Christkindlmarkt Munich
Pure Christmas tradition at the Christkindlmarkt Munich
Anyone looking for the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany should also make a stop in the Bavarian capital. Centrally located on Mary’s Square (Marienplatz), the Munich 2023 Christmas market takes place from 27 November to 24 December. The origins of the city’s most famous Christmas market date back to the 14th century and this tradition can be felt at every corner. Popular activities include singing under the Christmas tree, genuine Bavarian Advent music from the town hall balcony and the sky workshop, where children aged six to twelve can make things to their heart’s content. The Krampus run with around 300 Krampuses is also a centuries-old tradition that goes back to Krampus, the companion of Bishop Nicholas.
Our Places of Germany insider tip: A somewhat different Christmas market in Munich takes place every year in the Olympiapark Süd: the Fairytale bazaar (Märchenbazar) München. In a fantastic fairytale world, circus tents and fairground stalls offer live music, artistic performances and a colourful children’s programme with Punch and Judy shows, storytelling sessions and craft activities every day.
Erfurt Christmas Market
Advent atmosphere in the old town
At the Erfurt 2023 Christmas market from 28 November to 22 December, the entire old town will once again be in Christmas fever. The market, with over 200 wooden stalls, stretches from the Cathedral Square with Cathedral Church of St. Mary and Severi Church to the Fish Market, the Castle Bridge (Schlösserbrücke) and Willy Brandt Square. Every year, around two million visitors come to what is probably the most beautiful Christmas market in Thuringia to sample regional delicacies such as Thuringian bratwurst and Erfurter Schittchen®. Another highlight is the varied entertainment programme, which is offered during the opening hours of the Erfurt Christmas market from 10:00 to 20:00 and until 22:00 on Friday and Saturday. These include the merry-go-round, the Ferris wheel and the eco-bakery. In the fairytale forest, visitors can marvel at artistically designed fairytale pictures. The twelve metre high Christmas pyramid, the nativity scene with almost life-size wooden figures and the over five metre high Advent wreath on the cathedral steps are also great attractions at the Erfurt Christmas market. Children from the city’s various kindergartens are allowed to light the candles here every Sunday in Advent.
Oberammergau Christmas Market
Winter magic in the spa gardens
The Ammergau winter magic, which celebrates its premiere from 8 December 2023 to 1 January 2024, is certainly one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the country. With culinary delicacies and fine arts and crafts, this festive event is not a traditional Christmas market. Instead, visitors to the Ammergau Winterzauber will also be introduced to the culture of the famous village, which is world-famous for its artistic Lüftlmalerei paintings and the annual Passion Play. The new Winterzauber follows in the tradition of a Christmas market that used to take place at the Pilatushaus. The special thing about this new market is that it is one of the few that remains open into the New Year.
Stuttgart Christmas Market
From Ferris wheel to Finnish Christmas village
A Christmas village with twinkling lights and the scent of mulled wine will once again be on offer at the Stuttgart 2023 Christmas Market this year. 280 stalls with everything your Christmas heart desires will once again be attracting visitors from 29 November to 23 December. From jewellery to arts and crafts, wooden toys and nativity figures to delicious food and drink – the range on offer is huge. There are also lots of hands-on activities, especially for children, such as the candle workshop or the children’s bakery. Other highlights include the mini steam train and the carousels in Children’s fairyland as well as the Stuttgart Ferris wheel on Schlossplatz. From a height of 58 metres, you can enjoy the view over the Christmassy city. There is something very special in the immediate vicinity on Karlsplatz: the Finnish Christmas market in Stuttgart. In a Finnish Christmas village, you can experience the original Nordic Christmas atmosphere with flamed salmon and Finnish mulled wine.
Christmas Market Cologne
"Market of hearts"
Although the Market of Hearts at Cologne Cathedral is certainly not an insider tip, it is definitely worth a visit. The Christmas Market Cologne 2023 is open from 23 November to 23 December. In addition to all kinds of Christmas treats, you will find a wide range of gifts and handicrafts such as glass blowing, ceramics, wood carvings and children’s toys at over 130 stalls. Social organisations also have the opportunity to present themselves and their work at the Christmas market in Cologne am Dom. For younger visitors, there is a varied children’s programme with a Punch and Judy show, a hands-on theatre and a visit from St. Nicholas on 6 December. From 23 November to 23 December 2023, the Cologne Harbour Christmas Market will also take place directly on the Rhine and at the Chocolate Museum, showcasing the maritime side of the Christmas city.
Schwäbisch Hall Christmas Market
Handicrafts & delicacies
Twinkling lights and the scent of mulled wine lure you into the winding alleyways of Schwäbisch Hall from 30 November to 20 December. At the picturesque Schwäbisch Hall 2023 Christmas market, you will find beautiful gift ideas and impressive arts and crafts alongside culinary treats and mulled wine. The varied Christmas magic programme has a lot to offer, especially for the little ones. In the adventure area of the large gingerbread house, for example, there is a Christmas magic bakery, Christmas crafts and a storytelling session. There are also numerous music events at the Hall Christmas Market, as well as torchlight and night watchman tours, especially for children. The life-size nativity scene on the market square is a popular photo motif. Another beautiful Christmas market nearby is the Advent forest in Rudersberg.
Marburg Christmas Market 2023
Twinkling lights & Christmas forest
You can discover two Christmas markets in Marburg, Hesse. The Marburg Elisabethkirche Christmas market and the market on the historic market square. From 1 to 23 December, you can discover the culinary delights on offer at the gourmet evenings. If you are not so good on foot, you can take the castle railway or the castle bus through the Christmas town of Marburg. The Christmas tours are also very popular, such as “On the trail of light” or “Marburg by night”, where you can experience special light installations with a mug of mulled wine in your hand. An attraction for young and old alike is the atmospheric Christmas grove in the centre of the old town. A special Christmas atmosphere is also created by the various cultural events, such as Charles Dickens’ Christmas story, which is performed in the Waggonhalle.
Can't get enough of Christmas markets?
We have put together a list for you:Where to go in Advent? Our Christmas market insider tips with beautiful Christmas markets all over Germany.
