German Christmas Markets

Esslingen Christmas Market is known for its location in one of the most festive and picturesque cities in Germany, as well as its perfect mix of a traditional Christmas market and one of the most extensive Medieval markets in the country. We first visited this Baden-Württemberg Christmas market in November 2018 and fell in love … Read more

The Essen Christmas Market is known for its glittering city center covered in thousands of golden fairy lights, its diversity in festive stalls, offering over 250 different stands with products from over 20 different countries, and its quiet and well-located location that facilitates access to other stunning Christmas markets in the country. We first visited … Read more

With over 200 wooden stalls spread across the city, the Erfurt Christmas Market (Erfurter Weihnachtsmarkt) is by far one of the most exciting Christmas events in the German state of Thuringia. Known for its hefty variety of locally produced crafts, delicious food options, and effortlessly scenic backdrops, it’s little wonder why the Christmas market here … Read more

Düsseldorf’s Christmas Market scene is known for its seven unique themed markets, which are all scattered around the city and decorated in different (yet beautiful) ways. While its markets aren’t as famous as its nearby counterparts in Cologne, a visit to Düsseldorf for Christmas can be a lot of fun, especially when bundled with all … Read more

Billing itself as ‘the longest Christmas market in Germany’, Duisburg Christmas Market is unique in the country for its lengthy duration – spanning for about 6 weeks from early/mid November until December 30. We first visited this Christmas market in November 2018 and enjoyed exploring all the festive stalls well in advance of markets opening … Read more

Known around the world for its historic centuries-old Striezelmarkt, Dresden’s Christmas Market scene is (for good reason) one of the most famous and beloved in Germany. With seven big Christmas markets scattered around the center of town, Christmas market visitors in Dresden are spoiled for choice, whether they’re looking for an elaborate spin on the … Read more

Christmas City Dortmund (formerly known as Dortmund Christmas Market) is known for having the world’s largest (natural) Christmas tree, weighing in at over 40,000kg… but there’s a lot more to this market than just a record-breaking Weihnachtsbaum. We first visited this Christmas market in November 2018 and had a great time exploring all the different … Read more

Known as the “Weihnachtsmarkt der tausend Sterne” (Christmas Market of a Thousand Stars), the Cottbus Christmas Market is a unique holiday event that takes place every year in Brandenburg’s second largest city. Officially opened each year by the mayor, who cuts into a giant 7 meter long Christstollen, this enchanting Christmas market is considered one … Read more

Cologne Christmas Market is known for its magical views of Christmas lights floating in the shadow of the Dom, some of the most beautifully decorated stalls in the country, and a very unique Christmas market that basically becomes an outdoor disco late into the night. This is why it’s widely considered to be one of … Read more

With its five story high Christmas pyramid, beautifully carved Schwibbogen (candle arch) and giant festive music box, there are a lot of unique features of the Chemnitz Christmas Market (Chemnitzer Weihnachtsmarkt) that make it one of the best Christmas market destinations in Germany. And if you’re currently planning your own trip, or simply curious about … Read more