The Best Christmas Markets in Germany: A Festive Bucket List

Planning a trip and wanting to see the best Christmas markets in Germany? I got you. As a private guide in Berlin and avid traveler, I’ve wandered through snowy squares and cobblestone alleys lit by twinkling lights, sipping Glühwein and chasing that perfect festive moment. Here's my personal roundup of the most magical Christmas markets across Germany — from the iconic to the hidden gems. And hey, come to Berlin and I’ll show you around myself!

Also check out my other blog post on Christmas Markets and other things to do during Christmas in Berlin!

Berlin: A Winter Wonderland of Variety

Germany’s capital doesn’t do just one Christmas market — it does dozens. Here are my top picks:

• Gendarmenmarkt – Elegant and atmospheric, this is Berlin’s most iconic market, nestled between the German and French Cathedrals. Think white tents, high-quality crafts, and gourmet snacks.

• Charlottenburg Palace Market – Set against a Baroque palace backdrop, this market feels straight out of a fairytale. It's especially romantic in the evening with its soft golden lighting.

• Lucia Weihnachtsmarkt in der Kulturbrauerei – A cozy, Scandinavian-style market in a former brewery courtyard in Prenzlauer Berg. Perfect for mulled wine lovers and families.

• Altstadt Spandau – Berlin’s largest traditional market. Rustic, medieval vibes with a sprawling layout that feels more like a festive village.

• Sophienstraße – A charming, lesser-known market in Mitte, ideal for browsing handmade goods and escaping the crowds.

Dresden: The Oldest Christmas Market in Germany

Striezelmarkt, founded in 1434, is Germany’s oldest and one of its most beautiful. Expect candle pyramids, Stollen (Dresden’s famous Christmas bread), and a stunning historic backdrop. Bonus: nearby markets like the medieval market in the Stallhof add even more festive flair.

Nuremberg: Germany’s Most Famous Market

The Christkindlesmarkt is world-famous for good reason. With its gingerbread (Lebkuchen), handcrafted wooden toys, and the angelic Christkind opening ceremony, this is a must-see for anyone dreaming of an authentic German Christmas.

Munich: Royal Charm and Alpine Vibes

Munich’s main Christkindlmarkt sprawls across Marienplatz, but don’t miss the smaller markets too — like the medieval market near Odeonsplatz or the cozy market in the Residenz courtyard. And yes, there’s even a pink Christmas market for the LGBTQ+ community!

Quedlinburg: Half-Timbered Magic

The Adventsstadt Quedlinburg is something truly special. Surrounded by centuries-old half-timbered houses (UNESCO World Heritage, by the way), this market offers over 50 stalls of regional crafts and specialties. Don’t miss the “Lebendiger Adventskalender,” where 24 decorated houses open one festive door each night — magical for kids and adults alike. On the first three Advent weekends, hidden courtyards open with everything from gingerbread to Irish music.

Lübeck: Christmas by the Sea

As the “Christmas City of the North,” Lübeck delivers maritime flair and Hanseatic charm. There are multiple markets, including:

• A maritime Christmas market with nets, barrels, and a shipwreck at Koberg.

• The industrial-chic market at Drehbrückenplatz with hearty seafood and local design.

• The fairytale forest by Marienkirche.

• Wichtelwunderland (yes, Gnome Wonderland!) for families.

Add 500,000 twinkling lights and medieval buildings, and you’re in northern Christmas heaven.

Tegernsee: Alpine Christmas Bliss

Nestled by a lake and snow-dusted mountains, Tegernsee’s Christmas market is a cozy, luxurious escape. Take the ferry between markets in different villages around the lake — how romantic is that?

Lindau: Island Magic on Lake Constance

This lakeside market is something else. The Christmas market in Lindau sits right on the harbor promenade, with views of snow-capped Alps and festive boats floating in the mist. A dreamlike setting for mulled wine and crafts.

Augsburg: Baroque Meets Christmas

Augsburg’s Christkindlesmarkt is known for its beautiful square and Angels Play, where performers appear on the facade of the city hall in shimmering costumes, like a living Advent calendar. Pure Christmas theatre.

Aachen: Borderland Festivities and Printen

Near Belgium and the Netherlands, Aachen’s market feels European in the best way. Famous for its spicy Aachener Printen (a cousin of gingerbread), cozy alleys, and friendly crowds. It’s a smaller market with big heart.

Hamburg: Christmas by the Elbe

Germany’s second-largest city goes all out for the holidays, mixing Hanseatic elegance with cool, urban flair. The star of the season is the Historic Christmas Market at Rathausplatz, curated by the legendary Roncalli circus. Expect vintage charm, handcrafted toys, and a flying Santa who glides across the square every evening. But that’s just the beginning. Fleetinsel and Jungfernstieg markets bring maritime sparkle along the canals, while the St. Pauli Christmas Market on the Reeperbahn is cheeky, fun, and full of adult-only surprises — think Glühwein with a wink. Hamburg is the perfect city for anyone who wants a festive season with a twist.

Leipzig: Music, Markets & Historic Magic

Leipzig’s Weihnachtsmarkt is one of Germany’s oldest (dating back to 1458) and stretches across the beautifully preserved Old Town. This market feels classic and festive, with over 250 stalls offering Saxon specialties, hand-carved pyramids, and plenty of mulled wine.

Don’t miss the medieval market at the Naschmarkt, where blacksmiths, candle makers, and storytellers create an enchanting step-back-in-time. And fitting for Bach’s city, Leipzig’s churches offer stunning Christmas concerts and choral music — a soul-warming bonus for your visit.

Potsdam: Palaces & Festive Charm Just Outside Berlin

Just outside Berlin, Potsdam lights up with several unique Christmas markets during Advent. Stroll through the charming Brandenburger Straße under the “Blauer Lichterglanz” lights, or explore the festive Sinterklaasfest in the Dutch Quarter with Dutch treats and music. The Bohemian Christmas Market in Babelsberg and the Polish Market bring international traditions to town, while the Weihnachtsdorf at Krongut Bornstedt, near Sanssouci Palace, adds romantic flair in a historic courtyard.

Ready to Plan Your Christmas Market Adventure?

Germany is a dream in December. Whether you want world-famous traditions in Nuremberg and Dresden, fairy-tale romance in Quedlinburg, or cool capital vibes in Berlin — it’s all here.

And if you're starting your trip in Berlin? Drop me a message — I’ll be your private guide and make sure you kick off your Christmas market tour in style.