Christmas markets are one of the most famous and beloved German holiday traditions. In the markets you get to stroll along the glamorously lit shopping streets and enjoy the Glühwein(mulled wine), sausages, freshly baked waffles and candied almonds. Choosing the right Christmas Markets can be tricky when there are so many options available. Here are my top 5 picks:
5. Berlin
The Capital of Germany and one of Europes most fascinating cities, has over 100 Christmas markets catering to all kinds of visitors. There are however a few Markets that are particularly interesting.
Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market
Address: Gendarmenmarkt 1, 10117 Berlin
Located on one of the most beautiful squares in Berlin, this Christmas market has an exquisite look and consists of a mixture of fine arts, culinary delights, old handicrafts as well as shows and animation on the stage and on the square. Embedded in the historic backdrop of the Gendarmenmarkt with the French Cathedral, German Cathedral and Konzerthaus Berlin.
Breitscheidplatz Christmas Market
Address: Kurfürstendamm 237, 10789 Berlin
It is located around Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church commonly known by locals as “der hohle Zahn”(the hollow tooth) on Breitscheidplatz has over 100 beautifully decorated market stalls From classic decorations to glass and bronze art and lovingly crafted toys. It is also suitable for young visitors as there are carousels and amusement rides.
Alexanderplatz Christmas Market
Address: Alexanderplatz, 10178 Berlin
This is the most popular Christmas Market of Berlin. It is a between a traditional market and a fun fair. There are over 100 stalls of food, traditional crafts and Christmas decorations. You will smell mulled wine and bratwurst everywhere on Berlin’s most famous square.
4. Leipzig Christmas Market
It is not only one of the oldest but also one of the largest Christmas markets in Germany with over 250 stalls. It is located on Marktplatz (market square). There is a Christmas tree in the center which can be as high as twenty meters.
Recommended Places to Stay in Leipzig:
NH Leipzig Zentrum
Radisson Blu Hotel Leipzig
Arthotel Ana Symphonie
MEININGER Hotel Leipzig Hauptbahnhof
Limehome Leipzig Ritterstraße
3. Rothenburg ob der Tauber Reiterlesmarkt
Address: Marktplatz, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Dates: November 25, 2022 – December 23, 2022
This medieval city in the north of Bavaria. This city was not destroyed in World War and one can feel a historical vibe walking in cobblestone lanes among half-timbered houses.
It is highly recommended to visit “Käthe Wohlfahrt” which is a Christmas Village where you will find the largest selection of German Christmas decorations worldwide and its open all year around.
Recommended Places to Stay in Rotenburg:
Hotel-Gasthof Post
Hotel Rothenburger Hof
Hotel-Gasthof Goldener Greifen
Am Hofbrunnen
Hotel Sonne
2. Nuremberg Christmas Market
Address: Hauptmarkt, 90403 Nürnberg
Dates: November 25, 2022 – December 24, 2022
It is one of the most famous Christmas Markets in the world. Visited by over 2 million tourists every year. Don’t miss out on Nurembergers which are small marjoram-flavored pork sausages that has been a staple for at least 500 years.
Recommended Places to Stay in Nuremberg:
Park Plaza NurembergPark Inn by Radisson Nürnberg
Ibis Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof
Holiday Inn Nürnberg City Centre
a&o Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof
1. Dresden Christmas Market
Address: Altmarkt, 01067 Dresden
Dates: November 23, 2022 – December 24, 2022
Striezelmarkt started back in the 15th Century and is one of the most traditional Christmas markets. The word ‘Striezel’ actually refers to a cake made at this time of year. With many of the customs surrounding the main city market stemming from local industries like mining, woodworking and pottery. It is easily one of the most famous Christmas Markets in the world and my personal favourite. Dresden is a very historical city and a gem of Eastern Germany.
Recommended Places to Stay in Dresden:
You can read everything about German Christmas Markets in the post: