Best Christmas Markets in Germany

Altstadt around Dom and Rathaus

For over 50 years, the old town around the Cathedral and Town Hall has transformed into a festive Christmas village. Where Charlemagne once resided, visitors from around the world now enjoy the aroma of Printen (local gingerbread), mulled wine, and twinkling lights. The market is regularly voted among Europe's Top 10 Best Christmas Markets and features the iconic 1,200-year-old Aachen Cathedral as its stunning backdrop.

Dortmund City Centre (multiple locations)

One of the largest Christmas markets in Europe with over 250 stalls spread across ten locations in Dortmund's city center. The market attracts approximately 3.6 million visitors annually and is famous for housing the world's largest Christmas tree at 45 meters tall with 138,000 LED lights. Features traditional crafts, international goods, culinary specialties, and the collectible annual Glühwein mug.

Altmarkt

Germany's oldest Christmas market, dating back to 1434, and one of the most famous worldwide. Features over 200 beautifully decorated stalls, the world's largest Erzgebirge step pyramid at 14.62 meters tall (Guinness World Record holder since 1999), a giant walk-through Schwibbogen arch, and traditional Saxon crafts. Known for the Dresden Christstollen, Pflaumentoffel (prune figures), and themed weekend festivals including the famous Stollenfest.

Schlossplatz, Schillerplatz, Marktplatz

One of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Europe, dating back to at least 1692. Features nearly 300 wooden stalls with uniquely decorated roofs, over 60 choir and music performances, and spans multiple historic squares in Stuttgart's city center. Known for its elaborate stall decorations, giant advent calendar on the Rathaus, and diverse food offerings including local Swabian specialties.

Marienplatz

Munich's oldest and most famous Christmas market, with roots dating back to the 14th century. Held at Marienplatz since 1972, it features traditional Bavarian crafts, Germany's largest nativity scene market, and a 25-meter Christmas tree with 3,000 candles. The market is set against the romantic backdrop of the neo-Gothic New Town Hall.

Römerberg

One of Germany's oldest and largest Christmas markets, dating back to 1393. The market stretches from Roßmarkt through the Zeil promenade down to Römerberg and the River Main, featuring over 200 elaborately decorated stalls. Known for traditional Frankfurt specialties like Bethmännchen (marzipan pastries), hot apple wine, and Quetschemännchen (dried plum figures).

Roncalliplatz

The most popular and best-known Christmas market in Cologne, located directly in front of the iconic Cologne Cathedral. With around 150 charming stalls and a towering Christmas tree over 82 feet tall, this market attracts over 4 million visitors annually. Features live performances on a central stage, high-quality crafts, and a spectacular canopy of lights.

Rathausmarkt

Hamburg's most iconic Christmas market held in front of the historic City Hall. Features around 80 lovingly decorated stalls under the motto 'Art instead of Commerce' with a focus on sustainability. The highlight is the Flying Santa Claus who soars over the market three times daily in his sleigh with reindeer.

Schadowplatz

Branded as the fairytale market with white-roofed huts topped with characters from the Grimm Brothers' fairytales. The square is bathed in magical light from 15,000 LEDs creating a fairytale world for all ages. Features a Christmas Tower where stories are read aloud and children can meet Father Christmas on Fridays.

Rotes Rathaus

The Berlin Christmas market with carnival, ice rink and Old Berlin market alley. Look forward to festive hustle and bustle between the Red City Hall and St. Mary's Church. Features the Neptune Fountain, large ice-skating rink, huge Ferris wheel, and amazing homemade garlic potato chips.

Hauptmarkt

One of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in the world, dating back to the mid-16th century. Known as 'the little city of wood and cloth,' it features traditional handmade Christmas decorations, Nuremberg Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and the famous Nuremberg bratwurst. The market is presided over by the Christkind, a fairy-like figure who opens the festivities each year.

Heidelberg Old Town (Altstadt)

One of Germany's most beautiful Christmas markets, spread across six squares in Heidelberg's historic old town. Features over 140 festively decorated wooden stalls, traditional crafts, and the iconic backdrop of Heidelberg Castle. The market uses a sustainable energy concept with LED lighting and runs on green electricity.

Marktplatz, Grüner Markt, Kirchplatz, and Lichthof am Rathaus

Nestled in the picturesque setting between the town hall and St. Jakob, the Reiterlesmarkt is considered one of the most attractive Christmas markets in Germany with centuries-old tradition dating back to the 15th century. The market features 61 stalls and is named after the 'Reiterle', a mythical horseman from Germanic legend who brings good luck and Christmas cheer. The entire old town is decorated with bright lights during Advent, and every evening a self-designed Advent window is opened on the second floor of the town hall, crafted by local school classes and youth groups.

Leipzig Old Town (multiple locations)

One of Germany's oldest Christmas markets dating back to 1458, with around 300 stalls spread across multiple locations in Leipzig's historic old town. The market attracts over 2.8 million visitors annually and features traditional Ore Mountain crafts, a nativity scene with live animals, and various themed areas including a Finnish village. Known for its authentic local atmosphere and excellent food offerings.

Katschhof

Market area at Katschhof square between the Cathedral and Town Hall