what truly tempts the taste buds is the region’s famous Lebkuchen, a gingerbread steeped in history, and the mulled wine served in beautifully decorated cups. These are must-tries as you explore this beautiful German Christmas market.

If you plan to visit Christmas markets in Europe this winter, Dresden deserves to be at the top of your list. 

Cologne

One of the best German Christmas markets is the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom). The market is right in the city center of Cologne, in front of the famous cathedral. But the special thing is that the whole market is covered in Christmas lights (around 70,000 light bulbs), creating a romantic and Christmassy feeling. In total, you can expect to visit 150 red-roofed Christmas stalls. 

If you are feeling cold, then we recommend trying the famous Kölner Glühwein (hot red wine with a lot of sugar). As with many Cologne Christmas markets, make sure to collect the mug shaped like little boots!

Despite being one of Germany’s most visited Christmas markets (with more than 3 million visitors per Christmas season), it still has a lot of local charm, as the town ensures it doesn’t become too crowded on the square. 

Experienced by Laura and Alexander from Lost Between Oceans. 

Düsseldorf

Recommended by The Bucket List Mermaid

If you’re craving that quintessential Christmas magic with a modern twist, the Düsseldorf Altstadt Christmas Market is a no-brainer to visit!

This festive wonderland is truly a Christmas paradise, transforming the Old Town market with hundreds of Christmas trees and traditional market features.

What makes the Düsseldorf Christmas Market stand out is the insane variety of local food (I’m talking Reibekuchen, bratwurst, AND flammkuchen), beautifully designed wooden stalls for presents, and the lively riverside vibe that sets it apart from more traditional markets.

Don’t forget to check out the iconic Dome of Lights or “Lichterdom”, ice skate at the Koe on Ice, and take a ride on the ferris wheel on Burgplatz for panoramic views of the city. 

What stood out to me was that locals genuinely celebrate, not just shop—and it all feels more authentic and less touristy than other big-name markets. 

Add in the cozy mugs of glühwein (refillable, of course), ice skating under fairy lights, and the occasional street performer or choir, and you’ve got the ultimate holiday bucket list experience.

Frankfurt

One of the best German Christmas markets you should visit this winter is without a doubt in Frankfurt. With its delicious treats, hot beverages, beautiful Christmas decorations, lights and overall holiday cheer, you wouldn’t want to miss it!

The Frankfurt Christmas market stretches from Roßmarkt to Römerberg. The (arguably) best and most beautiful section of the market is in Römerberg. Enjoy the idyllic old town German architecture as the backdrop of the market while enjoying some famous Bethmännchen. This sweet (and popular) marzipan pastry pairs well with hot apple wine, if you enjoy alcoholic beverages.  

Be sure to add Frankfurt to your Christmas market itinerary and enjoy your time there!

Füssen

While most people come to Füssen for its claim to fame—Neuschwanstein Castle—they’re often surprised to find a delightfully cozy Christmas market tucked into the baroque courtyard of the St. Mang Monastery. I visited during Advent and was completely charmed by the fairy lights, festive music, and warm, welcoming atmosphere.

The Füssen Christmas Market may be smaller than the big-city giants, but that’s exactly what makes it special. Local artisans sell handmade ornaments and Bavarian gifts, and the food stalls dish up everything from sizzling bratwurst to sweet, cinnamon-dusted almonds. It’s the perfect stop if you’re exploring southern Bavaria in winter.

Pair it with a visit to nearby Neuschwanstein Castle for a magical day that feels straight out of a snow globe.

Plan your trip with my full guides to the Füssen Christmas Market and Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle.

Gegenbach

One of the best German Christmas markets is in Gengenbach on the edge of the Black Forest.  While all good German Christmas markets have the smell of Glühwein wafting through the air among other tasty food treats, this market stands out for a fairy tale setting and its unique advent calendar.

Walking from the train station, cobbled streets lead you to 2 different watch towers that help enclose the old town. Once you enter, you are transported to a magical Christmas market from times long past—no cars and traffic noise here.  Instead, you might hear some festive music from a brass band.

Reds, blues, and greens create a rainbow of colors on the shutters and half-timbers decorating each building. Even the bank (with its sturdy glass doors and secure entry) blends in. It sits at the bottom of a 4-story building covered in brown latticed half-timbers, with the bank name hand-painted onto the wall to help maintain the period architecture.   

At 6 pm sharp every night during the Advent period, hundreds of townspeople and tourists gather in the town square. Locals stage a short performance (in German) before a new window on the town hall is revealed. The windows feature the work of a new artist each year, in what is the largest Advent calendar in the world.

After the show, you can peruse about 60 stalls for handcrafted goods and food for dinner. It’s tough to describe just how neat the Gengenbach Germany Christmas Market is. It feels like something out of a movie set—and I guess that’s sort of true. If you saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, then you’ve seen sections of this fairy tale-like town.

Hamburg

The Hamburg Christmas markets are some of the best you will visit on your winter trip to Germany. The city doesn’t have only one Christmas market, but quite a few, each with a different theme. The main one takes place in front of the city hall. This is the biggest as well. Every weekend you can witness Santa literally flying over the market in his sleigh, wishing Merry Christmas to all the visitors of the market.

Hamburg is quite unique when it comes to Christmas markets because the naught Reeperbahn hosts its own adults only market. It’s quite the sight if you make it here, just make sure you leave the kids at home.

When it comes to food, you must have the classic bratwursts with caramelized onions, as well as the roast pork with crackling served alongside warm sauerkraut. Don’t miss the mulled cherry wine, which you will only find in the main market. It’s the classic mulled wine with a shot of cherry liquor in it. 

Heidelberg

Recommended by Vega of Her Asian Adventures

I stumbled across the Heidelberg Christmas market almost by accident—and I’m so glad I did. It’s right in the heart of the Old Town, with the castle above and lights strung over cobblestone streets. The market stretches across several squares, each with its own vibe, which makes it fun to explore without feeling overwhelming or overly crowded.

One of my favorite parts was the giant wooden advent calendar tucked between pine trees. Each little window had a different hand-painted scene, and it instantly reminded me of the vintage Christmas cards my grandma used to collect. 

There’s also a small carousel, a mini train for kids, and oversized wooden wine barrels you can actually step into to warm up and take a break.

Heidelberg might not be one of the big-name markets, but that’s exactly why I liked it. It’s festive, beautiful, and relaxed—perfect if you’re looking for something a little more laid-back and local.

Mainz

Recommended by Carolin from Happy When Abroad.

As I grew up in Mainz, visiting the annual Christmas Market has always been a tradition for me. The historic Christmas Market on the cathedral square is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany. Every year, it attracts several thousand visitors with its beautiful setting, between the old buildings and in the center of the old town.

In my opinion, the Christmas Market in Mainz is one of the most beautiful in the Rhine-Main region. It may not be able to compete with the big ones in Nuremberg or Cologne, but it definitely has its own charm.

I particularly like the many fairy lights that adorn the entire cathedral square and the wide selection of food and drink stalls. Even those who don’t want to drink classic mulled wine can try out various alternatives such as baked apple mulled wine, cherry mulled wine, or children’s punch. For food, I can recommend the stall with the hot baked potatoes. And, of course, you can’t go wrong with a traditional bratwurst with chips.

I recommend visiting the Christmas market during the week, as it gets very crowded at the weekends.

Nuremberg

If you’re only going to visit one German Christmas market, make it Nuremberg. This iconic market—the Christkindlesmarkt—is one of the oldest and most famous in the country, and for good reason. From the moment you step into the Hauptmarkt, surrounded by historic buildings and rows of red-and-white striped stalls, it feels like Christmas has truly arrived.

You’ll find traditional Bavarian ornaments, hand-carved toys, and the sweet scent of Elisenlebkuchen (the good kind of gingerbread!) filling the air. Be sure to try Nuremberg’s signature Drei im Weckla—three little bratwursts tucked into a crusty roll—and warm up with a mug of classic Glühwein or Feuerzangenbowle.

The whole city gets into the festive spirit, with sister markets, concerts, and even a children’s Christmas market just around the corner. It’s the kind of place that brings all the Christmas charm you dream about.

Want all the details? Here’s my complete guide to visiting the Nuremberg Christmas Market—what to eat, what to buy, and how to make the most of your visit.

Regensburg

Regensburg is one of Bavaria’s most beautiful medieval cities—and during the holiday season, it transforms into a true Christmas wonderland. What makes it so special? The fact that there isn’t just one market, but four unique Christmas markets scattered throughout the old town, each with its own vibe.

The main market at Neupfarrplatz is classic and cozy, with rows of twinkling stalls and the smell of candied nuts in the air. For something truly magical, don’t miss the Romantic Christmas Market at Thurn & Taxis Palace, set against a castle backdrop and complete with artisan stalls, mulled wine, and even an après-ski bar. It’s like stepping into a holiday fairytale.

Whether you’re wandering the cobblestone alleys, sipping Glühwein beneath a towering cathedral, or picking out handmade gifts under the stars, Christmas in Regensburg just hits differently.

Get the full breakdown in my Regensburg Christmas Markets guide—including when to go, what to eat, and tips for making it a trip to remember.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

If you’re dreaming of a postcard-perfect Christmas, it’s hard to beat Rothenburg ob der Tauber. With its pastel half-timbered houses, snow-dusted rooftops, and medieval charm, this fairytale town feels like it was made for the holidays.

The Reiterlesmarkt, Rothenburg’s main Christmas market, is small but utterly enchanting—set right in the heart of the old town with stalls spilling into cobblestone squares and winding alleyways. You’ll find glowing lanterns, traditional German treats, and even the mysterious Rothenburger Reiterle himself, a local legend who adds a unique folklore touch to the festivities.

It’s the kind of place where time slows down, the Glühwein warms you up from the inside out, and every corner is a photo op. I honestly felt like I’d stepped into a snow globe.

Planning a trip? Don’t miss my Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market guide for everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.

Stuttgart

Stuttgart’s Christmas market is one of my favorites in Europe. While it’s one that sees millions of visitors each year, the markets are spread across several city squares in the centre, all within walking distance so it’s not as packed as some of the bigger, more well-known markets in Germany.

One of the things that makes Stuttgart’s market unique is the giant Advent calendar displayed on the windows of the Rathaus, or City Hall. Each day in December leading up to Christmas, a new window lights up to reveal the coat of arms of one of Stuttgart’s 23 districts. 

Another highlight is the vendor stalls. There’s a competition each year for the most beautifully decorated rooftop, so you’ll see some pretty elaborate decorations. 

And over in Karlsplatz, the Finnish market offers something a little different, with salmon smoking over an open fire and glögg instead of mulled wine.

There’s also a small Ferris wheel, a carousel and even a mini steam engine, which add a bit of fun if you’re travelling with kids. 

Tips for Visiting German Christmas Markets

Before you dive headfirst into the cozy chaos of a German Christmas market, here are a few tips to help you make the most of it.

Timing Is Everything: Most markets run from the last week of November through December 23, but a few magical ones linger into early January. Smaller town markets sometimes only happen on weekends, so be sure to check dates before you go!

Dress the Part: It might look like a scene out of a snow globe, but trust me—it’s cold. Dress in warm layers, wear waterproof boots (those cobblestones get slushy fast), and don’t forget a hat and gloves you won’t mind losing in a crowd.

Cash Is Still King: While card readers are slowly making their way into the stalls, it’s still smart to carry cash—especially if you don’t want to miss out on that perfect ornament or one more cup of Glühwein.

Don’t Miss These Festive Faves:

• Glühwein (hot spiced wine that will warm your soul)
• Elisenlebkuchen (trust me—skip the iced hearts and go for the real deal)
• Bratwurst in a bun (the crisp winter air makes it taste even better)

Ready to plan your dream December? Head over to my Ultimate Guide to German Christmas Markets for everything you need to know—packing tips, how to get around, and more!

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Fall in Love With the Best German Christmas Markets

The best German Christmas markets aren’t just about buying ornaments or sipping mulled wine—they’re about stepping into a slower, sweeter kind of holiday season. One where twinkling lights make old towns feel like fairy tales, and the scent of roasted almonds floats through the crisp winter air.

I’ve been to plenty of Christmas markets over the years—and each one is a little different. Some are big and bustling, others tiny and tucked away. But they all have this incredible ability to make you feel like you’re part of something timeless.

So whether you’re watching Santa soar through the sky in Berlin or grabbing a last-minute handmade gift in Füssen, my advice is simple: try more than one. Each market brings its own kind of magic—and you might just find a new holiday tradition of your own.

Have a favorite German Christmas market? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to add it to my list for next time!