Christmas Markets in Germany: A Traveller's Guide
Germany invented the Christmas market, and nobody does it better. From late November through Christmas Eve, town squares across the country transform into wooden-stall wonderlands filled with handmade ornaments, roasted almonds, and the warm, spiced scent of Gluhwein. Whether you visit one market or tour half a dozen, a German Christmas market trip is one of the most memorable winter experiences Europe has to offer.
Nuremberg: The Christkindlesmarkt
Nuremberg's market is the most famous in Germany, and for good reason. Over two million visitors come each year to browse nearly 200 stalls in the Hauptmarkt square. The market is known for its Nuremberg bratwurst (smaller and more seasoned than typical German sausages), Lebkuchen (spiced gingerbread), and Zwetschgenmannle (little figures made from dried plums). The opening ceremony, led by the Christkind (a local teenager chosen to play the Christmas angel), is a tradition dating back centuries.
Cologne: Five Markets, One City
Cologne doesn't settle for a single market. The city runs five major Christmas markets simultaneously, each with its own character. The market at the Cathedral (Kolner Dom) is the most dramatic, with the Gothic cathedral towering overhead and lit up against the night sky. The harbour market at the Chocolate Museum offers views over the Rhine, while the Angel Market on Neumarkt has a more traditional feel.
Touring Multiple Markets?
A Christmas market tour through Germany, Austria, and France can use up Schengen days quickly. Use Entorii to track every day and make sure you have enough left for your return trip.
Dresden: The Striezelmarkt
Dresden's Striezelmarkt is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, running since 1434. The market's centrepiece is a 14-metre-tall Christmas pyramid, and the highlight is the Stollen Festival in early December, where a giant version of the traditional fruit bread is paraded through the city and sliced for visitors. Dresden's Baroque old town, rebuilt after the war, provides a stunning backdrop for evening market visits.
Munich: Tradition in the Heart of Bavaria
Munich's Christkindlmarkt fills the Marienplatz with stalls selling hand-carved nativity figures, Bavarian glass ornaments, and hot Gluhwein served in collectible mugs. The market is smaller than Nuremberg or Cologne, but the setting beneath the neo-Gothic town hall and its famous Glockenspiel makes it feel intimate and special. For something different, the Medieval Christmas Market at Wittelsbacher Platz recreates a market from centuries past, with performers in period costume and goods made using traditional techniques.
What to Eat and Drink
Gluhwein is the universal Christmas market drink: red wine heated with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and citrus. Most markets also serve Eierpunsch (a richer, egg-based warm punch) and hot chocolate. For food, expect bratwurst in various regional styles, Kartoffelpuffer (crispy potato pancakes served with apple sauce), roasted chestnuts, and Schmalzkuchen (small doughnuts dusted with powdered sugar).
Each market has its own mug design, and there's a deposit system. You pay a few euros extra for the mug and can return it for a refund, or keep it as a souvenir. Collecting mugs from different markets has become a tradition for many repeat visitors.
Planning Your Trip
Most German Christmas markets open in late November and close on December 23rd or 24th. Weekday evenings are less crowded than weekends. Travel between cities by train is easy and comfortable. A Munich to Nuremberg journey takes about an hour by ICE high-speed train, and Cologne to Dresden takes about four and a half hours with one change.
Two weeks is enough to visit four or five cities at a comfortable pace. That's 14 Schengen days, leaving you with 76 for the rest of the year. A manageable investment for an experience you won't forget.
Planning your Christmas market trip? Read our full Germany Schengen Guide for entry requirements and travel tips. If you're combining markets in multiple countries, check the Austria and Czech Republic guides too.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do German Christmas markets open and close?
Most German Christmas markets open in late November (often the Monday before the first Advent Sunday) and close on December 23rd or 24th. A few markets, like the one in Munich's Marienplatz, may extend slightly past Christmas. Dates vary by city, so check each market's official schedule before booking your trip.
Which German Christmas market is the best?
Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt is the most famous, known for its nearly 200 stalls, Nuremberg bratwurst, and centuries-old traditions. Cologne offers five markets in one city with the dramatic Cathedral market. Dresden's Striezelmarkt is one of the oldest, dating back to 1434. The best market depends on your preferences for size, atmosphere, and food.
Do German Christmas markets count toward Schengen days?
Yes. Germany is a Schengen member state, so every day spent visiting Christmas markets counts toward your 90-day Schengen allowance within any rolling 180-day period. A typical two-week market tour uses 14 of your 90 available days.
What is Gluhwein and how much does it cost?
Gluhwein is mulled red wine heated with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and citrus peel. It is the signature drink of German Christmas markets. A cup typically costs 3 to 5 euros, plus a 2 to 3 euro deposit for the ceramic mug. You can return the mug for a refund or keep it as a souvenir.
Can I visit Christmas markets in multiple countries on one trip?
Yes. Germany, Austria, France, and the Czech Republic all have excellent Christmas markets and are well connected by train. A popular route combines Cologne, Nuremberg, Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna. All are Schengen countries, so your days accumulate across the entire trip under the same 90-day limit.