Christmas markets in Germany 2026

With so many Christmas markets in Berlin to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice this winter! The popular Charlottenburg Palace market has been running since 2007 and is worth a visit for its location alone! Iconic Spandau market near St. Nikolai Church is Berlin’s biggest Christmas market, while Alexanderplatz market and the Berliner Weihnachtszeit might be perfect for families thanks to their mix of festive stalls, skating rinks and rides. 

Take your pick from all the best Xmas markets in Cologne this winter. Cologne Cathedral Christmas market is one of the largest Christmas markets in North Rhine-Westphalia, while Heinzels Winter Fairytale market, complete with an ice rink on Heumarkt Square, is easily one of the most charming. Throw the Stadtgarten Christmas market and the Village of St. Nicholas into the mix and that’s your weekend breaks in Cologne sorted! 

Germany's second largest city is hosting tonnes of magical Christmas markets. One of the most popular is the historic City Hall market – or Hamburger Weihnachtsmarkt – which has its very own flying Santa Claus. Then there’s Winterwald Hamburg in the city centre, Winter Pride at St. Georg and the White Magic on the Jungfernstieg. There’s also the infamous St. Pauli Christmas Market for adults only! 

With a history dating back to the 1690s, the Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany! Book Christmas breaks in Germany to discover Stuttgart’s traditional market, open from 26th November to 23rd December. Get into the festive spirit by exploring all the best tasty festive treats, handmade crafts and unique gifts near Stuttgart's town hall. Plus, there’s even live concerts and activities for the kids! 

Don’t miss out on the spectacular Münchner Christkindlmarkt! Set in the Marienplatz next to the incredible New Town Hall, this popular Christmas market in Munich has something for everyone. As well as Bavarian stalls selling all the best festive gifts and food, there’s also the famous Krampus Run, a live nativity scene, and traditional folk music and carols. Plus, little ones will love making gifts and crafts in the Heavenly Workshop! 

You’re in for a treat if you’ve booked winter breaks in Saxony – Leipzig’s historic old town comes to life for the festive season! Head to the Leipzig Marktplatz to browse stalls bursting with handmade gifts before treating yourself to a tasty waffle or a warm cup of Glühwein. Kids will feel like they’re walking in a winter wonderland thanks to the trees lining Grimmaische Strasse, and you’ll also find more stalls and rides over at the Augustusplatz.  

If you’re planning winter breaks in Germany, a trip to Frankfurt’s Christmas Market will help you feel merry and bright this December! With stalls spread out from the popular Zeil street to the historic Römerberg square, you can discover all the best handmade gifts and more this winter. Don’t miss out on trying the Brenten or Bethmännchen – typical marzipan pastries from Frankfurt! The festive fun doesn’t stop there – there’s also an Artists Christmas Market in Paulskirche, a Swedish Christmas Market and a Finnish Bazaar.  

The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of best European Christmas markets to visit thanks to its rich history – Nuremberg’s Christmas Market dates back to 1628, according to local legend! Unsurprisingly, delicious gingerbread – enjoyed in Nuremberg since the Middle Ages – is always one of the bestselling treats at this festive market, as well as the city’s famous Bratwurst. Head on over to the historic Hauptmarkt for festive Christmas in Germany.  

You’ll have plenty of Dresden Xmas markets to choose from when you’re looking for things to do in Germany this Christmas. The Dresden Striezelmarkt is one of the most popular markets in Saxony and one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany with a history dating back to the 1400s! Like gingerbread at the Nuremberg Christmas Market, trying a piece of Dresden Christstollen – a staple of Striezelmarkt – is a must. Book weekend breaks in Dresden to make sure you don’t miss out on the Augustusmarkt and Neumarkt too! 

Follow the Krippenweg through Passau's old town and city centre to the beautiful cathedral square, where you’ll find the Passau Christmas market! Year after year, people from across Europe visit the city of three rivers for the Christmas Market at the Cathedral to discover the wide range of festive arts, crafts and activities on offer. Plus, our Premier Inn Passau Weisser Hase hotel nearby will help you get the most out of Christmas breaks in Germany.  

With festive chalets filled with Christmas gifts, an ice-skating rink on the Königsallee and a Ferris Wheel on the Burgplatz, visiting the Düsseldorf Xmas Market make you feel like you’re in a winter wonderland. Whether you’re planning romantic winter breaks or Germany city breaks with the kids, weekends in Düsseldorf won’t disappoint if you’re looking to get into the festive spirit!  

In addition to the best-known German Christmas markets, you’ll find plenty of other festive places to spend Christmas in Germany. Dortmund and Hanover have a wonderful festive atmosphere to enjoy, or why not visit Christmas markets in Essen or the Heidelberg Christmas market? Smaller destinations like Potsdam, St. Wendel, Quedlinburg, Gera, Aurich or Wismar are ideal for romantic breaks in Germany too!