The best Christmas markets in Germany to visit in 2025

What is it? One of the oldest and most famous Christkindlesmarkt in the world. 

Why we love it: Perhaps the most quintessentially German Christmas market, Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is – literally – a shining example of winter warmth and wholesomeness. With nearly 200 independent vendors selling handmade crafts (think beeswax candles, hand-carved wooden toys and figurines made of dried prunes, because why not?), the market is the perfect place to do your Christmas shopping and unwind after a brisk walk around the historic city centre. Atop the list of moreish local specialities are Nürnberg Rostbratwurst and Lebkuchen, which was first baked here.

Location: Hauptmarkt, 90403, Nürnberg

Opening date: 28 November to 24 December, 2025

What is it? A Christmas Market of dreams outside a grand palace with around 100 regional and international vendors and a romantic, royal setting. 

Why we love it: With over 80 Christmas markets across Berlin, it’s easy to be overwhelmed. The Scandi-style Lucia Christmas Markets is grand, and in the square of a 19th-century brewery in Prenzlauer Berg. But if you want to be treated to a menu worthy of royalty, visit the Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Markets. It was a delicious, romantic affair held next to the palace, best known for its massive array of food stalls. After having had plenty of amaretto-spiked Glühwein and gooey truffle spaetzle here, I can confirm the market deserves its reputation. 

Time Out tip: Remember to bring cash (lots of it) and make sure to try the mulled Glögg.

Location: Charlottenburg Palace, Spandauer Damm 20, 14059, Berlin

Opening dates: 24 November to 28 December, 2025

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What is it? One of the oldest Christmas markets in the world with the best Christstollen you’ll ever eat. 

Why we love it: Home of the ubiquitous Christstollen (a fruitcake made from rum-infused raisins, orange peel and almonds), this city in south-eastern Germany exerts a surprisingly large influence on European Christmas culture. The Striezelmarkt in Dresden’s Baroque old town also happens to be one of the world’s oldest Christmas markets, celebrating its 591st birthday in 2025. For a more low-key experience, crowds flock to the medieval-themed Mittelalter-Weihnacht market, as well as the arts and crafts fair at the Frauenkirche.

Location: Altmarkt, 01067, Dresden

Opening dates: 26 November to 24 December, 2025

What is it? A glowing Christimas market within Germany's natural landscapes 

Why we love it: Of all Germany’s Christmas markets, Weihnachtsmarkt in the Black Forest’s Ravenna Gorge might be the most scenic. Tucked beneath the 40-metre-high arches of a ginormous railway bridge resides a hive of buzzy huts, quaint Christmas lights and beaming warmth. Often covered in a thick layer of snow, it all looks even better at night, when those glorious arches (and the entire bridge, for that matter) is lit up in deep red.

Location: Black Forest’s Ravenna Gorge, Hofgut Sternen, Höllsteig 76, 79874 Breitnau/Hinterzarten

Opening date: Each weekend from 28 November to 21 December, 2025

What is it? A spicy, x-rated Christmas market foralternative Christmas presents, if you catch our drift. 

Why we love it: Head to the city’s infamous red light district, St. Pauli, for the Santa Pauli market, which puts an X-rated spin on the traditional Christmas fair. Come out for live music and variety shows while you drink and mingle with the locals... or do some sex toy shopping for the holidays. 

Time Out tip: If you’ve got kids in tow, the glittering Christmas market in front of Hamburg’s town hall makes for a fantastic afternoon out, as do the five ‘fairytale ships’ on the Alster Lake. 

Location: Spielbudenplatz, Spielbudenpl. 21-22, 20359, Hamburg

Opening dates: 10 November-23 Decemeber, 2025 

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What is it? A traditional German Christmas market in Munich's main square.

Why we love it: Munich’s central market at Marienplatz is always thronging come Christmas – and with good reason. Here, you can enjoy live concerts every evening underneath the towering Tannenbaum (fir tree) while shopping for picturesque souvenirs and filling up on roasted nuts and hot apple wine. But you’d be remiss not to check out the Bavarian capital’s other markets, too, especially the funky Märchenbazar at Leonrodplatz. With its international food stalls and live music programme, this delightfully ‘Alice in Wonderland’-esque market delivers constant surprises.

Location: Marienplatz, 80331, München

Opening dates: 25 November to 24 December, 2025

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What is it? A Christmas market in Rothenburg with charming, old town aesthetics. Picture Shrek's fairytale town of Duloc decked out in Christmas lights. 

Why we love it: The medieval town of Rothenburg is a sight to behold, especially in the Adventszeit, when the city’s long-running Christmas market, Reiterlesmarkt, lights up the long winter nights. With its winding streets and Tudor houses, the whole city feels like a fairytale, and the appearance of the mythical Reiterle (rider) at the market’s opening ceremony enhances the impression. Don’t leave without trying the famous Rothenburger Schneeball (‘snowball’) pastry, fried golden and made with plum Schnapps.

Location: Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Marktplatz 2
91541, Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Opening dates: 21 November-23 December, 2025 (closed 23 November, 2025)

What is it? A golden-glowing market for sampling local delicacies. 

Why we love it: Aachen’s cobbled Münsterplatz isn’t just home to the city cathedral (and the final resting place of legendary medieval ruler Emperor Charlemagne): in December it’s also lined with wooden kiosks renowned for Aachener Weihnachtsmarkt’s marvellous local specialities. An anise-flavoured gingerbread called printen, a crisp-edged potato fritter called kartoffelpuffer and mulled-wine-flavoured candy are all just a few of the delicacies up for grabs.

Location: Q3FM+RR, Aachen

Opening dates: 21 November- 23 December, 2025

What is it? A beloved market in Leipzig's market square with an equally beloved tale.  

Why we love it: When two children from a peasant family hiked from the Zillertal Alps to Leipzig in the 19th century, they planned on selling gloves at the local market. That didn’t work out, so they resorted to making a buck by singing a once 'unknown' song called ‘Silent Night’. Since then, Leipzig has been a focal point of Germany’s Christmas culture, and the central Weihnachtsmarkt, which dates back to 1458, is no exception. 

Time Out tip: Definitely come hungry.

Location: Leipzig Christmas Market, Marktplatz, 04109, Leipzig

Opening dates: 25 November-23 Decemeber, 2025

What is it? A brilliant little market under Cologne's cathedral with up to 140 stalls and historic carouself for kids.

Why we love it: Cologne is a delightful, international city with a huge personality, and the Adventszeit (Advent) is celebrated just as wildly, here, as the infamous Karneval in February. The Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom, sits just below the imposing cathedral with a 25-metre-high coastal fir Christmas tree in the centre, creating an unmistakably grand atmosphere for eating, shopping and mingling. 

Time Out tip: The Old Town market has plenty of charm, too, while the rustic Stadtgarten market, hidden among the park’s chestnut trees, draws more of a local crowd.

Location: Roncalliplatz, 50667, Cologne

Opening dates: 17 November-23 December, 2025

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