German Christmas Markets
Traditional holiday markets held during Advent, featuring festive foods, crafts, and gifts.
About German Christmas Markets
German Christmas Markets (Weihnachtsmärkte or Christkindlmärkte) are a centuries-old tradition and a beloved cultural cornerstone of the German holiday season. Dating back to the Late Middle Ages, with Dresden's Striezelmarkt first documented in 1434, these enchanting markets transform town squares across the country into magical winter wonderlands during the four weeks of Advent leading up to Christmas. Each market creates a festive atmosphere with decorated wooden stalls offering a variety of handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and traditional German crafts. The air is filled with the irresistible aromas of seasonal treats: roasted almonds (gebrannte Mandeln), gingerbread (Lebkuchen), fruit-filled pastries (Stollen), and the essential Glühwein—a hot mulled wine that warms visitors as they browse through the market stalls. While Christmas markets share common elements, each region in Germany offers unique specialties and traditions. Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt is famous for its Nuremberg sausages and lebkuchen; Dresden's Striezelmarkt is known for its Stollen; and the market in Stuttgart features elaborate Christmas decorations. The Rothenburg ob der Tauber market transports visitors to a medieval Christmas setting, while Berlin hosts numerous markets throughout the city, each with its own character. Beyond shopping and culinary delights, German Christmas markets offer entertainment including choir performances, nativity scenes, and children's activities. The markets serve as social gathering places where friends and families come together to share in the festive spirit, making them an integral part of Germany's cultural heritage and a significant tourist attraction that draws millions of visitors from around the world each year.