If you ask me what is the one thing 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 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 have visited and loved in Germany while living abroad, and these are 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 mixed stories that Vienna, Austria, may have started this tradition around 1296. Dating back to the Middle Ages, the winter markets would open for a day or two to allow the locals to sell and shop for any essentials needed 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 as the Oldest, genuine Christmas Market in the World. Today, the tradition of the Christmas Market is evident in Germany as more than 3,000 markets open 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 Calendar in the Mosel Valley Region. 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 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 December 1- December 24.
Additionally, a Christmas torchlight swimming (December 2, 2023) 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, like the St. Nikolaus hike and a Christmas firework show (December 17, 2023 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, from the local cuisines of tarte flambée, gingerbread, roasted almonds and chestnuts, and more. Finally, don’t miss what the Mosel is known for delicious Reisling mulled wine.
When: November 24 to December 23, 2023
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 the punch for charming. Since it isn’t far from Cologne’s (more on that in a bit) well-known Christmas Market, it’s one of the quieter, yet still lively ones that makes it special. Additionally, it’s one of my favorite cities to explore as there are multitudes of local things to do and visit, such as the HARIBO Factory, Beethoven’s home, several museums, Schloss Drachenburg in Königswinter, and more.
When: November 23 to December 23, 2023
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 one 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 hanging on to the holiday charms 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 on this specific market; you can find that post here.
When: November 23, 2023 to January 6, 2024
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 23 to December 23, 2023
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 quaint and charming, the Mainz Christmas Market is one of the best. This was one of the most charming city Christmas markets I have visited. The market is located in the heart of the city 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 flowing directly next to the city. The sparkling Christmas lights shine brightly in the city center, surrounded by quaint stalls festively decorated to sell delicious holiday favorites, gifts, trinkets, and more.
When: November 30th to December 23rd, 2023
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 will vary yearly).
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 at one point 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, there is a Children’s Market located in Luisenplatz that takes place from November 28, 2023, to January 14, 2024. This market features an impressive light display, a children’s railway, a carousel, an ice skating rink, a children’s bakery, stands with food, and arts and crafts.
When: November 28 to December 23, 2023
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 Rüdesheim am Rhein Christmas Market. Not only is this a perfect location next to the Rhine River, but also it’s 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, 2023
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 set up in 1434, and the name Striezelmarkt came to be, where the specialty bread originating in Dresden, called Stollen, was sold. Today, the market is located in Altmarkt (the oldest square in the city), 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 within walking distance in the Alstadt. This website is helpful to find information for all the other markets inside the city of Dresden.
When: November 29 to December 24, 2023
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 from the Ore Mountains, known for their woodworking specialty items. 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 sprawled all over the city. The Striezelmarkt’s location is in Altmarkt, 01067 Dresden
Opening Hours: Daily: 10am to 9pm
Opening day (29 November): 4 to 9pm
Christmas Eve (24 December): 10am to 2pm
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 that are transformed into a Christmas cellar 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 24, 2023 to January 1, 2024
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 will vary according to the day/night you attend; see more here.
Final Thoughts
Germany knows how to celebrate the holidays, and the Christmas Markets are a true example. The smells, sights, sounds, and people gathering around the markets are what make the markets so special and just bring that Christmas nostalgia to light. There are many more Christmas Markets that are charming throughout 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!
