Christmas Markets 2024 in Germany

The Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt) phenomenon is deeply rooted in German culture, offering a quintessential holiday experience. For an authentic taste of these festive fairs, consider visiting cities like Nuremberg, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Baden-Baden, or Cologne, where you can marvel at charming wooden huts filled with delicious treats and handcrafted goods. With thousands of Christmas markets scattered throughout Germany, from bustling urban centers to quaint village squares, travelers can enjoy a diverse range of options. Whether you prefer the lively atmosphere of the larger markets or the intimate charm of smaller, hidden gems, Germany’s Christmas markets promise a magical holiday experience.

Am Dom Markt in Cologne (November 18–December 23, 2024)

Am Dom Markt in Cologne, or Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market, takes place at the foot of the famous Gothic Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the city's iconic landmark. A large Christmas tree decorated with red ribbons and lights is towering over 160 market stands, spreading delicious smells of spices and lively Christmas tunes. The market operates from 11 am to 9 pm. The city also hosts several other Christmas markets—Old Town Christmas Market (Alter Markt), Angel's Christmas Market (Markt der Engel) on the Neumarkt, and Harbor Christmas Market (Hafen Weinahtsmarkt)—each with its own twist and special atmosphere. Cologne’s Christmas markets are some of the most popular in the country attracting millions of tourists.

Trierer Weihnachtsmarkt (November 22–December 22, 2024)

Trier Christmas Market is one of the most romantic fairs set up in front of the charming Trier Cathedral. Over 90 beautiful wooden booths sell decorations, wooden toys, ceramics, candles, hand-blown glass, and other crafts. Don't leave the market without trying bratwurst and potato pancakes. The market operates from 10:30 am to 8 pm on Monday-Thursday and Sunday, and until 9:30 pm on Friday and Saturday.

Frankfurt Christmas Market (November 25–December 22, 2024)

Römerberg Market in Frankfurt features hundreds of wooden huts in the historic old town center. The background's financial district provides a striking contrast to one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets, dating back to 1393. The Market is a good place to shop for souvenirs and gifts, drink hot apple wine, and try Bethmännchen cookies. The market operates from 10 am to 9 pm Monday-Saturday and from 11 am to 9 pm on Saturday. There are also other Christmas markets in the Frankfurt area; you can read about them in our article about Chrismas Markets in Frankfurt.

Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt (November 29–December 24, 2024)

Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, or Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt in German, is what comes to mind when people think of a traditional Christmas market. One of the largest in the country, it dates back to the 17th century. The most prominent local tradition is the Christkind. Every two years, a blond teenage girl is chosen to open the market. Wearing a golden crown and a white robe, she addresses Christkindlesmarkt from the Church of Our Lady's balcony with a prologue. The market operates from 10 am to 9 pm. On Christmas Eve, it closes at 2 pm. The opening ceremony starts at 5:30 pm on November 29.

Wintertraum Stuttgart (November 2024–January 2025)

In Stuttgart, the city’s five main squares transform into a winter wonderland. With its cobblestone streets, cathedrals, and historic buildings, Stuttgart is a perfect setting for holiday magic. The main market Wintertraum Markt is located in front of the beautiful Old Palace. Stroll through wooden chalets decorated with garlands and enjoy traditional entertainment.

Dresden Christmas Markets (November 2024–January 2025)

Dresden Christmas Markets transform the city into a magical holiday destination, offering a variety of markets throughout the city. The historic Striezelmarkt, one of Germany’s oldest, features over 240 stalls with traditional crafts, foods, and festive decorations. For a modern twist, Augustusmarkt showcases sleek white pagodas, global vendors, and a Ferris wheel offering stunning views. The Neumarkt Christmas Market provides an intimate, historic atmosphere, while the Winter Lights Market dazzles with festive illuminations.

Krampus

Additionally, during the Christmas season in Germany, the famous Krampusnacht takes place. This tradition features people dressed in frightening Krampus costumes and parade through city streets, aiming to frighten the attendees by interacting with them and sometimes even chasing them. You can observe Krampus parades in Munich, Oberammergau, and Berchtesgaden.