Germany if famous for its Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) held all over the country in the month preceding Christmas. Markets differ from region to region but for the average foreign visitor, these differences are of minor importance. More important factors to consider include the costs and time required to get to the market town, hotel accommodation, and what else there is to see and do – visitors are unlikely to spend a full day, never mind a whole weekend, at the market itself. Berlin and Munich may not have the best Christmas markets in Germany but remain by far the most interesting cities in Germany to visit.
Nürnberg / Nuremberg – Germany’s Most Famous Christmas Market
Internationally Germany’s most famous Christmas market is the one held in Nuremberg (Nürnberg), Bavaria’s second largest city. The market spreads through the old town but the true heart is on Hauptmarkt (Main Market Square) in front of the Liebfraukirche (Church of Our Lady). Nuremberg is famous for toys as well as Lebkuchen biscuits – the best ones are baked without using flour.
Nürnberg Airport (NUE), a major hub of German low-cost airline Air Berlin, is only 10 minutes by U-Bahn train from the old town. Frequent trains from Frankfurt take two hours and from Munich around 90 minutes.
Frankfurt am Main – Germany’s Largest Christmas Market
Frankfurt am Main has Germany’s largest Christmas market as well as its tallest Christmas tree. The center of the market is on the Römerplatz in the heart of the historic old town but the market spreads out along the banks of the Main River as well as down the Zeil pedestrian shopping street. Frankfurt is a modern city, so apart from the Römerplatz, the background buildings are positively 20th century and not romantic medieval.
Transit passengers at Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) without sufficient time to travel to the old town, can enjoy smaller Christmas markets in both terminals in the airport. Train passengers can do the same at Frankfurt’s Hauptbahnhof (Main Train Station).
Dresden – Germany’s Oldest and Longest Christmas Market
Dresden can claim (not totally undisputed) Germany’s oldest Christmas market – the first one was held in 1434. The market, here known as the Striezelmarkt, is also physically the longest – it stretches from the Hauptbahnhof through the old town and across the Elbe River to the heart of Neustadt. The best part of the market is in the Stallhof – here it resembles a medieval market with food and drink served in suitably primitive containers. The most famous German Christmas cake Stollen originates from Dresden – it is sold everywhere and often suitably wrap for gifts and souvenirs.
Dresden Airport is a 25-minute train ride from the old town – the ticket cost less than a mug of Glühwein. By train, Dresden can be reached in two hours from Berlin or Prague and in 30 minutes from Leipzig.
German Christmas Markets in Smaller Towns
All major German cities and towns have Christmas markets but it is usually the smaller towns that offer the more romantic settings. For medieval flavor, perennial tourist favorite Rothenburg ob der Tauber is hard to beat. If visiting on a weekend it is worth bearing in mind that Rothenburg was a major bustling market town during the Middle Ages too. Trains to Rothenburg ob der Tauber always require transfers but this little town is worth the trouble.
In the far north of Germany, near Hamburg, is Lübeck. Although now a city, its historic old town is on an island in the Trave River and offers a magical setting for this Christmas market that has been a tradition since 1648. Ryanair flies to Lübeck Airport just minutes from the old town.
- German Christmas markets has a long tradition and is a highlight of advent in Germany. Visits to Weihnachtsmärkte need not cost a fortune, as cheap flights are available on low-cost airlines flying from London, the UK, and Ireland to Germany.
Henk Bekker - Henk Bekker is a freelance travel writer currently living on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland.
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