The Best Christmas markets in Germany for 2023

Christmas time is coming to town! Discover the best Christmas markets breaks in the most beautiful destinations in Germany. Enjoy their Christmas decorations, their beautiful Christmas trees, the best place to find original Christmas gifts for the whole family in one of the best Christmas destinations in Germany for 2023. 

Select the "free cancellation" option and pre-book your accommodation at the best price. 

1. Essen

From 17th November to 23rd December 2023

When fragrant mulled wine warms your hands, the smell of freshly roasted almonds fills the air and a festive glow hangs over the entire Essen city center, it can only mean one thing: The Essen International Christmas Market has started again. From November 12 to December 23, look forward to one of the largest and most beautiful markets in the country, which will make your pre-Christmas season that much more beautiful and magical.

The Christmas market stretches all over the city center, and you only have to walk a few steps to get from square to square. The centerpiece is Kennedyplatz. Here you can stroll relaxed along the stalls under a twinkling net of lights and be inspired by the variety of goods. As the name promises, the traders come from around 190 countries all over the world. There are handicrafts from Africa, Christmas decorations from Israel and jewelry from the Baltic States.

 Opening dates: From 17th November to 23rd December 2023.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Dusseldorf Airport (30 min by car or public transport).

 Where to stay:  "Hotel Essener Hof" Stay in the heart of Essen.

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Essen.

2. Trier

From 24th November to 22nd December 2023

Now in its 40th year, the Trier Christmas Market will again be one of the loveliest in all of Germany. Set on the medieval Main Market and in front of the imposing backdrop of Trier Cathedral, the 95 attractively decorated booths offer a fitting framework for this wonderful event.

For the first time, the program for the entire family changes almost daily – from historical puppet theater to star tenor and songsmiths. The Trier Christmas Market is often described by travel organizers as being “romantic with wonderful ambience.” 

 Opening dates: From 24th November to 22nd December 2023.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Luxemburg Airport (30 min) or Frankfurt (2h).

 Where to stay:  "Limehome Trier Nikolaus". One of our top picks in Trier.

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Trier.

3. Leipzig

From 28th November to 23rd December 2022

Leipzig Christmas market dates all the way back to 1458. Its six areas are set in chime with the fascinating historical scenery of the Leipzig city centre. With more than 250 twinkling stalls embedded harmoniously in the historic centre, Leipzig Christmas market is not only one of the oldest but also one of the largest Christmas markets in Germany. Visitors are offered a multitude of festive delights: indulge in numerous culinary delights or explore the city’s traditional medieval market.

Traditionally, the main area of the Christmas market is Marktplatz (market square) where visitors can marvel at a Saxon spruce Christmas tree as high as twenty meters, and enjoy a wide variety of performances at the market square stage. 

 Opening dates: From 28th November to 23rd December 2023.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Leipzig.

 Where to stay:  "INNSIDE by Melia Leipzig". Stay in the heart of Leipzig. 

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Leipzig.

4. Braunschweig

From 29th November to 29th December 2023

Every year, the squares around St. Blasii Cathedral are transformed into a beautiful Christmas market with elegant illuminations and a delightful atmosphere. 150 artisans and vendors will open their lovingly decorated stalls against an impressive historical backdrop. They offer a broad range of gifts such as wooden toys, jewellery creations, fur-lined leather goods and illuminated Christmas stars. Culinary delicacies from the region and around the world are always popular favourites during the holidays.

With its 500-year tradition, the Braunschweig Christmas Market is amongst the most attractive and atmospheric Christmas markets in all of Germany. Each year, it attracts several hundred thousand visitors.

 Opening dates: From 29th November to 29th December 2023.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Braunschweig or Hannover (50 min by car/public transport).

 Where to stay:  "Magni Boutique Hotel". Perfect for a 2-night stay!

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Braunschweig.

5. Aachen

From 24th November to 23rd December 2023 (TBC)

Every year before Christmas the squares and streets round the Cathedral and the Aachen Town Hall are transformed into a paradise of lights and colours, festive sounds and seductive smells. The glorious fair in the Christmas City, which has been erected with great care and sentiment, fascinates both the young and the old. The enormous choice between original, stylish and precious goods makes small and big dreams come true. It is really no wonder why the Aachen Christmas Market has become an absolute "must" for all people of Aachen and Aachen fans as well.

 Opening dates: From 24th November to 23rd December 2023 (TBC).

 How to get there: Book your flights to Maastricht (30 min) or Cologne (50 min).

 Where to stay:  "Mercure Hotel Aachen Am Dom". located in the historic centre of Aachen. 

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Aachen.

6. Baden-Baden

From 23th November 2023 to 6th January 2024

Situated at the start of Baden-Baden’s world-famous green corridor, the Lichtentaler Allee, visitors will encounter small streets of festive stalls, where the romantic atmosphere is heightened by the thousands of shimmering Christmas lights. The entire experience is capped with a choice program of entertainment, catering for both young and old.

 Opening dates: From 23th November 2023 to 6th January 2024.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Baden-Baden, Stuttgart (1h15) or Basel (1h30).

 Where to stay: "Hotel Alte Laterne". Stay in the heart of Baden-Baden. 

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Baden-Baden.

The baroque Charlottenburg Palace is a sumptuous backdrop for this Christmas market in Berlin West. An elaborate light installation bathes the market, the palace, the trees and decorative fence of the palace in a romantic glow. The pivotal point of the market is a pyramid in front of the palace's main entrance.

Wood huts and marquees, decorated entirely with natural materials, provide a festive atmosphere and offer not only a wide range of crafts but also an impressive selection of culinary choices. In addition to the traditional Christmas market stalls selling hot chestnuts, crepes or Hungarian langos, many hotels and restaurants from Berlin and Brandenburg offer fine dining in heated tents.

 Opening dates: From 27th November to 31st December 2023.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Berlin.

 Where to stay: "Motel One Berlin-Tiergarten". One of our top picks in Berlin. 

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Berlin.

8. Cologne

From 23rd November to 23rd December 2023

Advent is the time for Christmas markets, and Cologne is no exception. From 23 November to 23 December 2023, the magic of Christmas will be felt throughout the festively decorated city. The aroma of baked apples, cinnamon biscuits and mulled wine will waft through the alleys, and many differently themed Christmas markets will invite people to stroll, shop and explore.

Cologne’s Christmas markets attract millions of visitors from all over the world every year. You too can savour the unique atmosphere of this metropolis on the Rhine at this special time of year. You’re sure to be enchanted!

 Opening dates: From 23rd November to 23rd December 2023.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Cologne.

 Where to stay: "Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom" located directly opposite Cologne Cathedral.

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Cologne.

9. Dresden

From 29th November to 24th December 2023

If you like Christmas, you’ll love Dresden. A grand total of eleven completely different Christmas markets, from the by no means Dark Ages to the après ski charm of alpine huts, makes for wonderfully conflicting decisions.

Holiday sounds fill the air throughout the city. From the many oratorios, Advent, organ and gospel concerts, Dresden’s churches brim with festive insider tips.

 Opening dates: From 29th November to 24th December 2023.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Dresden.

 Where to stay: "NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt". Situated in the real heart of Dresden.

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Dresden.

10. Dusseldorf

From 17th November to 30th December 2023 (TBC)

Once the St Martins parade has made its way through the streets of Düsseldorf in mid-November, the city gears up for Christmas. The traditional Christmas market of Düsseldorf is staged individually at various locations throughout the bustling city centre. Around the Königsallee elaborately designed theme worlds are set to lead visitors on a real discovery tour.

For five weeks, over 200 huts decorated in Christmas splendour transform the city into a winter wonderland for the whole family to enjoy. As one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany, the market in Düsseldorf provides unique experiences for visitors.

 Opening dates: From 17th November to 30th December 2023 (TBC).

 How to get there: Book your flights to Dusseldorf or Cologne (50 min).

 Where to stay: "Hotel Sir & Lady Astor". This charming boutique hotel is situated in the real heart of Dusseldorf.

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Dusseldorf.

11. Nuremberg

From 1st December to 24th December 2023

The enticing aroma of gingerbread, mulled wine and grilled sausage hangs in the air at the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt. First mentioned in 1628, its roots probably go back to the time of Luther, when the tradition of giving children presents at Christmas evolved. Ever since then traditional wares such as handmade Christmas decorations and culinary treats have been offered by the 180 wooden stalls, decorated with red and white canvas. Take a stroll through the festively lighted lanes between the stalls and discover the enchantment of the unique atmosphere. 

 Opening dates: From 1st December to 24th December 2023.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Nuremberg, Munich (1h45 by car) or Stuttgart (2h).

 Where to stay: "Astoria Apartments". Situated less than 1km from Old Town.

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Nuremberg.

12. Rothenburg

From 1st December to 23rd December 2023

Once a year, the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber transforms itself into a fairytale winter wonderland. Ever since the 15th century, the festive time prior to Christmas has been accompanied by a delightful Christmas Market. Looking back on over 500 years of tradition little has changed over the years and the historical customs have been closely followed.

Everything your heart desires can be found at this charming market, may it be the traditional Christmas pastries or the mulled wine. 

 Opening dates: From 1st December to 23rd December 2023.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Nuremberg (1h15 by car) or Stuttgart (1h30).

 Where to stay: "Hotel Reichs-Kûchenmeister". This 4-star hotel offers spa facilities and on-site parking.

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Rothenburg.

13. Stuttgart

From 29th November to 23rd December 2023

During the weeks of Advent the Stuttgart Region is bathed in a special yuletide glow. Nearly 300 nostalgic Christmas markets attract visitors to enjoy a leisurely stroll around. 

With its 287 stalls and a tradition of more than 300 years, the Stuttgart Christmas Market is one of the loveliest in Germany and one of the oldest and largest of its kind in Europe. Ornately and lovingly decorated the stallholders are rewarded for their pains with a prize awarded each year by a jury for the Christmas Market's most beautiful stall.

 Opening dates: From 29th November to 23rd December 2023.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Stuttgart.

 Where to stay: "Motel One Stuttgart-Mitte". Couples particularly like the location.

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Stuttgart.

14. Rüdesheim

From 23rd November to 23rd December 2023 (TBC)

Within dark European wintertime, Weihnachten, German Christmas marks the highlight and beacon the seasons. For more than 20 years the market community of Rüdesheim Christmas Market of Nations celebrates Advent and Christmas time at River Rhine in a very special tradition:

More than 15 nations from six continents bring and offer their goods, specials, customs and celebrations of the season:

Good and thoughtful things, gifts and delights from Orient and Occident, from Europe and from overseas.

 Opening dates: From 23rd November to 23rd December 2023 (TBC).

 How to get there: Book your flights to Frankfurt Airport (45min by car/public transport).

 Where to stay: "Breuer's Rüdesheimer Schloss". This family-run hotel offers a traditional restaurant.

Select the "free cancellation" option and pre-book your accommodation at the best price in Rüdesheim, for 2022.

15. Würzburg

From 1st December to 23rd December 2023

The tradition of Würzburg's highly scenic Christmas Market dates back to the early 19th century. Visitors from all over the world enjoy a stroll through 100 wooden stalls, sampling delicious Christmas cookies and roasted almonds while sipping the traditional “Gluehwein”, a famous hot spiced red wine.

Products for sale at the Christmas market include wooden toys, jewelry, teas and spices, traditional Christmas decorations, scented candles, pottery, embroideries, and hand-knit socks and gloves. To top it off, some 40 artisans display their wares in the festively decorated courtyard of the Town Hall on all Saturdays and Sundays in Advent. The focus here is on handcrafted items that are hard to find elsewhere. 

 Opening dates: From 1st December to 23rd December 2023.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Frankfurt (1h by car, 1h30 by public transport).

 Where to stay: "Zur Stadt Mainz". Situated in the real heart of Würzburg. 

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Würzburg.