Christmas Markets, 2023 in Germany
About Our German Christmas Market Guide
Whether you want to visit a few Christmas markets or are planning a more extensive trip to Germany to visit as many Christmas markets as you can, you are sure to find what you need here. This guide is produced and maintained by Thomas Dowson. Thomas, the founder of Archaeology Travel, lives in Germany and loves nothing more than the festive atmosphere of a Weihnachtsmarkt, a mug of steaming mulled wine and a tasty bratwurst in a fresh bread roll. Read more about the authors and this website, as well as our mission and vision. The information on this page was last checked and/or updated on 4 November 2023.
When do Christmas Markets Start in 2023?
In the bigger towns and cities you will find Christmas markets cover the entire Advent period. They usually start in the last week of November and continue up until a day or two before Christmas day. The first Sunday of Advent in 2023 is 3 December. Many of the bigger Christmas markets start the Friday before the first Sunday of Advent – that is, on Friday 1 December in 2023. Some towns and cities open their markets as early as the Monday before the first Advent Sunday, that is 27 November 2023.
German Christmas Markets Dates 2024: if you are already planning your 2024 trip to Germany, the Advent season starts Sunday 1 December 2024. Most towns and cities use the same day each year. So those that open on the first Monday before Advent, i.e. 27 November in 2023, will almost certainly open on Monday 25 November in 2024.
Smaller towns and villages also have their Christmas market traditions, where local shops and artisans come out in force to celebrate Advent. Although smaller fairs, they are still fun nonetheless – these are usually held over a single weekend during the run up to Christmas. Some small towns do have a market than runs for the duration of Advent. They may not have the range of stalls and activities as the larger towns and cities. They are more social occasions, friends gathering and meeting after work to enjoy a warm glass of mulled wine and a bratwurst, while the children take a ride on a carousel.
One of my best experiences was a weekend I chose to visit Nuremberg. Besides hosting one of Germany’s top Christmas markets, Nuremberg has so much to see and do – making it a perfect destination for history seekers. For this reason I decided to stay for more than a few days, and rented a room in Wendelstein, a small town on the edge of Nuremberg. Quite by chance my visit coincided with the town’s Christmas market. I got to experience a much more intimate market as well as one of Germany’s biggest and finest.
What Are German Christmas Markets Called?
The regular German word for a Christmas market is Weihnachtsmarkt, plural Weihnachtsmärkte. Lübecker Weihnachtsmarkt then is the Lübeck Christmas Market. In the south of Germany (as well as Switzerland and Austria) the word is Christkindlmarkt, or a variation thereof, such as Christkindlesmarkt, Christkindlmarket, or Christkindlimarkt. A well known example being the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt. Literally the word translates as ‘Christ child market’. Traditionally christkind was the boy Jesus, but nowadays it refers to an angelic girl.
Some towns and cities have adopted their own individual names for the annual Christmas market. The most well known, and the oldest dated, being Dresden’s Striezelmarkt. Striezel comes from Strüzel or Stroczel, a historic term for what the Dresden Christmas market is now world famous for, stollen. A stollen in German is a tunnel. And the shape of the stollen loaf is said to represent a mine tunnel, reflecting the area’s long history of tin and silver mining.
Another unique name for a Christmas market is the Neubrandenburger Weberglockenmarkt. This name refers to a local legend in which a weaver who found his way to Neubrandenburg during a snow storm on Christmas Eve following the sound of a bell ringing in St Mary’s church.
5 Tips for Visiting Christmas Markets in Germany
My first German Christmas market experience was in Berlin at Gendarmenmarkt in 2001. And I have been visiting German Christmas Markets every year since. After all these years I have not grown tired of visiting Christmas markets. If experience has taught me anything, it is that if you are not well prepared, it can be a very miserable experience.
Visiting Christmas markets always involves a fair amount of walking and standing around. My top tip is to make sure you have comfortable shoes that are well insulated and waterproof. It gets cold in Germany during December. The streets and pavements are cold. It is also wet. There is nothing worse than cold, aching feet in damp shoes and socks.
Sensible people have given up trying to count the number of Christmas markets there are in Germany. Suffice it to say there are many. Not all of these are open throughout the festive season. Some are only on for a day or two over a weekend. To avoid disappointment, plan your dates carefully.
One last tip, make sure you have something in which to carry your purchases. I prefer a backpack over a carrier bag, as I tend to put things down and forget about them. And anyway, who wants to carry something around for hours!
Where Are the Best Christmas Markets in Germany?
There are over 150 towns and cities throughout Germany with established traditions of Christmas markets. Many places have more than one market; Berlin has around 70. While I can not pretend to have been to all of them, I have been to many – and am planning to visit many more this coming Advent season. As much as I love visiting Christmas markets there has to be more to the destination to attract my attention. This is not difficult with many towns and cities in Germany having a rich history.
These then are the Weihnachtsmärkte in Germany I recommend. They are places that are rich in history: the capital city of the Hanseatic League or the present-day capital of Germany. Besides highlighting what there is to see and do in each destination, I also provide travel tips and information on how to get there, where to stay, what to see and what not to miss!
Aachen Christmas Market24 November - 23 December 2023
The city of Aachen has its origins in a Roman settlement before becoming the chosen Imperial residence of Emperor Charlemagne in the 8th century. It was Charlemagne who ordered the construction of the cathedral, making this one of the oldest cathedrals in Europe. A more historic setting for a Christmas market would be hard to come by. The cathedral is surrounded by a number of fascinating museums exploring the history of this medieval city. At the end of the year, the very same streets become filled with the typical, festively decorated stalls for the Aachener Weihnachtsmarkt. Local specialities include Aachener Printen (a kind of gingerbread), Aachen Christmas liver sausage and reisfladen or rice pancake.
Annaberg-Buchholz Christmas Market1 December - 23 December 2023
Many of the decorations we see on sale in Christmas markets throughout Germany have their origins in traditions in the Erzgebirge. Or the Ore Mountains. The mountain town of Annaberg-Buchholz is the setting for one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the area. At night the 15th century St Anne’s Church appears to hang above the town square. During advent the square has the usual features, an enormous tree, a Christmas pyramid (originating in the area) and over 80 brightly coloured stalls selling all sorts of culinary treats and traditional crafts. The perfect place to buy yourself a schwibbögen, another decoration now popular with Germans that has its origins in the Ore Mountains.
Berlin Christmas Markets16 November - 14 January 2024
Bremen Christmas Markets27 November - 23 December 2023
The 15th century Gothic style Town Hall and the UNESCO listed Roland Statue provide a magical backdrop to the city’s annual Christmas market. There is little to beat the sight of the facades of the Hanseatic square lit up by the festive lights. Not surprising then that the Bremen Christmas market is said to be one of Germany’s finest. Besides the town square, the nearby historic quay is home to the Schlachte-Zauber, a winter maritime market inspired by the Hanseatic traders that once traded with the rest of the world from this very spot.
Cologne Christmas Markets20 November - 23 December 2023
The spectacular Gothic cathedral provides a fitting backdrop to just one of a number of Christmas markets in Cologne. At the centre of the Christmas Market at the Cathedral on Roncalliplatz is a mighty fir tree decorated with thousands of lights that spread out around it. Not far away on both Alter Markt and Heumarkt is Heinzels Wintermärchen, With over 140 stalls and an ice-skating rink, this is definitely Cologne’s largest Christmas market. For a more maritime feel, head to Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt on the banks of the Rhine. While you are there, do not miss the Chocolate Factory. During the day Cologne has many museums and art galleries to explore, with exceptional collections of local Roman artefacts to art from around the world.
Dresden Christmas Markets23 November - 24 December 2023
Dresden’s beautiful Baroque architecture provides a picturesque backdrop to eleven Christmas markets. The most well known is Striezelmarkt, celebrating its 589th year in 2023 – making this the oldest recorded Christmas market in Germany. Scattered about the different parts of the Saxon capital, each of the eleven markets have their own character. At the Frauenkirche you can watch traditional crafts being made, as they have been for centuries in the Neumarkt. Experience a more medieval advent at the Stallhof, the courtyard of the Dresden Royal Palace.
Erfurt Christmas Market28 November - 22 December 2023
With St Mary’s Cathedral and St Severus’ Church as a backdrop, it is hardly surprising that Erfurt’s Weihnachtsmarkte is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Europe. The city is especially proud of its locally created, 12 metre high Christmas pyramid. Although obviously in the style of the Erzgebirge tradition, the figures represent historical people of Erfut (including Saint Martin of Tours, Martin Luther) and other notable features. One of these being Gloriosa – the cathedral bell cast in 1497, which is the world’s largest free-swinging medieval bell. Beneath the huge Christmas tree is a traditional Nativity scene, made up of 14 life size figures from Oberammergau.
Flensburg Christmas Market
27 November - 31 December 2023
For a touch of Scandinavia, look no further than the Danish/German border and the medieval harbour town of Flensburg. Making the most of the Danish connection, both geographically and historically, Nordic style huts at the Flensburg Christmas market create a ambiance of cosiness and comfort. Think Danish hygge meets convivial German Christmas markets. Situated in Germany’s most picturesque fjord, the city is famous for its Flensburger Pilsner, the Mürwik Naval School and the Flensburg Government, which only lasted for about 20 days from 1 May 1945. Brick Gothic architecture and historic merchants’ courtyards are the perfect setting for this northern-most German Christmas market.
Frankfurt Christmas Market
27 November - 21 December 2023
Contemporary skyscrapers of Frankfurt’s financial district tower over the picturesque medieval façades that surround the Römerberg. A public square in front of the three-gabled timber framed Römer, which has been the seat of the city’s administration since the 15th century. At the heart of Frankfurt’s old town, the Römerberg has been a market place for merchants from all over Europe for centuries. And the same is true today each year during Advent when the square hosts the Frankfurt Christmas Market. With the earliest record from 1393, this is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany. With numerous museums in the city, Frankfurt is the perfect cultural city break.
Hamburg Christmas Markets
27 November - 31 December 2023
Hamburg is Europe’s second largest port city, with an extraordinary maritime heritage to match. Christmas lights reflect off the waters of historic canals, while historic streets and buildings provide a magical setting for over 30 Christmas markets. The city’s largest Christmas market is on Rathausmarkt, where the 19th century town hall provides a spectacular backdrop for craftsman from around Germany. Popular with children is Spielzeuggasse, where merchants from around the world sell their handcrafted toys. Fleetinsel combines Hanseatic tradition with the city’s contemporary urban vibe.
Lübeck, Christmas City of the North
24 November - 30 December 2023
Founded in the 12th century, Lübeck was the capital of the Hanseatic League. And despite some damage during World War Two, the Old Town has retained much of its medieval character. With over one thousand buildings, courtyards and alleys from the Middle Ages, Lübeck is understandably a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And it is the medieval Old Town that provides the perfect setting for the Lübecker Christmas markets. Here local artisans have been selling their decorations and confectioneries since 1648. Do not pass up the chance to try some Lübeck Marzipan, a local speciality with EU Protected Geographical Indication status.
Munich, Christkindlmarkt & Others
16 November 2023 - 7 January 2024
Although there are a number of Christmas markets in Munich, the Munich Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz is undoubtedly the most popular with locals and visitors alike. Not only is it the biggest, it is also the oldest – thought to have originated sometime in the 14th century. The distinctive historic appearance of Marienplatz provides a perfect backdrop for the festive market. Visitors are invited to join Münchners singing carols beneath the striking Christmas tree, 30 m high and lit up with over 2,500 candles. Nearby is the Kripperlmarkt at St Peter’s Church, said to be largest nativity market in Germany. Get everything you need to make your own nativity.
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt 1 - 24 December 2023
Some think that Nuremberg’s Christmas Market is the oldest in Germany. Who knows whether this is true or not, but it is certainly one of the most popular. Over two million people visit Nuremberg during December, from all over the world. Standing in the picturesque Hauptmarkt Square, while savouring the aroma of local gingerbread, bratwurst and glühwein it is not difficult to understand why. The city is also steeped in history, from early in the Medieval to the 20th century. If this is the children’s’ Christmas market, Nuremberg is also the history lovers destination.
Potsdam Christmas Market 27 November - 29 December 2023
Potsdam’s Brandenburg Gate provides a stately backdrop to the city’s ‘Old Town Christmas market,’ that runs for the period of Advent. At different times during Advent, in the side streets of the historic quarters of Potsdam, you will find the Polish, Dutch and Bohemian markets. Each of these reflecting on the immigrant communities that shaped Potsdam over the centuries. At under 45 minutes by train from the centre of Berlin, a trip to Potsdam to stroll around the UNESCO listed Sanssouci Park and palaces, before enjoying the traditional treats on offer in the Christmas markets is a great addition to a Berlin visit.
Rostock Christmas Market 27 November - 22 December 2023
Much like towns and cities elsewhere in Germany, the Rostocker Weihnachtsmarkt has a history going back to the late Middle Ages. Stalls selling traditional crafts, gifts and artisanal products, traditional features and the fairground rides are set up on the town square in front of the town hall. Each year some 1.5 million people each year. Given the location of this picturesque Hanseatic city on the northern coast of Germany, this Christmas market is popular with day-trippers from Poland, as well as visitors from Denmark and Sweden on a weekend break.
Schwerin, the Northern Star 27 November - 30 December 2023
In a town where history goes back to at least the 11th century, streets lined with well preserved and beautifully decorated medieval timber-framed buildings are the perfect setting for the Schwerin Christmas market. Walk along Mecklenburgstraße to the marketplace to see the eight metre high Weihnachtspyramide and an even taller fir tree that boasts 10,000 lights. These are dwarfed by the 117.5 metre high tower of the Backsteingotik cathedral typical of northern Germany. Among the local crafts and specialities, Glögg (a mulled wine) is a reminder of the town’s historic Swedish influence. At only an hour by train, Schwerin is an easy day-trip from Hamburg.
Map of Christmas Markets in Germany
The following map includes some of the better towns and cities for Christmas markets in Germany. As we visit and research more, we will add more places to visit to the map.
Click on the town/city markers to reveal the following types of useful links:
The blue button links to the official website for the Christmas market of that location. Orange buttons link to walking tours and other activities associated with that Christmas market, as well as a link to that town’s page on Booking.com to book accommodation. Green buttons link to pages on Archaeology Travel about that location.
You can also use this map to create a personalised itinerary (see the section below about creating your own itinerary below for details on how to do this).
Christmas Markets in Germany
German Christmas Market Itinerary
With so many Christmas markets to choose from, creating an itinerary for yourself (if you do not want an organised tour – see below) can either be an exciting or a daunting prospect. Either way, the following 10 day itinerary, taking some of Germany finest and historic Christmas markets is a good place to start. Starting in Frankfurt (the most connected international airport in Germany, with good rail connections), the tour ends in Hamburg, another city with a well connected airport and train station. You will overnight and see the markets and sites of Frankfurt, Nuremberg, Erfurt, Leipzig, Dresden, Berlin and Hamburg. [Click on the markers for links to more information and resources.]
10 Day German Christmas Market Itinerary
Create Your Own Christmas Market Itinerary & Travel Lists
You can create your own Christmas market itinerary and travel lists (such as places you have been to, places you would like to visit) for your trip to Germany. These can be shared with your friends and on social media (Find out how on the How To Use this Website page). To make use of this feature, you will need to login or register as a new user. For more sites and museums in Germany, see our Germany Travel Guide, and explore the regions you plan to visit.
Getting Around Germany
Unless you are hiring a car, the best and most sustainable way of getting around Germany is by train.
Find and reserve tickets for within Germany on the Deutsche Bahn website.
If you will be taking multiple train in one calendar month, consider getting a get yourself a Deutschland Ticket, for €49 per person. Although the ticket allows the holder one calendar month of unlimited travel by train, there are restrictions: this ticket can not be used on InterCity Express, InterCity and EuroCity trains. To find the page on the DB website, under the Tickets & Offers tab, click on Regional Offers option and scroll down that page.
If you are travelling in Germany and other neighbouring countries, plan and purchase your train tickets on Rail Europe.
Christmas Market Tours of Germany & Europe
A number of tour companies offer multi-day tours that include a number of different cities with wonderful Christmas markets. The website Tourradar is a good place to start to find multi-day tours that focus on Christmas markets. They have over 250 European Christmas Market Tours listed for you to choose from.
If you are interested in itineraries that only visit cities in Germany, these two tours look appealing:
