The best Christmas markets in Germany

It was from Germany that the tradition of organizing Christmas markets originated and then spread throughout Europe. Enjoy the magic of Christmas at the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany.

I have been going to Prague for Christmas for many years. But when I visited the Christmas markets in Nuremberg, I realized the big difference in the Christmas traditions of these countries. German Christmas markets are more authentic, there are many handmade products here, and they are very unusual – from microscopic toys for creating Advent nativity scenes, to small houses in pieces of tree bark or in dried tinder. The fantasy and diversity are amazing!

Therefore, I have made a selection of German cities for you where you can enjoy Advent to the fullest.

Тop planning tip: Christmas markets in most cities in Germany close after the afternoon of December 24th! Don’t expect a festive atmosphere on Christmas Day – everything is closed in the evening because everyone is celebrating at home. But on the other days of Advent – it’s incredibly beautiful, fun and delicious!

Nuremberg – Christmas markets number one

28 November – 24 December 2025

The Christmas markets in Nuremberg are considered the most beautiful in all of Germany. At the same time, they are one of the oldest in the country. Buy yourself some lebkuchen – German glazed cookies, fried almonds or the famous German sausages and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere of Nuremberg.

The Nuremberg Christmas market, Christkindlesmarkt, is considered one of the best in Germany. It is held every year on the main square of the city – Hauptmarkt. It is also one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world. Since the end of November, pavilions with delicacies, souvenirs and handmade toys, aromas of mulled wine, grog and fried sausages have been set up throughout the Old Town.

There are usually over 180 stalls on the Hauptmarkt Square, and there is also an entertainment program for children. Christmas nativity scenes are built around it, over which bright stars shine. The capital of German Christmas welcomes its guests with the famous Nuremberg gingerbread, sausages, mulled wine and a cozy atmosphere.

The best Christmas markets in Nuremberg 2025:

Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in the world. The wooden stalls of the “little town of wood and cloth” offer traditional handmade Christmas decorations as well as sweet treats such as gingerbread and Spekulatius. More than 180 market stalls are decorated for Christmas with fresh greenery and lights. Christmas nativity scenes are set up around them, with bright stars shining above them. The German Christmas capital welcomes its visitors with the famous Nuremberg gingerbread, sausages, mulled wine and a cozy atmosphere.
The twin-town Christmas market on Rathausplatz. Nuremberg has a city partnership with 13 cities; it has friendly relations with eight additional communities. On Rathausplatz, Nuremberg’s twin cities offer handicrafts and delicacies, and craftsmen and artisans work in the Crafts Court. The proceeds from the handmade Christmas decorations go to charities in the twin cities. Immerse yourself in this unique atmosphere and enjoy the magic of the Nuremberg Christmas Market!
The Children’s Market on Hans-Sachs-Platz is a Christmas town for children. There will be a large children’s program on the square and in the Sternenhaus mansion near St. Catherine’s Monastery. At the Children’s Christmas Market, young visitors can bake cookies, color Christmas baubles, write their Christmas wish list, and ride an old-fashioned carousel or Ferris wheel.

Nuremberg in winter for two days – what to see in the most beautiful Christmas city in Germany

Where to stay in Nuremberg:

Hotel Central – in the very center, 2 minutes from Hauptmarkt Square.
Melter Hotel & Apartments – Very stylish and not very expensive hotel in the city center.
Oldtown Studios by dasPaul – Studio apartments with a kitchenette, for those planning to stay in Nuremberg for several days.
Hotel Elch – A small boutique hotel for those who appreciate pleasant service and a feeling of home.

Dresden – the largest festive stollen

27 November – 24 December 2025

Advent markets in Dresden are extremely popular. On Christmas Eve, thousands of garlands are lit on the streets and squares of Dresden, and 11 Christmas markets start operating at the same time. One of the oldest fairs in Europe, founded in the 15th century – the Striezelmarkt, is held here. This year, the Dresden fair will present residents and guests of the city with wonderful gifts for the 590th time, enveloping them in the aroma of fresh pastries, spices and pine needles.

In the city, you can visit several beautiful markets with a diverse Christmas program, from concerts and ice skating to an evening cruise on the Elbe.

During Advent, a large-scale festival of the unique Dresden baking tradition is traditionally held at the Striezelmarkt. The traditional stollen cake, weighing several tons, is baked here. Then it is carried through the historic part of the city Altstadt, accompanied by the Stollenmädchen – the “Stollen Maidens“, after which it is ceremonially cut on the Striezelmarkt and sold. The proceeds go to charity.

In the city, you can visit several beautiful markets with a diverse Christmas program, from concerts and ice skating to an evening cruise on the Elbe.

What to taste and buy at the markets of Dresden: handmade Saxon ceramics, Meissen porcelain, wooden decorations, paper Christmas stars, traditional stollen cake.

The best Christmas markets in Dresden 2025

The main Advent market is the Štrýclmarkt on Altmarkt Square. This is Germany’s oldest Christmas market. On the stalls you will find works of art, blue-printed fabrics, traditional Christmas decorations, so-called Pokrovsky stars and much more. Take Dresden Christmas stew or sausage with your meal. For children, there is usually a puppet show, baking cookies, a carousel or even a cinema.
Combine entertainment with shopping and go to the Advent markets, which are located on the lively shopping street Prager Straße. If you arrive by train, you will definitely not miss it, because it starts right at the main station and ends at Altmarkt Square. There are many classic shops along the way, as well as shopping centers, e.g. Karstadt Department Store. A little further, just past Prager Straße, is the Altmarkt shopping gallery.
Medieval fairs are held in the courtyard of the Residenzschloss, the magical atmosphere of which is enhanced by jugglers and circus performers.
Other markets are also located near the Frauenkirche church or on Neumarkt square.

Tip: The main character of the Dresden markets is the chimney sweep made of prunes. It is called Pflaumentoffel and you will see it in many places. In past years, children at the main market were even able to make such figures themselves, so maybe this year they will succeed too.

Where to stay in Dresden:

limehome Dresden Wallstraße – Very nice apartments near Postplatz, where one of Dresden’s Christmas markets takes place.
Apartment am Neumarkt – inexpensive apartments near Neumarkt for a large family, accommodates up to 6 people.
Hotel Suitess – готель біля набережної Ельби в центрі міста.

Christmas in Berlin – where to taste festive currywurst

25 November – 31 December 2025

Berlin’s Christmas markets are always about atmosphere, a mug of mulled wine and good company. And although Berlin does not claim to be the “Christmas capital“, on Christmas Eve there is a palpable energy of magic pulsing here, echoing among the market stalls on the city squares. The number of events held in Berlin and winter markets can easily overshadow the traditional fairs in Cologne or Nuremberg.

There are over 70 Christmas markets in Berlin. All of them are beautifully lit, tantalizing with the aromas of pastries, punch and the popular German sausage – currywurst. The most popular markets are usually located in the city center.

The best fairs in Berlin

The Christmas market near the Red Town Hall – the old residence of the Berlin government – is considered one of the oldest in the German capital. The design of the shopping arcades here retains the original color from the beginning of the 20th century. There are several well-known signs of the main Christmas market in Berlin: a 50-meter Ferris wheel in festive illumination and a huge ice rink. Nearby is a nativity scene – a contact farm – with friendly donkeys and horses, young guests of the fair really like to communicate.
The craftsmen’s market is located at the fair on Gendarmenmarkt – here you can see how Christmas tree decorations are made. The local ice rink is one of the largest in Europe. The fair is designed in the style of the turn of the 18th-19th centuries: shopping tents, stylized as wooden houses of that time, workers dressed in the uniform of French soldiers of the Napoleonic era. Here you will find a varied accompanying program. Acrobats, dancers, choirs and jugglers will perform on stage. You can watch the craftsmen at work in a heated tent.
The most popular fair is in the Gedechtniskirche on Kurfürstendamm, where tourists and locals rush to buy gifts for the holidays. And during the pleasant bustle, drink a glass of mulled wine, snacking on it with roasted chestnuts. Mulled wine can be berry, cherry, plum, apricot – the number of varieties goes beyond all possible limits. A Christmas glass in memory of the Berlin holidays is an ideal gift for 3-4 euros. And with it you can buy a bottle of Glint, which is sold in supermarkets.
Christmas market on Alexanderplatz. Ride a carousel or an ice rink. The Advent market on Berlin’s most famous square puts on a varied program every year. Tip: Nearby is the famous TV tower with a beautiful view of the city, as well as the Alexa shopping mall, where you can go for gifts.

Where to stay in Berlin:

The Social Hub Berlin Alexanderplatz≫ – Great location right next to Alexanderplatz and the regional train station. Very easy to get to and from the airport. There are also two supermarkets nearby and a bunch of cafes and coffee shops. The rooms are comfortable, there is a coffee machine. Convenient check-in, there is an option for self-check-in.
Leonardo Hotel Berlin Mitte≫ – Excellent location of the hotel, many restaurants nearby and a few meters to all the attractions. But at the same time, it is quiet to relax in the hotel. Check-in is very fast, standard room with a large balcony overlooking the city and the river. The room itself is small, but comfortable, clean and bright. The rooms have everything you need, modern design, coffee set, and high-quality perfumery with Dead Sea minerals.
Hotel Aquino Berlin≫ – The hotel’s location is excellent (5-10 minutes to the cathedral), very clean, large comfortable bed, comfortable new bathroom.

Where to stay in Berlin – the best areas for tourists

Visit the Advent markets in Munich

25 November – 24 December 2025

Christmas holidays are also celebrated here as they should be. There are several fairs scattered throughout the city that attract tourists from all over the world.

The best Christmas markets in Munich

Christmas Markets on Marienplatz

Undoubtedly the most visited Munich market in the city center. Every year a giant Christmas tree is set up here, carols are sung in the evening and a ghost parade takes place regularly. Against the romantic backdrop of the neo-Gothic town hall on Marienplatz, the village of Christmas houses enchants with its old Bavarian charm. It is not only a home to living customs and old crafts, but also, perhaps, the largest nativity scene market in Germany.

Medieval Market on Wittelsbacherplatz

Jesters, knights and medieval music. See how Christmas was celebrated in the Middle Ages and treat yourself to delicious mead. Traders in historical costumes offer their goods for sale. Artisans demonstrate old crafts. The culinary offerings of the Middle Ages are also not left without attention: bakers prepare the traditional tarte flambé on site, and grilled sausages sizzle over an open fire made of beech wood. Hot drinks such as Drachenglut (dragon embers) and spiced wine are prepared according to traditional recipes.

Viktualienmarkt

During the Christmas season, the popular market exudes a special charm – a variety of delicious treats invite you to snack. In addition, guests are welcomed by Christmas lights, Advent magic and mulled wine. A visit to the nativity scene in the beer garden, which perfectly reflects the market atmosphere, is a must.

This year, Bavaria’s largest mobile ice rink will once again be on Karlsplatz-Stachus: visitors can skate in the center of Munich from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. at “Eiszauber“. The program changes daily: on Monday, for example, everyone wearing a Dirndl and Lederhosen has free admission to “Tracht on Ice“. Party hits are played at “Saturday Night Fever“, and on Sunday, two people can skate for the price of one.

Christmas market at Sendlinger Tor

Vendors from all over the world offer extravagant Christmas baubles, painted candles, aromatic oils, ceramics, jewelry, Indian handicrafts, wooden toys and much more. There is plenty of food and drink. To warm up, there is spicy mulled wine and Feuerzangenbowle, which literally means “fire tongs punch”. And of course, non-alcoholic hot drinks. A daily changing program with Christmas music puts visitors young and old in the mood for the Advent season.

Where to stay in Munich:

Hotel Deutsche Eiche≫ – The location is amazing – close to the central places in a few minutes walk. The rooms have comfortable beds, free mini bar, blackout windows, heated floors in the bathroom, giant TV. The roof terrace is the icing on the cake – you can have breakfast there while admiring the view.
Hotel Mirabell by Maier Privathotels≫ – The property is in a good location, close to public transport and the Altstadt. The rooms are very comfortable and clean, the hotel has friendly staff.
Euro Youth Hotel Munich≫ – Very cheap hotel in the city center. The hotel is in an old building, but after a major renovation. The rooms are clean, with a balcony, a map and a booklet for tourists. Located 20 minutes from the city center.

Useful articles and links:

Find train tickets in Europe conveniently on Trainline
Hire a car – on Rentalcars.com
Travel Medical Insurance – online on the portal HotlineFinance
Booking of hotels and apartments – Booking.com

Christmas in Germany – the most beautiful markets in 2025

Nuremberg – Christmas markets number one