Stay in Cologne & Visit Düsseldorf
At the top of our list is Cologne, Germany. This was our introduction to Germany’s Christmas Markets and it blew us away! The most famous market in Cologne is called Weihnachtsmarkt Am Kölner Dom, and has the famous Cathedral for its backdrop. Cologne is home to the best Christmas Markets in Germany because it has so many throughout the city – including Angel’s Christmas Market, Old Market Christmas & Harbor Christmas Market. Each one with their unique theme, decorations & charm. For anyone who enjoys beer, you may want to consider a Kölsch Beer & Christmas Market tour to stay warm!
While staying in Cologne, you may want to take a day trip to Düsseldorf. It’s just short of an hour train ride between the two cities and worth it to check out some more markets. Düsseldorf’s main market Handwerker-Markt sits near the river, but there are also smaller markets scattered throughout the city, such as Alstadt Markt & Schadow Markt, which specialize in different goods.
Stay in Berlin & Visit Leipzig
While we haven’t personally visited Berlin yet, it would be rude not to include the capital of Germany on our list of Germany’s Christmas Markets. While Berlin is a more modern city than others on this list, that provides it’s own unique appeal. Gendarmenmarkt is the most famous market in Berlin but you may also want to visit the Fairy Tale Christmas Market just outside the city center as well. While you’re in the holiday spirit, we also recommend a bus-tour to see all the Christmas lights around the city!
Only 1.5 hours from Berlin by train, you can visit Leipzig, home to the second oldest Christmas Market in Germany! Leipziger Weihnachtsmarkt is the most famous of the markets here, which sits in front of the Old Town Hall.
Stay in Munich & Visit Nuremberg + Salzburg
Munich was our most recent trip to enjoy Germany’s Christmas Markets. This is a great city for a longer holiday since you can also take day trips to visit the markets in Nuremberg (1.5 hours by train) or Salzburg, Austria (2 hours by train).
The main market in Munich is called Münchner Christkindlmarkt, which is located in Marienplatz. There are also other markets to explore, such as the smaller one located near the Palace or the much larger one located on the same fair grounds as Oktoberfest. We recommend taking a tour of the Christmas Markets to learn more about the traditions and get all the insider information on the best stands! Check out our previous post for our full Munich City Guide on what else you can do in this Bavarian Capital during your stay!
Planning a trip to Germany to visit the Christmas Markets is easy if you know where to go! Be sure to leave extra room in your suitcase for all the beautiful Christmas Ornaments you’ll bring home.
Which of Germany’s Christmas Markets do you want to visit? Leave us a comment!
Cheers, Amanda
