Christmas Markets in Germany 2026: Dates, Best Cities and Guide

What's there

• ★Big funfair with Ferris wheel and ghost train
• ★Rides for all ages
• ★Mulled wine bars
• ★Wednesday family day

Worth knowing

• Open Monday to Thursday from 14:00, Sunday from 12:00.

What's there

• ★Between the German and the French Cathedral
• ★High-quality crafts
• ★Stage programme
• ★Heated restaurant tents

Getting there and parking

• U6 Stadtmitte (step-free with lift) or U2 Hausvogteiplatz; buses 147 and 200.

Worth knowing

• Dogs are not allowed (except assistance dogs).
• Daily 11:00-22:00, Friday and Saturday until 23:00.

What's there

• ★Colourful winter market with many rides
• ★Fir trees and coloured lighting
• ★Mulled wine stands and food

Getting there and parking

• By S-Bahn or U-Bahn; check the exact location on the website.

Worth knowing

• Plan a budget for rides.

What's there

• ★Queer Christmas market under the railway tracks at Nollendorfplatz
• ★Entertainment programme on stage
• ★Unique sales stalls
• ★Vegan snacks

Getting there and parking

• Nollendorfplatz U-Bahn station.

Worth knowing

• There is more space on weekdays.

What's there

• ★In Spandau Old Town in front of the town hall
• ★Huge choice of food from bratwurst to Kaiserschmarrn
• ★Extended market at weekends

Getting there and parking

• U7 or S-Bahn to Rathaus Spandau.

Worth knowing

• The market is bigger at weekends.

What's there

• ★In front of the illuminated Charlottenburg Palace
• ★Play of colours on the palace facade
• ★Widely spaced chalets
• ★Children's carousels

Getting there and parking

• U7 Richard-Wagner-Platz or bus M45 to Luisenplatz.

Worth knowing

• Open Monday to Thursday from 13:00.

What's there

• ★Medieval-style market on the RAW site
• ★Fire show
• ★Archery and blacksmith
• ★Hand bread, flame-grilled salmon, mulled beer and hot mead

Getting there and parking

• S/U Warschauer Straße, a few minutes on foot.

Worth knowing

• Be there for the fire show in the evening.

What's there

• ★In front of the rebuilt City Palace
• ★View of Berlin Cathedral
• ★Large choice of food
• ★Chain carousel

Getting there and parking

• U5 to Museumsinsel.

Worth knowing

• Keep your deposit tokens - no token, no money back.

What's there

• ★Around the Fountain of Friendship between Peoples and the World Clock
• ★Large Christmas pyramid serving mulled wine
• ★Roller-skating rink
• ★Santa's party house

Getting there and parking

• S+U Alexanderplatz (S-Bahn and U2, U5, U8) right at the market.
• Numerous tram and bus lines stop at Alexanderplatz.

Worth knowing

• Market daily 11:00-22:00 according to the organiser, party areas at the pyramid until midnight.
• According to berlin.de the 2026 dates were not yet confirmed - check beforehand.

What's there

• ★All-inclusive: food and drinks in the ticket
• ★Waterside location with a view of the Oberbaum Bridge
• ★Mulled wine, punch, beer, wine and sparkling wine
• ★Ice stock shooting and nail-hammering
• ★Heated VIP tent and indoor dinner

Getting there and parking

• Stralauer Allee 2 at the Spreespeicher in Friedrichshain, right at the Oberbaum Bridge.

Worth knowing

• Buy time-slot tickets online beforehand.
• The later the admission, the cheaper the ticket.

What's there

• ★In the courtyard of the former Kulturbrauerei, Prenzlauer Berg
• ★Scandinavian delicacies: glögg, elk sandwich, köttbullar
• ★Carousels
• ★Jewellery and spices

Getting there and parking

• U2 to Eberswalder Straße.

Worth knowing

• On weekdays before 18:00 it is more pleasant.

What's there

• ★Between the Red City Hall and the TV Tower
• ★Ice rink around the Neptune Fountain
• ★Ferris wheel with a view over Mitte
• ★Christmas music and many stalls

Getting there and parking

• Alexanderplatz S-Bahn and U-Bahn station, a few minutes on foot.
• U5 to Rotes Rathaus.

Worth knowing

• Come in the early evening on a weekday.
• When paying, watch the deposit and your change.

What's there

• ★Winter market with ice rink
• ★Fire barrels
• ★Food trucks, Polish pierogi

Getting there and parking

• Check the location and public transport on the website; do not park wrongly on the private site.

Worth knowing

• Come after dark.

What's there

• ★Themed Christmas market with an outdoor market
• ★Exhibition indoors
• ★Drinks and snacks

Getting there and parking

• Central Berlin; use public transport.

Worth knowing

• Join the queue at midday.

What's there

• ★Design and crafts market in a brick hall
• ★Unique gifts

Getting there and parking

• The location changes - check the website.

Worth knowing

• Come early.

What's there

• ★Feuerzangenbowle (flaming punch) and white mulled wine
• ★Champagne, French hot dog and crêpes
• ★The film "Die Feuerzangenbowle" is shown
• ★Free concerts

Getting there and parking

• Nikolaikirchplatz in Berlin's Nikolaiviertel.

Worth knowing

• 2025: 14 Nov - 28 Dec.
• On weekdays in the early evening it is still quiet.

What's there

• ★Crafts in the Spandauer Vorstadt
• ★Takoyaki and homemade pasta
• ★Not overcrowded

Getting there and parking

• U8 Weinmeisterstraße or S Hackescher Markt.

Worth knowing

• Try the takoyaki.

What's there

• ★Indoors in an old industrial hall (MaHalla) in Oberschöneweide
• ★Local art and creative crafts
• ★Sustainable treats
• ★Live music and fire show on both days

Getting there and parking

• MaHalla in Berlin-Oberschöneweide (Wilhelminenhofstraße).

Worth knowing

• Only on the second Advent weekend; before 2025 the market was called Reinbäckerei and ran in the Reinbeckhallen.
• Check the exact opening hours with SchöneVibes beforehand.

What's there

• ★Small market in Berlin-Mitte on Oranienburger Straße
• ★Food and sweets

Getting there and parking

• Oranienburger Straße 32, Berlin-Mitte.

Worth knowing

• Check the opening hours beforehand - official information is missing.

What's there

• ★Selfie with the Demogorgon
• ★Mulled wine in the rebuilt Starcourt Mall
• ★Will Byers' couch
• ★Demogorgon-shaped waffles
• ★Props and merchandise

Getting there and parking

• Kurfürstendamm 229 (Pop Kudamm), near the Memorial Church.

Worth knowing

• In 2025 daily 15:00-22:00, closed 24 to 26 December.
• A return in 2026 has not been announced - check with visitBerlin beforehand.

What's there

• ★Around the Town Hall and Roland
• ★Schlachte-Zauber with pirates on the Weser
• ★Schnoor quarter and Boettcherstrasse

Getting there and parking

• About 10 minutes on foot from the main station; tram to Domsheide.
• Do not park illegally - cars are towed.

What's there

• ★Maritime market on the Schlachte Weser promenade
• ★Hands-on medieval market: dipping candles, writing with ink
• ★Large choice of interesting stalls
• ★Complements the market at the Town Hall

Getting there and parking

• From Bremen main station about 15 minutes on foot, or tram to Am Brill.

Worth knowing

• Plan the medieval market if you are with children.

What's there

• ★Right at the foot of Cologne Cathedral
• ★Live music on the stage
• ★High-quality jewellery and crafts

Getting there and parking

• The main station is right next door (lift to the cathedral square).

Worth knowing

• Sunday to Wednesday 11:00-21:00, Thursday and Friday until 22:00, Saturday 10:00-22:00.

What's there

• ★Cologne's largest Christmas market
• ★Ice rink looping through the market
• ★Ice stock shooting
• ★Heinzelmännchen (house elf) decorations

Getting there and parking

• Tram stop Heumarkt (lines 1, 5, 7, 9) or Rathaus (5); within walking distance of the main station.
• The Christmas Market Express links all Cologne markets.

Worth knowing

• Open until 10 January 2027 (daily 11:00-22:00 until 30 December).

What's there

• ★On Neumarkt in Cologne
• ★Angels walk through the market
• ★Fairytale lighting
• ★Cheese bratwurst and hot mulled wine

Getting there and parking

• Underground/tram to Neumarkt.

Worth knowing

• On weekday afternoons it is relaxed.

What's there

• ★Queer Christmas market on Friesenplatz
• ★Loud, colourful decorations
• ★Fair prices
• ★Card payment

Getting there and parking

• Underground/tram to Friesenplatz.

Worth knowing

• Bring a card or phone to pay.

What's there

• ★Nikolausdorf on Rudolfplatz next to the Hahnentorburg
• ★Animated reindeer and snowman
• ★Wooden advent calendar and boots to step into
• ★Cheap 5-ride card for the carousel

Getting there and parking

• Underground/tram to Rudolfplatz.

Worth knowing

• The 5-ride carousel card is worth it.

What's there

• ★Right on the Rhine by the Chocolate Museum
• ★White tents instead of chalets
• ★Crafts from small regional traders
• ★High-quality food

Getting there and parking

• 15 minutes on foot from the cathedral along the Rhine; bus to Schokoladenmuseum.

Worth knowing

• Combine it with the Chocolate Museum.

What's there

• ★Charity market run by KG Ponyhof at the Kartäuserkirche
• ★Live programme
• ★Moderate prices
• ★Egg liqueur with cream, heart-shaped waffles

Getting there and parking

• Tram to Ulrepforte or Chlodwigplatz.

Worth knowing

• It is cosiest on weekdays.

What's there

• ★Small market in Ehrenfeld
• ★"Warmer Himmel" (warm sky) and a special mulled wine
• ★Friendly organisers

Getting there and parking

• S-Bahn to Köln-Ehrenfeld.

Worth knowing

• Try the "Warmer Himmel".

What's there

• ★Market on the Herbrands site in Ehrenfeld
• ★Creative, regional stalls

Getting there and parking

• S-Bahn to Köln-Ehrenfeld.

Worth knowing

• Return your deposit on your next purchase.

What's there

• ★Market in Cologne's Stadtgarten, a little alternative
• ★Stalls with handmade goods, cards and enamelware
• ★Organic winemaker's mulled wine
• ★Street food such as empanadas and grilled cheese next to potato fritters

Getting there and parking

• Venloer Straße 40 in Cologne, in the Stadtgarten.

Worth knowing

• On weekdays the market only opens in the afternoon (Mon-Fri from 4 pm according to the organiser).
• Mulled wine mugs without deposit.

What's there

• ★Right next to Cologne Cathedral
• ★Wide choice of food and drink
• ★Live music
• ★Somewhat quieter than the market in front of the cathedral

Getting there and parking

• Am Hof, right next to Cologne Cathedral.

Worth knowing

• According to visitors it is closed on Sundays - check beforehand.
• Bring cash, card payment is not accepted everywhere.
• Check your deposit token at the counter.

What's there

• ★Neighbourhood market in Köln-Ehrenfeld
• ★Cheese spaetzle
• ★Mulled wine and mulled apple with amaretto
• ★Freshly tapped Kölsch
• ★Programme

Getting there and parking

• Geisselstraße 1 in Köln-Ehrenfeld.

Worth knowing

• Information and dates via the market's Instagram channel.

What's there

• ★Vegan Christmas market of Cologne's Voodmarkt
• ★Plant-based street food
• ★Crêpes and other treats

Getting there and parking

• Köln-Kalk (Steinmetzstraße 57 according to the listing).

Worth knowing

• Allow for long queues.
• Check the date and place beforehand at voodmarkt.de or on Instagram (@vood.markt).

What's there

• ★In the back yard of Club Bahnhof Ehrenfeld
• ★Free craft corner for children
• ★Mulled wine for EUR 4
• ★Dry under the railway arches when it rains

Getting there and parking

• Bartholomäus-Schink-Straße 65 in Köln-Ehrenfeld, behind the railway tracks.

Worth knowing

• Stand under the arches when it rains.

What's there

• ★Small wine market on Lenauplatz in Ehrenfeld
• ★From the end of November until shortly before Christmas

Getting there and parking

• Lenauplatz in Köln-Ehrenfeld.

Worth knowing

• 2025: 28 Nov - 23 Dec.

What's there

• ★Germany's oldest Christmas market (since 1434)
• ★Huge stepped pyramid and Schwibbogen candle arch
• ★Ore Mountain woodcraft
• ★Dresden Christstollen
• ★Historic Ferris wheel

Getting there and parking

• In the middle of the Old Town on the Altmarkt; tram to Altmarkt or Prager Straße, about 10 minutes on foot from the main station.

Worth knowing

• Daily 10:00-21:00, on opening day from 16:00, on 24 December mornings only.
• Cobblestones: hard going for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

What's there

• ★White pavilions along 500 m of Hauptstraße in the Neustadt
• ★Ferris wheel behind the Augustus Bridge
• ★International specialities instead of just bratwurst
• ★Forged fire bowls

Getting there and parking

• On foot across the Augustus Bridge from the Old Town in a few minutes.
• Tram to Albertplatz or Neustädter Markt.

Worth knowing

• Come on a weekday or early in the evening - on Saturday evening it gets tight.
• Combine it with the Striezelmarkt on the other side of the Elbe.

What's there

• ★Finnish Christmas village on Dr.-Külz-Ring
• ★Flame-grilled salmon over the fire
• ★Finnish mulled wine and gin bar
• ★Hut with real furs

Getting there and parking

• A few minutes on foot from the Altmarkt.

Worth knowing

• Try the flame-grilled salmon.

What's there

• ★Through Münzgasse between the Frauenkirche and the Brühl Terrace
• ★Traditional craftsmanship, ceramics and leather
• ★Baumstriezel (spit cake) and fire pits
• ★Live music on Advent Sundays

Getting there and parking

• Tram to Altmarkt or Synagoge, then on foot to the Frauenkirche.
• About 20 minutes on foot from the main station via Prager Straße.

Worth knowing

• Walk all the way to the Brühl Terrace - the view over the Elbe is worth it.
• There is live music on the Advent Sundays.

What's there

• ★Medieval market in the Stallhof - the oldest surviving tournament ground
• ★Thuringian Mutzbraten (grilled pork)
• ★Handmade goods
• ★Until 6 January

Getting there and parking

• Tram to Theaterplatz or Altmarkt; entrance at the Residenzschloss.

Worth knowing

• Also worth it after Christmas - open until 6 January.

What's there

• ★Small market in the Hans-Richter-Siedlung
• ★Mother Hulda and Santa Claus
• ★Children's train for 50 cents, craft stand

Getting there and parking

• Tram to Trachau.

Worth knowing

• Bring your own mug.

What's there

• ★Small market in Loschwitz
• ★Dresden crafts and local products
• ★Fire pits
• ★Lovely setting

Getting there and parking

• Loschwitz, Dresden - parking is difficult, better to arrive by public transport.

Worth knowing

• Avoid Saturdays.

What's there

• ★On the Rhine bank under illuminated trees
• ★Historic food trucks and sales wagons
• ★Glass pop-up restaurants
• ★Ferris wheel at Burgplatz

Getting there and parking

• U-Bahn to Heinrich-Heine-Allee, then on foot to the Rhine.

Worth knowing

• Daily 11:00-21:00, Friday and Saturday until 22:00; runs until 30 December.
• Dogs are allowed.

What's there

• ★On the forecourt of the Rococo Benrath Palace
• ★Atmospheric lights and wooden huts
• ★Elf train for small children
• ★Friday to Sunday only

Getting there and parking

• S-Bahn to Düsseldorf-Benrath, then about 10 minutes on foot.
• Tram 701 to Benrather Schloss.

Worth knowing

• Open Friday to Sunday only during Advent.
• Come in the early evening; later, queues form.

What's there

• ★Market in the Pempelfort quarter
• ★Food and accessories

Getting there and parking

• Nordstraße in Düsseldorf-Pempelfort; better by train than by car.

Worth knowing

• With tall vehicles (over 1.90 m) do not plan on multi-storey car parks.

What's there

• ★Fairytale market at the Kö-Bogen
• ★Around 15,000 LED lights
• ★Fairytale-world theme

Getting there and parking

• U-Bahn to Schadowstraße or Heinrich-Heine-Allee.

Worth knowing

• It is quieter on weekdays.

What's there

• ★On Gustaf-Gründgens-Platz in front of the green facade of Kö-Bogen II
• ★Snow machine in the evening
• ★Glühteufel stand

Getting there and parking

• U-Bahn to Schadowstraße.

Worth knowing

• Come in the evening.

What's there

• ★Around 60 huts modelled on Benrath Palace
• ★Upmarket offer: crafts, ceramics, antiques
• ★Small stage

Getting there and parking

• Hauptstraße in Düsseldorf-Benrath.

Worth knowing

• If you prefer calm, avoid the stage times.

What's there

• ★Winter village on the Königsallee
• ★Elegant stalls with high-quality crafts
• ★Festive lighting along the whole Kö

Getting there and parking

• Königsallee in Dusseldorf city centre.

Worth knowing

• Combine it with the Old Town and the city's themed markets.

What's there

• ★Part of Frankfurt's big market from the Römer to the Hauptwache
• ★Circular layout of chalets on the Roßmarkt with fire pits
• ★Ferris wheel at Rathenauplatz
• ★Huge choice of food

Getting there and parking

• Hauptwache S-Bahn and U-Bahn station right at the market.
• A few minutes on foot via the Zeil or from the Römer.

Worth knowing

• On Saturday evenings you tend to be pushed along - better in the afternoon or on a weekday.
• The walk Römer - Hauptwache - Ferris wheel takes time; wear comfortable shoes.

What's there

• ★Römerberg with half-timbered backdrop
• ★Big tree and Glockenspiel
• ★Market from the Römer to the Hauptwache
• ★Children's Christmas market

Getting there and parking

• U-Bahn to Dom/Römer or Hauptwache; about 20 minutes on foot from the main station.

Worth knowing

• Fullest on Saturday evening.

What's there

• ★Small queer market in Frankfurt city centre
• ★Feuerzangenbowle (flaming punch)
• ★Colourful, exuberant mood

Getting there and parking

• U-Bahn to Konstablerwache, a few minutes on foot.

Worth knowing

• Most going on in the evening.

What's there

• ★Loud, flamboyant market on the Reeperbahn
• ★Live music, DJ and shows
• ★Fair mulled wine prices
• ★Wood chips on the ground against the cold

Getting there and parking

• S1/S3 to Reeperbahn or express bus 36/37 to Davidstraße.
• Parking on Spielbudenplatz is not allowed and around the Reeperbahn it is a matter of luck.

Worth knowing

• Open late: until midnight, Fridays and Saturdays until 1 am.

What's there

• ★Hamburg's early-opening market with a long run
• ★Small ice rink
• ★Idyllic, but small

Getting there and parking

• U1 to Wandsbek Markt.

Worth knowing

• Bring your own ice skates.

What's there

• ★On Rathausmarkt in front of Hamburg Town Hall
• ★Flying Santa over the market
• ★Lovingly designed stalls
• ★Imposing Town Hall backdrop

Getting there and parking

• U3 to Rathaus or U/S Jungfernstieg.

Worth knowing

• Pushchairs are banned - bring a baby carrier.
• For the flying show find a spot at the edge early.

What's there

• ★In the inner courtyard of the Stadthöfe
• ★Tall tree of lights and a giant Christmas bauble
• ★Live music at weekends
• ★Card payment

Getting there and parking

• U3 to Rödingsmarkt or Rathaus.

Worth knowing

• On weekdays it is much quieter.

What's there

• ★Winter market in Hamburg's Stadtpark
• ★Village atmosphere with wooden huts
• ★Plenty of seating
• ★Flat rates for groups

Getting there and parking

• U3 to Saarlandstraße or Borgweg, then on foot into the Stadtpark.

Worth knowing

• For groups, reserve tables in advance.

What's there

• ★Small market at the Apostelkirche
• ★Winemaker's mulled wine
• ★Fair prices
• ★Children's programme on some days

Getting there and parking

• U2 to Emilienstraße or Osterstraße.

Worth knowing

• Come on a weekday.

What's there

• ★White tent landscape on the Binnenalster
• ★Stylish lighting
• ★Special stalls, e.g. dog biscuits
• ★Very good public transport connections

Getting there and parking

• U/S Jungfernstieg.

Worth knowing

• Combine it with the market at the Town Hall.

What's there

• ★At Bergedorf Castle with its pond
• ★Nordic style and curtains of lights
• ★Small live stage and fire pit
• ★Roast suckling pig, hand bread, flame-grilled salmon

Getting there and parking

• Bergedorfer Schloßstraße at the castle.
• Hardly any parking according to visitors - arrive by public transport.

Worth knowing

• Bring cash.
• In 2025 it also ran after Christmas (27 December pleasantly empty).

What's there

• ★Small neighbourhood market in the Grindel quarter on Allende-Platz
• ★Around ten chalets
• ★Craft activities for children and a carousel
• ★Quality mulled wine, vegan food, craft beer
• ★Live music

Getting there and parking

• Allende-Platz in the Grindel quarter, Hamburg-Eimsbüttel.

Worth knowing

• Planned for 2026: 14 Nov - 22 Dec.
• Ideal after work or after the cinema.

What's there

• ★Small, easy-to-navigate district market
• ★Cheap mulled wine (around EUR 3.50)

Getting there and parking

• U/S Barmbek.

Worth knowing

• Come on a weekday.

What's there

• ★Hamburg's smallest, most family-style market
• ★White mulled wine with orange
• ★Homemade chips and crêpes

Getting there and parking

• U3 / S-Bahn to Sternschanze.

Worth knowing

• Try the homemade chips.

What's there

• ★Queer Christmas market in St. Georg for queers & friends
• ★DJs at weekends and lots of music
• ★Vegan currywurst, crêpes and non-alcoholic apple punch
• ★A few steps from the main station

Getting there and parking

• Corner of Lange Reihe/Kirchenallee, a few metres from Hamburg main station (Kirchenallee exit).

Worth knowing

• Opening hours according to the organiser: Mon-Fri 13:00-22:00, Sat 12:00-24:00, Sun 12:00-22:00; closed on 22 Nov.
• On Friday and Saturday evenings it gets so full that entry is stopped at times.
• Watch your bags and phones near the station.

What's there

• ★Alpine hut with restaurant service
• ★Small market on Bürgermeister-Petersen-Platz
• ★DJ evenings
• ★Hot Aperol

Getting there and parking

• Neuer Wall / Bürgermeister-Petersen-Platz in Hamburg's city centre.

Worth knowing

• Planned for 2026: 19 Nov - 23 Dec.
• Keep your deposit tokens - no token, no refund.

What's there

• ★District market on Fanny-Mendelssohn-Platz in Eimsbüttel
• ★Children's carousel
• ★Fried pastries, potato pancakes and bratwurst
• ★Winemaker's mulled wine

Getting there and parking

• Fanny-Mendelssohn-Platz on Osterstraße in Hamburg-Eimsbüttel.

Worth knowing

• Opens early in November - good for the first mulled wine of the season.
• The square is small; at after-work time it gets full.

What's there

• ★Small neighbourhood market on Marie-Jonas-Platz
• ★Carousel for children
• ★Kale, sausage and all kinds of treats

Getting there and parking

• Marie-Jonas-Platz in Hamburg-Eppendorf.

Worth knowing

• Ideal with small children because of the carousel.
• Plan a short visit - the market is compact.

What's there

• ★Traditional market in front of Harburg Town Hall
• ★Varied programme for families
• ★Much less crowded than in central Hamburg

Getting there and parking

• Harburger Rathausplatz in Hamburg-Harburg.

Worth knowing

• Anyone who wants to avoid crowds in Hamburg will like it here.
• Check the children's programme in advance.

What's there

• ★Right on the Alster in the Anleger Hamburg beach club
• ★Fire bowls and seat furs on the beach
• ★Heated caravan booths
• ★Curling lanes and a gondola restaurant for two
• ★Raclette buffet, Kaiserschmarrn and Christmas tree sales

Getting there and parking

• Anleger Hamburg, Deelbögenkamp 2-3, 22297 Hamburg; customer parking on site (according to the operator).

Worth knowing

• Winter season 2026 according to the operator from 13 Nov to 23 Dec; opening hours: Mon closed, Tue-Thu 15:00-21:00, Fri-Sat 13:00-22:00, Sun 13:00-21:00.
• Book curling and the gondola online beforehand.
• When it is busy, order at the bar rather than wait for table service.

What's there

• ★Small children's carousel
• ★Fresh fried pastries and crêpes
• ★Hot chocolate with cream and roasted almonds
• ★Magician for children on one Advent evening (2024)

Getting there and parking

• Elbgaustraße 116 in Hamburg-Lurup.

Worth knowing

• Closed on Totensonntag.
• Ideal in the early evening with children.

What's there

• ★In the inner courtyards around the Tortue on Stadthausbrücke
• ★Wood-chip flooring
• ★Restored historic buildings and a sea of lights

Getting there and parking

• Stadthausbrücke 10 in Hamburg city centre.

Worth knowing

• Come on a weekday - at weekends it gets full.

What's there

• ★In the Sierichs beer garden on the Stadtparksee
• ★Decorated huts with mulled wine and winter cuisine
• ★Children's area
• ★Alpine hut for groups and Puck&Play games
• ★Plenty of seating

Getting there and parking

• Südring 5b, 22303 Hamburg, at the Stadtparksee.

Worth knowing

• According to the organiser open only Fri-Sun (Fri 16:00-22:00, Sat 12:00-22:00, Sun 12:00-20:00), plus 21-23 Dec.
• Groups can reserve the alpine hut.

What's there

• ★Mulled wine hut in the middle of the Waitzstraße shopping street in Othmarschen
• ★Mulled wine, hot chocolate and hot Aperol
• ★Fresh fried pastries
• ★Butcher's stand with sausage, stew and chips
• ★Leave your shoes for St Nicholas

Getting there and parking

• Waitzstraße in Hamburg-Othmarschen, right at Othmarschen S-Bahn station.

Worth knowing

• In 2024 according to IG Waitzstraße 22 Nov - 23 Dec, Mon-Sat 12:00-20:00; confirm the 2026 dates with IG Waitzstraße (waitzstrasse-hamburg.de).
• St Nicholas 2024: leave shoes on 30 Nov from 12:00 to 15:00, collect on 6 Dec in Waitzstraße and at Beselerplatz.
• Many shops on the street stay open longer on Saturdays in Advent, until 16:00.

What's there

• ★Chalets along the Spitalerstraße shopping street
• ★Between the main station and Mönckebergstraße

Getting there and parking

• Spitalerstraße, a few minutes from Hamburg main station.

Worth knowing

• Combine it with the market at the Town Hall and the Gänsemarkt in one walk.

What's there

• ★Village of gingerbread houses made of wood and natural materials
• ★Lessing monument in the middle
• ★Crafts and decorations
• ★Food and drink until 23:00

Getting there and parking

• Gänsemarkt in Hamburg city centre.

Worth knowing

• 2026: 18 Nov - 23 Dec, daily 11:00-21:00; closed on 22 Nov.

What's there

• ★Tents and fairytale decorations in the Olympiapark
• ★Food from all over the world
• ★Free children's programme: fairytales, puppet shows, candle-making
• ★Concerts and DJs in the evening

Getting there and parking

• Olympiapark Süd: bus 144 to Olympiaberg or tram 12 / bus 53 to Infanteriestraße.
• The organiser asks visitors to come by bus, train or bicycle.

Worth knowing

• Dogs on a lead are welcome.
• The site is only partly suitable for wheelchairs (gravel).
• Also runs after Christmas until New Year's Eve.

What's there

• ★Winter market at the Motorworld in Munich-Freimann
• ★Sea of lights
• ★Small Ferris wheel, carousel, fire pits
• ★Ice rink and chalets that can be rented

Getting there and parking

• U6 to Freimann.

Worth knowing

• Come on a weekday afternoon.

What's there

• ★On Marienplatz in front of the Town Hall
• ★Large Christmas tree
• ★Nativity market and Kripperlmarkt
• ★Glockenspiel

Getting there and parking

• Marienplatz S-Bahn and U-Bahn.

Worth knowing

• On weekday mornings it is most bearable.

What's there

• ★District Christkindlmarkt under the maypole
• ★Ice surface with skate hire
• ★Wooden floor - no mud
• ★Covered tables

Getting there and parking

• By U-Bahn or tram into the district; then on foot.

Worth knowing

• The ice rink is not very suitable for toddlers.

What's there

• ★LGBTQ Christmas market at Stephansplatz
• ★Pink lighting and music to dance to
• ★Stage programme
• ★Mulled wine variations

Getting there and parking

• U-Bahn to Sendlinger Tor, a few minutes on foot.

Worth knowing

• The mood is best in the evening.

What's there

• ★Fairytale market under a railway bridge
• ★From the Gans Woanders team
• ★Weekly changing crafts market
• ★Cultural programme, fire and Feuerzangenbowle

Getting there and parking

• By S-Bahn or tram into the district, then follow the signs on foot.

Worth knowing

• Friday evening is surprisingly relaxed.

What's there

• ★Small district market in Haidhausen
• ★On Weißenburger Platz
• ★More a neighbourhood meeting place than a tourist market

Getting there and parking

• On Weißenburger Platz in Munich-Haidhausen.

Worth knowing

• Check the opening hours on the market's website before visiting.
• Easy to combine with a stroll through Haidhausen.

What's there

• ★Small neighbourhood market in Moosach
• ★Many standing tables and decoration with real candles
• ★Carousel for children and event hut
• ★Blueberry mulled wine
• ★New, well-kept toilets

Getting there and parking

• Parking in the immediate area is scarce - better to come by public transport.

Worth knowing

• There are only standing tables - unsuitable for people who cannot stand for long.
• Toilets are available.

What's there

• ★On Praterinsel in the Isar
• ★Two children's carousels and a mini Ferris wheel
• ★Stage with live music and events
• ★Open fire pit to warm up
• ★White mulled wine on the Isar beach

Getting there and parking

• Praterinsel 3-4 in the Isar, 80538 Munich.

Worth knowing

• Rides often only run from 5 pm according to visitors.
• Card payment is possible almost everywhere - hardly any cash needed.
• Visitors rate the plush-toy grabber machines a waste of money.

What's there

• ★Around the equestrian statue on Wittelsbacherplatz
• ★Rustic wooden chalets with torches
• ★Open fire pits
• ★Mead and crafts

Getting there and parking

• U-Bahn to Odeonsplatz.

Worth knowing

• Early in the evening is most pleasant.

What's there

• ★At Hanns-Seidel-Platz in Neuperlach
• ★Children's carousel and roller-skating rink
• ★Daily visits by characters (e.g. Olaf, Grinch)
• ★Lots of seating

Getting there and parking

• Hanns-Seidel-Platz in Munich-Neuperlach.

Worth knowing

• Check the opening days after Christmas beforehand.

What's there

• ★World-famous market on the Hauptmarkt
• ★Lebkuchen gingerbread and Rostbratwurst sausages
• ★Sister Cities Market
• ★Children's Christmas
• ★Christkind prologue at the opening

Getting there and parking

• About 15 minutes on foot from the main station through the Old Town; underground to Lorenzkirche.

Worth knowing

• Daily 10:00-21:00, on 24 December 10:00-14:00.
• The Children's Christmas on Hans-Sachs-Platz is quieter for families.

What's there

• ★Small neighbourhood market in Gostenhof
• ★Glowing balls in the trees, creative decorations
• ★White chocolate with pumpkin spice

Getting there and parking

• U1 to Gostenhof.

Worth knowing

• The lighting is most beautiful in the evening.

What's there

• ★Around 20 of Nuremberg's sister cities with their own stalls
• ★On Rathausplatz next to the Christkindlesmarkt
• ★International specialities - salep from Antalya
• ★Quieter than the main market

Getting there and parking

• About 15 minutes on foot from Nuremberg main station through the Old Town.

Worth knowing

• Try the salep at the stall from Antalya.

What's there

• ★On Hans-Sachs-Platz since 1999
• ★Nostalgic rides
• ★St Nicholas house with an angel for photos
• ★Sweets and food for families

Getting there and parking

• A few minutes' walk from the Hauptmarkt; travel by public transport.

Worth knowing

• Do not drive into the Old Town.

What's there

• ★Over 280 decorated chalet roofs
• ★Ferris wheel on Schlossplatz
• ★Children's fairyland
• ★One of Europe's largest markets

Getting there and parking

• The main station is a few minutes' walk away - arrive by train or S-Bahn.
• Disabled parking directly at the market; the market is step-free from almost all sides.

Worth knowing

• Sunday to Thursday 11:00-21:00, Friday and Saturday until 22:00.
• Away from Königstraße, around the Town Hall, it is more relaxed.

What's there

• ★Finnish Christmas village on Karlsplatz
• ★Nordic specialities such as flame-grilled salmon
• ★Close to the Stuttgart Christmas market

Getting there and parking

• Karlsplatz in Stuttgart city centre.

Worth knowing

• Open 25 Nov to 22 Dec 2026 (according to the organiser).
• Combine it with the Stuttgart Christmas market.

What's there

• ★Spread over several Old Town squares
• ★View of Heidelberg Castle
• ★Ice rink at Karlsplatz

Getting there and parking

• By train or S-Bahn, then bus/tram to Bismarckplatz - car parks are full and expensive at weekends.

What's there

• ★Entry point to the Heidelberg Christmas market
• ★Stalls along the Hauptstraße
• ★Ice rink at Karlsplatz

Getting there and parking

• Bismarckplatz is the hub for buses and trams.

Worth knowing

• Walk along the Hauptstraße to Karlsplatz.

What's there

• ★Purely vegan food (e.g. vegan chorizo, cheesesteak)
• ★Sales stalls and many information stands on animal rights
• ★At Friedrich-Ebert-Platz

Getting there and parking

• Friedrich-Ebert-Platz in Heidelberg.

Worth knowing

• Allow time for queues at the food stalls.
• Combine it with the Heidelberg Old Town market.

What's there

• ★View of the illuminated Heidelberg Castle
• ★Part of the Christmas market spread across the Old Town
• ★Decorated stalls and specialities

Getting there and parking

• Karlsplatz in Heidelberg's Old Town.

Worth knowing

• Come in the evening, when the castle is lit.

What's there

• ★Spread across the whole Old Town
• ★Naschmarkt and medieval market
• ★Finnish village, Tyrolean market, fairytale forest

Getting there and parking

• A few minutes on foot from the main station to the Old Town.

Worth knowing

• Sunday to Thursday 11-21, Friday and Saturday until 22.

What's there

• ★Alternative market on the Feinkost grounds on Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse
• ★Creative, handmade stalls
• ★Covered
• ★Weekends only

Getting there and parking

• Tram to Suedplatz or Karl-Liebknecht-/Kurt-Eisner-Strasse.

Worth knowing

• Open only on Advent weekends.

What's there

• ★Winter market at Herr Kauzig on Jahnallee
• ★Fire pit
• ★Covered seating
• ★Mulled wine and children's punch

Getting there and parking

• Jahnallee 52 in Leipzig, easy to reach by public transport.
• Difficult parking by car.

Worth knowing

• In the cold, look for a spot by the fire pit.
• Check the dates in advance on the Herr Kauzig page.

What's there

• ★Historic market between Marktplatz, Grüner Markt and Kirchplatz
• ★Light courtyard in the Town Hall
• ★Christmas shops such as Käthe Wohlfahrt all around
• ★Walkable town wall

Getting there and parking

• By train via Steinach to Rothenburg, 10 minutes on foot from the station.
• Car parks P1-P5 outside the town wall; at weekends come early.

Worth knowing

• Come on a weekday - on Saturdays you are pushed through the lanes.
• The town wall is narrow and jams up when there are many visitors.