Christmas markets in Germany

We have mentioned 15 European markets in a previous market before, but in this one, we will focus on Germany’s Christmas markets.

Germany isn't just the land of sausages and schnitzels; it's the holy grail of Christmas markets. Picture this: charming cobblestone streets, twinkling lights, and the aroma of roasted chestnuts. Yup, that's the festive magic we're talking about.

Aachen

• Dates: From 24th November to 23rd December 2023
• Opening times: 11am to 9pm (Special hours: 26th Nov, 16th and 23th Dec)

We start strong with Aachen town! The squares and lanes around Aachen Cathedral and the town hall are completely transformed into a Christmas village. Twinkling lights and the scent of mulled wine and Aachener Printen (a kind of gingerbread) are a must for a magical experience.

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Berlin

• Dates: From 27th November to 30th December 2023
• Opening times: Mon-Thurs: 10am-8:30pm, Fri-Sat: 10am-9pm, Sun: 11am-8:30pm

Beyond quality, Germany's capital shows more than 100 Christmas markets. Some are more traditional (Breitscheidplatz Christmas market) and others erring on niche (Spandau).

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Braunschweig

• Dates: From 29th November to 29th December 2023
• Opening times: Mon-Sat: 10am-9pm, Sun: 11am-9pm, Dec 29: 10am-8pm

Every year, the squares around St. Blasii Cathedral are transformed into a beautiful Christmas market with elegant illuminations and a delightful atmosphere. The Braunschweig Christmas Market, with its 500-year tradition, is amongst the most attractive and atmospheric Christmas markets in all of Germany.

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Bremen

• Dates: November 27th to December 23rd, 2023
• Opening times: Mon-Thurs: 10am-8:30pm, Fri-Sat: 10am-9pm, Sun: 11am-8:30pm

In Bremen you can find numerous stalls and booths invite visitors to linger, chat, and drink mulled wine. Between the town hall and the Town Musicians, Roland and Schütting, a wintry village of stalls and carousels is transformed.

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Celle

• Dates: 27th November to 28th December 2023
• Opening times: Mon-Fri: 11am-8pm, Sat: 10:30am-9pm, Sun: 11am-8pm

In Celle, all your senses are awaken! At Advent time, the glow of lights, atmospherically decorated stalls, and the smell of mulled wine and roasted almonds return to Celle’s old town.

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Cologne

• Dates: Most markets open Nov 23 – Dec 23, 2023 (Heumarkt open until Jan 7, 2024)
• Opening times: Vary by market, typically 11am-9pm/10pm

If you like your Christmas markets with a side of carnival vibes, this is your spot. Open from late November to right before Christmas, it's the perfect mix of festive cheer and merry-go-round thrills.

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Dresden

• Dates: From 29th November to 24th December 2023
• Opening times: 10am-9pm (Special hours: Nov 29: 4-9pm, Dec 24: 10am-2pm)

Dresden is your go to if you feel this is the the most wonderful time of the year! A grand total of eleven completely different Christmas markets, from the by no means Dark Ages to the après-ski charm of alpine huts, Dresden has it all!

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Düsseldorf

• Dates: From 23rd November to 30th December 2023
• Opening times: Sun-Thurs: 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-9pm, Dec 24: 10am-2pm

Düsseldorf is not afraid of gearing up for Christmas. The traditional Christmas market of Düsseldorf is staged individually at various locations throughout the bustling city centre. designed theme worlds are set to lead visitors on a real discovery tour.

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Einbeck

• Dates: 29th November to 29th December 2023
• Opening times: 5pm-12am

Against its backdrop of historic half-timbered houses, Einbeck’s Christmas market is a festive setting in which to ring in the Christmas holidays. Whether you’d like to sip mulled wine, have a bite on tasty snacks, or do your last minute shopping, you’re sure to find something here.

Essen

• Dates: From 17th November to 23rd December
• Opening times: Sun-Thurs: 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-10pm

The Essen International Christmas Market offers a refreshing deviation from the ordinary by showcasing delightful delicacies and treasures hailing from more than 20 countries. Explore a variety of temptations at 170 stalls scattered throughout the western German city.

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Frankfurt

• Dates: From 24th November to 22nd December
• Opening times: 10am-9pm (Special hours: Sunday: 11am-9pm)

Since the 14th century, Frankfurt has hosted one of the grandest, most ancient, and captivating Christmas markets. Extending across the historic Old Town of Frankfurt, nestled near the Town Hall and adorned with fairy lights on charming half-timbered buildings, this is a must-visit destination.

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Goslar

• Dates: From 29th November to 30th December 2023

As every year during the cold season, Goslar lights up in a festive glow and you can feel Christmas in the air through the taunting aromas of cinnamon, baked apples and roasted almonds. Stroll around 80 lovingly decorated wooden huts to embrace the spirit.

Göttingen

• Dates: From 27th November to 29th December 2023
• Opening times: 10am-8:30pm (Special hours: Sunday: 11am-8:30pm)

Around the medieval Old Town Hall and St. John’s Church, the Christmas market of the university city Göttingen has its traditional place. Just in time for Advent, the renovated interior is reopened and presents itself with a nativity scene exhibition with exhibits from all over the world.

Hamelin

• Dates: From 27th November to 30th December 2023
• Opening times: Mon-Wed: 10am-8pm, Thu-Sat: 10am-9pm, Sun: 11am-8pm

Delight in the presence of lovingly restored half-timbered houses and distinctive Weser Renaissance buildings that add to the market's unique character. Wander through the festive scene, where over 50 wooden huts and experience one of the most beautiful and atmospheric Christmas markets in northern Germany.

Hamburg

• Dates: From 27th November to 23rd December
• Opening times: 11am-9pm

If you're dreaming of a maritime Christmas, set sail for Hamburg . Pro tip: try the local fish delicacies - they're a game-changer.

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Hannover

• Dates: From 27th November to 22nd December 2023
• Opening times: 11am-9pm

Allow yourself to be enchanted by the romantic background of the old city centre that frames the Christmas market. In the historic Christmas village on the banks of the Leine river you can vividly experience medieval city life.

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Hildesheim

• Dates: From 27th November to 28th December 2023
• Opening times: 11am-8pm

The heart of the Christmas market in Hildesheim beats at the historic market square, surrounded by magnificent half-timbered houses exuding the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread and mulled wine. Festively decorated stalls further entice visitors to stroll around the square, especially the "Platz an der Lilie." Adding to the charm, the Christmas Post Office "Himmelsthür" at the market is the oldest in Germany, where children's eyes light up as they throw their self-painted letters and wishlists for Santa Claus into the nostalgic mailbox.

Leipzig

• Dates: From 28th November to 23rd December 2023
• Opening times: Sun-Thu: 10am-9pm, Fri-Sat: 10am-10pm (Special hours: Dec 23: 10am-8pm)

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. Leipzig Christmas market is not only one of the oldest but also one of the largest Christmas markets in Germany.

Munich

• Dates: From 27th November to 24th December 2023
• Opening times: Mon-Sat: 10am-9pm, Sun: 10am-8pm (Special hours: Dec 24: 10am-2pm)

The towering Christmas tree in Munich's Marienplatz is adorned with approximately 2,500 lights, creating a festive spectacle against the backdrop of the Neo-Gothic town hall. However, the market offers more than just picturesque scenes for sharing with friends back home. Visitors can partake in lively activities, such as the Krampus Run, where approximately 300 runners don scary costumes and dash through the city. Additionally, the Christkindl tram, featuring mulled wine on board, proves popular among both locals and tourists.

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Nuremberg

• Dates: From 1st December to 24th December 2023
• Opening times: 10am-9pm (Special hours: Dec 24: 10am-2pm)

Being among the oldest Christmas Markets in Germany and enjoying global popularity, this market consistently attracts over 2 million visitors each year. If you seek an authentic Christmas experience along with a diverse array of German gifts, this market provides an unparalleled opportunity.

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Rothenburg

• Dates: From 1st December to 23rd December 2023
• Opening times: Mon-Thu: 11am-7pm, Fri-Sun: 11am-8pm

For a fairytale Christmas, head to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This charming market is straight out of a storybook. Also, adding magic to your visit, stroll on the city walls to grab a bite while at it and have some Schneeballen, a fried dough ball with sugar and cinnamon toppings.

Wolfenbüttel

• Dates: From 28th November to 23rd December 2023
• Opening times: 11am-9pm

Since 1585, Wolfenbüttel’s Christmas market shines in front of the historic backdrops in the heart of the city centre. Enchanted courtyards, which are so unknown that even many residents don’t know them, delight visitors with their atmospheric lighting and lovely decorations on Advent weekends.

Wolfsburg

• Dates: From 28th November to 23rd December 2023
• Opening times: Mon-Thu: 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-10pm, Sun: 1pm-7pm (Special hours: Dec 24: 10am-2pm, Dec 26: 1pm-7pm)

With shorter days and cooler temperatures, winter is considered by many to be the most enchanting time of the year. Autostadt offers a winter wonderland that is the ideal location to celebrate the season. Take in the festive sights with a stunningly adorned park, expansive ice rink, delightful winter market, and much more. Whether you're in search of exciting snow and ice activities or a tranquil moment with loved ones amid the warmth of lights and delicious scents of cinnamon, cloves, and oranges, Autostadt is the ultimate winter destination.

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