The 6 Best Christmas Markets in Germany 2025 + 2 I’d Skip

Germany is hands down one of my favorite places to spend Christmas and yes, I’ll admit I have a slight obsession with German Christmas markets.

Maybe I’m biased because I grew up here, but I honestly believe Germany does Christmas better than anywhere else. The atmosphere, the food, the decorations, it’s just magical. And while there are hundreds of markets across the country, some truly stand out. Personally, the ones in Cologne and southern Germany are my favorites.

I know a lot of you are planning a trip to Europe (or specifically Germany) over the holidays, maybe even mixing in Austria or Switzerland.

So I thought it was about time I put together a guide to the best Christmas markets in Germany and also share a couple I think you can skip.

Of course, I haven’t been to every single one (there are over 2,000 in the country!), but after years of living in Germany and doing plenty of Christmas trips, I’ve got a pretty good list of favorites worth checking out.

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The 6 Best Christmas Markets in Germany 2025 + 2 I’d Skip

Best Christmas Markets in Germany – My Experience

As I mentioned, I grew up in Germany and only left permanently when I was 25, so I basically spent my whole life going to Christmas markets every single year. I feel like that gives me a pretty solid idea of where to go and where not to.

Most recently, I came back home to Germany for a longer trip over Christmas and did what I’d call a “Christmas market tour.” I went to Cologne, Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich to check out some of the most popular ones in the country.

Now, here’s something I noticed right away (and this might be a little controversial): in my opinion, the bigger the city, the worse the Christmas market. Not always, of course, there are exceptions, but often the major cities feel more commercialized and less authentic simply because of the sheer number of tourists.

Personally, I’m a much bigger fan of Christmas markets in small German towns and villages. They’re usually more rustic, more charming, and just feel cozier. That said, I can totally see the appeal of bigger city markets if you’re looking for lively crowds, lots of mulled wine, and a bit of a party vibe.

So in this list, I tried to find a balance, some of the more famous markets in big cities that are still worth it, but also smaller, hidden gems that mostly locals know about (and love). One of my absolute favorites is the ‘Forest Christmas Market in Velen’, it’s super authentic, beautifully decorated, and when I went, I didn’t spot a single tourist.

Everything You Need to Know About Christmas Markets in Germany

Book early, plan earlier: Christmas in Germany, especially in big cities like Munich, Cologne, or Berlin, is peak season. Hotels fill up fast with both locals and international visitors chasing that festive magic. If you want good rates and central locations, book your accommodation as early as possible.

Come at the right time: German Christmas markets don’t run all winter. Most open around November 28th and wrap up on December 26th. There are a few exceptions, but generally that 4–5 week window is the sweet spot. If you’re traveling specifically for Christmas markets in Germany, make sure your trip falls within those dates.

Pack accordingly: German winters can be unpredictable, snow one day, rain the next, grey skies in between. I always make sure to pack a proper winter coat, a rainproof jacket, and plenty of layers (thermals, leggings under jeans, extra socks). Cold, wet feet are the fastest way to ruin a Christmas market evening, so don’t underestimate footwear.

Get an eSIM: I never travel without one anymore. I use Sim Local, which lets me activate data the moment I land which is super handy for navigating from market to market without stressing about finding Wi-Fi or a local SIM card shop. You can sign up here for Sim Local and use my discount code GIRLONAZEBRA for savings.

Try all the food: Honestly, the food is half the fun at German Christmas markets. Start with a mulled wine (I always add a shot of amaretto, trust me and thank me later), grab a sausage in a bun (skip the standard bratwurst and try a Thüringer instead, again thank me later), and don’t miss the garlic mushrooms, they’re my personal favorite and basically impossible to walk past once you smell them cooking.

The 6 Best German Christmas Markets

1. Old Market Christmas Market in Cologne Germany

Opening Dates: 01.12.25 – 04.01.26
Website & Location

One of my absolute favorite Christmas markets in Germany is the Old Market and Heumarkt Christmas Market (Alter Markt and Heumarkt) in Cologne. And just to be clear, this is NOT the Christmas market at the Cologne Cathedral.

I’ve been coming here to the Cologne Christmas Market since I was younger, and to me, it still feels like one of the most authentic markets out there. It has a charming, traditional German Christmas theme rather than the more commercial, Coca-Cola Santa Claus vibe you sometimes see.

The market is actually quite large, with a big ice rink in the middle, but somehow it still feels rustic, cozy, and authentic, which is exactly what I want from a Christmas market. I’ve spent hours here wandering from stall to stall, sipping mulled wine, trying all kinds of food, and picking up little souvenirs.

On one visit it started raining, but luckily the market has wooden indoor beer halls where we ducked inside and carried on with mulled wine and beer. Honestly, that just added to the charm.

For me, this is the best Christmas market in Germany out of all the major cities. It has the right balance: lively enough to be fun, but still authentic, rustic, and full of that traditional holiday magic.

2. Christkindlmarket in Nuremberg

Opening Dates: 28.11.25 – 24.12.25
Website & Location

The Christkindlmarkt in Nuremberg is probably the most iconic Christmas market in Germany. It takes place right in the old town on the Hauptmarkt square in front of the Frauenkirche church, which makes the setting absolutely magical.

I went quite a while ago, so I don’t have recent pictures, but even then it was clear why this one is so famous. The stalls all have their signature red-and-white roofs, the whole square smells of Nuremberg bratwurst and gingerbread, and the historic backdrop makes it feel straight out of a Christmas card.

Yes, it’s busy and full of tourists, but honestly, it’s still worth it. It’s one of those markets that just nails the tradition and atmosphere perfectly.

3. Forest Christmas Market in Velen Germany

Opening Dates: 4 Weekends Before Christmas
Website & Location

Last Christmas I visited this market for the first time on a big family outing, and honestly, I was super impressed. I had never even heard of it before, but my family suggested we all go together, so obviously I was in. It turned out to be one of the most authentic and charming Christmas markets I’ve ever experienced.

The Forest Christmas Market is tucked away in the western German countryside, set on a farm right next to the woods (hence the name Waldweihnachtsmarkt). Half of the market is spread across the rustic farm buildings, while the other half winds its way into the forest itself. Walking through the trees with twinkling lights strung between branches gave the whole place a magical, almost fairytale-like vibe.

It may be a bit out of the way compared to the big city markets, but if you get the chance to go, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s cozy, unique, and feels worlds apart from the commercialized markets in places like Berlin or Cologne. Honestly, this might be one of the most unique Christmas markets in Germany I’ve ever been to.

4. Christmas Market Humboldt Forum Berlin

Opening Dates: 24.11.25 – 01.01.26
Website & Location

Since I mentioned earlier that a couple of Berlin’s Christmas markets are a bit overrated, I feel like I owe the city some redemption and the Christmas market at the Humboldt Forum (Berlin Palace) is the one that deserves it.

I’ve been to a few really rustic and charming Christmas markets on the outskirts of Berlin (like the Späth’sche Baumschule market), but since this guide is more for travelers, I’ll stick to one that’s right in the heart of the city.

The Humboldt Forum market has such a cozy vibe, with fire pits and plenty of seating where you can actually warm up while sipping mulled wine and munching on bratwurst. Honestly, that’s where I spent most of my time, by the fire with food in hand.

What I really love about this one is its setting: half of the market is in front of the Berlin Palace, with amazing views of the TV Tower, the Berlin Cathedral, and Museum Island, while the other half is tucked into the palace courtyard, filled with little handicraft stalls and souvenirs. It’s central, atmospheric, and way better than the giant fairground-style Christmas market at Alexanderplatz, at least in my opinion.

5. Christmas Market in Munich Germany (Marienplatz)

Opening Dates: 24.11.25 – 24.12.25
Website & Location

Another favorite of mine is the Christmas market in Munich’s old town on Marienplatz, right in front of the stunning New Town Hall (which, despite its name, is actually pretty old).

I love Munich year-round, but it’s especially magical at Christmas. If I could only pick one place in Germany to visit in December, it would be Munich, it just has everything: castles, palaces, hearty Bavarian food, and you can even sneak in a day trip to Salzburg.

On my recent Christmas trip around Germany, I spent a lot of time at the Marienplatz market, and it was gorgeous. The backdrop of the town hall and the old German buildings all around makes it feel like a Christmas postcard come to life. For atmosphere and location, this one is an easy 10/10 in my opinion.

6. Dresden Christmas Market (Striezelmarkt)

Opening Dates: 26.11.25 – 24.12.25
Website & Location

The Striezelmarkt in Dresden is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, almost 600 years old! No joke, the first one was held back in 1434, so if we’re talking about authentic Christmas markets, this is pretty much the ultimate.

This is actually the only market on my list I haven’t been to yet, mostly because Dresden is a bit out of the way from where I grew up and usually visit. But it’s such an iconic one, and honestly, who wouldn’t want to say they’ve been to a 600-year-old Christmas market?

I’ve only heard great things, and it’s definitely on my list. Hopefully this Christmas I’ll finally make it to Dresden to experience it myself.

The 2 Christmas Markets in Germany I would Skip

Christmas Market at the Cologne Cathedral

I know this might sound harsh, but I honestly think the Christmas market at the Cologne Cathedral is a little overrated. Don’t get me wrong, it’s right in the city center, so you’ll probably wander past it anyway. And yes, from above with all its red roofs right by the cathedral, it looks stunning (hello Instagram).

But when you’re actually in the market, it doesn’t feel very authentic, rustic, or quaint. For me, it was missing that cozy Christmas market charm. On top of that, everything felt slightly overpriced.

Just a 5-minute walk away you’ll find the markets at Alter Markt and Heumarkt, which are 100 times better, cuter, more traditional, and much more atmospheric. Trust me on this one, I’m German, and those are the ones worth your time.

Christmas Market at Alexanderplatz, Berlin

Berlin is full of Christmas markets, but the one at Alexanderplatz (under the TV tower) wasn’t my favorite. To be fair, it’s huge and definitely fun to stroll through, grab a mulled wine, and people-watch. But it felt more like a giant fair than a cozy Christmas market. It’s very commercialized, and it’s missing that authentic, festive vibe you’ll find at other markets in Berlin.

If you’re short on time, I’d skip this one and head to some of the smaller, more atmospheric Berlin Christmas markets instead.

FAQs About the Best Christmas Markets in Germany

Is Germany for Christmas worth it?

Absolutely, 100%. Germany is, in my opinion, one of the best countries in the world to visit at Christmas. The cozy, rustic markets, twinkling lights, and overall festive atmosphere just feel like the perfect way to celebrate the holidays.

Where in Germany has the best Christmas markets?

If I could only pick one city, I’d probably say Munich. The markets themselves are beautiful, and the whole city feels extra magical in December with its traditional architecture, beer halls, and lively festive vibe.

Is Germany worth visiting?

Yes, yes, and yes. Germany has so much to offer, castles, palaces, hearty food, and charming old towns. Honestly, it’s worth visiting any time of year, but Christmas definitely gives it an extra sparkle.

Should I go to Berlin or Munich?

This is very much a personal take, but if I had to choose just one, I’d go with Munich. It’s basically the most stereotypically “German” city, think lederhosen, beer gardens, Bavarian food, and palaces. Berlin is fun, but Munich just fits the Christmas market vibe better.

When should I visit Germany for Christmas markets?

Plan your trip within the four weeks before Christmas Day. Most markets open around November 28th and wrap up by December 26th, so that’s your best window.

Final Thoughts on Germany Christmas Markets

German Christmas markets are famous for a reason, they’re some of the best in the world. Almost every little town has one, while big cities like Berlin have dozens (Berlin alone has nearly 50!).

From my personal experience, the west and south of Germany have the most authentic markets. I grew up near Cologne, so naturally those are close to my heart, but I’ve also been to Nuremberg and Munich several times. Munich especially stands out, it’s already such a traditional, Bavarian city, and the Christmas markets there just make it even more magical.

I hope this guide helps you plan your own trip to the best Christmas markets in Germany and maybe inspires you to try a few outside the big tourist cities too.