We may still be only halfway through November, but it’s never too early to plan a magical winter escape, and Germany’s traditional Christmas markets are worth the head start.
For a festive getaway that blends old-world charm with a touch of winter magic, these markets mustn’t be missed. Picture mediaeval town squares lit by twinkling lights, cosy wooden stalls brimming with handcrafted ornaments, and the smell of locally baked gingerbread wafting on the cold air.
From Berlin’s Alexanderplatz, where a Ferris wheel and skating rink add a touch of family fun, to the Rothenburg ob der Tauber, where candle-lit tours bring the town’s history to life, each market offers visitors a glimpse into Germany’s longstanding holiday traditions.
With eco-friendly activities spanning everything from snow walks to children’s crafts, here are our seven favourite markets to visit in Germany this festive season.
Münchner Christkindlmarkt – Munich
Set in the heart of Marienplatz, the Münchner Christkindlmarkt is a quintessential Bavarian Christmas market, combining centuries-old traditions with the festive spirit of Munich. Visitors can explore rows of wooden stalls featuring local crafts, delicate ornaments, and delicious seasonal treats such as lebkuchen (gingerbread), roasted almonds, and Glühwein (mulled wine). A highlight of the Münchner Christkindlmarkt is its strong community focus; the ‘Heavenly Workshop’ allows children to make their own Christmas crafts, while families can enjoy a variety of special activities, including musical performances.
Open daily from November 27 to December 24, 2024, hours are 10 am to 9 pm.
Dresdner Striezelmarkt – Dresden
Dating back to 1434, the Dresdner Striezelmarkt is Germany’s oldest Christmas market and one of the oldest in the world. The name ‘Striezelmarkt’ originates from ‘Striezel,’ a local term for the Christmas stollen, or fruit bread, which is a holiday staple and one of the market’s highlights. Held in the city’s Altmarkt Square, the market also showcases Saxony’s handcrafted wooden decorations and blown-glass ornaments, with performances and children’s activities at the Fairy Tale Castle for all to enjoy.
Open from November 27 to December 24, 2024, the market welcomes visitors from 10 am to 9 pm daily.
Frankfurt Christmas Market – Frankfurt
Set against the scenic backdrop of Römerberg and St. Paul’s Square, the Frankfurt Christmas Market is known for its festive decorations and musical performances. The market offers handcrafted ornaments, wooden toys, and seasonal treats like Bethmännchen marzipan cookies – a Frankfurt speciality. While glühwein is the more popular festive drink, some stalls offer warm Apfelwein as a unique local alternative. Wine made from apples, it’s often served heated and spiced, to make it comforting in the winter chill. Adding to the charm is a giant Christmas tree, and festive music from local choirs and orchestras in what is considered to be one of Germany’s most sustainable cities.
The market is open from November 25 to December 22, 2024, from 10 am to 9 pm on weekdays and 11 am to 10 pm on weekends.
Reiterlesmarkt – Rothenburg ob der Tauber
In Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the Reiterlesmarkt offers a unique holiday setting in one of Germany’s best-preserved mediaeval towns. As visitors stroll through cobbled, winding streets, they can enjoy one of German’y oldest Christmas markets – dating back to the 15th century – holiday treats, traditional performances, storytelling, and candle-lit walking tours that bring the town’s history to life. Don’t miss the opening ceremony, where the mythical ‘Rothenburg Rider’ makes a grand entrance on horseback.
This market runs from November 29 to December 23, 2024, from 11 am to 7 pm daily.
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt – Nuremberg
One of the world’s most famous Christmas markets, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, takes place in Hauptmarkt Square, offering handcrafted gifts like Nuremberg gingerbread, wooden nutcrackers, and ‘Nuremberg Plum People’ – little figures that are handcrafted from dried plums, figs, nuts, and raisins, and are often shaped into people, animals, or holiday characters. A dedicated area for children features a carousel, a mini Ferris wheel, and various activities, making it a family-friendly destination.
This market runs from November 29 to December 24, 2024, open daily from 10 am to 9 pm and closes at 8 pm on Christmas Eve.
Hamburg Historic Christmas Market – Hamburg
Held in front of Hamburg’s historic Rathaus, the Historic Christmas Market is loved by children for its unique ‘Flying Santa Claus’, who makes three daily appearances gliding over the market in his sleigh. Many stalls are run by artisans who craft their wares at the market, expect to find tree decorations, ceramics, glassware, candles and wooden toys amongst the gifts available. Of course, no German Christmas market would be intact without regional specialities like roasted chestnuts and holiday pastries. Flying Santa aside, the market’s children’s village and carousel add to it’s appeal as a popular destination for families.
Running from November 25 to December 23, 2024, this market is open daily from 11 am to 9 pm. Santa performs 3 times daily at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm.
Christmas Market on Alexanderplatz – Berlin
Alexanderplatz is one of Berlin’s most famous squares, and the market’s iconic Ferris wheel provides panoramic views of the city’s historic landmarks, while the skating rink and amusement rides offer family-friendly fun. The market features local vendors offering holiday foods like roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, and Berlin-style waffles, with a towering Christmas pyramid adorned with traditional figures as a photo-worthy centrepiece.
Open from November 25, 2024, to January 5, 2025, hours are 10 am to 10 pm on weekdays, and until midnight on weekends.
