Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-timer to the country, you can find a variety of Christmas markets in Germany that are worth visiting. These markets are full of festive cheer, entertainment, food, and more.
Cologne
Whether you’re in the mood for hot mulled wine or fancy fair trade coffee, there’s a Cologne Christmas market for you. These markets aren’t just a place to shop, but a fun and festive place to spend a winter day with friends and family.
The Old Town market is the largest and is home to a Christmas ice rink. There are also crafts and other unique things to see and do. The best time to go is mid-week, but the weekends can be busy.
The best place to see the Christmas market is in the shadow of Cologne Cathedral. This market has a number of interesting things to see and do, including an illuminated Christmas tree. There’s also a carousel and a merry-go-round.
The Alter Market is the most elaborately decorated Christmas market in Cologne. There’s a carousel, a Ferris wheel, and a puppet theater. The Swarovski crystal tree is the main attraction.
The Cologne Christmas market has a surprising selection of food stalls. There’s plenty of German pizza, flammkuchen (a type of pizza), and a gluhwein (hot mulled wine) station. Besides the typical Christmas fare, there’s also a chocolate fountain, a craft beer station, and a few unique food stalls.
The market by the harbor is a nautical themed affair. There’s also an ice bar with a 360-degree view of the lake. The market also has a number of stalls selling local crafts.
Erfurt
Located in Erfurt, Germany, the Erfurt Christmas market is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the country. The market is a great way to spend your holiday. The market has many different events and entertainment that you can enjoy. You can visit the market from mid November through the day before Christmas Eve.
There are over 200 stands at the market, selling traditional Christmas decorations, handcrafted items, and other gifts. Visitors can also enjoy mulled wine and traditional German Christmas foods. Some of the delicious treats include Erfurt schittchen, which is made with raisins, almonds, brandy/rum, and lemon. Alternatively, visitors can try Frankfurter Brenten, which are marzipan and rosewater cookies.
Visitors can also tour the Chocolate Museum, located near the market. This is a great place to learn about the history of chocolate. The museum also offers free bird views of the city.
Visitors can also visit the Erfurt Cathedral Square to enjoy the special atmosphere during the advent season. There is a nativity scene, which includes 14 wooden life-sized figures. The market is also home to the Advent Crown, which sits on the cathedral steps, linking the market to the churches. This has been a part of the market since 2004.
Visitors can also visit the Merchant Bridge in Erfurt. This was once the medieval Christmas market of Erfurt. There are artist shops, artist galleries, and a restaurant with a great view of the city. There is also an ice skating rink.
Aachen
During Christmas, Aachen is the center of the German Christmas market. You can find all kinds of stalls selling handmade gifts and local delicacies. The Christmas market is held in the streets around the Charlemagne Center. You can also find stalls outside the cathedral.
Aachen is also known for its gingerbread. This spiced gingerbread is available at many stalls. It is made of sugar, spices and honey. The market is open every day from 11am to 9pm.
Aachen’s cathedral is a must-see. You can find many relics there, including a cloth that was used to cover the severed head of John the Baptist. There are also fascinating museums. The cathedral is considered one of the oldest cathedrals in Europe. It is a UNESCO world heritage site.
The Aachen Christmas market has grown in popularity. You can find dozens of stalls selling local delicacies and handmade gifts. The market is filled with locals and tourists. You can also find stalls selling handmade decorations, wooden trinkets, and leather goods. The Christmas market is open from late November until the day before Christmas Eve.
The Aachen Christmas market has a lot of history. The town has been an imperial residence of Charlemagne since the eighth century. He played an important role in unifying Western Europe. Aachen is also home to a few Roman ruins.
The Aachen Christmas Market is one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. It is a feast for the senses and a wonderful place to celebrate the winter season.
Leipzig
Located in the heart of the city, the Leipzig Christmas Market is one of the oldest and largest markets in Germany. It boasts 250 beautifully decorated stalls and is packed with all kinds of seasonal goodies. The market is also home to a 38-meter Ferris wheel that gives visitors spectacular views of the city.
The market also has a Fairy Tale Forest, where kids can meet Santa Claus. There’s a special ice rink that offers visitors a chance to ski in the snow. The market square is also home to a stage, where you can enjoy a range of music performances.
A traditional wooden Christmas pyramid is a classic German Christmas symbol. Visitors can also take a ride on the Alter Markt ice skating rink.
The market square features a giant Advent calendar, as well as scenes from a number of well-known fairy tales. The Marktplatz is also home to 250 cabins decorated in angel themes.
Another of the city’s attractions is the Stadtgeschichtliche Museum, which tells the history of Leipzig. The Old Town Hall, which houses the museum, is also a landmark.
Visitors can also enjoy the WeihnachtsZauber, which is a lovely square decorated with art from all over the world. It’s open in the afternoons, and there are frequent music performances.
The market is also home to a number of traditional German foods. You can sample Nurnberger Lebkuchen, a rich gingerbread made into cookies. You can also try Glogi, a mulled wine made from berries.
Ravenna Gorge
Located in the Black Forest region, the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is one of the most unique Christmas markets in Germany. Set in a snowy valley surrounded by steep forested mountains, the market is under a spectacular railway line. The market is a combination of traditional handicrafts, delicacies from the region, and captivating light shows.
The market is open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from November through December. Admission is free for children under 15, while it is EUR5 before 4 pm and EUR6 after 4 pm. Gluhwein is also served.
The market is a short hike from the parking lot, which is also accessible by shuttle buses. The hike takes about 45 minutes. It features carved wooden figures, decorations, and sculptures.
The market also features handmade soaps and natural cosmetics. There is also a candle studio and a soap manufactory. There is also a chocolate dipped fruit selection. The market closes at 8 pm on Sundays. During the holidays, you will also find a nativity trail.
There are 40 stalls to visit. The market offers a wide variety of Christmas gifts and ornaments. The market is also home to a nativity trail and a live piano concert.
You can purchase tickets on the official website. There are also free shuttle buses available from the Hinterzarten train station. You will need to book in advance. The Ravenna Gorge Christmas market is not free, but the ticket prices are reasonable.
Dresden
During the Christmas season, Dresden is a magical city. There are several Christmas markets to choose from. The city is home to many historic sites and museums. The markets offer an array of traditional German foods, drinks, and Christmas gifts. These are a wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit.
The Striezelmarkt is one of the most popular Dresden Christmas markets. This market dates back to 1434, and is considered one of the oldest seasonal events in the country. It is located on the Altmarkt Square, and is open from 26 November to 24 December. It is also home to a Ferris wheel.
Another Dresden Christmas market is the Dresdner Winterlichter, which is located on the Prager Strasse. This market is not as elaborate as the others, but is full of interesting Christmas displays and gift stalls. It is also close to a number of big shops, and is a good place to pick up a gift for someone special.
Another Dresden Christmas market is the Weihnachtsmarkt, which is held in the picturesque historic Old Town. This market is considered one of the best in the country. The market features an array of traditional Christmas decorations and wooden stalls, including nutcrackers, fairy lights, and candle arches.
The Weihnachts Museum is located in the same square as the market, and teaches visitors about the history of Christmas. It also features an elaborate puppet theater.
