Best Christmas Markets in Germany: Our Picks After Visiting 10
With thousands of Christmas markets in Germany, narrowing down which ones to visit can be harder than you’d think. The famous markets in Cologne and Nuremberg tend to get most of the attention, but some of our favourites have been smaller markets that we hadn’t heard much about before our trip.
We’ve visited Christmas markets in 10 German cities over two different trips. The first time, we spent two weeks travelling through western Germany, basing ourselves in Düsseldorf, Mannheim and Stuttgart and taking day trips by train to nearby markets. My boys were only four at the time, which also gave us a pretty good idea of which markets work well with younger kids — and which ones don’t.
We’ve since returned to Cologne and added Trier to the list, and I’d happily go back to almost every one we’ve visited. Stuttgart is still a favourite, Cologne is hard to beat for the sheer variety of markets, and places like Essen, Esslingen and Ludwigsburg ended up being some of the biggest surprises.
In this guide, I’m sharing our picks for the best Christmas markets in Germany after visiting 10 different cities, including which ones I’d choose with kids, which cities make the best base for visiting several markets and which smaller markets are worth adding to your itinerary.
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Quick Picks: Which German Christmas Market Should You Visit?
Family favourite: Stuttgart
Best iconic experience: Cologne
Best with younger kids: Mannheim
Best base for Christmas market hopping: Düsseldorf
Best smaller market: Essen
Most unique: Esslingen
Best market + sightseeing: Heidelberg
Most underrated: Trier
Best surprise: Ludwigsburg
The Best Christmas Markets in Germany We’ve Visited
Each of these markets offered something a little different, from the huge markets in Cologne and Stuttgart to smaller ones that surprised us.
Stuttgart Christmas Market: Our Family Favourite
Stuttgart was easily one of our favourite Christmas markets in Germany. We based ourselves here for the last few days of our trip, and even after spending the day visiting another market, we’d usually end up back at the Stuttgart Christmas market again that evening.
The market is huge and spreads through several squares and streets in the city centre, but it didn’t feel overwhelming. Schlossplatz had lots of room to walk around, with large light displays and a light show set to music, while nearby there was a small Ferris wheel and a miniature railway village with a train kids could ride, which was perfect for the boys, who were four at the time.
The boys also really enjoyed wandering through the market, and obviously, so did I! Each of the stalls has different decorations on the roof, there’s even a contest for the best decorated, and looking at all the different displays kept the boys busy while I browsed the stalls. The giant Advent calendar on the City Hall windows was another fun one to look out for, with a new window opening each day to reveal a coat of arms from one of Stuttgart’s districts.
We ended up coming back to the Stuttgart Christmas market almost every evening we were there, even on days when we’d taken a day trip to another market. If you’re visiting Germany’s Christmas markets with younger kids, it’s one I’d definitely recommend, and Stuttgart also makes a great base for visiting Esslingen and Ludwigsburg.
For more details, check out my complete guide to the Stuttgart Christmas Market, with what to see and tips for visiting with kids.
Cologne Christmas Markets: Best for an Iconic First Trip
Cologne is one of those Christmas market cities you’ll find on almost every list of the best Christmas markets in Germany — but in this case, I think it deserves the hype. We’ve visited twice now, several years apart, and it’s still one of the cities I’d recommend without hesitation.
There are several Christmas markets spread around Cologne, each with its own theme and a completely different feel. If you have the time, explore as many as you can — part of the fun of visiting Cologne at Christmas is walking through the city and seeing how different each market is.
The Cathedral Christmas Market is the one that gives you that real wow moment. You walk out of the train station with Cologne Cathedral towering above you, and then find a whole Christmas market spread out right in front of it. It’s quite the introduction to Cologne, especially if this is your first German Christmas market trip.
But our favourite has always been Heinzels Wintermärchen in the Old Town. It’s the gnome-themed market, with little Heinzelmännchen decorating the stalls and hiding throughout the market, plus a large skating rink, curling lanes and plenty of places to stop for something to eat or drink.
There’s also a smaller Ferris wheel-type ride that’s perfect for younger kids. On our most recent visit, we rode the much larger Ferris wheel near the harbour and Chocolate Museum, which has fantastic views over the city, although I’m not sure I would have wanted to take two squirmy four-year-olds up there!
Cologne is one of my top picks for a first Christmas market trip to Germany. You can experience several very different markets without leaving the city, and it’s also easy to combine Cologne with other Christmas market cities nearby.
For market locations, what to expect and more of our favourites, here’s everything to know about the Christmas markets in Cologne.
Mannheim Christmas Markets: A Favourite With Young Kids
Mannheim doesn’t have the name recognition of Cologne or some of Germany’s other Christmas market cities, but don’t overlook it. We used Mannheim as one of our bases on our first Christmas market trip, and it ended up being one of our favourite stops.
There are several markets around the city, including the larger Christmas market at the Water Tower, which was definitely the busiest when we visited. Our hotel overlooked the smaller market at Kapuzinerplanken, and I loved watching the vendors open their stalls in the morning before we headed out for the day.
But with two four-year-olds, the fairy-tale market was the one we kept coming back to. It was set away from the busier main market and had displays showing scenes from different fairy tales, some with the stories read aloud as you stood there. And then there was the talking tree, which moved its mouth and talked — my boys thought it was amazing.
They were quite happy to wander around the bigger, more traditional market with me, as long as we went back to see the talking tree afterwards! It also gave us somewhere quieter to end the evening when everyone had had enough of the crowds.
It rained off and on for much of our time in Mannheim, but somehow that didn’t matter. Between staying right above one of the markets, having the fairy-tale market for the boys and being able to take an easy day trip to Heidelberg, we loved our time here.
From the fairy-tale market to the larger market at the Water Tower, here’s more on what you’ll find at the Christmas market in Mannheim.
Heidelberg Christmas Markets: Best Setting
Heidelberg is one I’d recommend if you want to do more than just visit Christmas markets. The Old Town and castle are worth exploring on their own, and in December, several smaller markets are spread along the main street and squares through the historic centre.
Of course, it poured rain for most of our day in Heidelberg, but we still loved exploring the city and markets. One of my favourites was the Winterwäldchen at Kornmarkt, a smaller market filled with fir trees that feels a bit like a winter forest in the middle of the city. There was also a small train that ran in a circle through the trees, and while it wasn’t anything elaborate, my boys were four at the time and absolutely loved it.
Keep walking through the Old Town and you’ll eventually reach Karlsplatz, where there was a large skating rink surrounded by market stalls when we visited. With Heidelberg Castle sitting above the square, this was easily one of the prettiest Christmas market settings we saw on our trip.
Heidelberg is an easy day trip from Mannheim, but I’d happily spend longer here. If you want to combine a traditional German Christmas market experience with time to explore the city itself, Heidelberg would be one of my picks.
Esslingen Christmas Market: Most Unique
Esslingen was unlike any of the other Christmas markets we visited in Germany. Alongside the traditional Christmas market, there’s a medieval market where vendors dress in period clothing and the stalls sell everything from jewellery and clothing to other medieval-inspired goods.
But it’s not just something to walk through and look at. There are plenty of hands-on activities too, including axe throwing and games where you launch beanbags from a small catapult. My boys were only four when we visited and were still able to try some of them, which made this market especially fun for them.
Right beside the medieval market is the more traditional Christmas market, with food, crafts and a Christmas pyramid selling warm drinks. I liked having the two markets side by side — you could wander through a classic German Christmas market and then suddenly find yourself back among costumed vendors and medieval activities.
Esslingen itself is worth taking some time to explore too. The half-timbered buildings make a great backdrop for the markets, and if you don’t mind a climb, head up towards the castle for a view over the town and markets below.
Esslingen is an easy day trip from Stuttgart and one I’d definitely add if you’re staying there for a few days. Even after visiting quite a few Christmas markets in Germany, this is one that still feels completely different from the rest.
Düsseldorf Christmas Markets: Best Base for Market Hopping
Düsseldorf was our introduction to German Christmas markets, and we definitely jumped right in. There are several markets spread throughout the city centre, each with a different theme, so you can easily spend a day wandering between them.
Engelchenmarkt was one of my favourites, especially once all the lights came on, while at Handwerkermarkt we stopped to watch artisans at work, including glass blowers. The boys loved Märchen-Markt, where the stalls were decorated with characters from German fairy tales. Father Christmas was also wandering around handing out tokens, and the boys had to find the right market stall to exchange theirs for a hot chocolate.
One thing I wouldn’t recommend is doing what we did and visiting on the first weekend of Advent, which also happened to be Black Friday weekend. It was packed, and trying to make our way along the busy shopping streets with two four-year-olds at exactly the same height as everyone’s shopping bags wasn’t particularly fun!
Düsseldorf really works well as a base if you want to see several Christmas markets without constantly changing hotels. Cologne, Essen and Duisburg are all easy to reach by train, so you can explore Düsseldorf’s markets in the evenings and take day trips to other markets nearby.
If you’re planning to use Düsseldorf as a base, this Düsseldorf Christmas markets guide covers the different markets around the city and what you’ll find at each one.
Essen Christmas Market: Best Smaller Market
Essen was one of the biggest surprises of our trip. It’s not a Christmas market I’d plan an entire trip around, but if you’re staying in Düsseldorf or travelling through this part of Germany, I’d absolutely add it to your itinerary.
The market seemed to start almost as soon as we walked out of the train station and just kept going. Stalls were spread along the streets rather than packed into one main square, which made it much easier to wander around with two four-year-olds without constantly trying to squeeze through crowds.
There were also light displays all along the way, and my boys loved stopping to look at them as we walked between different parts of the market. It gave them something to look for while I had time to browse the stalls, and even years later, the lights are one of the things I remember most about Essen.
Essen is only about 30 minutes by train from Düsseldorf, making it an easy day trip or an extra market to add to a longer Christmas market itinerary. I wouldn’t choose it over somewhere like Cologne or Stuttgart for a first trip, but it’s one I’d happily visit again.
Trier Christmas Market: Most Underrated
Trier doesn’t get nearly as much attention as some of Germany’s bigger Christmas market cities, but it ended up being one of our favourites. It’s smaller and easier to explore than somewhere like Cologne, with a beautiful historic setting that makes the market feel special without being overwhelming.
The market is spread between Hauptmarkt and the square in front of Trier Cathedral, and the historic setting is a big part of the experience. We loved wandering through the market in the evening, then exploring more of Trier during the day rather than spending the entire visit moving from one Christmas market to another.
It’s also a great market if you’re looking for something a little smaller and less busy. My boys were older when we visited Trier, but after some of the busier markets we’d experienced, I appreciated being able to slow down and enjoy this one without feeling like we needed to work our way through a long list of different markets.
And Trier is worth visiting beyond the Christmas market. With the Porta Nigra, Roman ruins and compact Old Town, you can easily combine sightseeing with time at the market rather than making the market the entire focus of your visit.
We spent two days here before continuing on to Luxembourg, and I’d happily include Trier on another Christmas market trip. Here’s what to expect at the Trier Christmas Market, plus our tips from visiting.
Ludwigsburg Christmas Market: Best Surprise
Ludwigsburg wasn’t one of the Christmas markets I knew much about before our trip, but it ended up being such a good surprise. We visited as a day trip from Stuttgart, and even though it poured rain for most of our visit (can you see a theme here?), I really enjoyed this market.
The market is set in the main square, with stalls spread out around the Baroque churches. What I remember most, though, are the huge illuminated angel wings overlooking the market. Once it started getting dark and all the lights came on, they looked incredible — and are still one of the first things I think of when I remember Ludwigsburg.
There was also a live nativity when we visited, complete with a donkey and sheep, which was a hit with my boys. The market wasn’t overly busy either, although the rain may have had something to do with that!
Ludwigsburg is only about 15–20 minutes from Stuttgart by train, so it’s an easy market to add if you’re using Stuttgart as a base. I wouldn’t necessarily plan a Germany Christmas market trip around Ludwigsburg alone, but it’s absolutely worth the short trip from Stuttgart.
Don’t Forget the Important Stuff!
Grab our free Christmas Market Packing List so you don’t miss essentials like cozy layers, wool socks, and the little things that make wandering the markets way more comfortable.
How to Plan a German Christmas Market Trip
With so many Christmas markets in Germany, it’s tempting to try to fit as many as possible into one trip. But after spending two weeks doing exactly that, I’d recommend choosing a few cities as bases and taking day trips to nearby markets instead.
That’s what we did on our first trip, staying in Düsseldorf, Mannheim and Stuttgart. It meant we could visit quite a few different markets without packing up and changing hotels every day — and after spending hours outside in December, it was nice to come back to somewhere familiar each night.
Düsseldorf + Cologne, Essen, Duisburg + Dortmund
Düsseldorf works really well as a base for exploring Christmas markets in western Germany. Spend time at Düsseldorf’s own markets, then take the train to Cologne and Essen on separate days. Duisburg and Dortmund are other easy add-ons if you have extra time, although I’d prioritize Cologne and Essen.
Suggested time: 3–4 nights
Mannheim + Heidelberg
We loved staying in Mannheim and taking a day trip to Heidelberg. The two offer completely different experiences, and staying in Mannheim also gave us plenty of time to enjoy its markets in the mornings and evenings rather than trying to squeeze them into a day trip.
Suggested time: 2–3 nights
Stuttgart + Esslingen and Ludwigsburg
This would be one of my top combinations for a Christmas market trip, especially with kids. Give yourself plenty of time for Stuttgart, then take day trips to Esslingen for its medieval market and Ludwigsburg for its Baroque Christmas market. Both are close enough that you can easily return to Stuttgart in the evening, which is exactly what we did.
Suggested time: 3–4 nights
What About Nuremberg, Dresden and Germany’s Other Famous Christmas Markets?
You might have noticed a few of Germany’s most famous Christmas markets are missing from this list. We haven’t made it to Nuremberg, Dresden, Munich or Rothenburg ob der Tauber yet, so I can’t personally compare them to the markets above, but they’re definitely still on my list.
Nuremberg: One of Germany’s most famous Christmas markets, and probably the biggest omission from this list. The Christkindlesmarkt is known for its traditional feel, and there’s also a separate children’s market, which I’d love to check out with my boys.
Dresden: Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, dating back to the 1400s. Between that history and Dresden itself, this is one I’d love to include on a future Christmas market trip.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber: I’ve wanted to visit Rothenburg for years, and seeing the medieval old town decorated for Christmas would make it even better. This one is as much about experiencing the town at Christmas as visiting the market itself.
Munich: Munich has several Christmas markets around the city, including the traditional market at Marienplatz. I’d be interested in visiting for the variety of markets, but also because there’s plenty to see in Munich beyond Christmas markets.
For now, I’d rather recommend the markets we’ve actually experienced than add another five or ten places just because they appear on every other list of the best Christmas markets in Germany.
Tips for Visiting Christmas Markets in Germany
After visiting quite a few Christmas markets in Germany, including my first trip with two four-year-olds, there are a few things I’d do the same way again, and a few things I’d plan differently.
Don’t Try to Visit Too Many Markets
It’s tempting to squeeze another city into your itinerary when it’s only a short train ride away, but you don’t need to see every market in the area. Give yourself time to actually enjoy them rather than treating each one as something to check off a list.
Use the Trains and Choose a Few Bases
Germany’s train system made it easy for us to stay in one place for a few nights and take day trips to nearby markets. It also meant we could come back to a familiar hotel at the end of the day instead of packing up and moving every night.
Visit After Dark
Christmas markets are fun during the day, but they’re completely different once the lights come on. Even if you’ve already wandered through a market earlier, it’s worth going back after dark — especially somewhere like Essen, Ludwigsburg or Stuttgart where the lights are a big part of the experience.
And you don’t have to keep younger kids out late to experience it. It gets dark early in Germany in December, usually by around 4:30 p.m., so you can see the markets lit up, grab something to eat and still get back to your hotel at a reasonable time.
Don’t Accidentally Take Home Every Mug
When you order glühwein or another hot drink, you’ll usually pay a deposit (Pfand) for the mug along with the cost of your drink. But if you bring the mug back when you’re finished, you’ll get your deposit back. Or you can keep it as a souvenir.
Each market has its own mugs, and some change the design each year, so keeping one is a fun souvenir from your trip. Just be warned: once you start keeping them, it’s surprisingly easy to come home with a suitcase full of Christmas market mugs!
Give Younger Kids Something to Look Forward To
When my boys were four, we quickly learned that Christmas market stalls weren’t going to hold their attention for hours. Small rides, skating rinks, light displays and things like Mannheim’s talking tree gave them something to look forward to — and gave me more time to wander through the markets too.
Dress for Hours Outside
You’ll probably spend much longer outside than you realize, especially if you’re walking between several markets. Warm layers, waterproof footwear, hats and gloves make a big difference — and rain doesn’t necessarily ruin a Christmas market trip, as we learned more than once!
Not sure what you’ll need? Here’s our complete Christmas Market Packing List, based on what we’ve packed for our winter Christmas market trips in Europe.
Be Prepared for Weekend Crowds
Our first visit to Düsseldorf happened to fall on the first weekend of Advent and Black Friday weekend, and it was packed. If you have some flexibility, visit the more popular markets during the week and save smaller markets or other sightseeing for the weekend.
Bring Some Cash, But You May Not Need as Much as You Think
Germany’s Christmas markets have traditionally been quite cash-heavy, but that’s changing and we’ve noticed more vendors accepting cards on our more recent trips. Still, I wouldn’t rely entirely on a credit card.
Keep some euros with you for smaller stalls, rides and anything else that turns out to be cash-only. I also wouldn’t take out a huge amount of cash at the beginning of your trip — see what you’re actually using and withdraw more if you need it.
If you’re visiting with younger kids, I’ve got more tips and things to know about visiting Christmas markets with kids, including what there is for kids to do and how to make the experience easier for everyone
Which Christmas Market in Germany Should You Visit?
For a first Christmas market trip to Germany, Cologne is hard to beat. There are several completely different markets to explore, the Cathedral gives you that iconic Christmas market setting, and it’s easy to add other cities nearby.
For families, Stuttgart is still one of my favourites, while Mannheim was fantastic when my boys were younger. And if you want something completely different, I’d add Esslingen and its medieval market to your itinerary.
But some of the markets we enjoyed most weren’t necessarily the ones we’d heard the most about before our trip. Essen, Ludwigsburg and Trier were all great surprises, and I’d happily visit any of them again.
So don’t feel like you need to build your entire trip around Germany’s biggest or most famous Christmas markets. Pick one or two that you really want to see, then add a smaller market nearby, and you might end up finding a favourite you weren’t expecting.
