Christmas Markets in Trier: What to Expect + Highlights for Kids

The Christmas markets in Trier might not be as famous as those in Cologne or Munich, but that’s part of the charm. Germany’s oldest city turns its historic squares into a festive wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, wooden stalls, and the smell of mulled wine in the air.

What makes Trier even more special is its mix of Roman history and small-town charm. The Christmas market spreads across the main squares, framed by centuries-old buildings and the cathedral. It’s cozy, walkable, and packed with seasonal treats—perfect for families who want a classic market vibe without huge crowds.

Coming straight from Cologne, Trier felt like a breath of fresh air. The whole market was quieter, calmer, and honestly more like what I imagine a traditional Christmas market is supposed to feel like. No huge crowds, no pushing through walkways — just people wandering, browsing, and enjoying the atmosphere. It was such a nice change of pace.

If you’re visiting Cologne or Luxembourg, Trier makes a great next stop—it’s festive, relaxed, and feels like a step back in time.

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Why Visit Trier at Christmas

Trier is one of Germany’s oldest cities, and the Christmas market really shows off its historic setting. With the cathedral on one side and the colourful half-timbered buildings of Hauptmarkt on the other, it’s easily one of the most picturesque markets in the country.

It’s also less crowded than the markets in Cologne or Nuremberg, which makes it great for families. You can move around easily, enjoy the food stalls, and actually stop to admire the lights instead of weaving through shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.

And if you enjoy wine, this region is known for its Mosel wines, which are often used in the local Glühwein.

Best Christmas Markets in Trier

Unlike larger cities with multiple themed markets, Trier focuses on quality over quantity—its main market is split between two neighbouring squares, each with its own feel.

Domfreihof (Cathedral Square)

This is the heart of Trier’s Christmas celebrations. Stalls are set up right in front of the impressive Trier Cathedral, and the atmosphere is pure magic, especially once the lights come on.

You’ll find local crafts, ornaments, and lots of traditional food here. The scent of Glühwein and sizzling food fills the air, from grilled sausages and frying potato pancakes to whatever’s cooking at the next stall.

We loved how relaxed this area felt. Even with plenty of people around, it never felt packed or touristy. The mix of warm lights, the cathedral behind the stalls, and that quieter energy made it easy to slow down and actually enjoy the moment.

Our suggestion? Grab a warm drink and just take a moment to soak in the view—few markets have a backdrop this beautiful.

Hauptmarkt

Just around the corner, Hauptmarkt has a slightly livelier vibe with more food stalls and family-friendly options. This is where you’ll find the carousel, toy stalls, and sweet treats for the kids.

This is also where we ended up trying langos — then sitting on these wooden steps while listening to two moose singing Christmas carols in English from the top of one of the stalls.

It was fun and somehow perfect, exactly the kind of moment that makes Christmas markets so fun with kids. We stayed longer than planned simply because it felt so cosy.

Ice Skating at the KornMarkt

Just a short walk (one or two blocks) from the main squares, there’s a full ice-skating rink set up for the season — and it ended up being a highlight for all of us. We spent 2.5 hours there, and honestly, it was one of my favourite parts of the day.

You can rent skates on-site, so you don’t need to bring anything with you. The boys had the best time on the ice, and I loved being able to watch them with a hot cup of Glühwein in my hand. If only I could do that back home at our cold indoor rinks all winter…

It’s the perfect break between browsing the stalls and exploring the city, and it adds a fun, active twist to the Christmas market experience.

What to Eat and Drink

Trier’s market food feels both traditional and regional — meaning you’ll find many of the same favourites that show up at Christmas markets across Germany, but also a few unique touches that reflect the local flavour. One of the most noticeable differences here is the Mosel wine, used in Glühwein — a regional twist you won’t get everywhere.

Here are a few must-tries:

• Bratwurst – Grilled sausage in a bun; simple, filling, and always a classic.
• Currywurst – Sliced sausage topped with curry ketchup. It’s usually served with fries, but in Trier, mine came with a bun on the side (that the boys didn’t mind helping with!)
• Reibekuchen – Crispy potato pancakes served with applesauce. Greasy in the best way and perfect for colder nights.
• Langos – A deep-fried flatbread of Hungarian origin, popular at many Christmas markets. In Trier, we saw more basic versions — mostly cheese and sour cream, which hit the spot. (In Cologne, we found more topping options like Mediterranean-style, but Trier kept it simple.)
• Hot waffles and crepes – Always a hit with kids, especially as an afternoon treat.
• Local cheeses – We saw lots of stalls selling small cheese rounds and wedges, often from nearby farms in the Mosel region. A fun savoury option if you want something other than meat or sweets.
• Glühwein – Made with Mosel wine, which gives it a distinct regional flavour. We tried the red, white, and rosé versions — the rosé was a surprise favourite, lighter and fruitier than the usual red.
• Kinderpunsch or hot chocolate – Warm, non-alcoholic options that still feel festive.

Tip: Bring cash — most stalls don’t take cards, especially for smaller snacks and drinks.

What to Buy

Trier’s Christmas market leans toward traditional and handmade items rather than mass-produced souvenirs. Some of the things we saw were:

• Wooden ornaments and nutcrackers
• Hand-carved toys
• Wool scarves and hats
• Local honey and jams
• Candles and handmade soaps
• Lighted stars (these are at every market in Germany)

Even if you’re not planning to shop much, browsing is half the fun here—especially with the cathedral lights in the background.

Highlights for Kids

Trier’s market may be smaller, and while there isn’t as many rides as other markets, we found the market to be really family-friendly. Some of the highlights for kids were:

• Carousel at Hauptmarkt
• Puppet theatre and occasional live performances
• Sweet stalls with waffles, nuts, and candies
• Ice Skating (rental skates available)
• Talking moose (and they even sing English Christmas carols)
• Kinderpunsch stands (non-alcoholic punch that feels grownup)

What to Wear

Similar to other Christmas markets in Germany, Trier’s winter weather can be chilly and damp, especially during the day. The market squares are fairly sheltered by surrounding buildings, so you don’t really get much wind — but if it rains (like it did for us during the day), you’ll be glad for waterproof gear.

We lucked out with dry weather at night, but waterproof boots were a must during the day, especially while exploring the Roman sites. And of course, a warm coat, hat, and gloves go a long way once the temperature drops in the evening.

What to pack:

• Warm, waterproof coat or jacket
• Hat, gloves, scarf
• Waterproof boots with good grip
• Layers for warmth — the usual base layer + sweater combo works well

Where to Stay

We stayed at Schroeders City-Style Hotel, a simple budget-friendly option about 10 minutes from the main squares. It was one of the only places available when we booked last minute, and while it wasn’t anything fancy, it was clean and quiet — totally fine for a short stay.

That said, if you’re booking further in advance, there are a few other hotels that are better located or offer a bit more comfort:

• ibis Styles Trier: Modern, affordable, and right in the heart of the old town.
• Park Plaza Trier: A bit more upscale, with family rooms and a great location close to everything.

Trier is small and easy to get around, so as long as you’re near the old town, you’ll be close to the Christmas markets and main sights.

Getting Around

Trier’s city centre is compact and easy to explore on foot. If you’re arriving by train, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the Christmas markets.

Once you’re in the old town, everything is just a few minutes apart — the two main squares (Domfreihof and Hauptmarkt) are practically back to back, and the ice skating rink is only a short walk away.

You won’t need transit here — the whole market experience is walkable, relaxed, and easy to enjoy at your own pace.

Tips for Visiting Trier’s Christmas Markets

• Bring cash, as some stalls here don’t take cards
  
• Check the event schedule for concerts and choir performances at the cathedral.
  
• Visit midweek for smaller crowds.
  
• The souvenir mugs might not have the most unique designs compared to other markets, but they’re still fun — I brought one home from Trier.
  
• If you try the rose or white Glühwein, it’s served in a tall, skinny glass instead of a mug, which makes for a fun souvenir
  
• Trier is such a fun city to explore, especially if you’re into Roman history — you’ll find ruins and landmarks all over the old town.
  
• If you can, try to spend a bit of time during the day exploring the city before heading to the markets in the evening. You don’t need a lot of time — even a few hours is enough to see the highlights. Or stay overnight and explore a bit more the next morning — it’s a great mix of history and holiday charm.

Christmas Markets Near Trier

If you’re exploring the region, here are a few other Christmas markets that are easy to reach from Trier (or worth considering as part of your trip):

• Luxembourg City: About 45 minutes by train. A good day trip or overnight stop, with several small markets across the city and a fun mix of international food and crafts.
• Koblenz: Around 1.5 hours by train, often with one transfer. Multiple markets in the old town, with a scenic location where the Mosel and Rhine rivers meet.
• Aachen: Roughly 2.5 to 3 hours by train from Trier, but doable if you’re already heading that way (especially via Cologne). One of the prettiest small-town markets in Germany.

FAQ: Trier Christmas Markets

When do the Trier Christmas Markets open in 2025?
From November 22 to December 22, 2025.

Where are they located?
In the heart of the old town, spread between Hauptmarkt and Domfreihof.

Is Trier’s Christmas Market good for kids?
Yes—there’s a carousel, puppet theatre, and plenty of treats.

Can you visit Trier as a day trip?
Definitely. It’s easy to reach by train from Cologne, Aachen, or Luxembourg.

What is Trier known for at Christmas?
The stunning setting beside the cathedral and the Glühwein made with Mosel wine.

Our Take on the Christmas Markets in Trier

Trier’s Christmas market felt like stepping into a postcard — historic buildings, soft lights, and a festive atmosphere that wasn’t trying too hard. It’s smaller and calmer than places like Cologne or Aachen, and that’s exactly what made it stand out.

We loved how walkable everything was, how the market blended into the old town, and how easy it was to just enjoy the experience without rushing from one big attraction to the next.

After the crowds of Cologne, Trier was a welcome change. We spent hours skating, listened to moose singing carols, and sat on wooden steps eating langos — the kind of simple moments that somehow stick with you.

It ended up being one of our favourite stops — quieter, more relaxed, and a reminder that sometimes, less really is more.

Heading to Luxembourg next? Here’s everything you need to know about the Christmas markets in Luxembourg — plus how to spend 2 days exploring the city.

Or if you’re staying in Germany, check out our roundup of the best Christmas markets in Germany, including bigger cities like Düsseldorf and Stuttgart, or another beautiful small-town favourite — the Aachen Christmas Markets.