Recommendations for Advent: The most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany

Created: 12/03/2022, 11:00 am

More than 3,000 Christmas markets take place in Germany every year.

This begs the question: Which cities are particularly worth visiting? 

With the beginning of Advent, numerous Christmas markets open their doors again in Germany.

After all, what could be nicer than a relaxed stroll along picturesque stalls?

The best thing is that we can also conveniently do our Christmas shopping.

After all, everything from wooden handicrafts to Christmas tree decorations is sold in the wooden huts.

Gourmets also get their money's worth.

After all, what would a visit to the Christmas market be without the obligatory cup of mulled wine and delicacies?

Just thinking about the wide range of gingerbread, roasted almonds or waffles can make your mouth water.

But where are the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany?

Our list will help you plan your next Advent outing better.

Dresden Striezelmarkt © jmfoto/Imago

The most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany: 1st Dresden Striezelmarkt

The Dresden Striezelmarkt is worth a visit for many reasons.

It has been held since 1434 and is therefore one of the oldest Christmas markets of all.

Right in the middle of the market, a 14.62 meter high step pyramid rises out of the Ore Mountains and is one of the city's Christmas symbols.

The highlights also include the cutting of a giant tunnel weighing around three tons.

At the opening of the Christmas market, this will be taken to the Altmarkt as part of a festive ceremony and cut into small pieces with a 1.6 meter long knife, which will then be sold. 

The most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany: 2nd Aachen Christmas market

During the Advent season, Aachen is transformed into a real Christmas paradise.

Around 1.5 million visitors flock here every year to be enchanted by the atmospheric atmosphere.

The Aachen Christmas market is also a popular destination in neighboring countries such as Belgium or Holland, as it is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe.

Over 100 stalls present a wide range of different traditional goods.

Don't forget to spoil your taste buds too - for example with the famous Aachener Printen.

The gingerbread biscuits have been baked in Aachen since 1820 and are traditionally eaten at Christmas.

The most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany: 3rd Augsburg Christkindlesmarkt

If you are looking for a Christmas market that is as traditional as it is beautiful, you will find it in the Fugger city of Augsburg.

The Christmas market there has a tradition of more than 500 years and, with its 150 stalls, inspires visitors from Germany and abroad.

A particular highlight is the angel play: every weekend, 23 angels appear in the windows of the Augsburg town hall and transform the façade into a giant advent calendar.

The angel play is accompanied by Christmas music.

The most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany: 4th Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt

With two million visitors a year, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of the largest Christmas markets in Germany and possibly the best-known in the world.

It opened its doors for the first time in 1628, making it one of the oldest Christmas markets of all.

Visitors can expect a wide range of products with over 200 sales booths.

The notorious Nuremberg gingerbread, which has a long tradition, is definitely a must.

The spiced treat was baked in monasteries as early as the Middle Ages.

If you prefer something hearty, you should try the Nuremberg bratwurst.

There is even a meatless alternative for vegetarians and vegans.

The most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany: 5th Trier Christmas market

Mulled wine lovers should definitely make a detour to the Christmas market in Trier.

There are many specialties there, such as the original "Winzermulled Wine" from the Moselle or the "Glühviez" with apples from the Eifel.

The delicious hot drinks keep you warm even when the temperature is freezing, so that nothing stands in the way of a longer stroll.

The atmospheric market attracts numerous visitors from neighboring countries France, Luxembourg and Belgium every year.

At the opening of the Trier Christmas market, the mulled wine queen is also chosen - the only one of its kind in Germany! 

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The most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany: 6th Lübeck Christmas Market

Lübeck is not called the “Christmas City of the North” for nothing.

The traditional Christmas market takes place on the market square in front of the historic town hall.

The medieval old town serves as a magical backdrop and creates a festive atmosphere with the many lights and decorated Christmas trees.

The beginnings of the Lübeck Christmas market go back to the 17th century, when it was first mentioned in a document.

If you still haven't had enough after your visit, you can stroll around in the side streets at other Christmas markets.

These include the historic Christmas market in the churchyard of St. Marien or the fairytale forest at the foot of the Marienkirche.

The most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany: 7th Esslingen Medieval Market and Christmas Market

Fancy a different kind of Christmas market?

Then the medieval market in Esslingen could be just the thing for you.

Here traders in historical costumes offer their goods for sale, while jugglers and fire-eaters provide entertainment and children's eyes light up.

Craftsmanship is not neglected either: blacksmiths, pewterers, rope makers, glassblowers and broom makers show old arts.

More than 500 items on the program take visitors into the magical world of the Middle Ages.

The highlights include the traditional torchlight procession to Esslingen Castle and the falconry demonstrations.

The most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany: 8th Reiterlesmarkt in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Those who like it romantic should definitely pay a visit to the Reiterlesmarkt in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

The special backdrop of the historic old town with the numerous half-timbered houses creates a unique atmosphere.

It is best to make a full day trip out of the visit and take the opportunity to stroll through the winding streets.

Not only the medieval charm attracts numerous visitors every year, but also the culinary offer.

Whether tarte flambée, Christmas cookies or various types of mulled wine: there is something for every sweet tooth.

Rothenburg also has a Christmas Museum that is open all year round.

The most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany: 9th Romantic Christmas Market in Regensburg

You can experience an unforgettable atmosphere at the Romantic Christmas Market in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Regensburg.

The market is held in the castle courtyard of Thurn und Taxis Castle and attracts thousands of visitors every year.

A market village with fairytale-like decorated wooden houses shines in front of the glow of atmospheric lights.

There, from potters to felters, craftsmen of every trade offer their goods.

The members of the princely house of Thurn and Taxis also regularly mingle with visitors to the Budendorf.

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The most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany: 10th Christmas market in Cologne's old town

No other German city attracts as many visitors with its Christmas markets as Cologne.

The rustic “Heinzels Wintermärchen” is located in the heart of the old town.

Rustic huts are lined up close together here and create a fairytale atmosphere.

140 historic stands offer everything a culinary heart desires, from apple punch, smoked salmon, grilled skewers, Cologne Riev cooking and Christmas pastries.

There is of course a wide range of different craftsmen.

Visitors will even find an ice skating rink in the “home of the Heinzel”.

The most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany: 11th Coburg Christmas market

The Christmas market in Coburg is wonderfully romantic.

Year after year, the festive stall magic on the market square casts a spell over visitors.

Plenty of regional delicacies are for sale in the picturesque cottages.

Strengthened with a portion of roasted chestnuts or the famous Coburg bratwurst, you can stroll along the stalls and enjoy the sky of lights around the Prince Albert monument.

In the evenings, choirs and bands provide musical entertainment and create the perfect Christmas atmosphere.

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The most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany: 12th Schwerin Christmas Market

The Christmas market in Schwerin is also known as "The Star in the North".

A huge Christmas tree shines with 10,000 lights on the Old Town Market Square.

Children in particular will have a lot of fun during a visit: Here they can expect a wide range of entertainment from puppet theater to baking and handicrafts.

Children can also pay a visit to Santa Claus during his daily office hours.

But adults also get their money's worth and can get in the mood for the festival of love in front of the romantic backdrop of half-timbered houses and old town streets.

The most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany: 13th Christmas Market and Christmas Forest Goslar

A festively decorated winter forest awaits visitors in the World Heritage city of Goslar.

Even die-hard Christmas haters get into the Advent mood when they see the 60 illuminated conifers and the fairytale atmosphere.

The Christmas market itself comes up with 60 rustic little houses that shine in the glow of romantic lights.

The Christmas market opens with a traditional lantern parade.