The jolly season is around the corner! Get ready for the best time of the year, as fairy lights begin to glimmer and cheerful bells ring around the town. Moreover, one of the best things about Christmas is Christmas markets. If you are looking for feisty and gorgeous Christmas markets, you must visit Germany. The country is home to centuries-old Christmas markets, as well as the pioneer of Christmas markets in Europe . Among the lovely Christmas markets in Germany, there are some that stand out the most. Compiled by our German TripLeaders and a local writer, here are the 10 best Christmas markets in Germany to visit in 2024.
What is the best German Christmas market to go to?
- Striezelmarkt, Dresden
- Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market, Cologne
- Essen International Christmas Market, Essen
- Stuttgart Weihnachts Markt, Stuttgart
- Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market, Berlin
- Braunschweig Christmas Market, Braunschweig
- Münchner Christkindlmarkt, Munich
- Reiterlesmarkt, Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- Rüdesheim Christmas Market of All Nations, Rüdesheim
- Leipzig Christmas Market
Strietzelmarkt, Dresden
If you ask which is the best Christmas market, Striezelmarkt will stand out confidently. So, Striezelmarkt is the oldest Christmas market in Germany that dates back to 1434. It sits in the city of Dresden, stretching 120 miles away from Berlin. A short day trip from the capital is perfect if you are looking forward to this fascinating old market. Then, some of the sweetest things about Striezelmarkt are sweet treats and bread for Christmas. Make sure to grab a stollen, a candied fruit-filled bread that is covered with icing sugar.
While munching on sweet stollen, you can also stroll around to see around 170 stalls and marvel at the colossal Christmas tree. Other than that, you can also see lovely wooden huts, Ferris wheels, and the largest Nutcracker in all of Germany. Striezelmarkt also highlights a towering and flashy Christmas pyramid, which will catch your attention within a single glance. So, with all its authenticity and attractions, make sure to add Striezelmarkt to your must-visit Christmas markets list!
When: November 27th – December 24th, 2024
Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market
Due to its unique atmosphere and picturesque scene, Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market is notably one of the best German Christmas markets. Starting in November 18th this year, this Christmas market brings an early joyful atmosphere to the city. It takes place on the town square nearby the elegant Rhine River. Moreover, it offers a romantic backdrop of the gothic Cologne Cathedral, which is illuminated by warm Christmas lights during the night.
The Christmas atmosphere in Cologne Christmas Market is superb. You can find a giant Christmas tree decorated with bright lights, wooden pavilions, 150 Christmas stalls, and cheerful musical performances. Then, you can also grab some organic potato pancakes or unique cathedral-shaped waffles for a heartwarming treat.
When: November 18th – December 23rd, 2024
Essen International Christmas Market
The Christmas market in Essen offers diverse choices of souvenirs, ornaments, and food from different cultures. For that reason, the market fits perfectly with the name “Essen International Christmas Market”.
The Christmas market features around 170 stalls, wooden pavilions with colorful lights, glitzy chandeliers, and strings of magical Christmas lights above your head. Moreover, you can find different kinds of dishes here, from the iconic German sausages to Turkish falafel. This Christmas market is perfect for families as it has lots of attractions for kids. Besides that, Essen has gained recognition as a sustainable city. Therefore, green energy and sustainable practices are applied in Essen International Christmas Market.
When: November 15th – December 23rd, 2024
Stuttgart Weihnachts Markt, Stuttgart
Have a very merry Christmas in this gorgeous manufacturing city. Stuttgart Weihnacts Markt is situated in Stuttgart’s city center, surrounded by storybook houses and medieval buildings. The Christmas market has been running for 300 years, bringing a festive mood to the city. Thus, there are around 280 stalls selling various items, from souvenirs to mouthwatering sausages. You can also find unique structures, such as magnificent Christmas towers and Ferris wheels. Furthermore, the highlight of Stuttgart Weihnachts Markt is the huge Advent calendar, which is a landmark on the city square.
When: November 29th – December 23rd, 2023
Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market, Berlin
“Where are the best Christmas markets in Germany?” – you might ask. So, we will answer with Berlin. The city offers a bunch of charming Christmas markets. One of the most interesting ones is Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market.
The market features an elegant backdrop of the Charlottenburg Palace, glimmering with Christmas lights as the sun goes down. Moreover, you can find lots of impressive stalls and delicious treats in the market. Also, it has various interesting experiences for the children, like the Royal Christmas Market and Wanderland Winter Forest. For adults, you can enjoy a stroll inside the palace’s gardens or grab some amazing mulled wines.
When: November 25st – December 29th, 2024
Braunschweig Christmas Market, Braunschweig
See how Christmas is celebrated in this charming city between Berlin and Hanover. Braunschweig Christmas Market is located on the square of St. Blasii Cathedral. Moreover, the market offers a picturesque scene of magnificent medieval-style buildings and city landmarks. Thus, Braunschweig Christmas Market has been operating since 1505. For that reason, you can see a gorgeous mixture of the old and new in the market. Furthermore, you can find interesting attractions like giant ice sculptures and the Kohlmarkt skating rink.
When: November 29th – December 29th, 2024
Münchner Christkindlmarkt, Munich
One of the most unique and best Christmas markets in Germany is Münchner Christkindlmarkt. In this market, you can indulge the fantastic Bavarian culture and history. For that reason, you can find various Bavarian traditional Christmas delights and ornaments in the market.
Thus, the market is situated in Marienplatz, in front of the elegant Munich Neues Rathaus cathedral. It offers an amazing scene of centuries-old baroque buildings and charming old houses. Moreover, you can see a colossal Christmas tree decorated with more than 2,500 lights and hop on a lovely Christmas tram.
When: November 27th – December 24th, 2024
Reiterlesmarkt, Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Spending the festive season in Germany’s medieval town would be a great idea for your bucket list. Reiterlesmarkt is a pre-advent Christmas market held annually in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. It offers a dreamy Christmas atmosphere, colorful stalls, and brilliant performances. Moreover, the main highlight of Reitelesmarkt is the Rotheburger Reiterles. It is an enchanting story about a horseman that brings joy to everyone in town during Christmas.
When: December 3rd – December 23rd, 2024
Rüdesheim Christmas Market of All Nations, Rüdesheim
Rüdesheim Christmas Market is notably one of the most diverse German Christmas markets. The market features treats, culture, and ornaments from 12 different nations in its 120 stalls. Visitors can also look forward to December 20th, when the Christmas market lights up with a traditional parade to celebrate St. Thomas Night. Moreover, Rüdesheim Christmas Market offers a nostalgic atmosphere of Rhein Valley and enchanting walks along the lights-filled old streets. Furthermore, you can enjoy cable car rides to the market which look way lovelier on a snowy scene.
When: November 21th – December 23rd, 2024
Leipzig Christmas Market, Leipzig
See the cheerful Christmas market in the heart of Germany’s historical city, Leipzig. Thus, in Leipzig Christmas Market, you can find glimmering Christmas lights, a giant Ferris wheel, and an impressive 20-meter Christmas tree. Moreover, you can find over 250 stalls that sell colorful souvenirs and delightful dishes. Other than that, you can also see the medieval-themed traditional market. You can indulge in the festive season at Leipzig Christmas Market by sipping a glass of hot mulled wine and enjoying the performance of a group of trombonists in the Old Town Hall.
When: November 26th – December 23rd, 2024
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