Winter Magic: The Best Christmas Markets in Germany

Think about it: is there anything better than a Christmas market? Old town squares filled with little chalets, lights twinkling, fires crackling, and so many handmade wares to browse and buy. The scintillating scent of sausages sizzling, and a warm mug of gluhwein, all waiting for you. Not to mention the sound of carollers raising their voices, in celebration of the most wonderful time of the year. 

Germany is the birthplace of the Christkindlmarkt and home to some of the very best in the world. And while – yes – it’s all of the above things that make them special, there’s really so much more. The setting, whether in royal palaces or high in the mountains. The people, the unique local traditions, the history. Here are some of my favourite Christmas markets across Deutschland. 

Munich

BEST FOR: BAVARIA’S FINEST 

You could absolutely argue that Munchners have perfected the Christkindlmarkt. After all, they’ve been celebrating this festive tradition since way back in the 14th century. And you have so many places to celebrate in this uber-Bavarian city, which is filled with oom-pa-pa bands and frosty beer steins and people wearing lederhosen. 

Begin in the middle of it all, at Marienplatz – the main market square, from 24 November to 24 December 2025. Under the neo-Gothic New Town Hall, with its flying buttresses and spires, and near the stepped roof and clock tower of Old Town Hall, a seven-story Christmas tree rises. Decorated with more than a thousand candles, it’s surrounded by some 100 stalls.

A short walk away: The Munich Residenz. Built in stages by the Wittelsbach monarchs starting in 1385, this city palace is now rather immense, and filled with lovely surprises. Wander some of the 130 rooms and the ten courtyards, stumbling across fountains and even an opera house. Of course, there’s plenty of festive charm, including puppet shows for kids, and you can’t miss the Englischer Garten (English Garden). An urban green space bigger than Hyde Park (London) or Central Park (New York), wet-suited surfers hang ten all winter long, riding the wave on the Eisbachwelle. In the middle of it all? A small but mighty Christmas market under the five-tiered, wooden Chinese Tower, from 20 November to 23 December 2025. Here, you’ll find the best food in town. Not just the expected sausages, but also spatzle and salads, chicken roasting on a rotisserie, and even something called brizza, which marries two beautiful foods – pizza and pretzels. Wash it all down with a one-litre Maß of beer, an Oktoberfest staple that’s even better at Christmas. 

Travel tip? Sleep like a king at Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski on Maximilianstrasse, Munich’s most stylish street. The hotel was built by a Bavarian king in 1858 so that visiting heads of state and fellow royalty would have a salubrious place to stay. Before you bed down for the night? Grab a drink and maybe dinner under the glowing dome in the lobby – often referred to as  ‘Munich’s finest living room’ while you decide what to try at the hotel’s very own Christmas market. Or, for a bucket list stay experience in a private villa surrounded by handcrafted porcelain, Kempinski Royal Residence Nymphenburg awaits.

Start planning your trip in Kempinski in Germany

Nuremberg

BEST FOR: HISTORY AND TRADITION

Running from 28 November until 24 December 2025, Nuremberg is arguably Germany’s most famous Christmas market. The ‘little city of wood and cloth’ assembles in the city’s main square, the Hauptmarkt. Everything gets started on the first day with a recitation of the Christkind from the balcony of the Frauenkirche, which was built by Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, starting in 1352.

Nuremberg is home to one of Germany’s most famous Christmas markets. 

And while the handmade wares (spread out amongst some 200 stalls) are unique and would make great gifts, it’s the food that’s truly special. When you’re done browsing, enjoy gingerbread and local almond cookies. And of course, mouth-watering bratwurst, which has been served here for more than seven centuries. 

Berlin 

BEST FOR: THOSE WHO LOVE A LOT OF CHOICE

In Germany’s capital, you’re spoiled for choice: this historical, once-divided and really rather dramatic city has so many markets. Start at the main one, at Gendarmenmarkt from 24 November to 31 December 2025, flanked by Berlin’s concert hall, as well as French and German churches. The illumination alone is worth the visit, with more than a thousand lights and baubles bathing the square in breathtaking light. 

A tour of Berlin’s Christmas markets should begin at Gendarmenmarkt. 

And once you get to the WeihnachtsZauber, head inside and warm up. The heated arts and crafts tent includes endless skillfully and beautifully made items. The work of candlemakers, glass blowers, goldsmiths and even tailors is on full display and, of course, available for purchase. Scoop up all your gifts to place under the tree at home, then wind down with a glass of champagne at the on-site bar.

Whichever market you choose, be sure to get a taste of local flavours.

But in Berlin, your Christkindlmarkt options extend well beyond the WeihnachtsZauber. From 24 November to 28 December 2025, in the regal setting of Charlottenburg Palace, grab some freshly-baked bread out of a wood oven, or perhaps a candied apple, then ride the Ferris wheel, before browsing for ceramics, jewellery, and leather and silk items. Elsewhere, in the old town of Spandau, wander the cobblestones, sip some mulled beer, and ride the carousel at Werner-Salomon-Platz, before doing some shopping at the stalls around St Nicholas’ Church. 

Germany’s Christmas markets are famous for their grilled sausages, or “wurst”.

At the Advent Market at Domäne Dahlem, in the southern reaches of the city, you’ll find a slower pace in a more rural setting. Think pony rides, and an organic market with regional specialities, as well as homemade nougat and marzipan, and hot chestnuts. Plus, an opportunity for kids to create their own Christmas gifts (something they’re sure to love). 

Travel tip? Located in the heart of Berlin, overlooking the Brandenburg Gate, Hotel Adlon Kempinski is the perfect base from which to explore all of the city’s markets. Arguably the country’s most famous hotel, fortify yourself with a festive feast before venturing out. Then return to a soothing spa treatment at their stunningly restored pool area. 

 Located in the heart of Berlin Hotel Adlon Kempinski is the ideal location to enjoy the festive events across the city. 

Berchtesgaden

BEST FOR? MANIFOLD MOUNTAIN MARVELS 

Close your eyes. Picture an absolute Alpine winter wonderland. Where whimsy meets wonder and magic. All of it backed by snow-capped peaks. And if you open your eyes in Berchtesgaden? You’ll find it’s not a fantasy. That wonderfully festive scene will be playing out right before you. 

There’s festive magic to be found in the Bavarian mountains.

Less than a half-hour by road from Salzburg (which has its own beautiful Christmas market), Berchtesgadener Advent brings together all the best of Bavaria, from 21 November 2025 to 3 January 20206. Listen to a brass band or carollers in front of the Royal Palace, and marvel at the live nativity scene. Then grab a mug of mulled wine, throw a warm blanket across your lap, and take a horse-drawn carriage ride. 

You can browse amongst the 50-plus advent huts. These are set amongst the Rococo town centre, where the aristocratic past of this village is on full display. At the palace, yes, but also at its monastery church, and ornate townhouses. And it’s a super-special place for families. Kids can hop on the mini-train or vintage carousel. Then everyone can get lost in the merriest maze you can imagine, made from some 300 Christmas trees.

Travel tip? Wind through the switchbacks and higher up into the Alps to reach Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden. Straddling a ridge 1,000 metres up, it feels like a castle in the clouds. Grab a drink by a flickering fire, under a chandelier made from antlers. Then settle in for a big dinner at Gourmet Restaurant PUR, which has been awarded two Michelin stars. Festive highlights for 2025 include Stubnmusi, tree decorating and a Michelin-starred Christmas Eve dinner. 

Take a seat in the lobby to admire the view and soak up the festive atmosphere. 

Dresden

BEST FOR: THOSE SEEKING HIDDEN TREASURE

The first time you see the Jewel Box, it will wow you. Especially when approaching from the water, along the big bends of the Elbe River, all the Baroque and Rococo architecture making Dresden look like a storybook city. The Frauenkirche and the Zwinger and the opera house, and the Renaissance royal Palace, built by the Saxon princes and kings.

Dresden’s Christmas market has been welcoming visitors for almost 600 years.

And it’s all so much better during Christmas. From 27 November to 24 December 2025, the Striezelmarkt is a magnet for those feeling festive – and there are a lot of them. More than two million people visit Altmarkt Square annually, as they’ve been doing for almost 600 years. 

This is Germany’s oldest Christmas market, and one that thinks big, from the huge step pyramid (recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the largest on earth) festooned with festive figures, to the world’s biggest candle arch. Plus, some 240 stalls that will satisfy literally anyone looking to do a little holiday shopping. 

Located in Neumarkt, the Frauenkirche is one of the city’s best-known monuments. 

But go beyond, too. After all, the Jewel Box offers unexpected treasures. Prager Straße, the city’s main shopping street, lights up for the season, with the centrepiece a towering 15-metre Christmas tree, plus a couple of fun carousels, and the home of Khris Kringle himself. Advent at the Neumarkt from 26 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 is a highlight for anyone looking for quality, lovingly created goods – the market features crafts made by artisans belonging to local guilds that date back more than a century, including handmade toys. And don’t miss the Stallhof Advent Festival at the Residenzschloss (Royal Palace), where you can warm up on a chilly night in one of two big wooden bathtubs. 

Travel tip? Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski has always been a legendary place. It was built by August the Strong, the most famous of the Saxon kings, in 1705. His (perhaps mythical) might was said to be so great that the man could actually snap horseshoes with his bare hands. Today, the Taschenbergpalais has been restored to its original glory and offers the perfect backdrop for a magical festive moment. 

Cologne

BEST FOR: FAMILIES AND BUDDING SEAFARERS

Visit at any time of the year, and the glory of Cologne’s famous cathedral will impress. Huge and gothic and built over a series of centuries (starting in 1248), it’s both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Germany’s most visited landmarks. And it’s so much better at Christmas, when the festive market runs from 17 November to 23 December 2025. Go at night, when everything lights up and more than 100 live performances resonate from the stage. Midweek is great for families, when there’s a kids’ programme with plays, face painting and so much more.

Cologne’s impressive cathedral is the backdrop for the city’s lively market. 

But you should go beyond the cathedral. From 14 November to 28 December at Cologne Harbour, set on the Rhine, you can sip mulled wine on a three-masted ship and watch pirate-themed shows. Ride the Ferris wheel to fully appreciate the view of stalls set up inside white tents, which are built to evoke ship’s sails. And the Market of Angels at Neumarkt simply glows. Twinkling lights, big bright stars, and a few very nice cocktail bars spread amongst the stalls, from 17 November to 23 December 2025.

Festive waterside attractions complement Cologne’s main Christmas market. 

Heidelberg

BEST FOR: SKATING AND HISTORIC CHARM

Crowned by a ridge-top castle and bisected by a river crossed by ancient stone bridges, this medium-sized city is an undeniably marvellous place. To get a full appreciation of how all the beauty fits together, start at the top. Tour the castle, and snap photos of the valley spread out below, where settlement dates back to the fifth century BC.

Then, descend. Their Christkindlmarkt is spread across the cobblestone lanes of old town, from 24 November to 22 December 2025. Glide along the ice rink near castle ruins at Karlsplatz. Visit Santa’s House on Market Square. And then, just stroll, picking up gifts at the many huts, perhaps riding the carousel, and enjoying the festive spirit that reigns here, for block after beautiful block, all through the holiday season.

Purchasing gifts from Christmas markets is a great way to support local artisans.

FAQ

When do the Christmas markets in Germany usually open?
Most markets open from mid-November and run until Christmas Eve 2025. Some – like Berchtesgaden and Dresden’s Neumarkt – continue into early January 2026.

What are the most famous Christmas markets in Germany?
Top markets include Nuremberg’s Christkindlmarkt, Munich’s Marienplatz, Berlin’s Gendarmenmarkt, Dresden’s Striezelmarkt, and Cologne’s Cathedral Market – each blending tradition, food and festive spirit.

If you enjoyed this, why not plan a longer festive trip, with the help of Tim’s article on the best Christmas markets in Europe?