Best Places to Visit in Germany for Christmas Cheer

Germany is renowned for its festive spirit during the holiday season, with an array of Christmas markets, parades, and events that bring the magic of the holidays to life. Expats and digital nomads looking to immerse themselves in the Yuletide cheer will find no shortage of destinations across the country that offer a unique and enchanting experience. From traditional markets to historical towns, here are some of the best places to visit in Germany in December to get into the holiday spirit.

Nuremberg

The Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in the world. Set in the city's Hauptmarkt square, this market is known for its unique atmosphere with hundreds of stalls selling traditional German Christmas decorations, crafts, and treats like Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and Nuremberg sausages. The market usually opens in late November and runs until Christmas Eve. The highlight is the opening ceremony, where the Christkind, a symbolic gift-giver, delivers a prologue to mark the beginning of the festivities.

We Recommend: Don't miss the chance to try the original Nuremberg Lebkuchen, a gingerbread treat that has been a local specialty for centuries. Pair it with a warm mug of Glühwein (mulled wine) for the full Christkindlesmarkt experience.

Dresden

Dresden's Striezelmarkt, founded in 1434, is one of Germany's oldest Christmas markets. It's famous for its festive decorations and the Stollen, a traditional German fruit bread that's especially popular during the holidays. The market typically starts in late November and features a grand Stollen Festival on the second Saturday in December, where a giant Stollen is paraded through the streets and then cut and distributed among the visitors.

We Recommend: Be sure to taste the Dresden Stollen, also known as Striezel, which is a highlight of the market. This rich, sweet bread filled with candied fruits and nuts is a holiday staple in Germany.

Munich's Marienplatz

Munich's central square, Marienplatz, transforms into a winter wonderland with its own Christkindlmarkt. The market is framed by the New Town Hall and the iconic Glockenspiel, creating a picturesque setting. Vendors sell a variety of Bavarian crafts, ornaments, and culinary delights. The market usually starts in late November and features a large Christmas tree and live music performances throughout the season.

We Recommend: Try the Reiberdatschi, a type of potato pancake served with apple sauce, for a savory treat, and enjoy the festive sounds of the alpenhorn blowers for a truly Bavarian Christmas experience.

Cologne's Cathedral Christmas Market

Set against the stunning backdrop of Cologne's Gothic Cathedral, the Cathedral Christmas Market is one of the most impressive in Germany. With the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland, this market is a sight to behold. The market typically opens in late November and offers a wide range of handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and delicious foods. The atmosphere is further enhanced by the daily live music and entertainment.

We Recommend: Indulge in a Schmalzkuchen, a small, deep-fried pastry covered in powdered sugar, and enjoy the various choirs and bands performing on the market's stage.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a medieval town that looks like it's straight out of a fairy tale, especially during the holidays. The Reiterlesmarkt, which dates back to the 15th century, offers a cozy and intimate Christmas market experience. The town is also home to the German Christmas Museum and Käthe Wohlfahrt's Christmas Village, a year-round Christmas store. The market typically runs from the end of November until just before Christmas.

We Recommend: Visit Käthe Wohlfahrt's Christmas Village for an incredible selection of Christmas decorations and ornaments, and don't miss the chance to see the town's famous Christmas Museum.

Heidelberg's Old Town

Heidelberg's Christmas market is spread across several squares in the Old Town, offering a romantic and historic setting. The market usually starts in late November and features ice skating beneath the castle, a carousel for children, and numerous stalls selling crafts, gifts, and seasonal treats. The Heidelberg Christmas market is known for its charming atmosphere and stunning views of the illuminated castle.

We Recommend: Enjoy a glass of Heidelberger Glühwein, the local mulled wine, and take a stroll along the Philosophers' Walk for a breathtaking view of the city and the castle lit up at night.

Aachen

The Aachen Christmas Market is set around the Aachen Cathedral and the Town Hall, creating a magical backdrop for the festivities. Known for its Printen, a type of gingerbread unique to Aachen, the market attracts visitors from all over to sample this local delicacy. The market typically opens in late November and features a variety of stalls selling Christmas goods and an array of sweet and savory treats.

We Recommend: Don't leave without trying Aachen Printen, which comes in various shapes and flavors, from chocolate-covered to marzipan-filled. It's the perfect souvenir to take home from your visit to the Aachen Christmas Market.

Lübeck

Lübeck, the marzipan capital of Germany, hosts a delightful Christmas market in its UNESCO-listed Old Town. The market usually begins in late November and is famous for its marzipan treats, as well as its fairy tale forest and historic Christmas market at the Hospital of the Holy Spirit. The city's medieval architecture provides a stunning setting for the festive stalls and activities.

We Recommend: Sample the famous Lübeck marzipan, which is considered some of the finest in the world. Visit the Niederegger Marzipan Salon to learn about the history of this sweet almond confection.

Leipzig

Leipzig's Christmas market dates back to 1458, making it one of the oldest in Germany. The market is held in the city's historic center, with over 250 stalls offering a wide range of goods. Leipzig is known for its unique blend of traditional Saxon and modern Christmas decorations. The market typically runs from late November to December 23rd and includes a medieval market and a Finnish village.

We Recommend: Try the Pulsnitzer Pfefferkuchen, a type of gingerbread from the nearby town of Pulsnitz, and enjoy the festive program of concerts and performances in the market's music pavilion.