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Best Christmas market destinations in Europe

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Munich
Bavarian capital of beer gardens and museums
8.7
The Marienplatz market sits in front of the neo Gothic town hall and is among the oldest in Germany. A huge tree shines over the square beside the carillon clock. Visitors can buy hand carved nativity figures and eat roasted almonds. Other markets in the city include a medieval one at Wittelsbacherplatz.
Highlights:
  • 🌇 Climb St. Peter’s Church tower for city views
  • 🏰 Visit the grand Nymphenburg Palace and gardens
  • 🍺 Raise a stein at Oktoberfest in Theresienwiese
Frankfurt am Main
Skyline, apple wine and a rebuilt old town
8.0
A very old market fills the Römerberg square beneath half timbered houses. Vendors sell Bethmännchen, a small marzipan treat. Apple wine is the local drink. A large tree stands in front of the old town hall. The market goes back to about 1393 and still draws crowds each winter.
Highlights:
  • 🖼️ Visit the Städel Museum and explore centuries of European art
  • 🏘️ Stroll through the Römerberg and admire its medieval houses
  • 🌆 Climb the Main Tower for sweeping panoramic views of Frankfurt
Dresden
Baroque Elbe city rebuilt from the ruins
8.2
The Striezelmarkt opened in 1434 and ranks among the oldest Christmas markets in Germany. Its name comes from the Dresden Stollen, a fruit loaf dusted with sugar. A giant wooden pyramid stands on the Altmarkt square in the old town. A Stollen festival takes place on one December weekend.
Highlights:
  • 🏛️ Explore the Zwinger Palace and its stunning art collections
  • 🌉 Walk across the Augustus Bridge for views of the historic skyline
  • ⛪ Admire the reconstructed Frauenkirche and its breathtaking dome
Cologne
Gothic cathedral, Roman ruins and Kölsch
8.4
Several squares host markets with the twin spires of the great cathedral as a backdrop. The biggest one fills the Cathedral Square with a huge tree and about one hundred stalls. Visitors can sample Glühwein and the local sweet Printen biscuits. Another market sits by the river harbor and has a pirate theme.
Highlights:
  • 🍺 Taste authentic Kölsch beer in a traditional brewhouse
  • 🌇 Stroll along the Rhine River promenade at sunset
  • ⛪ Climb the Cologne Cathedral towers for panoramic Rhine views
Hamburg
Port city with warehouses and the Elbphilharmonie
8.1
More than a dozen markets spread through the port city each winter. The one at the town hall is the biggest and has a large tree and medieval stalls. A market with a pirate theme sits near the harbor on the Fleet canals. Visitors can drink Glühwein and eat grilled sausages.
Highlights:
  • ⛪ Climb St. Michael’s Church tower for sweeping city views
  • 🚤 Cruise the Elbe River and see Hamburg’s harbor from the water
  • 🏰 Walk through the historic Speicherstadt and admire its red-brick canals
Nuremberg
Imperial castle, gingerbread and Christmas market
7.5
The Christkindlesmarkt is among the most famous Christmas markets in the world. A young woman dressed as the Christkind opens it from the balcony of the Frauenkirche. Stalls sell Nuremberg gingerbread called Lebkuchen and sausages in a bun. Visitors can also try the local prune men, which are little figures made from dried fruit.
Highlights:
  • 🚶‍♂️ Stroll through the medieval lanes of Nuremberg’s Old Town
  • 🏛️ Learn about history at the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds
  • 🏰 Explore Nuremberg Castle and enjoy panoramic old town views
Leipzig
Bach, music and a lively creative scene
7.7
A market that dates back to 1458 fills the old town squares and is among the oldest in Germany. A huge tree stands in front of the Renaissance town hall and a giant Ferris wheel turns nearby. Visitors can drink Glühwein and try a local pastry. A Finnish tent village adds charm.
Highlights:
  • 🏛️ Explore the vibrant Markt square and Old City Hall
  • 🎼 Visit St. Thomas Church, Bach's historic music site
  • 🗼 Climb the Völkerschlachtdenkmal Battle of Nations monument
Heidelberg
Castle ruin above the Neckar and old town
8.2
Small huts dot the old town below the castle ruins on the hill. Visitors can browse hand made crafts, try local sweets and sip mulled wine in the lanes. Ice skating and a cozy Christmas forest sit on the Karlsplatz square. A lit castle glows above the river Neckar in the evening.
Highlights:
  • 🐒 Cross the historic Old Bridge and touch the bridge monkey
  • 🌉 Stroll along the romantic Philosopher’s Walk by the Neckar River
  • 🏰 Climb up to Heidelberg Castle for breathtaking city views
Lübeck
Brick towers, marzipan and Hanseatic history
7.4
The city is known for its red brick Gothic gates and its marzipan, which is sold at the market. Stalls fill the square in front of the old town hall under lights. A historic market nearby offers crafts in the style of the Middle Ages. Visitors can stroll the old town.
Highlights:
  • 🚶‍♀️ Walk the charming streets of Lübeck’s Old Town
  • ⛪ Explore St. Mary’s Church with its towering brick vault
  • 🏰 Visit the iconic Holstentor city gate and museum
Aachen
Charlemagne's cathedral and hot springs
7.2
Wooden huts fill the square between the town hall and the cathedral each winter. Aachen is known for Printen, a spiced gingerbread sold in every bakery. Charlemagne's cathedral rises behind the market and glows after dark. Visitors can sip mulled wine beside the old fountain in the center.
Highlights:
  • 🏛️ Tour the historic Aachen Town Hall and its frescoes
  • 🏺 Explore the Aachen Cathedral Treasury's medieval treasures
  • ⛪ Visit Aachen Cathedral, Charlemagne's royal chapel
Freiburg im Breisgau
Sunny Black Forest gateway with a Gothic minster
7.5
Markets crowd the square around the red sandstone cathedral in this Black Forest university city. Visitors can try roasted sausages and local wine or wooden crafts from the nearby forest. Lights hang on the old gates and across the lanes. The cathedral tower climbs high above the market and can be visited.
Highlights:
  • 🚠 Ride the Schauinslandbahn to explore the Black Forest mountains
  • 🚶‍♀️ Wander through the charming alleys of the old town
  • ⛪ Climb the tower of Freiburg Minster for panoramic views
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Half-timbered streets and a walkable town wall
8.3
This walled town hosts a small market called the Reiterlesmarkt in the square in front of the old town hall. Stalls sell Schneeballen, a crisp pastry ball coated in sugar. A famous Christmas shop called Käthe Wohlfahrt is open all year. Snow on the half timbered houses gives the town a fairytale look.
Highlights:
  • ⚖️ Explore the Medieval Crime and Justice Museum exhibits
  • 📸 Visit the iconic Plönlein for picturesque photo moments
  • 🏰 Walk the well-preserved medieval town walls and towers
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