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German Christmas Markets

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8 Day German Christmas Market Tour from Frankfurt to Berlin

8 days, 1 country and 8 cities

Accommodation

7 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners

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Travel to the enchanting land of Germany's Christmas markets, sharing the festive season spirit and Gemütlichkeit of the locals amidst rousing oompah music and the spicy scents of Glühwein.

Looking to book in a group of 9 or more?

Deals, savings and exclusive private touring options available plus if you need a different date or itinerary change we can create a custom trip. Contact us for more details

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8 days itinerary trip from Frankfurt to Berlin visiting 1 country and 8 cities

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About this trip

Sightseeing highlights.

Explore Berlin with a Local Specialist

Discover Frankfurt, Rothenburg, Nuremberg, Weimar, Dresden, Erfurt and Leipzig

Visit the Christmas Markets of Rothenburg, Nuremberg, Wartburg Castle in Eisenach (Sat/Sun only), Weimar, Dresden, Erfurt, Leipzig and ascend the Berlin TV Tower

View the Opera House and Zwinger Palace in Dresden and the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag Building in Berlin

Travel highlights

Specific transfer information can be found here:

Airport Transfers

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

All porterage and restaurant gratuities

All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Optional Experiences and free time

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

Find out more

Net-zero by 2050

Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Support Local

Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNESCO sites and places of cultural significance.

Sustainable Practices

Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

Philanthropic Efforts

Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

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Germany Christmas Market Trips & Cruises

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• Food & Wine
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• River Cruises
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• Archaeological Site Visits
• Christmas Market Visits
• Cooking Classes
• Festival Visits
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• Wildlife Viewing
• Wine Tasting
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Christmastime in Alsace and Germany

• Experience the Black Forest
• Explore Christmas market in Europe
• Visit Fascinating Heidelberg Castle
• Tour Strasbourg Cathedral

Delightful Christmas Markets in the Neckar Valley

• Explore romantic city of Heidelberg
• See whimsical Christmas Market
• Tour in historic Speyer
• Stroll through Eberbach

Christmas on the Romantic Rhine

• Christmas Markets in Strasbourg
• Tour museums in Rüdesheim
• Discover the history of Mainz

Christmas on the Rhine

• Discover Basel
• Explore Breisach
• Experience Strasbourg, France
• Explore Rüdesheim, Germany

Rhine Holiday Markets

• Visit Basel’s Christmas Market.
• Tour to Doktorenhof vinegar estate
• Wander through Mainz’s Old Town
• Walk through the Cologne Old Town

European Holiday Markets

• Experience Europe on the holidays
• Visit holiday markets in Europe
• 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites

Iconic Christmas Markets - Cruise Only

• Visit the Great Market Hall
• Explore Vörösmarty Square
• Join a guided bike ride
• Join a walking tour of Passau

Christmastime on the Danube (Eastbound)

• Admire Imperial Palace complex
• Explore Altes Rathaus
• Enjoy Regensburg’s Christmas market
• Uncover medieval architectures

Christmastime on the Danube

• Explore the city of Nuremberg
• Have fun exploring Christmas market
• Roam around the city of Passau
• Visit the Benedictine Abbey

Rhine Christmas Markets

• Enjoy Amsterdam’s canals
• Visit Cologne
• Discover Koblenz
• Stroll through Strasbourg

Christmas Markets on the Rhine - Cruise Only

• Cruise through Amsterdam
• Tour Cologne, Germany
• Visit Rüdesheim
• Explore Strasbourg, France

Grand Christmas & New Year's

• Tour to the Regensburg old city
• Visit the Bavarian Forest village
• Walk through the beautiful Passau
• Enjoy an evening of music at Vienna

Christmas Markets on the Danube - Cruise Only

• Sail a special Illuminations Cruise
• Visit Vörösmarty Square
• Tour the illuminated Rathaus
• Join a guided bike tour

Christmas on the Danube

• Visit Regensburg's medieval town
• Stroll the romantic market stalls
• See Europe's largest pipe organ
• Explore Vienna's Christmas markets

Christmastime on the Danube (Westbound)

• Be amazed with art
• Get a taste for pastries
• See Nuremberg
• Enjoy visiting markets
• Admire Amsterdam's famous canals
• Bike along Rüdesheim
• Visit Strasbourg’s Christmas Market
• Enjoy Europe's Christmas markets

Rhineland And Dutch Christmas

• Experience the magic of Christmas
• Explore romantic Rhine Valley
• Tour the city of Cologne

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Christmas Markets of Germany

130 Independent Reviews

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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Shop and Sip Glühwein at Germany’s Premier Christmas Markets on This 8-Day Guided Tour

Take a once in a lifetime trip across Germany, sipping beer in Munich, dining on German delicacies in Berlin and experiencing the Christmas pyramids in Dresden. This immersive Christmastime tour highlights the delights of the Nuremberg Market’s Christkindlmarkt stalls—with the chance to sample authentic German Rostbratwürste, and the musical surrounds of the Leipzig Market, where locals gather to sing and celebrate the festive season. On your Local Expert Tour of Dresden, see iconic city sights like the enormous Procession of the Dukes mosaic, Zwinger Palace and the Semper Opera House. Dresden is also home to Germany’s oldest Christmas market where you can taste Christstollen—a traditional Christmas cake recipe dating back to medieval times.

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Low deposit from $200

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MAP & ITINERARY

Start Berlin, Germany. End Munich, Germany.

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TRAVELING IN A GROUP OF 10+?

Customize this tour for a group >

Our specialists can design a bespoke itinerary for you. You'll experience the Insight Difference with a passionate Travel Director, all tailored to your group's personal interests. 

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

Find out more

Net-zero by 2050

Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Support Local

Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNSECO sites and places of cultural significance.

Sustainable Practices

Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

Philanthropic Efforts

Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

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Christmas Markets of Historic Germany

4.7 out of 5 stars

You have up to 60 days to get a full refund

Feel good about putting a tour on the calendar today: Enroll in AutoPay or pay in full when you book, and if you change your mind,  you’ll get your money back .†

Celebrate the Christmas season in traditional German style.

Begin your adventure in artsy, edgy Berlin, reunited Germany’s political and cultural capital. Stop at the historic outpost of Potsdam, then continue on to Dresden, home of the country’s oldest Christmas market. Take a step back in time as you wander along the medieval streets of Bamberg before ending in Munich, the capital of Bavarian food and culture.

Your tour package includes

• 10 nights in handpicked hotels
• 10 breakfasts
• 4 dinners with beer or wine
• 7 sightseeing tours
• Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

• Berlin Wall
• Zwinger Palace
• Striezelmarkt—Germany’s oldest Christmas market

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Day-by-day itinerary

Board your overnight flight to Berlin today.

Welcome to Germany! Gather with your fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

A local guide introduces you to the monuments of Berlin’s intricate past as well as the signs of its re-emergence as a vibrant cultural center.

• Discover the Brandenburg Gate, the symbol of a reunited Berlin
• See the Holocaust Memorial and the Berlin Wall's East Side Gallery
• Journey down Unter den Linden, the city’s most elegant boulevard, passing the Reichstag and Museum Island

Enjoy a free afternoon in Berlin or add an excursion.

World War II Walking Tour

From $79 per person

Travel to Potsdam, where American, British, and Soviet leaders drew up plans for the postwar administration of Germany at the Potsdam Conference.

• Explore the historic town center, New Garden, and Dutch Quarter with a guide
• Step inside Cecilienhof Palace, site of the Potsdam Conference’s iconic photo

Leave Berlin for a guided tour of Dresden, once considered to be the most beautiful city in the world.

• Stroll through the Old Town and pass the renovated Semper Opera House, site of the Saxon State Orchestra
• Admire the Dresden Frauenkirche and statue of Martin Luther
• See the Zwinger Palace, a striking example of Baroque architecture
• Visit the historic Striezelmarkt and enjoy a tasting of traditional mulled wine and pastries

This evening, sit down to an included dinner with your group.

Spend a full free day in Dresden or add an excursion.

From $115 per person

Travel to Bamberg by way of Weimar, the intellectual hub that nurtured the genius of Goethe, Nietzsche, and Schiller.

• Learn about the city’s literary history on a walking tour through the Old Town
• See remnants of the Bauhaus architectural movement
• Discover the National Theater and its monument to Goethe and Schiller

Then, continue on to Bamberg where you'll enjoy an included dinner this evening.

(Please note: Some departures may overnight in Würzburg, Bayreuth, or Coburg instead of Bamberg.)

Set off with a local guide on a walking tour through Bamberg, a city built on seven hills.

• Enter the towering Bamberg Cathedral and surrounding square
• Pass the Baroque New Palace
• Stand in awe of Old Town Hall, built in the middle of Regnitz River
• Visit the quaint fisherman’s village of Little Venice

Enjoy a free afternoon in Bamberg or add an excursion.

Historic Nuremberg

From $105 per person

Set off for Munich today. En route, stop in Rothenburg ob der Tauber for a walking tour of the town's picturesque squares with your Tour Director. After, enjoy free time to explore the local Christmas Market before continuing on to Munich where you'll have a free evening.

Get to know the Bavarian capital on a guided tour.

• Travel past the Englischer Garten and fashionable Schwabing district
• Enter the Nymphenburg Palace, the Baroque home to past Bavarian royalty
• Walk from Odeonsplatz through the nearby Hofgarten to view the Residenz, once home to the Wittelsbach dukes of Bavaria
• Explore Marienplatz, Munich’s medieval heart, and see the famed Glockenspiel
• Celebrate the season at the city's festive Christmas markets

Enjoy a free afternoon in Munich or add an excursion.

From $55 per person

Spend a full free day in Munich or add an excursion.

Tonight, join your group at a farewell dinner.

Bavarian Alps Castle Visit

From $95 per person

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue on to Vienna.

Pass through the Austrian countryside, stopping for free time to explore Salzburg en route to Vienna.

Upon arrival in Vienna, set off with your Tour Director to uncover some of the city’s festive Christmas markets.

Get transported back to the Age of Empires on a guided tour of Vienna.

• Travel down the Ringstrasse to the Parliament building and the Vienna State Opera
• View the impressive art collection inside the Kunsthistorisches Museum
• See the grand Hofburg Palace, the Hapsburg’s preferred winter residence
• Visit the city’s festive Christmas market

Enjoy a free afternoon in Vienna or add an excursion.

Traditional Viennese Heurigen Evening

From $119 per person

Spend the day exploring Vienna on your own.

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Book for just $99 down

That’s all it takes to secure your spot on tour with AutoPay. Then, pay for your trip in interest-free, monthly installments.†

Overall rating 4.7 out of 5

4 out of 5 stars

5 out of 5 stars

The variety of food and drink offered at the markets are amazing!! I spoiled myself and nibbled and drank my way through the markets, and bought a few ornaments to bring home. Fortunately, I was able to fit into the airline seat for the trip home after trying many delicious market food and beverages...

Hi Sandra, Thank you so much for sharing your tou...

Good trip/ Atto did a nice job. Trip was probably done a little early, as Christmas markets were not open in Berlin when we were there. Tour group dinners were ok, but menu was pretty much the same for every get together. Weather was cold, but we survived. Bavarian castle was a true highlight of the...

Thank you for sharing your feedback about your rec...

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Hotels, flights & FAQ

This contemporary hotel is located in Berlin center. Guests enjoy a restaurant, lounge-bar, and fitness room. Nearby, you'll find exclusive boutiques ...

This modern hotel is located in the Leipziger Vorstadt neighborhood, north of the Dresden city center. Guests enjoy a fitness room, bicycle rentals, a...

This Venetian-inspired hotel is centrally located at the Chain Bridge in Bamberg. Guests enjoy bicycle rentals, the restaurant, and on-site coffee hou...

This artsy hotel is located in the Obersendling district. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and sauna. Nearby you’ll find the Hellabrunn Zoo, the Theres...

This convenient hotel is located in the city center of Vienna, Austria. Guests enjoy the fitness area, on-site bar and restaurant, and spa. Nearby you...

• Round-trip flight for your tour
• Airport transfers at your destination
• A great price locked in today
• 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
• Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
• Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
• Find out more about flights
• This tour visits Germany (plus Austria on the tour extension). In order to enter these countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
• We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
• Beginning in 2025, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
• Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2025, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center .
• If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
• You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code GMC.
• You will walk for about 1 hour daily across mostly flat terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with few hills.
• Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
• You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
• If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
• Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Berlin and depart from Munich (or Vienna for the tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
• Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
• All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
• Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
• Contact your airline for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that our travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
• One carry-on bag of 45 total inches (length + width + height) is also permitted.
• Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
• Winters in Germany are generally cold. To ensure you’re comfortable for outdoor sightseeing and Christmas market visits, we recommend packing a coat, hat, and gloves, as well as rainwear.
• We also suggest packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered.
• A sturdy pair of walking shoes, sneakers, or winter boots is recommended for sightseeing.
• You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
• At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
• If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
• If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
• German food is hearty and substantial. Among the specialties are dumpling stews, sauerkraut, sausages, smoked cheeses, and dark breads. Bavaria produces some of the world’s purest beers, and white German wines are exceptionally good.
• On the tour extension, Austria is known for its savory Wiener schnitzel and excellent wild trout, carp, and crayfish. Save room for dessert—especially the strudels of fruit and nuts and elegant chocolate cakes, such as the world-famous Sachertorte.
• Germany (plus Austria on the tour extension) operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C or F plugs with two small, round pins.
• We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
• The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
• Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
• There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
• Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
• Germany (and Austria on the tour extension) is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
• When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.
• You will use the euro in Germany (and in Austria on the tour extension).
• We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
• You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
• Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
• International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
• At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
• We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
• If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
• Tips can only be paid in cash.
• Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on your tour.
• Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
• Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
• Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.

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20 Best Christmas Market in Germany to visit in 2023-2024

November 29, 2023 | Posted in: Germany

Christmas Market in Germany is a traditional outdoor celebration held annually throughout the country. Some of the most well-known and iconic markets include Nuremberg Christmas Market, with over 200 stalls and sights like the Frauentorturm tower, Dresden's 615-year-old Christmas Market, Cologne's winter wonderland across multiple city squares and Alexanderplatz in Berlin, which hosts the city's largest market. Other markets, such as Frankfurt, Hamburg and Munich, reflect the authentic German Christmas markets.

1. Nuremberg Christmas Market

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Christmas Markets in Germany highlights the historic Stuttgart and Leipzig Christmas Markets spanning over 200 stalls each, Heidelberg's Christmas Market located at the Renaissance castle ruins, the intimate medieval location of Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market, Lübeck Christmas Market, Aachen Christmas Market, Düsseldorf's Christmas Market and the Cathedrals Square Market in Braunschweig. The German Christmas Markets feature Rüdesheim, Bremen and Erfurt, which transports visitors through Christmas traditions worldwide with themed stalls and Trier's Christmas Market, filled with over 100 stalls and located at Germany's oldest Gothic Cathedral. Germany’s Christmas Markets are cherished destinations during the holiday season, allowing visitors to celebrate in a joyful and festive atmosphere.

The Nuremberg Christmas Market, known as Christkindlesmarkt, is one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Germany. The market opens on Friday, December 1, 2023 and closes on December 24, 2023. The main market is located in the Hauptmarkt Square in the central Altstadt district of Nuremberg. The market is free to enter and open daily from 10 am to 9 pm, closing at 2 pm on December 24.

The Nuremberg Christmas Market features two notable markets. The Sister Cities Market (Markt der Partnerstädte) highlights goods and cuisine from Nuremberg's 30+ international sister cities, including Atlanta, Leeds, Prague and Venice. It consists of over 80 stalls selling handicrafts, ornaments, toys and foods with live music acts and ice sculpting demonstrations. The Children's Market (Kinderweihnacht) caters specifically to families and kids, with 70 stalls selling stuffed animals, books, sweets and foods ideal for children alongside entertainment like puppet shows, dances and Christmas carols. These markets attract visitors from all over the world.

The Nuremberg Christmas Market offers visitors plenty of sights, attractions and food. The main market in Hauptmarkt Square is landmarks like the Gothic Frauentorturm tower, the twin-spired 14th-century Lorenzkirche church, which hosts concerts, the iconic Frauenkirche church with its large clock and golden crown and the regal 60-foot tall Schöner Brunnen fountain decorated in lights. The markets serve finger-sized bratwursts grilled over open flames and served with sauerkraut, traditional sweets like dense honey-dough lebkuchen gingerbread and powdered sugar-dusted stollen, Reibekuchen potato pancakes with sweet toppings, crisp flammkuchen flatbread pizza fresh from the oven and warming drinks like mulled wine and rum-based feuerzangenbowle. There are non-alcoholic options like hot chocolate, warm apple cider and fruit punches. The Nuremberg Christmas Markets have something for visitors of all tastes and ages.

The Dresden Christmas Market, known as Striezelmarkt, is one of Germany's oldest and most famous Christmas markets. The Christmas market grew into one of Germany's largest and most renowned, attracting over 3 million visitors annually. It takes place in the historic old town of Dresden, on the Elbe River. The market opens on Friday, November 29, 2023 and closes on Sunday, January 01, 2024. The market is free to enter and open daily from 10 am to 9 pm, with the Christmas tree and lights illuminating the square from late afternoon.

The Dresden Christmas Market features three notable markets. Augustusmarkt is the central market located across several connected squares in the heart of the city center, spanning Marienplatz, Odeonsplatz, Wittelsbacherplatz and Rindermarkt, with 200 decorated stalls. Neumarkt, known as “Advent on the Neumarkt”, occupies the historic central square next to the Baroque Old Town Hall. It hosts over 120 stalls selling holiday goods and regional specialties. Altmarkt is home to over 80 stands in the shadow of the iconic Frauenkirche church. It is located on the site of Dresden's first Christmas market, which dates back to 1434. Vendors sell traditional Christmas decorations, ornaments, nutcrackers, smoked-glass baubles, arts and crafts, toys, textiles and a large variety of regional food and drinks. These markets attract hundreds of thousands of Christmas market visitors locally and internationally.

The Dresden Christmas Market offers visitors plenty of sights, attractions and food. Visitors can take part in hands-on craft workshops to make their own glass ornaments, candles, wreaths or nutcrackers. Children can enjoy rides on the historic carousel, the two-story Ferris wheel and the mini-train going through the market. There is an outdoor ice rink for skating surrounded by food stalls and warm drinks. The towering Christmas pyramid in Augustusmarkt is one of the highlights, with over 14,000 lights decorating the 46-foot tall wooden frame structure. Other key attractions close to the Christmas market include the Zwinger Palace and the Semper Opera House. Popular foods at Dresden Christmas Market include stollen fruitcake, gingerbread, bratwurst sausages, roasted nuts, potato pancakes and mulled wine. The Dresden Christmas Market offers traditional Christmas shopping paired with festive sights, sounds, treats and activities for visitors of all ages.

The Cologne Christmas Market is a beloved tradition, attracting visitors from near and far to Cologne, Germany. This market is located in Altstadt on the Alter Markt. The market opens on Monday, November 20, 2023 and closes on Saturday, December 23, 2023. The market is free to enter and open daily from 11 am to 9 pm.

The Cologne Christmas Market features four notable markets. The Village of St. Nicholas Christmas Market, located at Rudolfplatz, offers lively entertainment like music and dance shows and the chance to shop for unique gifts, decorations and traditional Christmas items from various countries. The Market of Angels at Neumarkt features individually designed houses and food stands, including cuisine by star chef Maximilian Lorenz. Shoppers can find crafts and gifts amidst a festive atmosphere, with Cologne Cathedral located nearby. The Cologne Harbour Christmas Market overlooks the Rhine River next to the Chocolate Museum. Its 70 stalls in sail-shaped tents sell quality goods and foods, with highlights like a large wooden ship for mulled wine, a 157-foot Ferris wheel and maritime entertainment. Alter Markt and Heumarkt Squares celebrate the legend of helpful house elf spirits. The Christmas market features fantasy-themed decorations, an ice rink and skilled artisans. The New Year's Market is transforming the Harbour Market into a New Year's celebration. The market is filled with lights and music alongside treats like mulled wine, gingerbread and live shows. These markets attract visitors from all over the world.

The Cologne Christmas Market offers visitors plenty of sights, attractions and food. There are lively entertainment acts like music performances, dance shows featuring local culture, bands of pirates and shanties singers adding to the maritime atmosphere at the Harbor Market and storytellers regaling guests about folk tales and winter legends. Special events take place throughout the season, such as visits with Santa Claus, handicraft demonstrations from glassblowers or woodcarvers and even ice skating offered at Heinzels Winter Fairytale Market. Visitors to the markets can sample beloved German foods like grilled bratwurst sausages, sweet waffles, melted raclette cheese, roasted chestnuts and crispy potato fritters called reibekuchen. Warming drinks include fruit-infused glühwein, hot chocolate, Kölsch beer and spiced warm ciders. The Cologne Christmas Market creates a wonderland for Christmas Market visitors to explore.

The Berlin Christmas Market offers a magical experience for visitors with multiple markets to explore. It is located at Bebelplatz, 10117 Berlin, Germany. The market opens on Monday, November 27, 2023 and closes on Tuesday, December 26, 2023. The market is free to enter and open on Mondays to Saturdays from 11 am to 8 pm and Sundays from 12 pm to 7 pm.

The Berlin Christmas Market features six notable markets. The Christmas Market at Alexanderplatz transforms into a festive wonderland with illuminated wooden stalls, rides, an ice rink and the largest Christmas pyramid in Europe. The Weihnachtsmarkt Nikolaikirche operates in the historic Nikolaiviertel neighborhood, which highlights Feuerzangenbowle, a German mulled wine punch drink and features special film screenings. Berliner Weihnachtszeit at Roten Rathaus between City Hall and St. Marienkirche. It features hot mead, medieval food and views from a 50-meter Ferris wheel. The Spandau Christmas Market is located in Spandau's old town, where visitors admire the 50 years of Christmas tradition, including a magnificent illuminated tree, a historical market near St. Nikolai church and artisan wares. The Medieval Christmas Market at the RAW Compound features jugglers, acrobats and musicians to entertain guests who explore stalls selling handmade crafts and gifts. The festive Sony Center serves German treats like bratwurst and mulled wine. These markets attract hundreds of thousands of Christmas market visitors locally and internationally.

The Berlin Christmas Market offers visitors plenty of sights, attractions and food. There are fairground rides, ice skating rinks and a large Christmas pyramid at the Christmas Market at Alexanderplatz. Film screenings of the classic “Die Feuerzangenbowle” at the Weihnachtsmarkt Nikolaikirche. A 50-meter Ferris wheel provides views of the area at the Berliner Weihnachtszeit at Roten Rathaus. The Christmas market features an illuminated tree and an artisan market inside the Gothic House at the Spandau Christmas Market. Jugglers, acrobats and medieval musicians entertain guests at the Berlin Christmas Market at the RAW Compound. Holiday lights and decorations, including a large sparkling chandelier at the Sony Center and traditional wooden stalls selling gifts, ornaments, foods and more at markets across the city. Visitors can indulge in currywurst, spätzle, stollen cakes and more. Drinks range from glühwein mulled wine to hot chocolate and non-alcoholic kinderpunsch. The Berlin Christmas Markets offer an array of festive traditions for locals and must-see destinations for visitors.

The Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the largest and most popular Christmas markets in Germany. The market is held at several locations, including Römerberg, St Paul's Square, Main Quay, Hauptwache and Friedrich Stoltze Square. The market extends from the Roßmarkt across the Zeil shopping promenade all the way down to the Römerberg and the River Main.

The market opens on Monday, November 27, 2023 and closes on Thursday, December 21, 2023. The market is free to enter and open on Mondays to Saturdays from 10 am to 9:00 pm and Sundays from 11 am to 9 pm.

The Christmas Market offers visitors plenty of sights, attractions and food. It is renowned for its massive Christmas tree, making it one of the most beautiful in the country. The market extends from the Roßmarkt across the Zeil shopping promenade all the way down to the Römerberg and the River Main. The market features a “Pink Christmas” section at Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz, which is popular with the LGBTQ+ community and welcomes visitors of all ages and walks of life. The market offers various attractions, including the chiming of Frankfurt’s church bells, an arts and craft market featuring various Frankfurt artists, a visit by Santa Claus, advent concerts, the playing of the tower horns from the balcony of St Nicholas Church, carillon at St Nicholas Church, rides on a historical steam train and carol-singing. The market offers a wide range of foods, including Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes), Flammkuchen, woodfired salmon, Wurst with bread and mustard, Lebkuchen and a variety of sweets and nuts. The market is a pet-friendly and accessible event, with plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available. The Frankfurt Christmas Market has evolved over the years to become a cherished tradition in the city, offering a unique blend of cultural and culinary experiences.

The Hamburg Christmas Market is a prominent event in Europe's second-largest port city, known for its extraordinary maritime heritage. The main market is located at Rathausmarkt, where the 19th-century town hall provides a spectacular backdrop for craftsmen from around Germany. The market is free to enter and opens on Monday, November 27, 2023 and closes on Sunday, December 31, 2023.

The Christmas Market offers visitors plenty of sights, attractions and food. The market offers a setting with Christmas lights reflecting off the waters of historic canals and streets lined with beautifully decorated medieval timber-framed buildings. The market features Spielzeuggasse, where merchants from around the world sell handcrafted toys and Fleetinsel, which combines Hanseatic tradition with the city’s contemporary urban vibe. The attractions at the Hamburg Christmas Market include a variety of crafts, decorations and confectioneries, as well as a unique maritime ambiance that adds to the festive experience. The market offers traditional Christmas biscuits and a colorful variety of typical Christmas delicacies, including potato pancakes, burgers, classic meat dishes such as goose, homemade soups, fried chestnuts, tasty cakes and fluffy waffles. Special culinary highlights include the reinterpretation of typical dishes, catering to various tastes, whether savory or sweet, regional or international, meat-based or vegan.

The Munich Christmas Market, known as the Munich Christkindlmarkt, is a cherished tradition in Germany. The market is located at Marienplatz, the central square in the center of Munich. The market opens on Monday, November 27, 2023 and closes on Sunday, December 24, 2023. The market is free to enter and opens daily from 11 am to 9 pm.

The Christmas Market offers visitors plenty of sights, attractions and food. The market offers an array of attractions, including the traditional Christmas market with festively decorated stalls, the enchanting Christmas tree and the famous “Munich Christmas Angel”, who opens the market with a prologue. Visitors can also enjoy the festive atmosphere with live music, carol singing and various cultural performances. The market features the Weihnachtsdorf im Kaiserhof der Residenz, a Christmas village nestled inside the walls of Munich’s Residenz Palace, offering shopping, a large display of Christmas dolls and a variety of food relating to potatoes. Another highlight is the Munich Christmas Market, an authentic medieval market where visitors can experience a journey back in time, with food roasted over an open fire, handmade ceramic goblets for Glühwein and a commitment to sustainability and cultural heritage. The market highlights the Giant Christmas Pyramid at the Square of Stars, a tiny central market with larger-than-life decorations, creating a magical snow globe-like experience.

The Stuttgart Christmas Market is one of Germany's oldest, largest and most popular Christmas markets. It is located in the center of Stuttgart and spans several city squares and streets next to the Main Train Station. The Stuttgart Christmas Market opens on Sunday, November 29, 2023 and closes on Saturday, December 23rd, 2023. The market is free to enter and open daily from 10 am to 9 pm and its hours are extended to 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Stuttgart Christmas Market offers visitors plenty of sights, attractions and food. The market features over 250 decorated wooden stalls selling Christmas foods, ornaments, arts, crafts, gifts and more. Visitors can also buy unique Christmas gifts and ornaments, many handmade locally by artisans, like smoked glass ornaments, carved figures and commemorative mugs. The market features special events like choir and jazz band performances, candlelit shopping nights, craft demonstrations and children's shows. Nearby top attractions are the Wilhelma Botanical Gardens, the Evangelische Schlosskirche Cathedral featuring an 18th-century Silbermann organ and the Glanzlitcher Stuttgart Museum of Lighting History. Visitors can enjoy bratwurst sausages, potato pancakes, roasted nuts, stollen fruit cake, lebkuchen gingerbread cookies, apple cider, mulled wine and Kinderpunsch for kids.

The Leipzig Christmas Market is a traditional Christmas market held annually in Market Square, 04109, Leipzig, Germany. It is one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Germany. The market spans several city squares in the historic city center, with the main market located at Old Town Hall Square. The opens on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 and closes on Saturday, December 23, 2023. The market is free to enter and open on Sundays to Thursdays from 10 am to 9 pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am to 10 pm.

The Leipzig Christmas Market offers visitors plenty of sights, attractions and food. The market features over 250 wooden cabins and stalls selling traditional Christmas wares, ornaments, crafts and food. Key attractions include the towering 26-meter Christmas tree on Augustusplatz Square, miniature railway rides, carousel rides and daily stage performances with choirs and theater groups. Visitors can try seasonal treats from Leipzig Christmas Market , like Stollen fruit bread, gingerbread hearts, Thuringian bratwursts, potato pancakes with applesauce toppings and Grobrot bread rolls. Warm drinks include mulled wine, gingerbread liqueur, rich hot chocolate and fruit wines made with strawberries or raspberries. Leipzig's Christmas Market is considered a must-see bucket list destination for the holiday season.

The Heidelberg Christmas Market is an annual traditional Christmas market held at Alsradt in the city of Heidelberg, Germany. The market opens on Monday, November 27, 2023 and closes on Friday, December 22, 2023. The market is free to enter and open on Sundays to Fridays from 11 am to 9 pm and on Saturdays from 11 am to 10 pm.

The Heidelberg Christmas Market features two notable markets. Marktplatz hosts the largest Christmas market in Heidelberg, with over 140 wooden huts, vendors, food stalls, an ice skating rink, carousel rides and a stage for performances. Kornmarkt takes place at the Kornmarkt square along the Neckar River's banks. The market features 40 vendors set up traditional market stalls at the Kornmarkt, surrounded by historic sites like the Church of the Holy Spirit and Heidelberg's old Town Hall. These markets attract over 1.5 million visitors each Christmas to enjoy the festive sights, sounds, smells and tastes of these traditional German Weihnachtsmärkte.

The Christmas Market offers visitors plenty of sights, attractions and food. Attractions at the Heidelberg Christmas Market include an ice skating rink installed in the Marktplatz, a vintage carousel, live music performances on an open-air stage and workshops where visitors can craft traditional wreaths or decorations. The market hosts special events, including choral concerts, dance performances, small theatrical productions and appearances by St. Nicholas. Food and drinks available at the Heidelberg Christmas Market stalls include bratwurst sausages, potato pancakes, flamekuche (German-style flatbread pizza), roasted almonds, traditional gingerbread called lebkuchen, roasted chestnuts, stollen fruitcake and cups of hot mulled wine called gluhwein. The Heidelberg Christmas Market brings the of old-world Germany alive each holiday season.

The Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market is an annual traditional Christmas market held in the medieval walled town of Rothenburg in Bavaria, Germany. The market is free to enter and opens on Friday, December 01, 2023 and closes on Saturday, December 23, 2023. The market hours are from 11 am to 7 pm. The market on Fridays and Saturdays stays open until 8 pm.

The Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market offers visitors plenty of sights, attractions and food. The market features over 100 wooden stalls selling traditional German Christmas wares, decorations, ornaments and food. Visitors will find the market stalls spanning Ratstrasse Street, which leads up to the central Market Square (Marktplatz). Attractions at the Rothenburg Christmas Market include an exhibition of antique nutcrackers displayed at the Christmas Museum, Christmas concerts performed daily, a romantic, historic Nativity walk called the “Rothenburg Christmas Trail,” and the Rothenburg Reiterlesmarkt medieval horse market held on December 2nd. The market highlights attractions such as the glockenspiel clock tower chiming from St. George’s Church and views of the towered city gate entrances that are lit up at night. Food and drinks available at the Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market consist of bratwurst, potato pancakes, fried dough twists, roasted almonds, traditional gingerbread called lebkuchen, roasted chestnuts, stollen fruitcake and cups of hot mulled wine called gluhwein. Special regional dishes like smoked ham hocks and Franconian carp are featured. The Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market provides a medieval winter wonderland for visitors each year.

The Lübeck Christmas Market is an annual highlight in the Hanseatic city of Lübeck. The Christmas market opens on Monday, November 27, 2023 and closes on Saturday, December 30, 2023. The market is free to enter and open from Fridays to Saturdays from 11 am to 10 pm and Sundays to Sundays from 11 am to 9 pm.

The Christmas Market offers visitors plenty of sights, attractions and food. This festive tradition has a long history dating back to 1648. Lübeck, renowned for its medieval architecture and status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides the perfect backdrop for this Christmas market. The buildings surrounding the marketplace give it a distinctive ambiance. The market stalls spread throughout the city center, inviting visitors to stroll and linger. The market has culinary highlights, including roasted almonds, Mutzen (a traditional pastry) and mulled wine. The combination of historical ambiance, diverse offerings and the warm hospitality of Lübeck's people makes this Christmas market an unforgettable experience. The Lübeck Christmas Market embodies the true spirit of the holiday season.

The Aachen Christmas Market, known as the Aachener Weihnachtsmarkt, is a cherished tradition in the historic city of Aachen, Germany. The Christmas market opens on Friday, November 24, 2023 and closes on Saturday, December 23, 2023. The market is free to enter and open daily from 11 am to 9 pm.

The Christmas Market offers visitors plenty of sights, attractions and food. The Aachen Christmas Market is renowned for its unique attractions, including the traditional stalls located at the Aachen Cathedral and the Town Hall. Visitors can enjoy the festive ambiance, explore the beautifully decorated wooden huts and discover a wide range of handcrafted gifts, decorations and seasonal goods. The market features a diverse program of entertainment, including live music, cultural performances and special events for families and children. The Aachen Christmas Market offers a variety of culinary delights, including traditional German Christmas treats such as Stollen (fruit bread), Lebkuchen (gingerbread), roasted chestnuts and a selection of hearty and sweet snacks. Visitors can indulge in warm mulled wine, hot chocolate and other festive beverages to keep warm during their visit. The market's unique setting, rich history and vibrant atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike during the holiday season.

The Düsseldorf Christmas Market is one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Germany, with origins dating back to the 16th century. The market takes place in Altstadt of Düsseldorf, Germany. The market opens on Thursday, November 23, 2023 and closes on Saturday, December 30, 2023. The market is free to enter and opens Sundays to Thursdays from 11 am to 8 pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am to 9 pm.

The Düsseldorf Christmas Market features seven notable markets. The Engelchen Markt in the Heinrich-Heine-Platz square features over 240 booths packed with traditional decorations, ornaments, toys, crafts and food. The Sternchen Markt offers 70 stalls selling gifts, sweets and drinks in the Wilhelm-Marx-Haus courtyard. Handwerker Markt on the Marktplatz square spotlights over 100 stands showcasing artisanal German crafts and goods. Altstadt Markt lines the Flinger Strass pedestrian street with 70 stalls filled with regional specialties. The Märchen Markt next to Corneliusplatz holds 250 stalls with Christmas wares and themed areas. The Kö-Bogen Markt occupies 80 stalls in the modern Kö-Bogen shopping complex. The Schadow Markt sets up 70 stalls in front of the Schadow Arkaden mall on Schadowstrasse. These markets attract millions of local and foreign visitors each year.

The Düsseldorf Christmas Market offers visitors plenty of sights, attractions and food. The market offers a festive atmosphere with ornate decorations illuminating the Altstadt area along the Rhine River promenade. Nearby attractions include the towering Triton Fountain statue, the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen art museum and a historical monument honoring a Franciscan monk killed by the Nazis. The Braunschweig Christmas Market surrounds medieval landmarks like the St. Blasii Cathedral, Dankwarderode Castle and the city's half-timbered guild halls. Nearby museums include the Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum and Braunschweigisches Landesmuseum. Signature foods at the Düsseldorf Christmas Market feature Reibekuchen (potato pancakes), Mutzen (sweet buns), Lebkuchen (gingerbread), bratwurst and flammkuchen (German pizza). Visitors can find and try mulled wine, rum punch, hot chocolate, fruit wines and Braunschweig's special mumme beer. Düsseldorf Christmas Market offers visitors the German Christmas experience.

The Erfurt Christmas Market, known as the Erfurter Weihnachtsmarkt, is a beloved tradition in the charming city of Erfurt, Germany. The Christmas Market opens on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 and closes on Friday, December 22, 2023. The market is free to enter and opens daily from 10 am to 8 pm.

The Christmas Market offers visitors plenty of sights, attractions and food. The Erfurt Christmas Market is known for its unique attractions, including the festively decorated stalls set against the backdrop of the historic Erfurt Cathedral and the Merchants' Bridge. Visitors can enjoy the ambiance, explore the diverse array of handcrafted gifts, decorations and seasonal goods and experience the magic of the holiday season. The market features programs of entertainment, including live music, cultural performances and special events for families and children. The Erfurt Christmas Market offers a variety of culinary delights, including traditional German Christmas treats such as Thuringian bratwurst, gingerbread, roasted almonds and a selection of hearty and sweet snacks. Visitors can also indulge in warm mulled wine, hot chocolate and other festive beverages to keep warm during their visit. The market's unique setting, rich history and vibrant atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike during the holiday season.

The Bremen Christmas Market is a festive gem in Northern Germany. The market is held on the historical market square surrounded by the town hall, the Roland statue, the cathedral and the Church of Our Lady. The Christmas market opens on Monday, November 2, 2023 and closes on Saturday, December 23, 2023. The market is free to enter and opens from Mondays to Thursdays from 10 am to 8:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am to 9 pm and Sundays from 11 am to 8:30 pm.

The Christmas Market offers visitors plenty of sights, attractions and food. Visitors to the Bremen Christmas Market can expect a range of specialties. Each stall is unique, offering everything from handmade gifts to traditional Christmas decorations. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with festive music and lively lights brightening the cold winter days. A special feature of this market is its authentic, heartfelt ambiance. The market features traditional delicacies like gingerbread, bratwurst and mulled wine, allowing visitors to savor the flavors of the Christmas season. The Bremen Christmas Market is a must-visit for every Christmas enthusiast.

The Braunschweig Christmas Market takes place in the historic city center of Braunschweig, Germany, surrounding the St. Blasii Cathedral. The market opens on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 and closes on Friday, December 29, 2023. The Christmas market opens on November 29, 2023, at 5:45 pm and operations begin at 6 pm. The market is free to enter and operates daily from 10 am to 9 pm, except for Sundays when it opens at 11 am.

The Braunschweig Christmas Market offers visitors plenty of sights, attractions and food. The market features over 130 festively decorated wooden stalls offering visitors a bounty of handmade crafts, ornaments, toys, clothing items, candles and other seasonal goods perfect for holiday shopping. Nearby attractions that complement the traditional Christmas market experience include Burgplatz (Castle Square), which showcases medieval structures like the Dankwarderode Castle and Brunswick Cathedral. The Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum is one of Germany's oldest art museums, located 0.5 kilometers (0.3 miles) from the market. Schloss Arkaden offers modern shopping and dining options. The Braunschweigsches Landesmuseum provides insight into the region's history and culture. The market has several regional specialties that fill the air with seasonal scents and satisfy holiday cravings. One signature item is Brunswick stollen, a dense and moist fruitcake studded with nuts, candied citrus peels and plump raisins. Another specialty is bratchips, piping hot paper cones with crispy bratwurst pieces, potato cubes, sausage meatballs and fried bacon bits perfect for snacking. German potato pancakes are ideal for pairing with sweet applesauce or savory dipping sauces and roasted almonds. Featured drinks include mulled wine (glühwein), hot chocolate, fruit wines made from local strawberries, raspberries and blueberries and Braunschweig's specialty mumme beer. Mumme is a sweet, malty beer brewed in the region according to an old recipe using malt dried over open fires. Braunschweig Christmas Market offers a true German yuletide spirit.

The Münster Christmas Market is a well-known traditional German Weihnachtsmarkt where visitors can enjoy seasonal sights, sounds, smells and tastes. It is located at Town Hall (Rathaus Münster) near Prinzipalmarkt. The market opens on Monday, November 27, 2022 and closes on Saturday, December 23, 2023. The market is free and open on Sundays to Thursdays from 11 am to 8 pm and Fridays to Saturdays from 11 am to 9 pm.

The Münster Christmas Market features five notable markets. Aegidii Christmas Market is known for its large 6-meter tall wooden Christmas pyramid and features handcrafted goods and regional food specialties. Town Hall Christmas Market is the largest market, with over 140 stalls surrounding the Gothic town hall building and spilling into adjoining squares. The market offers a wide variety of gifts, decorations and snacks. Lichtermarkt at St. Lamberti Church is recognized for its illuminated towering Christmas tree and blue wooden stalls. Giebelhüüskesmarkt is the newest and smallest Christmas market in front of the medieval Überwasserkirche church that showcases high-quality local artisan wares. Kiepenkerl Christmas Village is located in the iconic Kiepenkerl statue/fountain, offering a traditional charm with crafters and foods from the Münsterland region. These markets attract 2 million Christmas market visitors each year.

The Münster Christmas Market offers visitors plenty of sights, attractions and food. Some of the key attractions at the market include the six meters wooden Christmas pyramid at the Aegidii Market square, the festive Town Hall Christmas Market with over 140 decorated stalls surrounding the Gothic town hall building, the magical Lichtermarkt (Christmas Lights Market) at St. Lamberti Church known for its illuminated tree and charming blue wooden huts, the intimate Giebelhüüskesmarkt showcasing local artisanal wares and the Kiepenkerl Christmas Village centered at the iconic Kiepenkerl statue. Popular foods available at the various Münster Christmas markets include grilled bratwurst sausages, currywurst (sausage with curry ketchup), reibekuchen potato pancakes, flammkuchen (German-style tarts), sweet and savory crepes, potato cakes, stollen fruit cakes, roasted almonds, grünkohleintopf (green kale stew) and more. Warm drinks like mulled wine, spiced cider, fruit punches, hot chocolate and hot apple juice are served. Münster Christmas Market offers a taste of regional Westphalian and German holiday specialties.

The Rüdesheim Christmas Market of Nations is held annually in the medieval town of Rüdesheim am Rhein in Germany. The market opens before Thanksgiving, Monday, November 20, 2023 and runs daily through Saturday, December 23, 2023. The market is open Mondays to Sundays from 11 am to 8 pm. The market stays open until 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Rüdesheim Christmas Market offers visitors plenty of sights, attractions and food. The market features 124 Christmas market stalls decorated to represent the culture and customs of 12 nations spanning six continents, offering international Christmas wares, ornaments, foods and drinks. The market features attractions like concerts, nativity plays, parades with diverse musical acts, Siegfried's Mechanical Music Museum featuring antique self-playing instruments, the Seilbahn Rüdesheim cable car over the vineyards and the towering Niederwald Monument.

Signature dishes at the Rüdesheim Christmas Market include German bratwurst, Finnish flame-grilled salmon, sweet and savory French crepes, Hungarian lángos (fried dough), Dutch mini pancakes called poffertjes, international mulled wines and punches, Feuerzangenbowle (rum and wine punch) and local wines like strawberry and blueberry fruit wine. The international cuisine mirrors the global cultural theme of the one-of-a-kind Christmas market.

20. Trier Christmas Market

The Trier Christmas Market is one of Germany's oldest and most popular Christmas markets, with a history dating back to the medieval era. It takes place in the city center of Tier at Market Square (Hauptmarkt) and Cathedral Square (Domfreihof). The market is free to enter and opens on Friday, November 24, 2023 and closes on Friday, December 22, 2023. The market is open Mondays to Thursdays from 10:30 am to 8 pm, while on Sundays, it closes at 9 pm.

The Tier Christmas Market offers visitors plenty of sights, attractions and food. The market features over 100 decorated wooden pavilions filling the two main squares selling Christmas decorations, ornaments, gifts, traditional food and drinks. One of the attractions is the giant Christmas pyramid, located at the center of the Market Square in Hauptmarkt. The market highlights a tall pyramid, lit up at night and has become one of the iconic symbols of the Trier Christmas Market . The market features live music and dance performances and a stage is set up in front of the façade of the Trier Cathedral on Cathedral Square. Daily musical and dance acts perform everything from historic puppet theater to tenors singing Christmas carols to regional bands playing lively music.

Trier hosts the only Mulled Wine Queen in Germany that promotes the market's famous mulled wines from the local Moselle region vineyards and offers tastings and servings in a special wooden stall. There is a small children's carousel on Market Square and a bigger carousel on Cathedral Square. Kids can enjoy these rides amidst the festive market setting. The entire market is decorated with lights, garlands, Christmas trees, wreaths, ribbons and traditional ornaments, enhancing the cozy and magical Christmas feeling. Popular foods sold at the market include mini pancakes topped with butter and cinnamon, bratwurst grilled sausages, sweet dampfnudeln dumplings filled with fruits, Reibekuchen potato pancakes with applesauce, Flammekuchen grilled flatbreads with bacon and crème fraîche and churros. Warm drinks like mulled wine (Glühwein), hot apple cider, hot chocolate and Eierpunsch egg nog wine are popular. The market has a festive atmosphere beautifully decorated with lights and ornaments everywhere, filled with enticing smells and seasonal tastes.

The Nuremberg Christmas Market, known as Christkindlesmarkt, is the best Christmas market in Germany. The market is located in the historic central Hauptmarkt Square of Altstadt, Nuremberg. The traditional Weihnachtsmarkt dates back to 1628 and offers visitors an authentic German Christmas experience. The market opens on Friday, December 1, 2023 and closes on December 24, 2023. The market is free to enter and open daily from 10 am to 9 pm, closing at 2 pm on December 24. The Nuremberg Christmas Market encapsulates Weihnachtsmarkt traditions. The Nuremberg Christmas Market brings German Christmas spirit to the world for over one million visitors each holiday season.

The Dresden Christmas Market, known as Striezelmarkt, is Germany's oldest recorded Christmas market dating back over 585 years to 1434. The Christmas market grew into one of Germany's largest and most renowned, attracting over 3 million visitors annually. It takes place in the historic old town of Dresden, on the Elbe River. The historical setting and lively atmosphere of the Dresden Christmas Market allow its visitors to experience authentic German Christmas traditions.

The market opens on Friday, November 29, 2023 and closes on Sunday, January 01, 2024. The market is free to enter and open daily from 10 am to 9 pm, with the Christmas tree and lights illuminating the square from late afternoon.

The Nuremberg Christmas Market is the best Christmas market in Germany for visitors with kids. The Children’s Market (Kinderweihnacht), which is one of Nuremberg's Christmas Markets, caters to 70 stalls and sells stuffed animals, toys, books, clothing, sweets like gingerbread and food like sausages and pancakes, ideal for children. The market features entertainment from puppet shows, magic, dances and Christmas carolers. The market provides accommodations for strollers and wheelchairs and the Children's Market provides festive family fun in Nuremberg this Christmas. Nuremberg’s Kinderweihnacht warmly welcomes all guests to become children again, rediscovering holiday merriment through a child’s eyes.

The market opens on Friday, December 1, 2023 and closes on December 24, 2023. The main market is located in the Hauptmarkt Square in the central Altstadt district of Nuremberg. The market is free to enter and open daily from 10 am to 9 pm, closing at 2 pm on December 24.

Listed below are the things to do in Germany during Christmas.

• Visit the Christmas Markets (Weihnachtsmärkte). The Christmas markets in Germany are a magical tradition dating back centuries, with stalls selling crafted decorations, regional delicacies and hot mulled wine. Strolling through the wooden huts decorated with lights, often with a tall Christmas tree in the center, live music and smelling roasted nuts and sausages is a must-dol German Christmas experience.
• See the Christmas Decorations. The Christmas decorations and displays in city centers, windows and street corners are works of art not to miss. The market features lights and decor to bring out the holiday festivities in each city of Germany.
• Experience a Christmas Concert or Play. Visitors can attend festive performances of classic holiday music, a showing of The Nutcracker or a Christmas play or musical like “A Christmas Carol” to set the holiday mood. Listening to Christmas choir music in a cathedral or concert hall is a particular thing to do in Germany during Christmas.
• Try the Traditional Foods and Drinks. Visitors can indulge in delicious Christmas specialties sold in Christmas markets and bakeries, like lebkuchen (gingerbread), stollen (Christmas fruit cake), glühwein (hot mulled wine) and roasted chestnuts. Tasting these is integral to the German Christmas tradition.
• See the Nutcracker Ballet. Visitors can attend performances like the Nutcracker ballet. Germany's acclaimed ballet companies, including the Stuttgart Ballet and Berlin State Ballet, capture all the whimsical holiday magic with expert choreography, world-class dancers and ornate production value for iconic shows like the Nutcracker which is a German Christmastime tradition.
• Decorate Heart-Shaped Cookies. Visitors can decorate old-fashioned cookies shaped in heart motifs. Visitors can buy ready-to-use gel icing tubes and lebkuchen gingerbread hearts from any Christmas market stall. It is a tradition for generations during the Advent season.

Listed below are the best foods to try in Germany during Christmas.

• Stollen. Stollen is a dense, rich German Christmas bread filled with nuts, raisins, citrus zest and sweet butter, then coated in powdered sugar. This golden loaf cake is a beloved centerpiece of every German family's Christmas breakfast table. Stollen is a staple German food .
• Lebkuchen. Lebkuchen are gingerbread confections crafted into intricate heart shapes, pressed patterns and decorated designs. This thick, spiced cookie seasoned with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and molasses is a favorite Christmas market treat. Nuremberg is especially renowned for its quality lebkuchen.
• Bratwurst. Bratwurst is seasoned pork sausages grilled over open flames until the casing pops. While enjoyed year-round, Germany's famous bratwurst, currywurst and weisswurst pair perfectly with other Christmas market foods.
• Potato Pancakes. Potato pancakes called kartoffelpuffers or reibekuchen are a popular Christmas market food. Shallow-fried grated potatoes seasoned with onion, garlic, nutmeg and parsley are served hot with sweet or savory toppings.
• Feuerzangenbowle. Feuerzangenbowle is a rum-based Christmas punch lit on fire for flavor and flair. The fiery spectacle happens as rum-soaked sugar cubes are caramelized by flaming rum poured over and then doused into mulled red wine. This punch embodies the German Christmas spirit.
• Glühwein. Glühwein is the iconic German mulled wine infused with cinnamon sticks, citrus, cloves, star anise and berry juices that are warm. This spiced wine is a staple yuletide drink, served piping hot in collectible Christmas mugs.

No, visitors do not need to pay an entrance fee to access the Christmas markets held annually across Germany. These Weihnachtsmärkte in German holiday culture and customs are free events and are open to the public. There are costs when purchasing items from the market, such as food, drinks or crafts. Some activities or attractions within the market may have separate fees, such as ice skating rinks, amusement rides and Christmas performances.

How do Christmas markets in Germany contribute to the local economy and tourism?

Christmas markets in Germany contribute contribute to the local economy and tourism. The markets attract a large number of visitors, both domestic and international, who spend money on various goods and services. Local German artisans, craftspeople and vendors operating at the Christmas markets benefit from the surge in sales during the market season, boosting their small businesses and livelihoods. The markets create opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs and producers from various regions of Germany to showcase and sell their specialty products, thereby supporting local economies countrywide. The influx of tourists during the weeks-long Weihnachtsmarkt season helps stimulate Germany's tourism industry, including accommodation providers, restaurants, transportation services, tour operators and other tourism-related sectors. The economic activity and tourism expenditures induced by the markets contribute substantially to the overall growth and development of local communities across Germany.

Yes, Christmas markets contribute to preserving and promoting German cultural heritage. These perpetuate traditions, showcase regional specialties, share folklore and inspire youths. Germans can maintain heritage handicraft skills by following customary practices handed down through generations, like artisanal production methods for glass ornaments, decorative cookie molds, nutcracker carving and gingerbread confections. Food specialties from bratwurst sausages to spiced cakes showcase unique German cultural food traditions tied to regional identities that the markets preserve and popularize. Storytelling, festivals and theater productions retell German fairytales, fables, poems and winter legends that may fade without their annual Christmas market celebrations. Younger German generations participate in dance shows, craft demos, cooking classes and reenactments that ignite interest in cultural customs they then carry forward to their families. Perpetuating handicrafts, cuisines, narratives, aesthetics and community celebrations, Germany's Christmas markets act as living heritage centers that safeguard wintertime traditions by renewing public interest and passion for German culture annually.

What are the most fun facts about Germany and Christmas?

Listed below are the most fun facts about Germany and Christmas.

• Tannenbaum Tradition. The modern Christmas tree tradition started in 16th-century Germany. German homes would decorate evergreen fir trees with candles, apples, handmade stars, angels and toys. Trees symbolized hope amid winter. Germany exports over 20 million Christmas trees annually.
• World's First Nutcracker. Carving nutcrackers in human-like forms started in German woodworking towns in the Erzgebirge mountain region. The earliest known nutcrackers date to the late 16th century. Intricate nutcracker carvings remain a German specialty, produced by generations of skilled artisans and are displayed at Christmas markets.
• Santa's German Roots. Many connect Santa Claus to Saint Nicholas, who was born during the 3rd century around Patara, present-day Turkey. Santa’s red robe, white beard, a sack of toys and naughty-nice list trace back to the Christmas German portrayal by Friar Thomas Nast and writers like Washington Irving.
• Christmas Pickle Tradition. Some German Christmas trees have a glass pickle ornament. Legend says the first child to find the tree's hidden pickle gets an extra present. The tradition represents hope and good fortune.
• Advent Calendar Tradition. The first Advent calendars used by German Lutherans in the 19th century helped count the 24 days before Christmas with prayers or scriptures behind paper doors. Commercial Advent calendars with pictures or treats behind little numbered doors remain a popular German Christmas tradition.

Listed below are the most important holiday dates in Germany.

• First Advent Sunday. The first Advent Sunday is a holiday in Germany held four weeks before Christmas and starts off the festive season across Germany. Families light the first purple candle on their Advent wreaths, open the first door on Advent calendar treats, decorate wreaths with red ribbons and congregate at Christmas markets launching around the country with handicrafts, music and food.
• St. Nicholas Day (December 6th). Saint Nicholas Day is a holiday in Germany where children polish their boots, hoping for candies and treats from “Nikolaus” this morning. Cities hold beloved parades like the Nikolaus-Umzüge through München. Churches honor St. Nicholas in services. Traditional baked goods like spiced ginger Klauskerl cookies get devoured.
• Christmas Eve (December 24). Christmas Eve on December 24th is a holiday that represents the most important German Christmas celebration. Houses overflow with families gathered around lighted trees adorned in ornaments, straw stars and candles symbolizing the star of Bethlehem while stollen, cookies and sweets filled tables. There is an exchange of presents after dinner before attending midnight services awaiting the symbolic arrival of the precious newborn Jesus Christ.
• Easter (month of April). Easter is held in April as a holiday to commemorate Jesus Christ's purported resurrection per scripture. German families attend moving church services before transitioning to festive traditions. Children hunt for hidden eggs and gifts delivered by the Osterhase while adults indulge in tender lamb dishes, sweet chocolate bunnies and streusel cakes.
• Tag der Deutschen Einheit (October3rd). Tag der Deutschen Einheit is a holiday in Germany that memorializes the momentous 1990 reunification of East and West Germany with consolidated democracy granting new civil freedoms. Locals proudly wave the German flag at political speeches and solidarity marches before enjoying metaphoric community through beer, bratwurst and pretzels.
• Reformation Day. Reformation Day was a holiday in Germany when Martin Luther presented his radical 95 Theses critiquing certain Catholic principles, sparking the momentous Protestant Reformation movement that fundamentally transformed Christianity. This German holiday honors Luther's bold scholarship and scriptural return at ceremonies and church services, especially in historical Wittenberg, where Luther lived and worked.
• St. Martin's Day (November 11th). St. Martin’s Day is a holiday where Germans glow paper lanterns and join lively parades giving tribute to Saint Martin, the revered patron saint of charity who split his winter cloak to clothe a beggar in need. They carry on his legacy of generosity, sipping hot cocoa, indulging in sweet Hefezopf bread and hearing the tale of Saint Martin's goodwill.

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Experience Europe's Christmas Markets

Winter is a magical time of year to visit Europe. Christmas markets are a beloved part of holiday traditions in Europe. Picture market stalls filling medieval town squares in front of centuries-old churches and palaces. Local artisans sold their handcrafted goods—toys, ornaments, decorations, and sweets—and each city established unique traditions that captured the spirit of their people. Experience an authentic insider's view of centuries-old holiday markets and the seasonal festivities that surround Christmas. Our collection of European Christmas Market vacations takes you to the heart of the action, where alpine villages dazzle with twinkle lights, legendary cities celebrate in style, and Europe's time-honored traditions come to life. What are you waiting for? Reserve your European Christmas Markets vacation package today.

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Vienna at Christmas Time

The Austrian capital was one of the pioneers of the Christmas market tradition, holding its first event in 1298. Visitors today can enjoy any number of markets, including the Viennese Christmas Market—in front of city hall—and the market at Baroque Schönbrunn Palace, as well as shopping stalls in the historic Spittelberg District.

Christmas Markets in Zurich

With 150 stalls and operated completely indoors, a 50 foot Christmas tree adorned with Swarovski crystals welcomes visitors to Zurich as they arrive at the Main Train Station. With fruit cake, vendors from all over the world, and all kinds of other traditional Christmas cuisine, the air is filled with the scents and sounds of the holidays. Exhibitors compete for the honor of being named the “Most Beautiful Stall” at the market, ensuring that the entire venue is beautifully adorned. The Zurich market is the largest indoor market in Europe, making it the perfect escape for those blustery cold evenings.

Christmas in Munich

Stalls surround an impressive 85 foot Christmas tree in the German Capital. Here you’ll find children dressed as angels and learning to be the next generation of crafters inside the “Heavenly Workshop” in town hall. Musicians fill the air with festive music every Friday before Christmas as guests hop on the Christmas tram that parades them through the old city as they eat gingerbread cookies and sip hot spiced wine.

Prague for the Holidays

The abundant Gothic architecture provides a perfect backdrop to the Christmas scene you’ll find in Prague. The two most famous Christmas markets, held at Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, are walking distance from each other. Wander among the traditional wooden huts to admire handmade wooden toys and jewelry, Czech marionettes, nativity scenes, and even a petting zoo. Prague also offers numerous culinary delights, including   klobása   (sausage), roasted ham,   Trdelník   (a rolled pastry),   Vosí Hnízda   (beehive cookies), and hot mulled wine

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14 of the best Christmas markets in Germany for 2023

Germany’s atmospheric christmas markets bring the winter months alive. here are the best places to get into the festive spirit.

G ermany is a go-to destination for Christmas markets, and justifiably so: not only do many festive traditions originate here, it also happens to have an endless number of scenic castles, impressive cathedrals and charming town squares to serve as fairytale backdrops. Every major city hosts a market and many smaller ones do too, since the twinkling lights, seasonal music and convivial atmosphere are the perfect way to break up the winter gloom. Each region has something a little different in the way of handicrafts and food, but you can expect lots of sizzling bratwurst, roasted chestnuts and warming glühwein (mulled wine), as well as entertainment for little ones. Here are the best Christmas markets in Germany.

Main photo: Dresden’s Striezelmarkt at dusk (Getty Images)

1. Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt

When December 1-24, 2023 Best for bratwurst and lebkuchen Probably the most famous of all the Christmas markets in Germany , Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is vibrant enough to convince even the biggest seasonal grumps to join in. There are nearly 200 independent vendors selling handmade crafts — everything from scented candles and local jams to wool clothing and hand-carved figurines — as well as local snacks including Nürnberger rostbratwurst and lebkuchen (gingerbread), both of which originate here. Said to have started in the early 16th century, the market gets its name from the holy Christkind (“Christ child”), who is played by a different local child each year and paraded through the central Hauptmarkt (main square). Karl August is a centrally located four-star hotel with a bar, restaurant and sauna.

• Best things to do in Bavaria

2. Dresden Striezelmarkt

When November 29 to December 24, 2023 Best for history and stollen Dresden’s market dates back to the early 15th century and is generally regarded as one of the oldest in Germany. The name, Striezelmarkt, refers to strüzel (or stroczel), more commonly known these days as stollen, the classic German Christmas cake — you’ll find plenty of it here. Set on the city’s handsome market square, with the Elbe River tinkling in the background, the market has quirky features such as the plaumentoffel — decorative figures made of prunes — and the largest Christmas pyramid in the country, standing at over 14m high. Steinberger Hotel de Saxe is right on Dresden’s Neumarkt square and has elegant rooms and a decent restaurant.

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3. Berlin WeihnachtsZauber

When November 27 to December 31, 2023 Best for entertainment and tradition One of the most traditional — and striking — of Berlin ’s markets is held at the Gendarmenmarkt square, with its two baroque cathedrals and elegant neoclassical Konzerthaus. It’s known as the WeihnachtsZauber (“Christmas magic”) and there is a small admission fee, but you can expect top-quality food (Bavarian and Berlin specialities), drinks (including champagne) and handicrafts — as well as heated tents. There is also daily entertainment in the shape of musicians, acrobats and fire performances. For something a little smaller, head to the Scandinavian-themed Lucia Markt in Prenzlauer Berg. Titanic Gendarmenmarkt Berlin hotel is right on the square and has a grill restaurant and spa with an authentic Turkish hammam.

• Best things to do in Berlin

4. Stuttgart Wintertraum Markt

When November 29 to December 23, 2023 Best for fairytale chalet stalls and local produce Known for its cobblestone streets and historic buildings, Stuttgart’s old town makes a fairytale setting for a Christmas market. It’s situated on Schlossplatz, right in front of the 10th-century palace, and is known as Wintertraum Markt (“winter dream market”). Here you’ll find almost 300 incredibly cute, chalet-style wooden stalls that compete to win the annual city prize for the most beautifully decorated. There are roasted chestnuts and lebkuchen aplenty — the market has an emphasis on local and sustainable products in all its food offerings — as well as a rollerskating rink, ferris wheel, live jazz and choral performances in local churches. Stuttgart itself is right at the edge of the Black Forest, if you fancy a winter hike. EmiLu is a well-located design hotel with swish rooms and a sauna area.

• Most affordable Christmas market breaks in Europe

5. Rothenburg ob der Tauber Reiterlesmarkt

When December 1-23, 2023 Best for music and snowballs This highly romantic affair in the fairytale medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a popular option. Running since the 15th century, the market features about 50 market stalls set amid the town’s winding lanes and cute timber-framed houses, whose gabled roofs are often dusted with snow at this time of year. There’s music from choral singers, brass ensembles and classical players, and foodie treats that range from grilled sausages and flammkuchen (“flame cake”, a pizza-style dish) as well as local delights such as the Rothenburger schneeball (“snowball”) — fried shortcrust pastry balls covered in powdered sugar or chocolate. Hotel Reichs-Küchenmeister is a quaint four-star with spa facilities and a restaurant.

6. Aachen Christmas Market

When November 24 to December 23, 2023 Best for carousels and glühwein Aachen’s Christmas festivities take place on the historic Münsterplatz, overlooked by the city’s majestic and historically significant cathedral — the final resting place of Charlemagne. There are about 120 wooden kiosks here, selling everything from mulled wine to handmade wooden toys, and a festive carousel for kids. Try the Aachener printen, a local version of lebkuchen made with caramelised sugar, aniseed and other spices, or a kartoffelpuffer, a delicious crispy potato fritter. The city also has some lovely spas and is located within easy striking distance of Belgium and the Netherlands if you’re looking for a longer border-hopping trip. Bensons Hotel is a small and stylish spot close to the cathedral and other central sights.

7. Leipzig Christmas Market

When November 28 to December 23, 2023 Best for Christmas trees and Santa Claus This market in the centre of the charming Saxony city of Leipzig is easy to reach from Berlin — as well as Dresden — if you feel like making a small winter tour. Expect 250 to 300 stalls crammed into the host square, the historic Marktplatz, which features striking buildings including the Renaissance-era old town hall, where Bach was sworn into the city and whose balcony serves as a stage for trombone concerts. Visitors can look forward to a 20m Christmas tree, a music and entertainment stage, and child-friendly elements such as a “magic forest” installation and a roaming Santa Claus. Nearby Augustplatz also has a ferris wheel that lets you enjoy the city from up above. Innside by Melia Leipzig is steps away from Marktplatz and has modern rooms, a sauna and a fitness centre, as well as an à la carte restaurant and lobby bar.

• Best Christmas markets in the UK for 2023

8. Rüdesheim Christmas Market of Nations

When November 20 to December 23, 2023 Best for parades and global gifts One of the newer markets on the scene — only a few decades old — the Christmas Market of Nations lives up to its name by inviting 16 nations (or thereabouts) from around the globe to present products, specialities and customs from their respective countries. It’s set in the historic old quarter of Rüdesheim against an ensemble of the old town’s finest traditional buildings and near the banks of the Rhine. As well as stalls decorated with illuminated lights, festive baubles and wreaths, there’s plenty to browse, eat and drink. Look out for the special parade for St Thomas’s Night on December 20. It’s also possible to take a cable car ride to see the market (and city) from above. The centrally located Breuer’s Rüdesheimer Schloss is a family-run hotel set in a historic building with a traditional restaurant.

9. Trier Christmas Market

When November 24 to December 22, 2023 Best for dumplings and puppets Trier’s Christmas market has only been running for about 40 years, but you wouldn’t know it when you visit. This beautiful city, well known for its Roman-era ruins and bustling cultural life, also has a proud medieval heritage and a highly picturesque market square dominated by the mighty cathedral. With fewer than 100 stalls, it’s a little smaller than other markets around Germany, but there’s more than enough to keep browsers occupied and appetites satisfied, including local treats such as gebäckkringel, a sugar-covered pastry, or dampfnudeln, German sweet dumplings, and there’s even a mulled wine queen. For kids there are puppet theatres, concerts and roaming angels. There’s also a small extension of the festivities at the historic Porta Nigra. Romantik Hotel Zur Glocke is close to the main market and Porta Nigra and has modern, comfortable rooms.

10. Braunschweig Christmas Market

When November 29 to December 29, 2023 Best for wooden toys and local tipples This highly convivial market has a tradition that stretches back to 1505 and annually draws several hundred thousand people to the streets and squares that surround the city’s St Blasii Cathedral (the resting place of Henry the Lion and many important Guelph princes) and the 12th-century Dankwarderode Castle. Visitors can browse up to 150 stalls selling artisanal wooden toys, jewellery, seasonal products and regional specialities such as Braunschweiger Mumme, a non-alcoholic malt extract with a spicy flavour. There’s plenty for kids too, including concerts in the cathedral, nativity scenes with life-sized sculptures and an ice rink at Kohlmarkt. Magni Boutique Hotel is smart and comfortable and has a great restaurant and bar.

• Best Christmas markets in Europe for 2023

11. Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market

When November 24 to December 17, 2023 (Friday to Sunday only) Best for unique setting and regional dishes This is the first and only Christmas market located in a gorge in the hills of the Black Forest. Set below a striking 40m sandstone viaduct that forms part of the Devil‘s Valley Railway, this has to be the country’s most unique seasonal event, or at least the one with the most unusual and natural setting. Accessed via a local train station (Hinterzarten or Himmelreich) and a free shuttle bus, it has everything you want from a Christmas market: handmade wares, live music and steaming regional dishes such as schäufele (smoked pork shoulder) and käsespätzle (egg pasta with cheese). Hotel Hofgut Sternen once hosted German poet Goethe and has two restaurants, a bar and a garden with terrace.

12. Munich Christmas Market

When November 27 to December 24, 2023 Best for handicrafts and live music Forget Oktoberfest — Munich ’s Christmas market ticks all the boxes and then some. It’s held right on the city’s scenic Marienplatz, surrounded by historic buildings (including the new and old town halls) and features hundreds of wooden stalls and a huge tree adorned with 2,500 lights that together create a veritable winter wonderland. There are Bavarian handicrafts such as hand-painted glass ornaments and wooden products from Oberammergau, classic stollen and different types of mulled wine, as well as unique activities such as the Krampus Run, with around 300 runners dressed in terrifying costumes causing havoc through the city. More sedate is the Christkindl tram with mulled wine offered on board and the advent concerts that are performed live every evening. Cortiina is a design hotel with stylish rooms and a great central location.

• Best hotels in Munich

13. Cologne Heinzels Wintermärchen

When November 24 to December 23, 2023 Best for skating and atmosphere The Christmas market outside Cologne’s gothic cathedral is the classic one for tourists, as it gives visitors a chance to browse trinket-laden wooden stalls while admiring the illuminated landmark. But head to the city’s old town and you’ll find Heinzels Wintermärchen, where over 100 stalls are set against the backdrop of Cologne’s steep-gabled houses. The enormous market is split into two sections: the old market is where you’ll find traditional crafts from wood carving to ceramics, while the new market is dominated by an ice rink and Bavarian curling lanes. Toasted nuts, sticky sweet nougat, and roasted pork all make this a delicious affair. Hotel Mondial am Dom Cologne MGallery is just a short stroll from the old town with views of the cathedral from some of the rooms.

14. International Christmas Market Essen

When November 17 to December 23, 2023 Best for early Christmas shopping The Christmas market in Essen typically opens a week or two before those in other German cities, which makes it ideal for those who want to get their festive fix early while taking advantage of the shoulder season hotel and flight prices in November. It’s also unique in that although the 200-plus stalls, twinkling fairy lights and fairground rides give it a traditional air, the crafts and food sold here mix the classics with products from Peru, Brazil, Tibet and beyond. So instead of mulled wine you might be drinking hot caipirinha. Hotel Motel One Essen overlooks Kennedyplatz, where most of the action takes place.

• Best things to do in Germany • Best Christmas holiday destinations for 2023

Additional reporting by Qin Xie

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Christmas Markets of Germany (Small Groups, 8 Days)

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Places You’ll See

• Introduction
• Day 1 Arrive in Berlin
• Day 2 The Spirit of Berlin Relaxed Start
• Day 3 Leipzig and on to Dresden
• Day 4 Dresden Sightseeing Relaxed Start
• Day 5 Continue to Nuremberg
• Day 6 Rothenburg ob-der-Tauber
• Day 7 Munich Sightseeing Relaxed Start
• Day 8 Depart Munich

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• Overall Rating Excellent 4.7
• Itinerary Excellent 4.6
• Guide Excellent 4.8
• Transport Excellent 5.0
• Accommodation Excellent 5.0
• Food Good 4.0
• Tour Operator Insight Vacations 4.5
• Most Recent
• Most Popular
• Highest First
• Lowest First

• AD Andrew · 13th December 2023 Great trip overall.. Trip date: December 2023

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• November 2024
• December 2024
• Sunday 1 Dec, 2024 Sunday 8 Dec, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Twin €3,075 See Similar Tours For These Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

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Good to Know

• Currency € Euro Germany

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for Germany. Ideally 6 months before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 2nd July 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 2nd July 2024, a minimum payment of €200 is required to confirm your booking with Insight Vacations. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 65 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Insight Vacations will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Insight Vacations" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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