Best Christmas markets in Germany 2024

Discover the enchanting Christmas markets in Germany, where holiday magic comes to life in the most beautiful destinations. Experience the festive atmosphere filled with twinkling lights, stunning Christmas decorations, and majestic Christmas trees that transform the towns into winter wonderlands. These delightful markets are the perfect places to find original Christmas gifts for the whole family, featuring unique handmade crafts, delicious seasonal treats, and aromatic mulled wine.

As you stroll through the charming stalls, immerse yourself in the joyful spirit of the season and create unforgettable memories with loved ones. Whether you're seeking the ideal spot for a romantic getaway or a fun-filled family adventure, Germany boasts some of the best Christmas destinations for a magical holiday experience in 2024. Embrace the warmth and cheer of the season at Germany's spectacular Christmas markets, where every corner invites you to celebrate and enjoy the festivities.

During your stay visit the Best Castles in Germany, Best Ski Resorts in Germany, Most Beautiful Secret Destinations in Germany and Best Places to Visit in Germany and discover the very Best of Germany. 

Book your flights, your accommodation as well as your activities & tours in Germany and visit the Best Christmas Markets in Germany.

Select the "free cancellation" option and pre-book your accommodation at the best price. 

1. Essen

From 15th November to 23rd December 2024

When fragrant mulled wine warms your hands, the smell of freshly roasted almonds fills the air and a festive glow hangs over the entire Essen city center, it can only mean one thing: The Essen International Christmas Market, awarded the title of Best Christmas Market in Germany and Best Sustainable Christmas Market in Europe has started again.

From November 15 to December 23, look forward to one of the largest and most beautiful markets in the country, which will make your pre-Christmas season that much more beautiful and magical.

During your stay visit the Best Castles in Germany, Best Ski Resorts in Germany, Most Beautiful Secret Destinations in Germany and Best Places to Visit in Germany and discover the very Best of Germany. 

Book your flights, your accommodation as well as your activities & tours in Germany and visit the Best Christmas Markets in Germany.

 Opening dates: From 15th November to 23rd December 2024.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Dusseldorf Airport (30 min by car or public transport).

 Where to stay:  "Hotel Essener Hof" Stay in the heart of Essen.

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Essen.

2. Trier

From 22nd November to 22nd December 2024

Now in its 40th year, the Trier Christmas Market will again be one of the loveliest in all of Germany. Set on the medieval Main Market and in front of the imposing backdrop of Trier Cathedral, the 95 attractively decorated booths offer a fitting framework for this wonderful event.

During your stay visit the Best Castles in Germany, Best Ski Resorts in Germany, Most Beautiful Secret Destinations in Germany and Best Places to Visit in Germany and discover the very Best of Germany. 

Book your flights, your accommodation as well as your activities & tours in Germany and visit the Best Christmas Markets in Germany.

 Opening dates: From 22nd November to 22nd December 2024. 

 How to get there: Book your flights to Luxemburg Airport (30 min) or Frankfurt (2h).

 Where to stay:  "Limehome Trier Nikolaus". One of our top picks in Trier.

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Trier.

3. Erfurt - Germany

From 26th  November to 22nd December 2024

Erfurt's Christmas Market is one of the Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe and one of the Best Christmas Markets in Germamy. Erfurt's Christmas Market is located in the medieval town of Erfurt and is undoubtedly one of the loveliest in Germany. The Cathedral Square area is the perfect setting for a magical Advent atmosphere.

For magical Christmas holidays in Erfurt, book your flights at the best price as well as your hotel, apartment, B&B or guesthouse.

Select the "free cancellation" option and pre-book your accommodation at the best price.

 Opening dates: From 26th November to 22nd December 2024.

 Nearest airports: Book your flights to Erfurt-Weimar, Frankfurt (2h30 hours), Berlin (2h45).

 Where to stay: The Krämerbrücke Erfurt Hotel has an excellent regional cuisine restaurant; it is located in a 13th century building, close to the Krämer Bridge in Erfurt's historic district.

4. Leipzig

From 26th November to 23rd December 2024

Leipzig Christmas market dates all the way back to 1458. Its six areas are set in chime with the fascinating historical scenery of the Leipzig city centre. With more than 250 twinkling stalls embedded harmoniously in the historic centre, Leipzig Christmas market is not only one of the oldest but also one of the largest Christmas markets in Germany. 

Traditionally, the main area of the Christmas market is Marktplatz (market square) where visitors can marvel at a Saxon spruce Christmas tree as high as twenty meters, and enjoy a wide variety of performances at the market square stage.  Need more inspiration? Visit the Best Castles in Germany, Best Ski Resorts in Germany, Most Beautiful Secret Destinations in Germany and Best Places to Visit in Germany and discover the very Best of Germany. 

Book your flights, your accommodation as well as your activities & tours in Germany and visit the Best Christmas Markets in Germany.

 Opening dates: From 26th November to 23rd December 2024.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Leipzig.

 Where to stay:  "INNSIDE by Melia Leipzig". Stay in the heart of Leipzig. 

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Leipzig.

5. Braunschweig

From 29th November to 29th December 2024

Every year, the squares around St. Blasii Cathedral are transformed into a beautiful Christmas market with elegant illuminations and a delightful atmosphere. 150 artisans and vendors will open their lovingly decorated stalls against an impressive historical backdrop.

With its 500-year tradition, the Braunschweig Christmas Market is amongst the most attractive and atmospheric Christmas markets in all of Germany. Each year, it attracts several hundred thousand visitors. During your stay visit the Best Castles in Germany, Best Ski Resorts in Germany, Most Beautiful Secret Destinations in Germany and Best Places to Visit in Germany and discover the very Best of Germany. 

Book your flights, your accommodation as well as your activities & tours in Germany and visit the Best Christmas Markets in Germany.

 Opening dates: From 29th November to 29th December 2024 (To Be Confirmed).

 How to get there: Book your flights to Braunschweig or Hannover (50 min by car/public transport).

 Where to stay:  "Magni Boutique Hotel". Perfect for a 2-night stay!

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Braunschweig.

6. Aachen

From 22nd November to 23rd December 2024

Every year before Christmas the squares and streets round the Cathedral and the Aachen Town Hall are transformed into a paradise of lights and colours, festive sounds and seductive smells. The glorious fair in the Christmas City, which has been erected with great care and sentiment, fascinates both the young and the old.

The enormous choice between original, stylish and precious goods makes small and big dreams come true. 

During your stay visit the Best Castles in Germany, Best Ski Resorts in Germany, Most Beautiful Secret Destinations in Germany and Best Places to Visit in Germany and discover the very Best of Germany. 

Book your flights, your accommodation as well as your activities & tours in Germany and visit the Best Christmas Markets in Germany.

 Opening dates: From 22nd November to 23rd December 2024.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Maastricht (30 min) or Cologne (50 min).

 Where to stay:  "Mercure Hotel Aachen Am Dom". located in the historic centre of Aachen. 

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Aachen.

7. Baden-Baden

From 21st November 2024 to 6th January 2025

Situated at the start of Baden-Baden’s world-famous green corridor, the Lichtentaler Allee, visitors will encounter small streets of festive stalls, where the romantic atmosphere is heightened by the thousands of shimmering Christmas lights. The entire experience is capped with a choice program of entertainment, catering for both young and old.

During your stay visit the Best Castles in Germany, Best Ski Resorts in Germany, Most Beautiful Secret Destinations in Germany and Best Places to Visit in Germany and discover the very Best of Germany. 

Book your flights, your accommodation as well as your activities & tours in Germany and visit the Best Christmas Markets in Germany.

 Opening dates: From 21st November 2024 to 6th January 2025.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Baden-Baden, Stuttgart (1h15) or Basel (1h30).

 Where to stay: "Hotel Alte Laterne". Stay in the heart of Baden-Baden. 

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Baden-Baden.

The baroque Charlottenburg Palace is a sumptuous backdrop for this Christmas market in Berlin West. An elaborate light installation bathes the market, the palace, the trees and decorative fence of the palace in a romantic glow. The pivotal point of the market is a pyramid in front of the palace's main entrance.

Wood huts and marquees, decorated entirely with natural materials, provide a festive atmosphere and offer not only a wide range of crafts but also an impressive selection of culinary choices.

During your stay visit the Best Castles in Germany, Best Ski Resorts in Germany, Most Beautiful Secret Destinations in Germany and Best Places to Visit in Germany and discover the very Best of Germany. 

Book your flights, your accommodation as well as your activities & tours in Germany and visit the Best Christmas Markets in Germany.

 Opening dates: From 24th November 2024 to 5th January 2025.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Berlin.

 Where to stay: "Motel One Berlin-Tiergarten". One of our top picks in Berlin. 

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Berlin.

9. Cologne

From 18th November 2024 to 5th January 2025

Advent is the time for Christmas markets, and Cologne is no exception. From 23 November to 23 December 2023, the magic of Christmas will be felt throughout the festively decorated city. The aroma of baked apples, cinnamon biscuits and mulled wine will waft through the alleys, and many differently themed Christmas markets will invite people to stroll, shop and explore.

Cologne’s Christmas markets attract millions of visitors from all over the world every year. During your stay visit the Best Castles in Germany, Best Ski Resorts in Germany, Most Beautiful Secret Destinations in Germany and Best Places to Visit in Germany and discover the very Best of Germany. 

Book your flights, your accommodation as well as your activities & tours in Germany and visit the Best Christmas Markets in Germany.

 Opening dates: From 18th November 2024 to 5th January 2025.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Cologne.

 Where to stay: "Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom" located directly opposite Cologne Cathedral.

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Cologne.

10. Dresden

From 27th November to 24th December 2024

If you like Christmas, you’ll love Dresden. A grand total of eleven completely different Christmas markets, from the by no means Dark Ages to the après ski charm of alpine huts, makes for wonderfully conflicting decisions.

Holiday sounds fill the air throughout the city. From the many oratorios, Advent, organ and gospel concerts, Dresden’s churches brim with festive insider tips. Need more inspiration? Visit the Best Castles in Germany, Best Ski Resorts in Germany, Most Beautiful Secret Destinations in Germany and Best Places to Visit in Germany and discover the very Best of Germany. 

Book your flights, your accommodation as well as your activities & tours in Germany and visit the Best Christmas Markets in Germany.

 Opening dates: From 27th November to 24th December 2024.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Dresden.

 Where to stay: "NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt". Situated in the real heart of Dresden.

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Dresden.

11. Dusseldorf

From 21st November to 30th December 2024 

Once the St Martins parade has made its way through the streets of Düsseldorf in mid-November, the city gears up for Christmas. The traditional Christmas market of Düsseldorf is staged individually at various locations throughout the bustling city centre. Around the Königsallee elaborately designed theme worlds are set to lead visitors on a real discovery tour.

For five weeks, over 200 huts decorated in Christmas splendour transform the city into a winter wonderland for the whole family to enjoy. During your stay visit the Best Castles in Germany, Best Ski Resorts in Germany, Most Beautiful Secret Destinations in Germany and Best Places to Visit in Germany and discover the very Best of Germany. 

Book your flights, your accommodation as well as your activities & tours in Germany and visit the Best Christmas Markets in Germany.

 Opening dates: From 21st November to 30th December 2024. 

 How to get there: Book your flights to Dusseldorf or Cologne (50 min).

 Where to stay: "Hotel Sir & Lady Astor". This charming boutique hotel is situated in the real heart of Dusseldorf.

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Dusseldorf.

12. Nuremberg

From 29th November to 24th December 2024

The enticing aroma of gingerbread, mulled wine and grilled sausage hangs in the air at the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt. First mentioned in 1628, its roots probably go back to the time of Luther, when the tradition of giving children presents at Christmas evolved. Ever since then traditional wares such as handmade Christmas decorations and culinary treats have been offered by the 180 wooden stalls, decorated with red and white canvas.

Book your flights, your accommodation as well as your activities & tours in Germany and visit the Best Christmas Markets in Germany.

 Opening dates: From 29th November to 24th December 2024.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Nuremberg, Munich (1h45 by car) or Stuttgart (2h).

 Where to stay: "Astoria Apartments". Situated less than 1km from Old Town.

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Nuremberg.

13. Rothenburg

From 29th November to 23rd December 2024

Once a year, the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber transforms itself into a fairytale winter wonderland. Ever since the 15th century, the festive time prior to Christmas has been accompanied by a delightful Christmas Market. Looking back on over 500 years of tradition little has changed over the years and the historical customs have been closely followed.

During your stay visit the Best Castles in Germany, Best Ski Resorts in Germany, Most Beautiful Secret Destinations in Germany and Best Places to Visit in Germany and discover the very Best of Germany. 

Book your flights, your accommodation as well as your activities & tours in Germany and visit the Best Christmas Markets in Germany.

 Opening dates: From 29th November to 23rd December 2024.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Nuremberg (1h15 by car) or Stuttgart (1h30).

 Where to stay: "Hotel Reichs-Kûchenmeister". This 4-star hotel offers spa facilities and on-site parking.

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Rothenburg.

14. Stuttgart

From 27th November to 23rd December 2024

During the weeks of Advent the Stuttgart Region is bathed in a special yuletide glow. Nearly 300 nostalgic Christmas markets attract visitors to enjoy a leisurely stroll around. 

With its 287 stalls and a tradition of more than 300 years, the Stuttgart Christmas Market is one of the loveliest in Germany and one of the oldest and largest of its kind in Europe. During your stay visit the Best Castles in Germany, Best Ski Resorts in Germany, Most Beautiful Secret Destinations in Germany and Best Places to Visit in Germany and discover the very Best of Germany. 

Book your flights, your accommodation as well as your activities & tours in Germany and visit the Best Christmas Markets in Germany.

 Opening dates: From 27th November to 23rd December 2024.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Stuttgart.

 Where to stay: "Motel One Stuttgart-Mitte". Couples particularly like the location.

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Stuttgart.

15. Rüdesheim

From 21st November to 23rd December 2024

Within dark European wintertime, Weihnachten, German Christmas marks the highlight and beacon the seasons. For more than 20 years the market community of Rüdesheim Christmas Market of Nations celebrates Advent and Christmas time at River Rhine in a very special tradition:

During your stay visit the Best Castles in Germany, Best Ski Resorts in Germany, Most Beautiful Secret Destinations in Germany and Best Places to Visit in Germany and discover the very Best of Germany. 

Book your flights, your accommodation as well as your activities & tours in Germany and visit the Best Christmas Markets in Germany.

 Opening dates: From 21st November to 23rd December 2024.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Frankfurt Airport (45min by car/public transport).

 Where to stay: "Breuer's Rüdesheimer Schloss". This family-run hotel offers a traditional restaurant.

Select the "free cancellation" option and pre-book your accommodation at the best price in Rüdesheim, for 2022.

16. Würzburg

From 29th November to 23rd December 2024

The tradition of Würzburg's highly scenic Christmas Market dates back to the early 19th century. Visitors from all over the world enjoy a stroll through 100 wooden stalls, sampling delicious Christmas cookies and roasted almonds while sipping the traditional “Gluehwein”, a famous hot spiced red wine.

Products for sale at the Christmas market include wooden toys, jewelry, teas and spices, traditional Christmas decorations, scented candles, pottery, embroideries, and hand-knit socks and gloves. To top it off, some 40 artisans display their wares in the festively decorated courtyard of the Town Hall on all Saturdays and Sundays in Advent. During your stay visit the Best Castles in Germany, Best Ski Resorts in Germany, Most Beautiful Secret Destinations in Germany and Best Places to Visit in Germany and discover the very Best of Germany. 

Book your flights, your accommodation as well as your activities & tours in Germany and visit the Best Christmas Markets in Germany.

 Opening dates: From 29th November to 23rd December 2024.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Frankfurt (1h by car, 1h30 by public transport).

 Where to stay: "Zur Stadt Mainz". Situated in the real heart of Würzburg. 

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Würzburg.

17. Munich

From 25th November to 24th December 2024

There is no better place than Bavaria to celebrate Christmas. The tradition of Christmas markets was born in Germany as well as all the specific Christmas gastronomy such as mulled wine or even pretzels, sausages, blood sausages, etc. Germans love the Christmas atmosphere so much that it is possible to buy mulled wine in supermarket throughout the year.

Since 1977 the Christmas tree erected in front of the Town Hall, has been donated to the city of Munich by communities in Bavaria and the Alpine Countries. It is an exchange of good practices since in exchange donors can come and sell their local specialties at the foot of the Christmas tree, in one of the many chalets of the Munich Christmas Market. 

Book your flights to Munich as well as your accommodation and tours and activities in Bavaria such as a "Neuschwanstein Castle Day Trip from Munich" to discover the most beautiful castles in Germany.

During your stay visit the Best Castles in Germany, Best Ski Resorts in Germany, Most Beautiful Secret Destinations in Germany and Best Places to Visit in Germany and discover the very Best of Germany. 

 Opening dates: From 25th November to 24th December 2024.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Munich.

 Where to stay: "Louis Hotel" situated in the heart of Munich, this hotel has an excellent location.