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German Christmas Fairs and German Christmas markets

Visiting the Christmas Markets in Germany is a wonderful experience for people of all ages, celebrating the charm and tradition of yesteryear. Some markets date back to medieval times and many have changed very little since. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine, the aroma of grilled sausages, roasted chestnuts and caramelised sugared almonds, as you wander around the gaily-decorated wooden stalls brimming with hand-made gifts.


Christmas Markets in Germany

 Aachen - Aachener-Weihnachtsmarkt
From the parking lot "Bendplatz" to the market is about 1200 meters walking distance. Follow the signs.
 Annaberg-Buchholz - Annaberger Weihnachtsmarkt
 Augsburg Christkindlesmarkt [ Bavaria ]
Augsburg's Christmas Market is considered to be one of the most attractive. The historic town hall is the centre piece to a giant advent calendar, where on Saturday evenings the Christmas Angels, modelled on the Holbein Angels from the Cathedral's altar, perform to the crowds in the picturesque market place below. A city with many fine churches and palaces, Augsburg is also home to proud patrician houses and impressive Renaissance fountains.
 Bad Windsheim - Rheinland-Pfalz
This is a charming Franconian town (population 13,000) situated between Nuremberg and Rothenburg. The romantic local Christmas Market is located in the historic centre giving the visitor a wonderful opportunity to experience rural Germany at Christmas time. It takes place between Thursday and Sunday. Rothenburg and/or Nuremberg can easily be reached by rail in just over an hour if you wish to visit other Christmas Markets during your stay
 Baden-Baden - Christkindlesmarkt
 Bamberg
 Bayreuth
 Berlin - 
More than 139 stalls selling stollen, gingerbread, regional crafts with glass blowers, wood carvers and doll builders, wooden Christmas pyramids from the 'Erzgebirge
 Berlin - Christmas Market in Spandau
 Bernkastel-Kues - Christmas Market
 Bonn - Christmas Market - Munster Square and streets around
 Braunschweig - traditional Christmas market at the historic Burgplatz - webcam
 Bremen - Christmas Market around the townhall [Rathaus]
 Brühl - Brühler Weihnachtsmarkt
 Celle - City of Celle
The superb half-timbered facades around Celle's Christmas market in the heart of the historical old quarter are brought to life by Christmas illuminations. There are around fifty wooden huts selling crafts, Christmas decorations and toys, as well as the delicious treats that are an essential part of the Christmas market experience. The focal points are the Christmas tree and the delightful Christmas Nativity scene.
More than 480 half-timbered houses from the 16th to the 18th century give a unique ambience to the centuries-old town.
 Coburg - City of Coburg
The Christmas Market of Coburg and home of the castle "Veste", begins with a candle light parade by the Coburg Children's Choir through the town centre. Christmas tree decorations, wooden toys, ceramics and porcelain of all kinds dominate the scene of the Coburg Christmas Market.
 Cologne - Kölner Weihnachtsmärkte
Spreading out from the base of its mighty cathedral and into the pedestrianised area, is one of Cologne's impressive Christmas Markets. Nibble on sugared almonds as you wander through stalls selling everything from wooden toys to Christmas tree decorations. Whilst in Cologne, why not take advantage of its all year round shopping, perhaps take a day trip to the shopping boulevards of Düsseldorf and its market or a visit to the wine village of Rüdesheim with its own local Christmas Market.
 Dinkelsbühl - City of Dinkelsbuehl
Dinkelsbühl's Christmas market in historical Spitalhof is one of the prettiest Christmas markets along the Romantic Road. The town's medieval quarter and the quaint old buildings around St. George's Minster are an inspiration, not only for visitors today: it is here that Christoph von Schmid wrote his famous Christmas carol "Ihr Kinderlein kommet" (O come little children).
 Dortmund - Dortmunder Weihnachtsmarkt
Dortmund's Christmas market, one of the biggest in Germany, has over 300 stalls. Its hallmark is a gigantic Christmas tree which consists of 1,700 individual fir trees, stands 45 metres tall and is adorned with 13,000 lights – the biggest in the world.
 Dresden - Dresdner Weihnachtsmarkt - the oldest Christmas Market in Germany
Striezelmarkt – The oldest Christmas market in Germany, founded in 1434, the Dresden Striezelmarkt is dominated by the traditional crafts of Dresden and the surrounding regions (original wood carving, pottery, gingerbread etc.), situated on the Old Market Square with the biggest Christmas pyramid with a record-breaking height of 14 meters.
 Dusseldorf Altstadt - Schadowstrasse. 'Nikolausmarkt' in the old city centre.
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Every year Düsseldorf's Christmas market opens its "gingerbread houses" not far from Königsallee. Until 5 January Corneliusplatz has a huge outdoor ice rink offering fun for all the family - ice skating is free and there are instructors and childcare facilities.
 Emmerich
 Erfurt
In one of the finest settings in Germany - Cathedral Square and the quaint old quarter dating back 1,260 years - stallholders at more than 200 wooden huts offer typical Thuringian specialities and handcrafted products.
 Essen - Essener Weihnachtsmarkt - between Willy-Brandt-Platz und Rathenaustraße
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the International Christmas Market of Essen offers you exotic products from all over the world: sculptures from Africa, craft from Russia, cheerful figures from Cuba, Greek lighthouses and x-mas gifts for all US fans. The International Christmas Market takes you even from the culinary perspective on a world trip: Arabic Falafel, Polish Bigos, French Crepes or Dutch Poffertjes? You as a guest are spoilt for choice in the true sense of the word. Another attraction is the Santa House where Father Christmases from all over the world describe Christmas customs and traditions in their various countries.
 Frankfurt
Traditional Christmas market with the tallest Christmas tree in Germany. Römerberg and in the historic city centre.
There has been a Christmas market in Frankfurt for over 600 years and is one of Germany´s oldest, most popular Christmas markets. Take a stroll across the market and enjoy the wonderful aroma of baked apples, roasted nuts, gingerbread and mulled wine.
 Freiburg im Breisgau
One of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Germany. In the centre of the inner city, the Rathausplatz. A market with a wide range of traditional arts and crafts, including straw shoes from the Black Forest and colourful wooden toys. The highlight is the candle workshop where visitors can watch candles being made to order.
 Goslar
Every year the beautiful market square in the former imperial town of Goslar is the magnificent backdrop for the Christmas market, which has around 60 stalls. Its main attraction is the Christmas Forest on Schuhhof: with 36 fir trees adorned with thousands of Christmas lights and seasonal music all around.
 Göttingen - City of Guttingen 
Göttingen's romantic Christmas market has a magical, festive atmosphere with rows of booths in the market square gathered around the medieval Old Town Hall, the Goose Girl statue and St. John's Church.
 Hamburg
Downtown Christmas market & the Hanseatic Christmas Market [ Gänsemarkt ].
During Advent, Hamburg's Town Hall will once again provide the grand setting for the city's most charming Christmas market. One hundred merchants will set up their shops on Hamburg's largest urban square.
 Hamlin / Hameln
Festively decorated wooden huts are clustered around the Wedding House and the Market Church in the heart of the picturesque old quarter with its lovingly restored timber-framed houses and grand Weser Renaissance buildings.
 Hanover - Christmas Market around the 'Marktkirche'.
Hanover's Christmas market takes place in the historical old quarter around the Market Church and on Ballhofplatz.
 Heidelberg
Heidelberg's Christmas market extends over no fewer than five squares: Kornmarkt, Marktplatz, Universitätsplatz, Anatomiegarten and Bismarckplatz. It is great for a leisurely browse and has stunning views of the castle and the old quarter with its beautiful Christmas decorations.
 Hildesheim - at the historic market center
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Hildesheim's Christmas market comes to life on the historical market square and around the town hall. Its backdrop is the impressive façade of the Knochenhaueramtshaus, a former butchers' guildhouse which is reputed to be the most beautiful half-timbered house in the world. Seasonal spirit: a tour of the town with a guide in historical costume. One of the highlights of the Christmas events programme are the Hildesheim Cathedral Musicians.
 Karlsruhe - City of Karlsruhe - see Tourismus'
Christkindlesmarkt auf dem Marktplatz: Weihnachtsvorfreude wecken mehr als 130 Buden und Stände rund um ein bekanntes Karlsruher Wahrzeichen, die Pyramide auf dem Marktplatz.
 Kassel - Fairy Tale Christmas Market at the Königs- en Friedrichsplatz
Kassel's fairytale Christmas market on Königsplatz and Friedrichsplatz works its fairytale festive magic on people of all ages and every year a different fairytale takes centre stage.
 Kempten - City of Kempten
Kempten Christmas Market, the largest in the Allgäu region and one of the loveliest in all Bavaria, enchants young and old with its traditional atmosphere. It takes place on the Rathausplatz, one of the oldest parts in the city.
 Kleve - In the Forstgarten
In the middle of the charming atmosphere of Kleve's Baroque Gardens.
 Koblenz [ Rhineland Palatinate ] - Koblenzer Weihnachtsmarkt - town square Altstadt
The traditional Koblenz Christmas Market is one of the largest Christmas Markets in Rhineland Palatinate. More than one hundred wooden stands at the Zentralplatz and the Plan in the Old City offer – in addition to an extensive range of arts and crafts as well as Christmas decorations – a huge selection of gift articles for the holiday table.
 Lauscha
 Leipzig [ Saxony ]
Childfriendliest Christmas market in Germany. With a magic wood, childrens territory and father Christmas. Furthermore: Leipzig is most famous for its literary and musical connections - Goethe, Schiller, Bach and Wagner were all onetime residents. The Christmas market is located in front of the Old Town Hall where you can meander around its many stalls whilst being serenaded by trumpeters. Lovers of classical music will delight in the Opera House and the Bach Choir, whilst those who prefer to shop can do so in the elegant 'Mädler' Passage.
 Lübeck - City of Lübeck
The annual Christmas markets of Hanseatic Lübeck take place in the old quarter around the historical town hall and Koberg, with fairy lights and Christmas trees adorning the streets.
 Ludwigsburg - City of Ludwigsburg - Ludwigsburg Baroque Christmas Market
What makes the Christmas Market unique is its Baroque concept, the decorated stands and Ludwigsburg market square with its most beautiful illuminated angels.
Ludwigsburg ist the city with the biggest and best-preserved baroque palace in all of Germany. It was the residence of the king of Württemberg and is called the cradle of Swabian poetry. 
 Luneburg
You will be immediately impressed by Germany's largest and best preserved medieval town hall and St John's Church which dominate this traditional Christmas Market. Whole streets of magnificent gabled, halftimbered houses bear witness to Lüneburg's former importance as a great trading city. Long chains of Christmas lights are decorating the gables of the old town houses to illuminate the stalls after darkness. Especially recommended is a visit on the opening weekend when age-old traditions are re-enacted by the locals in medieval costumes.
 Mainz [Saarland ] - Mainzer Weihnachtsmarkt vor dem St. Martins-Dom
 Mannheim [ Baden-Württemberg ] - City of Mannheim
Where Santa Claus Goes Shopping: The Mannheim Christmas Market, one of the largest and most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe, is situated in the center of Mannheim, just a five minutes' walk from the central station.
Mannheim, die zweitgrößte Stadt Baden-Württembergs im Zentrum des Rhein-Neckar-Dreiecks ist eine Stadt der Kongresse, der Wissenschaft, der Wirtschaft, der Kunst und Kultur.
 Mönchengladbach - largest city to the left of the Lower Rhine.
 Monschau
The Monschau Christmas Market, takes place on the four weekends before Xmas Eve.
Nestling in a valley amongst the Eifel Hills, Monschau really is one of Europe's best kept secrets. Located just a few kilometers over the Belgian border.
 Munich
Munich not only offers a wealth of culture, fascinating architecture and culinary delights, but also a wide range of excursion possibilities. The Christmas Market in front of the town hall is one of Germany's largest, with the many stalls grouped around the Marienplatz square. Stroll amongst the stalls and be tempted by grilled sausages, brightly decorated gingerbreads and chestnuts roasting over open fires. Each afternoon local carol singers and musicians perform traditional songs from the balcony of the Town Hall. Don't miss the Christmas Handicraft Fair, it takes place in Munich's largest park, the 'Englischer Garten'.
 Munster - downtown 5 Christmas markets
The town's festively lit historical old quarter plays host to no fewer than five markets. All the markets lead off the main Christmas market on Platz des Westfälischen Friedens and are only a few minutes' walk from one another.
 Nuremberg
Nuremberg is where you'll find Germany's oldest and best known Christmas Market. Established in the market square of the beautifully restored Old Town, you can wander through its traffic-free streets while enjoying a 'Zwetschkenmännchen', a local speciality made from dried plums
 Neustadt
 Oberhausen-Altstadt  - City of Oberhausen 
 Oberhausen-CentrO - City of Oberhausen
One of the most magnificent and greatest Christmas Markets of the Ruhr area, located at the CentrO, the biggest shopping and leisure mall in europe.
 Oldenburg
 Osnabrück
The half-timbered buildings in the historical old quarter are adorned with festive illuminations. The nutcracker - over 6 metres tall - is always a great attraction for visitors to Osnabrück's Christmas market.
 Passau - City of Passau 
Christmas market in front of the beautiful St.-Stephan-Cathedral in the old town center of Passau.
Christmas specialities like Lebkuchen, Glühwein and a lot of others are offered to the visitors. Every day different concerts of music-groups and choirs will take place on a covert stage. There will also be a special program for children. A highlight will be a concert of the famous Regensburger-Domspatzen-choir in the St. -Stephan-Cathedral on 5th of December and during the Advent Christmas-concerts will be performed in St.-Stephan-Cathedral.
 Potsdam [ Brandenburg ]  - City of Potsdam - Romantic Market Sanssouci
Potsdam's most popular sight is the Schloß Sanssouci palace located in the park to which it gives its name.
 Regensburg - Christkindlmarket with more than half a million visitors
Regensburg's traditional Christkindlmarkt, the craft market and the romantic Christmas market at Thurn and Taxis Palace. Highlights include concerts by the famous Regensburger Domspatzen boys' choir and Christmas cruises on the Danube. There is also a 'Lucreziamarket' with jewelry and a cultural program.
** Regensburg is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Germany
 Rostock - the historical centre of the town is one big Christmas Market
Father Christmas traditionally arrives in the town harbour by boat to officially open Rostock's Christmas market in the old quarter, with the fairytale castle stage on University Square as the setting for the ceremony. The medieval Christmas market at the Church of St. Mary and the fairytale forest are among the attractions of this Christmas market, the largest in Northern Germany.
 Rothenburg/Taubler - City of Rothenburg
Rothenburg is a medieval extravaganza which takes the visitor effortlessly back in time. It stands today exactly as it had in the 11th century, it's steeproofed gabled houses, balconies, soaring spires and narrow cobble streets still remain. The city's imposing gateway, towers and city walls never fail to impress. The Christmas spirit is alive in this city all year round, the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Shop and the Christmas Museum with its unique Christmas decorations are well-worth a visit. Every afternoon at the Christmas Market a brass band concert is held.
 Rüdesheim [ Rhine ] - City of Rüdesheim - old quarter and its popular Drosselgasse lane
Come to the romantic historic old quarters and the world famous Drosselgasse Christmas illuminations and entertainment. Nations from all over the world present their Christmas customs and traditions. On the market square you can admire Europe's largest nativity scene, with live-size figures. See also the official Website.
 Saarbrücken - Altstadt am Schloss [ Old Town centre near the castle ]
 Saarbrücken - City of Saarbrücken - Christkindelmarkt
Throughout Advent the central market square "St. Johanner Markt" is decorated for Christmas. Numerous little huts selling all sorts of Christmas items, ranging from original Christmas decorations through tasty cakes and cookies to mulled wine, put you in a jovial mood. The winding streets and cosy pubs and restaurants clustering around the "St. Johanner Markt" enhance the festive atmosphere.
 Schneeberg [ Saxony ] - City of Schneeberg
 Siegburg
 Stuttgart - the biggest Christmas Market in Germany
Stuttgart, home to the great cars of Porsche and Mercedes. Here you find Europe's largest Christmas Market, first documented over 300 years ago. Although the character of the market has changed a little since then – there are no blacksmiths and tanners, no acrobats and tightrope walkers, but instead stall after stall selling wonderful wooden toys, Christmas tree ornaments, spicy gingerbread, roasted almonds and the inevitable grilled sausages and mulled wine. Marvel at the huge Christmas tree in front of the Town Hall and listen to the free concerts by local choirs performed here every day..
 Trier - Trierer Weihnachtsmarkt
Discover the charming Christmas Market in Trier, Germany's oldest city where the visitor is enticed by its many attractions. Marvel at the remnants of three Roman baths and admire the Porta Nigra, the best preserved Roman city gate north of the alps. Sample the local Riesling wine in one of the many wine bars and cellars, after you have explored the Old Town and Christmas Market on the market place dominated by the Cathedral.
 Tübingen - City of Tübingen 
The smell of mulled wine, served in specially designed Christmas mugs, roasted almonds and the aromatic taste of specific Swabian dishes is seductively filling the air.
About 450 individually-designed and lovely decorated fair stalls are erected in front of the beautiful half-timbered houses and leave you with the feeling of warmth and friendliness.
 Ulm - Ulmer Weihnachtsmarkt
As Christmas approaches, Ulm Cathedral - which has the tallest church spire in the world - becomes the focal point for Ulm's atmospheric Christmas market.
 Weimar [ Thüringia ]
Enjoy the magical atmosphere at Christmas time around the beautifully decorated historical Market square, Schillerstrasse and Theaterplatz. Artisans and glass blowers, hand-made toys and carvings from the Erzgebirge Mountains, Christmas tree decorations from the Thuringian Forest and Thuringian specialities to taste invite you to look around. Enjoy a glass of hot mulled wine, Christmas cookies and the famous Thuringian grilled sausages ...
 Wiesbaden - City of Wiesbaden
Picturesque Schlossplatz is the spectacular setting for Wiesbaden's Sternschnuppenmarkt [ Shooting Stars ] Christmas market.
 Worms
 Wurzburg - at the historic Marktplatz and at the center court of the town hall
Würzburg's Christmas market, one of the most atmospheric in Germany, is held on Oberer and Unterer Marktplatz against the historical backdrop of the Gothic St. Mary's Chapel and the Falkenhaus Rococo mansion.

Travel Agents / Tour Operators

 Gate 1 Travel - Escorted Tours, Travel Packages, Discount Travel and Tour Packages
See Central Europe Escorted Tour Packages - Alpine Christmas Markets [ Munich, Salzburg, Vienna ].
Gate 1 Travel was founded in 1981 with a staff of two in Glenside, PA. Gate 1 still operates from Glenside, but today has a worldwide staff well into the hundreds. .

Travel Guides / Related Books

Christmas in Germany
by Kristin Thoennes Keller (Author), Kristin Thoennes (Author)
Reading level: Ages 9-12; Library Binding: 24 pages; Publisher: Capstone Press (January 1999); Language: English; ISBN-10: 0736800891; ISBN-13: 978-0736800891
Germany - Eyewitness Travel Guide
Paperback: 600 pages; Publisher: DK Travel; Rev Upd edition (January 15, 2007); Language: English; ISBN-10: 0756626358; ISBN-13: 978-0756626358
Lonely Planet Germany
By Andrea Schulte-Peevers (Author), Jeremy Gray (Author), Anthony Haywood (Author), Sarah Johnstone (Author), Daniel Robinson (Author)
Paperback: 816 pages; Publisher: Lonely Planet Publications; 5th edition (March 2007); Language: English; ISBN-10: 1740599888; ISBN-13: 978-1740599887
Frommer's Germany
Paperback: 692 pages; Publisher: Frommer's; New edition (December 6, 2006); Language: English; ISBN-10: 0470008679; ISBN-13: 978-0470008676

Transport / How do I travel to Germany

 German Airports :

Berlin [ Brandenburg ], Baden-Airport, Bielefeld, Bremen, Cologne / Bonn [ Northrhine ], Cuxhaven, Dortmund,  Dresden [ Saxony ], Dusseldorf [ Northrhine ], Erfurt [ Thuringia ], Frankfurt-Hahn, Frankfurt / Main, Friedrichshafen, Hamburg, Hanover [ Lower Saxony ], Hof, Kiel [ Schleswig-Holstein ], Leipzig / Halle, Lubeck,  Monchengladbach, Munich, Munster / Osnabruck, Neubrandenburg, Nuremberg [ Bavaria ], Paderborn -Lippstadt, Rostock-Laage [ Mecklenburg ], Saarbrucken [ Saarland ], Siegerland, Stuttgart, Wiesbaden [ Hesse ] and Zweibrücken


LTU  - Flights, Hotels, Car rental
LTU flies to the most popular metropolitan areas, vacation destinations, and long-distance destinations in Europe. From the United States or Canada, you can fly to Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich, Nuremberg and Stuttgart.

 Airline Tickets / Bargain Flights  - Flights to Germany

 Map24 - online Route Planner Germany
 Online Maps Germany [ Uni Texas - Perry-Castañeda Library - Map Collection Europe ]


Links

 Christmas Fairs and Markets in Germany
 German Christmas Markets
 Santa Legends and Folklore
 The History of the Christkindle Markt
Background of the Christkindlesmarket in Nuremberg


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