Best Christmas Markets In Germany

Beautifully decorated crafts, twinkling lights, alluring aromas and choirs singing whimsical tunes all make up Germany’s Christmas Markets (also known as Weihnachtsmarkt). Throughout Germany there are over 150 different German markets, each more unique and beautiful than the next. From Nuremberg’s market dating back 400 years, filled with concerts and lantern processions, to the 80 different markets during Advent in Berlin, it’s a wonderful time to visit Germany.

Although they are all beautiful, below we have narrowed down the list to (in our opinion,) the 6 Best Christmas Markets in Germany that will tickle your senses in every way.

Hamburg
Located in Northern Germany, Hamburg’s Christmas markets differ from the others as they have a circus theme. Kids can ride a carousel, drink punch that is served by a clown and watch a Christmas parade. Don’t worry though, Santa and his reindeer can still be seen flying in the air every night.

Munich
The Christmas markets in Munich go back to the 14th century. Kids can participate in free arts and crafts and music each day. If you are looking to get a little bit of Christmas shopping done there are traditional Bavarian woodcarvings, glassware and gifts for sale. There’s also plenty of homemade gingerbread to go around.

Kassel
The Christmas markets in Kassel can best be described in one word: a fairytale. These central Germany markets are actually based on the Brothers Grimm stories. There are many different vendors onsite as well as the world’s tallest fairytale pyramid.

Dusseldorf
The western Germany Christmas markets in Dusseldorf offer free ice skating to visitors. There are gingerbread replicas of historic homes as well as thousands of white lights strategically placed on the many chestnut trees that line the markets. This festival is particularly fun for children with all of the colorful lights, reindeer, visits from Santa and the carousel.

Berlin
We couldn’t talk about Christmas markets without mentioning Berlin. This city is known for it’s Weihnactsmarkt as there are around 60 of them. They range from magical, kid friendly markets to more trendier ones. For those look for a real Christmas treat, the Charlottenburg Castle Christmas Market surely won’t disappoint. For a period of 35 days the castle comes to life each night with romantic lighting. There nearly 150 vendors present at this market that offer specially made arts and crafts. There are also many different exhibitions to view inside and outside of the castle.

Dresden
Kassel may have the world’s largest fairytale pyramid, but Dresden has the world’s largest Christmas one in addition to the world’s largest nutcracker. There are over 250 stands selling ornaments, hand made gifts including nutcrackers and wooden dolls, and lots of food choices. The Christmas market is perfect for those that are ready to do a bit of shopping. Visitors can choose from items such as blown glass, pottery, filigree lace and smoking figurines.

Getting There

Whether you choose to visit one of Germany’s many Christmas markets in one of the small villages or larger cities, you won’t be disappointed and are sure to have a festive time. Since Germany is a relatively small country, at least geographically speaking, it’s easy to get from one place to another. Usually the best airfare rates are found in and out of Munich.  There is a very efficient public transportation system in place and you will have no problem getting around to the different Weihnachtsmarkts no matter which region of the country you plan on visiting. In fact, you could actually visit a market in each region of the country if you wanted to. Because these markets are so much fun no matter how old you are, a visit to Germany in the winter time would make a great holiday vacation during the Christmas season for your entire family. Don’t forget to try a cup of Gluhwein (hot spiced wine) and dumplings with vanilla sauce.

How Much Is a Trip to the Christmas Markets in Germany?

You can be part of an organized trip where your hotel, daily breakfast and lots of sightseeing are already included in the price.  For example, there is a 9 day trip with Collette called Classic Christmas Markets that travels through several Christmas Markets in Germany and a couple in France and Austria.  You get breakfast daily, 4 dinners and hotel including an overnight in a traditional Alpine village for $1,599 pp.  There is another trip 8 day trip called Christmas Markets of Germany and Austria that runs $1,149 pp.  You can of course also travel on your own.  An 6 night Munich and Vienna package with transportation between the two cities in 3 star hotels is just $419 pp – you can upgrade hotels to 4 or 5 star and add on some optional tours as well if you wish. Airfare is not included in any of these packages so you will have to factor that in, but prices for airfare in late November and December are usually much cheaper than traveling in the summer months.  At the time of writing this post, airfare out of New York into Munich and out of Vienna was running $960 pp.

Another great way to travel is on a Germany river cruise. Enjoy the magical glow of Christmas lights glittering along the water’s edge from the spacious deck of a river cruise ship. Prices are a bit higher, but all of your meals and sightseeing are included in the price, and every morning you wake up in the heart of the city you are going to explore and extras are included like a private concert or special after hours tour.

Other Useful Christmas Market Posts

Europe’s Christmas Markets (includes England, Denmark, France & Sweden)
Christmas Markets Along the Daunbe

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