I’ve visited over 100 Christmas markets in Europe (sure, actually) and I am right here to inform you: Germany has the most effective. In the event you’re on the lookout for traditional, wood stalls, or off-beat funky traditions, you could find one thing for everybody on the Weihnachsmarkt in Germany. I am bringing you the most effective Christmas Markets in Germany from all my travels!
In the event you’re on the lookout for an unforgettable Christmas expertise, look no additional than a German Christmas market! Stuffed with traditions, historical past, and scrumptious meals, you will not be disillusioned. In reality, the most effective German Christmas markets are a few of the oldest on this planet and Germans take nice pleasure and element of their traditions.
After I first moved overseas I used to be nervous: how might I expertise the magic of Christmas, away from house, in Germany? What I discovered was probably the most magical, great, and fairy tale-like locations on earth. Particularly at Christmas time.
Christmas in Europe is particular, however the German Christmas Markets are the most effective on the continent. I’ve mapped out my favoriteChristmas Markets together with suggestions, instances, and a information to take advantage of your time.
There’s nothing like Christmas in Germany, y’all. Hand carved wood stalls promoting probably the most scrumptious treats, beautiful ornaments, individuals singing carols, and shaking gloved palms and saying “Frohe Weihnachten” (that is Merry Christmas in German). The Weihnachtsmarkts of Germany (which means Christmas Market in German) are the most effective on this planet.
Utterly up to date for 2022! As you would possibly know, most of the markets final yr have been canceled. I am comfortable to say that it seems that ALL of the markets are open this yr! I’ve included dates in addition to maps and all the pieces it’s worthwhile to know to plan your journey.
The custom of Christmas markets dates again to the 1300s, and right this moment’s markets nonetheless echo the appeal of this festive season.
Whereas the massive cities might need flashy shows and a number of markets, do not knock the unimaginable intimate settings of the smaller cities. They usually provide cheaper meals and drinks and the markets have their very own particular aptitude.
I’ve mapped out the greatest Christmas markets in addition to the most effective cities to expertise the magic of Christmas. Beneath every city you may additionally discover dates and instances for every Christmas marketplace for 2022.
On the lookout for my information to the most effective Christmas Markets in Europe? Take a look at this submit and itinerary!
1. Cologne
Cologne: greatest Christmas market in Germany! Cologne is already a gorgeous metropolis – gargantuan twin-spired cathedral, subsequent to the mighty Rhine River, and filled with Gothic structure in a picturesque outdated city. However the Christmas market takes it excessive. Which is why Cologne is on the prime of my checklist for greatest Christmas markets in Germany.
Brimming with appeal and cheer, there are a number of markets unfold all through town of Cologne. There are seven markets all through town, every bringing a completely totally different vibe and environment. The market in entrance of the cathedral is among the hottest, and for good cause. Lovely, conventional wooden stalls encompass a stage with the backdrop of the cathedral.
Additionally, to not be missed is the Outdated Christmas market, aka the Alter Market close to city all. This lovable market seems to be straight out of a narrative e book with gnomes (Heinzelmännchen) perched on rooftops.
Lastly, you should go to the Angel’s Christmas market. That is the oldest market, held in Neumarkt. You will see girls dressed up as angel’s handing out treats to kids and sparking white lights atop all of the stalls. It is breathtaking.
Cologne Christmas Market 2022 dates and instances: Nov 21, 2022 – Solar, Dec 23, 2022 from 11 am to 9pm (Saturdays till 10pm)
2. Nuremburg
Nuremburg: greatest conventional Christmas market in Germany! Nuremburg’s Christmas market is among the oldest and most well-known German markets, relationship again to 1530. The pink and white stalls deliver up a nostalgia that echo again to the unique Christmas markets that began right here tons of of years in the past.
This conventional market presents a gorgeous setting in entrance of the Church of Our Woman with a particular child’s choir that performs all through the season on the “Christkindlesmarkt.” The Christkind is a logo for Nuremburg and dates again to the concept that she brings kids their Christmas present.
Of all of the German Christmas markets that is one in all my favorites.
Nuremburg Christmas Market 2022 dates and instances: Sat, Nov 25, 2022 – Tues, Dec 24, 2022 from 10 am to 9pm every day.
3. Aachen
Aachen: greatest Christmas market spirit! Decked out with twinkling lights and lavish squares, your eyes shall be a-glow from the second you arrive in Aachen. The Aachen City Corridor is remodeled to a festive wonderland, town is brimming with magnificence and twinkling lights, and other people from throughout come to affix in on the merriment of the season.
Aachen is named the historic metropolis of Charlemagne’s reign, however in recent times, they’ve grow to be a significant vacation spot for Christmas. With lovely Roman ruins and a UNESCO world heritage cathedral, you actually can’t go fallacious visiting Aachen.
What I like about Aachen’s market is that it’s unfold all through town however you an get to every spot by strolling! The markets are centered round Aachen Cathedral, Charlemagne Centre, and Aachen city corridor. Aachener Printen (gingerbread) observe you wherever you go and can direct you in the direction of the market.
Aachen’s Christmas market is among the greatest embellished and loveliest Christmas markets in Germany. You simply must see it for your self!
You will discover my Christmas Market Itinerary proper right here.
Aachen Christmas Market 2022 dates and instances: Nov 18, 2022 – Solar, Dec 23, 2022, 11m – 9pm every day
4. Trier
The Christmas market in Trier is about towards the romantic backdrop of the Moselle river and the medieval Principal Market. The 95 attractively embellished cubicles present an ideal setting for this excellent occasion, with Trier Cathedral offering a powerful backdrop.
This system modifications every day on the Trier Christmas Market, so there’s at all times one thing new for guests to take pleasure in. Whether or not it is historic puppet theater or a star tenor efficiency, there’s one thing for everybody within the household. Along with scrumptious food and drinks, arts and crafts from around the globe are additionally accessible. The Trier Christmas Market is among the hottest markets in Germany attracting hundreds of tourists every year.
Trier Christmas Market Dates for 2022: November 18th via December twenty second, 2022.
5. Heidelberg
Heidelberg: greatest meals at a Christas market in Germany! Now if you happen to suppose I am biased as a result of I lived in Heidelberg, then you definitely’re completely proper. HOWEVER, there’s something so excellent about this Christmas market. Happening all through the Hauptstrasse, you may discover markets dotted alongside the pedestrian avenue. Conventional in fashion, this Christmas market is oozing with appeal. See my full information to Heidelberg’s Christmas Market right here!
There are many outlets, meals, and Glühwein, and even an ice skating rink with a citadel view. However my favourite side are the ornate wood stalls. Every metropolis has its personal distinctive tackle decor, and Heidelberg’s is my favourite. Hand carved stalls bursting with Santas, lights, and full measurement reindeer. They’re a few of the most detailed of all of the Christmas markets I’ve attended.
Heidelberg Christmas Market 2022 dates and instances: Mon, Nov 18, 2022 – Solar, Dec 22, 2022 from 11 am to 9pm (Saturdays till 10pm) There is a second market that goes till January 1, 2023!
6. Munich
Munich: greatest themed Christmas markets! Munich is the jewel of Germany with a beautiful backyard, spectacular buildings, and Oktoberfest celebration. The Marienplatz is already an distinctive instance of European magnificence. However the Christmas market in Munich is a feast for all of the senses.
A spectacle of lights, conventional markets, and a few out-there markets that take celebrating Christmas to an entire different stage. Themed markets in Munich are a few of the greatest Christmas markets in Germany and provide a distinct tackle the standard celebrations.
There is a Christmas market live performance held within the metropolis every day throughout the season, a Kids’s market, and the Tollwood Market is an ethnic competition with a glance to celebrations of Christmas all around the world. There’s additionally a homosexual Christmas market at Stephansplaz and a Medieval Christmas Market at Wittelsbacher Platz.
Munich Christmas Market 2022 dates: Nov 21, 2022 – Dec twenty fourth, 2022. Instances are Monday via Saturday 10am-9pm. Sunday 10am-8pm.
7. Baden-Baden
Baden-Baden: greatest place to purchase presents at a Christmas market. This historic metropolis is situated simply on the outskirts of the enchanting Black Forest (the place so many fairytales come from!). Baden Baden has a market going down on an extended stretch simply outdoors their outdated city.
You will discover over 100 stalls of arts and crafts, scrumptious meals, and merry-go-rounds. Protecting their market easy and conventional you could find roasting fish or aromatic spiced nuts all through the stalls. This market stays open a bit later within the yr which is ideal if you happen to’re visiting simply after Christmas!
Baden-Baden Christmas Market 2022 dates: Thurs, Nov 24, 2022 – Mon, Jan sixth, 2023. Open 11am to 9pm every day.
8. Frankfurt
I am not even going to mislead you, I’m not a giant fan of Frankfurt on the whole. It simply appears like a big metropolis with skyscrapers. It does not maintain the identical appeal as different cities appear to in Germany. With the CLEAR exception of Christmas.
I used to be pleasantly shocked however how nicely Frankfurt does Christmas. I imply… have a look at this view!
Plus, if you happen to’re coming to Germany from the USA, chances are high you are going to fly in to Frankfurt. So, you would possibly as nicely take advantage of it and expertise this lovely Christmas market!
Frankfurt Christmas Market Dates for 2022: Mon, Nov 21, 2022 – Thu, Dec 22, 2022
9. Speyer
Speyer: most lasting Christmas market in Germany! (As in, the dates go over a month!) The yuletide cheer is at all times discovered within the fairly city of Speyer. The glistening stalls lovingly embellished are the proper scene in entrance of the large church. On weekends there is a craft market that takes place in Metropolis Corridor with presents and trinkets of all types.
This can be a nice market to attend in case your coming to Germany proper after Christmas or New Years because the market stays open later.
Speyer Christmas Market 2022 dates: November 21, 2022 via January sixth 2023.
10. Dresden
Dresden: greatest Christmas market views. Dresden transforms itself into the capital of Christmas when the tip of November rolls round. There are a number of markets all through town, however the Striezelmarkt is the preferred. This alpine-like market will make you are feeling such as you’ve simply come off the slopes.
The town additionally hosts gospel live shows and presents exhibitions and performs centered round Christmas tales. That is the most important Christmas Market in Germany and to not be missed! There are 11 (YES REALLY) markets all through town!
Dresden Christmas Market 2022 dates: Nov twenty third, 2022 – Dec twenty fourth, 2022
11. Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber
Rothenburg: greatest medieval Christmas market. Rothenburg: greatest small Christmas market in Germany! This tiny city remains to be surrounded by it is city partitions! Add within the Christmas market and it is really as if you happen to’re stepping again to medieval instances. The market may be very small, however the entire metropolis has a Christmas vibe. You will discover decorations in any respect the outlets and shops. Do not forget to go to Käthe Wolfarht, a retailer promoting all the pieces you can doable need at Christmas!
Rothenburg appears like Christmas all yr spherical with its Christmas museum and medieval setting, it is undoubtedly among the finest German cities for Christmas markets. However there’s one thing particular about visiting “Reiterlesmarkt”, the Rothernburg Christmas Market is known as after a legend that claims a horse rider carried the souls of the useless. As Christianity unfold via Europe, he remodeled from a scary determine into a delicate man who gave presents to all of the individuals on earth.
Rothenburg Christmas Market 2022 dates: Friday, Nov twenty fifth, 2022 – Friday, Dec twenty third, 2022
12. Hamburg
The primary market is in entrance of gorgeous metropolis corridor and with the Rathaus as a backdrop it makes for a powerful scene. This can be a tyoical, conventional Christmas market. However to not fear, Hamburg presents many unorthodox markets.
In the event you’re on the lookout for a extra distinctive Christmas market expertise, look no additional than Hamburg’s Santa Pauli. This year-round Halloween and Christmas market is situated within the St. Pauli neighborhood, which is understood for its nightlife and red-light district. That is fairly actually a intercourse themed market!
You will discover erotic Gingerbread males, intercourse toys and all types of different grownup novelties. It is open year-round, however the Christmas market is certainly the preferred time to go to.
I like Hamburg on the whole as there are many fascinating museums and locations to go to.
Hamburg Christmas Market 2022 dates: Nov 21, 2022 – Dec twenty third, 2022
13. Essen
Often known as the “Worldwide Christmas Market” Essen’s market presents guests a twist on the standard Christmas market aptitude. It is one of many largest Christmas markets in Germany and nicely well worth the cease.
The Essen Christmas market within the metropolis heart is sort of unfold out, with just a few steps between every sq.. The Kennedyplatz is the central focus level the place you’ll be able to leisurely stroll underneath a cover of twinkling lights whereas being impressed by the entire totally different items accessible from stalls representing 190 international locations worldwide. You will discover handicrafts from Africa, Christmas decorations from Israel and jewellery type the Baltic States—simply to call just a few issues!
Essen Christmas Market 2022 dates: Sunday, Nov 12, 2022 – Mon, Dec 23, 2022
14. Stuttgart
Stuttgart: greatest Glühwein at a Christmas market! The Stuttgart Weihnachsmarkt is exclusive competition providing the standard market vibes together with some distinctive traditions that make it extraordinarily particular. Throughout Introduction the City Corridor of Stuttgart is remodeled into an enormous Introduction calendar. Every day a brand new door is opened revealing a brand new picture and coat of arms showcasing one in all Stuttgart’s districts. Take a look at extra right here.
Stuttgart Christmas Market 2022 dates: Monday, Nov 21, 2022 – Friday, Dec 23, 2022. Instances are 10am -9pm Monday via Thursday. 10am -10pm Friday & Saturday and 11am-9pm on Sunday.
15. Berlin
Berlin: greatest large metropolis Christmas market. Berlin is among the most visited cities in Germany, and Christmas ought to be no exception. The baroque palace of Charlottenburg is a gorgeous setting for a market full with conventional stalls and embellished timber. There’s an ice skating rink, decoration tents, and even heated areas with dinner served in a comfortable nook.
There are over 60 totally different markets in Berlin so that you actually cannot miss it!
Berlin Christmas Market 2022 dates: Mon, Nov 21, 2022 – Sunday, Jan 1, 2023.
16. Dusseldorf
A romantic environment full of cheer and the candy odor of gingerbread waft all through the city of Dusseldorf. You will discover the markets unfold all through town with Königsallee probably the most standard spots. There’s 7 totally different markets providing many alternative points of interest. There is a magical dome of lights, an ice skating rink, and even a Ferris wheel! Dusseldorf is the proper place to deck the halls.
Dusseldorf Christmas Market 2022 dates: Nov 17, 2022 – Dec thirtieth, 2022
17. Mannheim
Positioned simply quarter-hour away from Heidelberg, is the larger and extra industrial metropolis of Mannheim. And what town would possibly lack in magnificence, it makes up at Christmas. The massive markets right here provide tons of actions, reside music, and even a fairy-tale nook. There is a part devoted to most of the well-known kids’s tales with reside motion characters to entertain the younger and younger at coronary heart. The most important market takes place proper by town’s grand water tower and presents an array of treats and actions for all ages.
Mannheim Christmas Market 2022 dates: Nov 21, 2022 – Dec twenty third, 2022
18. Tübingen
For years, I used to be informed to go to Tübingen’s magical Christmas market. That is quintessential German Christmas appeal and feels such as you’ve stepped right into a snow globe. The market is situated on the historic market in entrance of Tübingen citadel. It is one of many oldest and most lovely markets in Germany with a historical past relationship again over 500 years.
There are round 80 stalls arrange, which promote all the pieces from handmade crafts to scrumptious food and drinks. You will discover loads of gingerbread, Lebkuchen and roasted almonds to maintain your vitality up whilst you discover the market. It is solely open one weekend so you may have to catch it whereas it is there!
Tübingen Christmas Market Dates for 2022: December 9 – 11 2022
19. Worms
Pronounced “Voms” this metropolis is understood for well-known Martin Luther showing earlier than the emperor in 1571, kicking off the Reformation. Among the many shiny Christmas decorations and carousels you’ll be able to see the Luther Monument statues to commemorate the Protestant reformer. This gorgeous market has some pretty embellished stalls, a life-size manger scene, and loads of locations to drink sizzling Glühwein.
Worms Christmas Market 2022 dates: November 21, 2022 – Dec 23, 2022
20. Schwetzingen
If you wish to go to a market on the positioning of a Baroque pink palace than look no additional than Schwetzingen. This market is small, however is nicely embellished and has loads of scrumptious meals. Below white tents tinted yellow within the heat mild, distributors promote mustard, honey, and even delicacies from locations like Italy, France, and Hungary.
Schwetzingen Christmas Market 2022 dates: dates not but introduced however solely on weekends
21. Monschau, Germany
Head to the picturesque city of Monschau, Germany on the border of Belgium. Though it is a tiny village, it is nicely price it to take a look at this picturesque, half-timbered city. A river rushes via city and cuts between gingerbread buildings within the Eifel area of Germany. The market solely takes place on the weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) from November twenty fifth via December 18th, 2022. However even if you happen to aren’t there for a market, it is a Christmas city all alongside!
Monschau Christmas Market Dates 2022: Solely on Weekends November twenty fifth – December 18th, 2022
Map and Itinerary
Here is a map and itinerary for the Christmas markets in Germany. My suggestion can be to fly in to Frankfurt, try Frankfurt’s market then head north to Cologne and Hamburg and Dusseldorf. Subsequent, head south in the direction of Heidelberg, Worms, Schwetzingen, and Mannheim. Then make your means additional south for Baden-Baden, Stuttgart, and Tubingen. Subsequent head east stopping at Rothenburg, Nuremberg, and Munich. Take a look at my full Germany and France Christmas Market Highway Journey Itinerary
Steadily requested questions on Christmas Markets in Germany
What are the dates for the Christmas markets?
These can vary for every metropolis, however are usually held from the tip of November till the twenty fourth of December. Just a few cities provide Christmas Markets after Christmas.
What number of Christmas markets are there in Germany?
There are over 100 totally different Christmas markets all through Germany. Nevertheless, it is exhausting to calculate since many cities provide smaller markets on the weekend. Likelihood is if you happen to’re in Germany throughout the vacation season, you may discover a market!
What are the most effective Christmas markets in Europe?
There are such a lot of great markets that I’ve written two totally different weblog posts! Listed below are a few of my favourite Christmas Markets in Europe after residing overseas and touring to see the magic of Christmas.
Do you need to now German to go to the markets?
Nope! In reality, most of the touristy cities are distinctive at English. It’s helpful to choose up on just a few key phrases and phrases and I at all times suggest downloading the language on Google translate.
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