Christmas Markets Visiting Christmas markets in Germany is a delightful way of celebrating the festive season. The heavy scent of sweets, fried sausage and warm wine welcomes you to a variety of Christmas delicacies. If you’re feeling a little chilly, grab a warm mug of Glühwein and catch up with friends. Not only are the markets a great place to socialise, but you can also pick up unique gifts, mouth-watering Christmas cookies, and Stollen. Not to mention, you’ll be able to kit yourself out for the winter with cosy woollen gloves and beanie hats. We compiled this list from our own experiences as well as the recommendations from members of our Facebook group. You are welcome to contact us if you want to add to the list When do the Chrismas markets open Most Christmas markets in Germany open around the start of Advent — the fourth Sunday before Christmas, usually in late November. In many towns, the festive lights flicker on the Monday after Totensonntag (the Sunday of the Dead), marking the respectful end of the mourning period and the joyful beginning of the Christmas season.The markets then stay open through December, often closing on Christmas Eve, although some, especially in larger cities, remain open. If you’re eager to dive in early, Dresden’s Striezelmarkt, one of Germany’s oldest, usually opens before Advent, drawing visitors with its centuries-old charm. For those who wish to linger in the glow a little longer, Berlin and Cologne host a few markets that stay open past Christmas, carrying the festive spirit into the New Year. Where to find Christmas Markets In larger cities, you’ll often find several Christmas markets scattered across different neighbourhoods, each offering its own unique atmosphere. Smaller towns, however, typically host one main market, where the cosy charm and close-knit community spirit truly shine, making it a magical experience for visitors. Map Please note that some listings on the map only indicate the city, so be sure to confirm the exact address of the Christmas market before planning your visit. Baden-Württemberg Altensteiger Altstadt-Weihnachtsmarkt – A charming market in the old town with festive stalls, seasonal treats, and local crafts, perfect for families and those looking for a traditional atmosphere. Baden-Baden’s Christmas market is open after Christmas till 6 January, and it was pretty awesome. I found different stalls compared to other Christmas markets, and last year they had a Nativity Ausstellung from around the world (not sure if it is an annual thing) that was pretty awesome. Biberach Christkindlmarkt – Set in the historic town square, this market is known for its festive lights, traditional crafts, and regional treats, offering a cosy and welcoming atmosphere. Calw – A picturesque market in the town’s medieval centre, featuring handcrafted gifts, seasonal delicacies, and festive entertainment for all ages. Esslingen – Der Esslinger Mittelaltermarkt & Weihnachtsmarkt is a Medieval Christmas market close to Stuttgart. Watch a video here Freiburg – This market spans the historic old town and features local crafts, Black Forest specialities, and a lively festive program for visitors of all ages. Gengenbacher Adventsmarkt – Central to the festivities is the historic Rathaus, proudly known as the world’s largest Advent calendar house, where 24 windows are revealed one by one each night in a cherished tradition of light and wonder. Heidelberg – The Heidelberg Christmas Market unfolds beneath the watchful gaze of Heidelberg Castle, with the Neckar River shimmering nearby — a setting so picturesque it feels lifted from a winter postcard. Known for its romantic atmosphere, it’s a favourite for couples strolling hand in hand and families soaking up the festive spirit together. Hohenzollern Castle – as of 2021, they do not have a Christmas market but a Royal Winter Magic event The Christkindlmarkt in Durlach, Karlsruhe – A festive market with a medieval flair, featuring artisanal crafts, seasonal treats, and live entertainment in the historic town center. Konstanzer Weihnachtsmarkt direkt am Bodensee – Located right on the shores of Lake Constance, this market combines stunning waterside views with traditional festive stalls and regional delicacies. Ludwigsburg – Ludwigsburger Barock Weihnachtsmarkt. Watch a video here Ravenna Schlucht Christmas Market – Nestled beneath the arches of the Ravenna Viaduct, this market offers a magical setting among forested hills and snow-dusted scenery, with traditional crafts and seasonal treats. Stuttgart – Spread over a large area around Schlossplatz, this market features extensive stalls, festive lights, local foods, and a lively program of seasonal entertainment. Tubingen – The Market is excellent for chocolates, handcrafted gifts, and a cozy old town setting. Ulm – Famous for the church with the highest tower in the world, the market in front of the cathedral offers festive stalls, local foods, and a magical atmosphere. Zavelsteiner Burgweihnacht – Held at Zavelstein Castle, this market combines historic charm with festive lights, handcrafted gifts, and regional delicacies in a romantic hilltop setting. Ravenna Schlucht Nestled beneath the towering arches of the Ravenna Viaduct (Ravennaviadukt), the Christmas market in the Ravenna Gorge (Ravennaschlucht) transforms this historic railway bridge and its surrounding Black Forest pines into a fairytale scene. The market is nestled beneath the towering arches of the Ravenna Viaduct, a historic railway bridge. The dramatic backdrop, surrounded by dense pine forests and snow-dusted hills, creates a beautiful atmosphere. But unlike many open-air markets, this one requires planning ahead: Tickets are mandatory. There is no ticket office on site. All tickets must be purchased in advance, online. Ticket presales usually begin in mid-October. You’ll pick a specific time slot for your visit. The tickets are for a window of about 2 hours, so you can enjoy the atmosphere without overcrowding. More info Bayern Kuchlbauers Turmweihnacht in Abensberg is one of the best I’ve ever been to. An outdoor and indoor market. The indoor one is underground and probably has a lot of SA Market-style goodies. Not often seen at Markets here. Not sure how the indoor one will work this year, but the vibe was magical around the Turm. Only an hour and a bit North of Munich. Here is an