German Christmas markets are known for being among the best in the world, so we wanted to pick the absolute best to visit this festive season.
From mulled wine and beer to gorgeous decorations; from large cities to small local towns, there is a perfect Christmas market for everybody.
These are the top destinations to make a weekend trip out of and to really get in that festive spirit. So wrap up warm, bring some friends and get ready to enjoy the very best German Christmas markets…
Best Christmas markets in GermanyHow do these rankings work?
1. Cathedral X-Mas Market – Cologne
The pretty Christmas Market is in front of the historic Cologne Cathedral, with a tremendous Christmas tree. Christmas music, arts and crafts, toys, Christmas decorations and the scent of the goods from bakeries fills the air.
You’re sure to find plenty of fantastic gifts here to bring home for family and friends.
2019 Dates: 25th November – 23rd December
2. Gendarmenmarkt – Berlin
There is no single Christmas market in Berlin – you can visit over 70 of them here, but our favourite is the Gendarmenmarkt, which is the most famous one in the city. Stroll around stands with glassblowers, winter delicacies and origami art and sip on spicy mulled wine.
The backdrop of the Französischer Dom and Deutscher Dom (French and German churches) make it extra special. Plus, jugglers, fire-eaters, choirs and classical, jazz or Gospel choirs provide entertainment programme on each market day!
2019 Dates: 25th November – 30th December
3. Aachener Weihnachtsmarkt – Aachen
The Germans do a great Christmas market and none more so than in this famous market town.
The squares and alleyways around the city centre are taken over by traders, bars spilling out into the roads and a general sense of merriment. You’ll never want to leave this wonderful European Christmas market.
2019 Dates: 22nd November – 23rd December
4. Dresden Striezelmarkt – Dresden
Germany’s oldest Christmas market experience the bustling marketplace packed full of traditional Saxon treats for the holiday season in the heart of this baroque city.
This will be the 583rd Dresden Striezelmarkt with the booths opening from 10am to 9pm every day. The perfect place to bring the family for a lovely evening of food and treats.
2019 Dates: 29th November – 24th December
5. Weihnachtsmarkt – Leipzig
The tradition of the Leipzig Christmas Market goes back all the way to the 15th century with the market as bus and thriving today as ever.
They place a large focus on the food offering, which makes it the sort of place you will spend an entire evening and even visit several times. With around 300 stalls, it is one of the largest and most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany.
2019 Dates: 26th November – 23rd December
6. Munich Christmas Market – Munich
The city is actually home to several Christmas markets. You’ll find them at the large Christmas Market around Marienplatz, in the magical Christmas village in the Residenz or the medieval market on Wittelsbacherplatz
The Munich Christmas markets tempt you to stay a while and look around, offering mulled wine, culinary delicacies and traditional stands. There is something here for everybody.
2019 Dates: Nov 27th – Dec 24th
7. Weihnachtsmarkt –Stuttgart
The Stuttgart Christmas Market is not only one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the whole of Europe, but also one of the oldest. It was officially mentioned for the first time in 1692, but its roots however stretch back further in time.
It is made up of glistening Christmassy stalls with lovingly decorated roofs, sparkling lights and an extensive programme of events.
2019 Dates: 27th November – 23rd December
If you want some more variety you might want to check out The 20 Best Christmas Markets In Europe.