Top 5 Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Germany
Germany is the home of Christmas markets: some of them date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. This tradition continues to this day, and this article introduces you to the five most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany.
If you love the magic of the festive season, you should visit one of the Christmas markets in Germany this year and immerse yourself in the atmosphere. Most of them take place from mid-November until just before Christmas; some even remain open until the end of December. We advise you to check the city administration’s website for exact opening times, but one thing is certain: in most cities in Germany, there is a Christmas market in December.
Germany is also an excellent place for a getaway during the Christmas season. Why not rent a car and drive through the country to see as many sights as possible?
Berlin – Lucia Christmas Market
To start such a journey, there is no better place than the capital of Germany. In Berlin, you have the choice of up to 70 Christmas markets in the city.
How about a visit to the Lucia Christmas Market in Berlin? Among all the Berlin markets, this Christmas market is one of the most incredibly beautiful. The flags at the beautifully decorated stalls and the delicious aroma of delicacies like elk bratwurst will surely tempt you.
The Lucia Christmas Market is also the best Christmas market for shopping in northern Germany. It offers everything your heart desires – from original artworks, handmade jewelry and clothing to delicious street food.
If you are looking for a market with a fairground atmosphere in Berlin, you should visit the Berliner Weihnachtszeit behind Alexanderplatz, where there is a large ice rink and a Ferris wheel.
Be sure to add Berlin to your list of travel destinations!
Munich – Christmas Market at Marienplatz
Our next Christmas market recommendation is in one of the largest cities in Germany: Munich. The Munich Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz in front of the town hall is a world-famous sight. On the main stage, the huge Christmas tree decorated with over 2,500 sparkling lights will enchant you.
This Christmas market takes place in the center of Munich, which means you can also discover many other attractions there.
Leipzig
The Leipzig Christmas Market, whose origins date back to 1458, brings rich history to life. It is not only one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany but also one of the largest, with around 250 illuminated and decorated stalls.
This place, divided into six areas, is truly magical. In the marketplace, you can marvel at the huge Christmas tree, which can be up to 20 meters high. Various performances also take place on the marketplace stage, providing great entertainment for children.
While you are here, you can enjoy some of the many culinary delights of a traditional German festival, explore the city’s traditional medieval market, and take a walk back in time.
Dresden (Striezelmarkt)
The Christmas market in Dresden, known among Germans as the unofficial Christmas capital, is one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world and represents a rich German tradition.
At this market, you will find many traditional delicacies, such as Striezel or Strutzel, a popular German cake. The marketplace, where the events take place, is located right between Dresden’s old town with its stunning architectural sights and the Elbe River, which flows majestically in the background.
This is a beautiful, picturesque Christmas market that will captivate you.
Nuremberg, Christkindlesmarkt
This is another popular German Christmas market with an impressive number of 2 million visitors annually. With a total of 11 different markets, you should not miss this event.
This market is also known as the “little town of wood and cloth” and offers you a great opportunity to purchase unique gifts such as clothing made from local wool, schnapps, gingerbread, and many other delicious German specialties. A specialty you should not miss is the traditional Nuremberg bratwurst: hot off the grill, it will warm you up as you stroll through the stalls.
If you are looking for an unparalleled Christmas experience, this is the perfect Christmas market. With Christmas carols in the air and traditional stalls, you will feel like you are stepping back in time.
The celebrations are opened by the Christkind, who traditionally brings gifts for the children. This lady is adorned with gold and has been the symbol of the Nuremberg Christmas market for many, many years.
Make this year’s holiday something different: feel the magic of the Christmas season and take a Roadtrip through Germany with stops at some of the most beautiful Christmas markets. With its fantastic highway network and excellent accommodations, Germany is a country made for exploring.
