Christmas Markets in Germany 2026

We’ve been to Christmas markets across Germany, including Cologne and Nuremberg, and we’re adding Dresden and Aachen this year. The markets vary a lot from city to city, from the huge Cathedral Market in Cologne to the much more traditional market in Nuremberg.

Below are the 2026 dates for some of Germany’s biggest Christmas markets, along with what to expect from each one.

Nuremberg: November 27 – December 24

Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt fills the main square with red-and-white striped stalls, gingerbread and handmade ornaments. The Christkind opens the market from the church balcony each year. We visited late in the season and the square was still packed. Of all the German markets we’ve been to, this is probably the closest to what most people picture when they think of a traditional German Christmas market.

Dresden: November 25 – December 24

Dresden’s Striezelmarkt dates back to 1434 and is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany. Dresden is especially known for Stollen, the fruitcake traditionally associated with the city and its Christmas market. We haven’t been yet, but Dresden is on our list for this Christmas, so we’ll update this section with our own photos and notes after the trip.

Munich: November 20 – December 24

Munich’s main Christmas market is held around Marienplatz in the center of the old town. It’s one of the easiest markets on this list to combine with a regular city trip because many of Munich’s main sights are already within walking distance. We haven’t visited Munich at Christmas yet, so this is one we’d like to add our own experience to eventually.

Cologne: November 16 – December 23

Cologne is one of our favorites. There are several Christmas markets spread around the city, each with its own theme and its own mug design. The Cathedral Market is the obvious place to start, but part of what we like about Cologne is taking the little Christmas train between the different markets. We’ve been more than once and still haven’t made it through all of them.

Berlin: November 23 – December 31

Berlin has Christmas markets all over the city rather than one main market. Gendarmenmarkt, Charlottenburg and Spandau are among the better-known options, and they’re spread far enough apart that you’ll want to choose a few rather than try to see everything in one day. Some markets charge a small entrance fee.

Stuttgart: November 25 – December 23

Stuttgart’s Christmas market spreads through several streets and squares in the center of the city. One of its distinguishing features is the decorated stall rooftops, which vendors compete to make increasingly elaborate each year. There’s also a dedicated children’s area.

Frankfurt: November 23 – December 22

Frankfurt’s Christmas market centers on Römerberg and spreads through the surrounding streets toward the river. One thing that makes Frankfurt different from the other markets on this list is hot apple wine, which you’ll see alongside the usual glühwein.

Aachen: November 20 – December 23

Aachen’s Christmas market is centered around the cathedral and town hall. The city is known for Aachener Printen, a spiced gingerbread-style cookie you’ll see throughout the market. We’re going to Aachen this Christmas, so we’ll update this section with our own photos and notes after the trip.

Heidelberg: November 23 – December 22

Heidelberg’s Christmas market is spread across several squares in the old town, with Heidelberg Castle above the city. Because the markets are spread out rather than concentrated in one square, visiting them also gives you a good reason to walk through most of the historic center.

Lübeck: November 23 – December 30

Lübeck’s Old Town has several Christmas markets within walking distance of one another. One of the more unusual is the historic crafts market held inside the Hospital of the Holy Spirit. Lübeck is also famous for marzipan, so this is the place to try it if you like it.

Travel Tips for Germany’s Christmas Markets

• Most markets open in late November and close by December 23. A few, like Dresden and Berlin, stay open through Christmas or into early January. If you’re visiting near the holidays, book hotels and trains early since weekend dates sell fast.
• Carry some cash. Card payment is common now, but smaller stalls may still be cash-only.
• Don’t automatically return the mug. You pay a deposit when you order a drink. Return the mug to get the deposit back or keep it as a souvenir. We keep far too many of ours.
• Dress for being outside for hours. A market visit usually involves much more standing around than you expect.
• Weekdays are easier. Friday evenings and Saturdays can get extremely crowded at the bigger markets.
• Check each market’s dates and hours. They are not standardized, even within the same city.
• Use regional trains when they make sense. The Deutschland Ticket covers local and regional transportation, not ICE, IC or EC long-distance trains.
• Learn the names. Weihnachtsmarkt is the general term for Christmas market. Some cities use Christkindlmarkt or Christkindlesmarkt instead.

Continue Planning Your European Christmas Trip

Christmas Markets in Austria →
Christmas Markets in France→
Best Christmas Markets in Europe →

Cologne Christmas Market Guide →