German Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmarkt, or Christkindlmarkt in the Catholic south) are outdoor markets held in town centres from late November through December 24. They are one of the oldest European Christmas traditions, having originated in the late Middle Ages in German-speaking territories. Here is what they are and where to find the best ones.
What to Expect
The standard market: wooden stalls (Buden) arranged in a town square or along a pedestrian zone; decorated with lights, Christmas trees, and often a central decorated tree (Weihnachtsbaum) of significant height. Goods: Glühwein (mulled wine, served in a ceramic cup — you pay a Pfand of €2–4 for the cup, returned when you bring it back); Bratwurst (grilled pork sausage, served in a bread roll — the definitive winter street food); Lebkuchen (German gingerbread — sold in the distinctive heart-shaped decorative form); Stollen (Dresden Christmas fruit bread, dense with dried fruit, marzipan, and covered in powdered sugar); roasted almonds (gebrannte Mandeln); and handcrafted decorations (Holzspielzeug from the Erzgebirge region). The atmosphere is central: Christmas markets work because of the communal Gemütlichkeit (coziness/conviviality) of standing outside in the cold with Glühwein, meeting neighbours, hearing carols. The commercial element (you can also buy Christoph-Waltz-impersonator ornaments of dubious merit) is real but secondary. Opening hours: typically 11 AM to 9 PM Monday–Saturday; noon to 8 PM Sunday. The most atmospheric time is a weekday evening or a cold, lightly snowy weekend.
The Notable Markets
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt: the most famous Christmas market in Germany — the “authentic” standard. The Nuremberg market dates to the 16th century (1628 is the first documented reference); its Christkindl (the Christ Child, a figure that opens the market) is a Nuremberg tradition. Held in the Hauptmarkt under the backdrop of the Church of Our Lady. Expect crowds of 2 million visitors over the season; book accommodation months in advance. Cologne Weihnachtsmarkt: multiple markets, the largest being at the Cathedral (Dom) — the combination of the enormous Gothic cathedral and the market beneath it is one of the most visually striking Christmas market settings in Europe. Strasbourg (France, technically — but historically German): the Christkindelsmärik is France’s oldest Christmas market (dating from 1570) and one of the most atmospheric in the region. Dresden Striezelmarkt: the oldest Christmas market in Germany (first documented 1434), known for its focus on Stollen (Dresden is the capital of German Stollen production). The Berlin markets: Berlin has over 60 Christmas markets of varying quality — the most atmospheric are the historic Gendarmenmarkt market (paid entry, but the setting inside the beautiful 18th-century twin churches is extraordinary), the market at Schloss Charlottenburg, and the smaller, quirkier Winterwelt at Potsdamer Platz.
Practical Tips
Timing: avoid weekend afternoons (peak crowding); Friday evenings and weekday lunchtimes offer the most pleasant experience. Glühwein strategy: the Pfand cup system means you can move between market stalls — you can get your cup refilled at any Glühwein stall. Some markets have themed cups each year (the Nuremberg cup is particularly collected). The alternative Glühwein: Kinderpunsch (non-alcoholic mulled fruit punch) for children; Feuerzangenbowle (rum-soaked sugar loaf set alight over mulled wine, theatrically presented) for adults who want something stronger. Dress: December in Germany ranges from 10°C and drizzle to −10°C with ice. Layers, a warm coat, and waterproof shoes are essential. The hat and scarf make outdoor standing in the cold substantially more pleasant.
