- Guide to Germany's Christmas Markets.
- Guide to Germany's Largest Christmas markets.
- German Christmas Market Gift Guide
The Rudesheim International Christmas Market
Rudesheim, Germany26 Nov. - 23 Dec.
The small town of Rudesheim sits on the Rhine River and is full of cozy little wine bars with a view to castles on the hillsides across the river. The Rudesheim International Christmas Market has more than 120 stalls representing 12 nations. The town boasts Europe's largest nativity scene with life-size figures.
Trier Christmas Market
Trier, Germany26 Nov. - 22 Dec.
2006 Germany's oldest city hosts this Christmas market, allowing visitors to add enjoy the the Christmas market and visit Trier's architectural monuments at the same time.
Esslingen Medieval Christmas Market
Esslingen, Germany23 Nov. - 22 Dec.
The historic town of Esslingen dates back to 777 and hosts a Medieval Christmas Market in the Rathausplatz - people dress in Medieval costumes and stroll the market singing carols and offering up various wares.
Aachen Christmas Market
Aachen, Germany23 Nov.- 23 Dec.
Aachen brings its friendly atmosphere to the forefront for the Christmas market here held in the area around the Rathaus. Make sure you take time to tour the Aachen Cathedral.
Würzburg Christmas Market
Würzburg, Germany30 Nov. - 23 Dec.
You are likely to have snow when you visit the Würzburg Christmas Market. The historic town of Würzburg is a lovely place to while away the hours wandering through the stalls of the Christmas market in the town square.
Augsburg Christmas Market
Augsburg, Germany29 Nov. - 23 Dec.
The city of Mozart hosts a beautiful market with a giant Advent calendar that is created in the windows of the city hall. The market is held on the Rathausplatz and Martin-Luther-Platz.
Bernkastel-Kues Christmas Market
Bernkastel-Kues, Germany24 Nov. - 23 Dec.
This Christmas market is incredibly beautiful and is held in front of the 600-year-old Michaelskirche in the old city of this famous, half-timbered wine town on the Mosel. The program includes a "Nikolaus-Wanderung" through the forests and vineyards that surround the town.
Hamelin Christmas Market
Hamelin, Germany28 Nov. - 23 Dec.
Visit the Pied Piper's city and stroll through the half-timbered buildings for this old fashioned Christmas Market. The creche here is actually a petting zoo - fun for the kids.
Heidelberg Christmas Market
Heidelberg, Germany28 Nov. - 23 Dec.
Heidelberg pulls out all the stops for Christmas as the city fills with Christmas markets in the shadow of the castle. There are lots of special activities for the kids including cookie baking and candle making.
Regensburg Christmas Market
Regensburg, Germany30 Nov. - 23 Dec.
Held in the courtyard of the Turn und Taxis Palace, decorated with thousands of lights, candles, lanterns and sparklers, this is a particularly romantic spot for a Christmas market.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany 30 Nov. - 23 Dec.
This medieval fairy tale city is even more magical during the Christmas Reiterlesmarkt. The Reiterle was the Germanic god Wotan, who rode his horse around during the winter to distribute gifts to the poor. At this market he, along with St. Nicholas, distributes gifts to the children.
Lübeck Christmas Market
Lubeck, Germany28 Nov. - 23 Dec.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Altstadt of Lübeck has over half a dozen Christmas markets and the city is fully decked out for Christmas. Make sure to buy marzipan, the local speciality here and visit the fairy tale themed Weihnachtsmärchenwald an der Marienkirche complete with costumed performers. If you are here for New Years, make sure to visit the New Years Market in close by Travemünde.
Chemnitz Christmas Market
Chemnitz, Germany30 Nov. - 23 Dec.
Just south of Dresden, Chemnitz offers up fine Erzgebirge wooden crafts ranging from tree ornaments and nutcrackers to smokers, schwibbogen, pyramids, and much more from the region.
Erfurt Christmas Market
Erfurt, Germany26 Nov. - 23 Dec.
The 1,250 year old city of Erfurt holds a large Christmas market in the Domplatz in front of St. Mary's Cathedral, the St. Severus Church (A UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Petersburg Hill with its walled Baroque fortress. More than 200 booths sell local handicrafts and foods - a speciality of the area is Reisenbratwurst, a giant veal sausage served with a tiny baguette. If you need to warm up, try some of the Gulaschsuppe.
