Charming Christmas Markets in Germany

Original Post September 25, 2023 || Updated Post November 14, 2025

If you ask me what the one thing is that comes to mind that made Germany so special when we first moved to the area, it would be the open-air Christmas Markets. When we arrived on German soil a few days before the holidays (December 2018), we didn’t waste any time visiting these markets, one of which we accidentally stumbled upon without knowing it was a market. We heard so many wonderful things about Christmastime here in Europe, and Germany gave us a taste of that magic. Here are some charming Christmas Markets we visited and loved in Germany while living abroad, in no particular order.

Weihnachtsmarkt Origin

Before I delve into the list of Markets, here’s a brief history of Christmas Markets (Weihnachtsmarkt) in Germany. There have been many claims that the Christmas Market tradition originated in Germany in 1434, although I’ve read conflicting stories that Vienna, Austria, may have started it around 1296. Dating back to the Middle Ages, winter markets would open for a day or two to allow locals to sell and shop for essentials for the long winter. These winter markets grew all over Europe as locals began setting up small stalls to sell handcrafted goods, homemade delicacies, baked goods, and more.

Research has shown that the first documented Christmas Market was located in none other than Dresden, Germany, in 1434, dubbed the Oldest, genuine Christmas Market in the World. Today, the tradition of the Christmas Market is evident in Germany, with more than 3,000 markets opening for the festive season. Here are a few of our favorites in Germany.

Weihnachtsmarkt in Bernkastel-Kues

Nestled along the rolling hills of grapevines and the Mosel River, this quintessential medieval town boasts half-timbered buildings, small cobblestone streets you can meander around, a beautiful backdrop of rolling vineyard hills, and one of the largest Advent Christmas Calendars in the Mosel Valley Region. The Bernkastel-Kues Weihnachtsmarkt is one not to be missed. It is a charming town with many surprises in store during the holidays.

Visitors flock to this market, not just for its charming market, but for its ever-popular large Advent calendar. The half-timbered house of the largest Advent Calendar in the Mosel region is located in the market square of the Adler pharmacy, where every evening at 5:30 p.m., a new window opens, displaying a new Christmas song or story for visitors to admire. The Advent calendar evening displays begin on December 1 and continue through December 24.

Additionally, a Christmas torchlight swimming (December 7, 2025) event takes place on the Mosel. From the Kues harbor, swimmers start their course, carrying torchlights as they make their way toward the old train station at Bernkastel, while the swimmers carefully carry St. Nikolaus on a boat. Once he arrives on shore, St. Nikolaus hands out presents to the children.

There are many more events throughout the Christmas Market season, such as the St. Nikolaus hike and a Christmas fireworks show (December 20, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.). Most importantly, the town is intricately decorated for the holidays, with festively decorated stalls scattered throughout the Bernkastel-Kues. Each stall offers gifts from traditional crafts and local arts, ornaments, handmade jewelry, children’s toys, and more. Good food is also the star of the market, with local dishes like tarte flambée, gingerbread, roasted almonds and chestnuts, and more. Finally, don’t miss what the Mosel is known for: delicious Riesling mulled wine.

When: November 21 to December 21, 2025

More Information: Here

Why I Love It: It’s small and quaint. It was our first Christmas market adventure outside of our area and it had such a magical vibe to it, even on its last night when we visited.

Location: Located on the Mosel River Valley in Bernkastel- Kues

Opening Hours: You can find hours for their events here.

Bonn Weihnachstmarkt

The city of Beethoven and HARIBO, Bonn, is one of my favorite cities in Germany, and I found its Christmas Market to be worth the visit. On a smaller scale, this Christmas Market still packs a punch in terms of charm. Since it isn’t far from Cologne’s well-known Christmas Market (more on that in a bit), it’s one of the quieter yet still lively ones, which makes it special. Additionally, it’s one of my favorite cities to explore, as there are plenty of local things to do and see, such as the HARIBO Factory, Beethoven’s home, several museums, Schloss Drachenburg in Königswinter, and more.

When: November 21 to December 23, 2025

More Information: Here

Why I Love It: When we visited in 2019, I found the market hopping and charming. It’s near the HARIBO Gummy Bear Factory and Beethoven’s home. Furthermore, my favorite souvenir has to be its cute Christmas mug (disclaimer: the mug designs differ each year).

Location: along Münsterplatz, Bottlerplatz, Friedensplatz in Bonn, Germany

Opening Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; find more here

Baden-Baden Christkindelsmarkt

Here’s another favorite of mine: the Baden-Baden Christkindelsmarkt, near the outskirts of the Black Forest, is simply magical on its own. This one is special because this market goes well into the New Year and does not end until January 6, 2024. It’s one of the few markets still holding on to holiday charm after the New Year. For a small market, it’s still quite charming against the backdrop of the Black Forest mountains, and the city itself is beautiful since it is known as one of the best Spa Towns in Europe. The Christmas market is also one of the most beautiful ones in Germany. I wrote a separate blog post about this specific market; you can find it here.

When: November 27, 2025, to January 6, 2026

More Information: Here

Blog Post: Here

Why I Love It: The market still goes on well into after the New Year, and the Christmas Magic is still present after the holidays. It’s a charming and beautiful city and the Christmas market just adds to its quaintness.

Location: Here

Opening Hours: 11:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m.

Cologne Christmas Market (Kölner Weihnachtsmarkt)

Another of my favorite markets is Cologne’s huge, well-known Weihnachtsmarkt! Featuring six markets scattered throughout the bustling city of Cologne (aka Köln), you can’t go wrong with this market; it has everything for everyone! Simply magical in every way possible, you’ll want to spend an entire day and night to enjoy this huge market! We only got to experience this during the day, but I would have loved to have seen the Christmas lights twinkle at night. Additionally, with six markets, all with their own theme, there’s so much to discover and try at every market! The food scene is huge, and the activities and shopping are endless! Don’t miss the Dom in the city center, where the market begins; furthermore, the train station is conveniently located right next to the Dom.

When: November 14 to December 23, 2025

More Information: Here.

Why I Love It: Six markets with different themes, what’s not to like? Additionally, walking around and locating the six markets is the best way to explore Cologne. Collectible mugs are also fun to look for as you search for the perfect mulled wine from several vendors.

Location: located throughout the city of Cologne. You can find more information for each market location here.

Opening Hours: 11:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m.

Mainz’s Christmas Market

If you want a quaint, charming Christmas market, the Mainz Christmas Market is one of the best. This was one of the most lovely Christmas markets I have visited. The market is located in the heart of Mainz, right next to the 1,000+-year-old Cathedral of St. Martin. Mainz is also the state capital of Rheinland-Pfalz, with the Rhine River running directly alongside the city. The sparkling Christmas lights shine brightly in the city center, surrounded by quaint stalls festively decorated, selling delicious holiday favorites, gifts, trinkets, and more.

When: November 27th to December 23rd, 2025

More Information: Here and Here

Why I Love It: City charm, next to the Rhine River, the sparkling lights decked out above the stalls, and directly located next to the beautiful 1,000-year-old St. Martin Cathedral. Finally, the mug I brought home was one of my favorite souvenirs (mug designs vary each year).

Location: Mainz Alstadt

Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m

Wiesbaden’s Sternschnuppenmarkt

So many charming markets to list. Wiesbaden’s Sternschnuppenmarkt (Twinkling Star) Christmas Market is also another favorite. It was once voted number one nationally. The New Town Hall, Kurhaus Cultural Centre, and Market Square Church are located in the heart of it all. What sets this market apart from all others is the Christmas light displays of large, beautiful, flower-shaped lights lined up along the city market. It’s even more fascinating and beautiful at night.

Additionally, the Children’s Market at Luisenplatz features an impressive light display, a children’s railway, a carousel, an ice-skating rink, a children’s bakery, food stands, and arts and crafts. 

When: November 25 to December 23, 2025

More Information: Here

Why I Love It: The Christmas Light displays and local wine. There is also a Children’s Christmas Market.

Location: The Wiesbaden Christmas Market takes place on the Schlossplatz between the Rathaus and Stadtschloss, as well as around the Marktkirche.

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sunday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m

Rüdesheim Christmas Market

Another favorite on the Rhine River is the romantic Christmas Market in Rüdesheim am Rhein. Not only is this a perfect location next to the Rhine River, but it’s also right next to the rolling vineyard with a view. Unique about this market, it’s known as the Christmas Market of Nations, representing 16 nations from different continents that offer their country’s specialties and traditions. Furthermore, take a cable car and get an amazing view of Rüdesheim from above at the Niederwald landscape park. Finally, the Rüdesheimerkaffe (coffee) is the specialty at local cafes or one of the festive stalls selling local drinks.

When: November 20 to December 23, 2025

More Information: Here

Why I Love It: It’s beautiful and romantic. The cobblestone streets mixed with the rolling vineyards and Rhine River backdrop gives this town a magical appeal, along with the festive stalls decorated throughout.

Opening Hours: Mon – Thu, Sun 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Fri, Sat 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m

Location: Find how to get here from this website.

Dresden’s Christmas Markets

Dresden is huge when it comes to its Christmas markets. With nine markets spread out across the city, it’s a city worth visiting during the holidays. For one thing, it holds the oldest Christmas Market in the World, dating back to the 15th century, known as the Striezelmarkt.

Legend states that the Striezelmarkt was the first Christmas market, established in 1434, and that the name Striezelmarkt came to be because the specialty bread originating in Dresden, called Stollen, was sold there. Today, the market is located in Altmarkt (the city’s oldest square), where knight tournaments were once held. This market boasts of having the largest Erzgebirge step pyramid, which I found quite fascinating.

Over 200 vendor stands sell special, authentic gifts and foods, and it is kid-friendly and magical in every way. I’d say I truly enjoyed this Christmas market, especially in the evenings. It was magical and so authentic! You can pair your visit with the other charming Christmas markets in the city, most of which are within walking distance in the Altstadt. This website is helpful to find information for all the other markets inside the city of Dresden.

When: November 27 to December 24, 2025

More Information: Here

Why I Love It: With the oldest Christmas Market in the World, dating back to the 15th century, it’s easy to see why this market started it all. The large Erzgebirge pyramid is a sight to see. Additionally, the gifts and trinkets here are well-made, most of them from the Ore Mountains, known for their woodworking specialties. The multitude of market food is also enticing. It’s a wonderful market worth the overnight if you can stay in the city.

Location: Alstadt Dresden. However, the markets are scattered throughout the city. The Striezelmarkt’s location is in Altmarkt, 01067 Dresden.

Opening Hours: Daily: 10 am to 9 pm
Opening day (27 November): 4 to 9 pm
Christmas Eve (24 December): 10 am to 2 pm

Mosel WeinNachtsmarkt in Traben-Trarbach

A Christmas Market inside an underground wine cellar? Yes, please! Another cute Christmas Market located along the Mosel is the Traben-Trarbach WeinNachtsmarkt. Enjoy exploring the centuries-old (dating back to the 16th century) wine cellars, transformed into a Christmas market full of vendors selling locally handmade goods, food, and wine. Even more so, each cellar has different wine vendors for wine tasting or just drinking with friends.

When: November 21, 2025, to January 3, 2026

More Information: Here

Why I Love It: You get to explore Traben-Trarbach while meandering around town looking for several wine cellars. It’s also fun to go down to the wine cellars and enjoy the Christmas market atmosphere inside centuries-old cellars.

Location: Traben-Trarbach

Opening Hours: Times vary by day/night; see more here.

Final Thoughts

Germany knows how to celebrate the holidays, and the Christmas Markets are a true example of that. The smells, sights, sounds, and people gathering around the markets are what make them so special and bring that Christmas nostalgia to light. There are many more charming Christmas Markets across the country, and these are just a few of our favorites.

I’ll also update this blog post for more charming markets as we visit new ones each year. What have been your favorite German Christmas Markets in Germany? Let me know in the comments! Until next time, friends, and Happy Market Days! Bis zum nächsten Mal, Freunde, und schöne Markttage!