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Germans love Christmas markets. And why wouldn’t they? Usually located in the city center, Christmas markets bring families and friends together over sweet and savory delicacies like sausages “Bratwurst,” German gingerbread “Lebkuchen” and mulled wine “Glühwein.” Live music and cozy wooden huts selling crafty goods, decorations, winter clothes and kitchen utensils complement programs that people come to see from all over the world. Every single town, no matter how small, has one. As most village markets only open for one Advent weekend, don’t forget to check your local postings beforehand. Larger markets often last for the entire month and some even stay open until the New Year.
KMC area
Alzey
Nov. 24 to Dec. 24,
Dec. 27 to 30
Mannheim
Nov. 28 to Dec. 23
Saarbrücken
Nov. 26 to Dec. 23
Otterberg
Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22, a kids’ market will take place on Dec. 15 and 16
Weilerbach
Dec. 1 to 9
Landstuhl
Dec. 1 to 2, Dec. 14 to 17
Zweibrücken
Dec. 6 to 9, 14 to 16
Kirchheimbolanden
Dec. 6 to 9
St. Wendel
Dec. 8 to 16
Germany wide
Here are some of the most spectacular ones across the country that you won’t want to miss either: so enchanting that not even the Grinch’s two-sizes-too-small heart could stand a chance. If you intend on making a weekend out of it, make sure to plan ahead and book your hotel in advance.
Heidelberg
Nov. 26 to Dec. 22 — five beautiful market squares host this festival for all senses, which includes a view of the illuminated castle.
Munich
Nov. 26 to Dec. 23 — go back in time with this medieval market on Wittelsbacherplatz and sip your mulled wine amongst knights, kings, jugglers and damsels.
Dresden
Nov. 28 to Dec. 24 — dating back to 1434, the Striezelmarkt is one of the oldest markets in Germany and has perfected the art of holiday cheer.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Nov. 30 to Dec. 23 —whose medieval architecture adds a unique charm to the experience. The world’s largest Christmas store, Käthe Wohlfahrt, and a Christmas museum are also located here.
Nuremberg
Nov. 30 to Dec. 24 — is famous for its gingerbread, “Nürnberger Lebkuchen” and Prune People, “Zwetschgenmännla.”
Bad Münster am Stein – Eberburg
Dec. 1 to 2, 8 to 9, 15 to 16 — romantic Christmas market.
