The holiday season is the perfect time to explore Christmas Markets around the globe. Those places are an ideal attraction for the whole family, as it's easy to be captivated by the festive vibe. Yet, Christmas Markets aren't the same everywhere.
In Germany, a romantic destination year-round, the Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market in English) is considered an important tradition. The country is home to some of the oldest markets on the continent, and they are often located in medieval towns. Here are the best of them - Fröhliche Weihnachten!
10 One Of The Oldest Christmas Markets In Germany
Travelers looking for tradition should check this Christmas Market in Leipzig, a tradition that started in 1458. Located in the Marktplatz, this is one of the oldest Christmas Markets in Germany and arguably one of the largest, featuring over 300 stalls annually. Visitors can expect a massive Christmas tree measuring over 65 feet, many performances at the central stage, a Ferris wheel, and delicious traditional delicacies, including hot chestnuts, candied almonds, apples, hot wine, and Glühwein.
- Opening dates: Nov 22 – Dec 23, 2022
- Where to stay: Hyperion Hotel Leipzig
- Address: Sachsenseite 7, 04103, Leipzig, Saxony Germany
- Amenities: Free WiFi, Sauna, Pets Allowed
9 This Historical City Is The Place To Go
Aachen is home to Germany's first Unesco site: Its Cathedral is one of the oldest in Europe and receives thousands of visitors yearly. During the winter, the city draws visitors aiming to explore its magical Christmas Market, which is strategically located around the Cathedral.
The medieval streets are filled with trees and twinkling lights, making them look magical. Its famous carousel is the favorite spot for children, and visitors must try at least some of their traditional Christmas cookies.
- Opening dates: Nov 18 - Dec 23, 2022
- Where to stay: INNSIDE by Melia Aachen
- Address: Sandkaulstr. 20, 52062 Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia Germany
- Amenities: EV Charging Station, Free WiFi, Fitness Center
8 This Christmas Market Is Located In A Medieval Main Market
There is something romantic about visiting Trier during the holiday season. The medieval market is turned into a giant Christmas Market featuring the Trier Cathedral in the background. It's an excellent place to visit with the whole family, as it offers a range of activities such as historical puppet theater, songsmiths, and star tenors.
The Trier Christmas Market was elected the best in Germany, thanks to its cozy and historical atmosphere. Strolling on the streets while drinking a hot mulled wine is the favorite activity among visitors.
- Opening dates: Nov 18 - Dec 22, 2022
- Where to stay: Hotel Villa Huegel
- Address: Bernhardstr. 14, 54295 Trier, Rhineland-Palatinate Germany
- Amenities: Free Parking, Free WiFi, Free Breakfast
7 Cologne Is Even More Special During The Holiday Season
Cologne is a 2,000-year-old city that has become a cultural hub, famous for its magnificent Cathedral and chocolate museum. Yet, visiting this German city can be even more memorable during the holiday season, when the town becomes home to many Christmas Markets.
Weihnachtsmarkt Am Kölner Dom is the most popular of them, and it's located next to the famous Cathedral; it's the place to go for handmade gifts. Heading to Rudolfplatz, visitors can find the Nicholas's Village Christmas Market, famous among children. The Angel's Christmas Market is the oldest in town, an excellent place to drink hot mulled wine.
- Opening dates: Nov 21 - Dec 23, 2022
- Where to stay: Hyatt Regency Cologne
- Address: Kennedy-Ufer 2A, 50679 Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia Germany
- Amenities: EV Charging Station, Free WiFi, Pool
6 The Oldest Christmas Market In Germany
The rebuilding of Dresden is considered one of the greatest success stories of post-war and would be an excellent reason to visit this historic city. Christmas fans have an extra reason to stop by Dresden during the holiday season: The city is home to the oldest Christmas Market in Germany, which will celebrate its 588th edition in 2022.
Visitors can find various daily activities for the whole family, including advent celebrations, concerts, and religious events.
- Opening dates: Nov 23 - Dec 24, 2022
- Where to stay: Hyperion Hotel Dresden am Schloss
- Address: Schlossstrasse 16, 01067 Dresden, Saxony Germany
- Amenities: Free WiFi, Fitness Center, Bar/Lounge
5 A Massive Christmas Market Surrounds The Cathedral
The St. Blasii Cathedral and the Dankwarderode castle are must-go places in Braunschweig year-round. During the holiday season, the squares and streets around the historical landmarks are turned into a vast Christmas Market featuring over 130 stalls. Visitors can purchase wooden and wool handmade products, advent decorations, and unique jewelry.
This Christmas Market was inaugurated in 1505, one of the most popular in Northern Germany.
- Opening dates: Nov 24 - Dec 29, 2022
- Where to stay: IntercityHotel Braunschweig
- Address: Willy-Brandt-Platz 3, 38102 Braunschweig, Lower Saxony Germany
- Amenities: Free WiFi, Pets Allowed, Bar/Lounge
4 Berlin Has Over 100 Christmas Markets
Berlin is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe, offering visitors endless activities. Although many people don't consider Berlin a Christmas destination, the city features over one hundred Christmas markets, and tourists should stop by at least a couple.
Although it seems complicated to choose among many options, the Charlottenburg Palace is home to one of Berlin's most famous Christmas Market. The place features over 250 stalls where visitors can find decorations and food.
- Opening dates: Nov 21 - Dec 26, 2022
- Where to stay: Grand Hyatt Berlin
- Address: Marlene-Dietrich-Platz 2, 10785 Berlin Germany
- Amenities: Free WiFi, Pool, Fitness Center
3 One Of The World's Most Famous Christmas Markets
When it comes to Christmas, Nuremberg is second to none. The German city is arguably home to the world's most famous Christmas market, which is held on the main square. The most famous symbol of the event is Christkind, a young woman dressed like an angel who opens the event.
Visitors should try the traditional Lebkuchen (gingerbread) when visiting the place. The popularity draws many people to Nuremberg during the Holiday season, and the area is often full of people.
- Opening dates: Nov 25 - Dec 24
- Where to stay: Hotel Drei Raben
- Address: Königstrasse 63, 90402 Nuremberg, Bavaria Germany
- Amenities: Free Breakfast, Free WiFi, Pets Allowed
2 This Christmas Market In Erfurt Old Town
Christmas in Germany revolves around tradition. Therefore, the markets are often in historical centers, and Erfurt is one of them. This Christmas market is located close to St. Mary's Cathedral and the Church of St. Severus, and it's decorated with a giant tree and life-sized figures.
During four weeks, visitors can enjoy many activities (especially on the weekends). It's the place to buy traditional handmade products from Thuringia, including blue-dyed fabrics, pottery, and Christmas decorations.
- Opening dates: Nov 22 - Dec 22, 2022
- Where to stay: Hotel Am Kaisersaal
- Address: Futterstrasse 8, 99084, Erfurt, Thuringia Germany
- Amenities: EV Charging Station, Free WiFi, Bar/Lounge
1 The Authentic German Christmas Market Experience
Heidelberg is a river town that should be included on the bucket list of anyone planning to visit Germany, especially during holidays. In November, the medieval village is filled with hundreds of stalls spread over five squares and has one of the prettiest backdrops of the Heidelberg Castle.
Visitors can also find an ice skating rink, the perfect way to start the visit. After that, visitors can wander around the streets, go shopping or try some of their traditional dishes.
- Opening dates: Nov 21 - Dec 22, 2022
- Where to stay: Hotel Europaischer Hof Heidelberg
- Address: Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg Germany
- Amenities: EV Charging Station, Free WiFi, Pool