Fairytale German Christmas Market Tours 2024
When festive lights twinkle into life and the covers come off Christmas markets, you know the Advent season is underway in Europe. Nowhere on the continent does festive fairs quite like Germany, where this now global tradition began. In this guide, we’re embarking on a German Christmas Market Tour by rail to several of the best Christmas markets in Germany, a train journey bursting with yuletide magic.
As November merges into December, colorful Christkindlmarkt pop up in historic squares across Germany. The waft of winter spices and grilled sausages blend with the sounds of carols, inviting residents and visitors to shake off the cold. It’s a time to eat, drink, and be merry while celebrating centuries-old traditions in atmospheric settings.
Although the holiday season can be a hectic time to travel, an extensive rail network allows travelers to ease between the best Christmas cities in Germany at their own pace. With hotels booked and seats reserved, it is an unhurried journey through festive scenes that have thrived since the Middle Ages.
Timeless Traditions of the Best Christmas Markets in Germany
Journey around Germany’s best Christmas markets and you will soon understand why they inspired a global industry.
Weaving between the best Christmas markets in Germany is a voyage of familiar seasonal comforts spiced with regional customs. No Christkindlmarkt is the same, though some flavors and traditions prosper nationwide.
Public squares across the country buzz with energy centered around towering trees and those distinctively German advent pyramids, the weihnachtspyramide. Many of Germany’s best Christmas markets use famous landmarks to put on dazzling advent shows.
Fairytales and folklore appear alongside the classic advent celebrations in street performances and themed decorations. Pop-up ice rinks, festive choirs, yuletide activities for little ones, and nativity scenes fill the gaps between stalls.
Traders fill the air with noise and color. The biggest markets in Germany boast hundreds of stalls selling timeless crafts. Handblown glass decorations, wooden toys, painted ceramics, and quirky stocking fillers for Christmas shopping with a difference.
Foodie Delights For An Authentic German Christmas
The aromas of Germany’s Christmas markets are unmistakably festive. A rail tour affords time to graze and follow your nose and appetite.
Mouthwatering seasonal favorites and local specialties beckon while cruising around the best Christmas markets in Germany. Sausages that change with the region, flammkuchen tarts, käsespätzle noodles for mac and cheese fans, and handbrot (filled hand-held bread) are merely a taster.
Sugar fiends will want to save appetites for lebkuchen (gingerbread), dampfnudel (sweet dumplings), candied nuts, strudels, and an endless array of sticky treats. And Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the ever-present scent of roasted chestnuts.
Festive Drinks At Germany’s Christmas Markets
Filling the chilly air with more yuletide aromas are the drinks that lubricate adventures around Germany’s best christkindlmarkt.
King of them all is glühwein, or “glow wine”. Warming hands and festive spirits on souvenir mugs of mulled wine is a quintessential experience. Keep the mug as a keepsake or return to collect your deposit while doing your bit for sustainability.
Other popular drinks at German Christmas markets include kinderpunsch for youngsters and winter spiced hot chocolate topped with whipped cream for a sugary glow.
And that’s just the shortlist.
It’s holiday heaven for gourmands and a compelling reason to take an extended tour of the best Christmas markets in Germany as you savor the diverse flavors of winter.
Take the Train To See More Of Germany’s Best Christmas Markets
Centuries-old traditions may be revived every winter. But it’s the high-speed rail that makes it possible to tour Germany’s best Christmas markets in one breathless vacation.
Germany’s modern trains offer an efficient means to glide between city centers, as you can see our picks of rail tours in the country.
In winter, you can also savor views of wintery landscapes from the warm comfort of your seat. Eco-friendly and relaxing, it’s a chance to experience everyday life in Germany in a more sustainable way. Best of all, with seamless connections you remove the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads or gritting your teeth in crowded airports.
Add premium hotels booked near the station and reserved tickets for every destination (standard on all Rail Escape tours), and you don’t need to worry about cramming German lessons before you travel. All the tricky details are taken care of, allowing you to drop off your luggage and join the festive fun quickly. There is no easier way to visit multiple cities in one trip during the holiday season.
When To Visit Germany’s Best Christkindlmarkt
Although dates vary, you can usually visit Germany’s Christmas markets from mid/late November until Christmas Eve.
That includes all destinations on our curated tour of German Christmas markets that maximizes the potential of this narrow festive window.
Bavaria to the Rhine: A Rail Tour Through Four Of The Best Cities in Germany for Christmas
One of our most festive rail tours offers the chance to experience several of the best Christmas markets in Germany.
It starts in Munich, takes a day trip to Augsburg, then visits Nuremberg and, finally, Cologne. An eight-night rail tour that combines ease of travel with time to soak up the seasonal atmosphere and explore cities laden with festive spirit.
Munich Christmas Market: A Fairytale Beginning In The Bavarian Capital
Our tour around the best Christmas markets in Germany begins with four nights in Munich. The Bavarian capital hosts several exciting Christmas markets amongst its fabled landmarks. Munich’s oldest Christmas Market – the “Münchner Christkindlmarkt” unfolds on the Marienplatz beneath the famous glockenspiel in the historic town hall. Likely founded during the 14th century, it’s an evocative celebration of advent and Bavarian traditions.
Spreading festive cheer across the city is an array of smaller markets around Munich’s landmarks and coolest neighborhoods.
When To Visit Munich’s Christmas Markets
The Christmas markets in Munich open from the last week of November, remaining open until Christmas Eve.
Munich’s main Christmas market on Marienplatz opens from Monday, November 25 to Tuesday, December 24, 2024.
The Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt
The festive fair on Marienplatz is Munich’s oldest Christmas market and it’s most traditional.
The market is backdropped by the neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall), famous for the waltzing timekeepers in its crowd-pleasing glockenspiel clock (11 am or 12 pm for the musical show). It’s an evocative setting for one of Germany’s most enchanting markets.
A headline event sees folk music (Bavarian Stubenmusik) performed daily on the balcony of the town hall.
The market is also the setting for the annual Krampuslauf, aka Krampus run. Populated with grotesques dressed up like the mythical Krampus, the horned creature who dishes out the punishments to naughty children while Saint Nicholas rewards the good, you can only see this fabled alpine event in Munich on one day (December 8, 2024). Unmissable if you’re in Munich at the time.
Another highlight of Munich’s biggest Christmas Market is the imaginative nativity scenes. You can even bring the yuletide charm home by shopping at the Kripperlmarkt, where locals have shopped for figurines and nativity items since 1757.
Before you move on to Munich’s other Christmas markets you should try weisswurst, Bavarian white sausage with a soft pretzel. And maybe your first feuerzangenbowle (fire-tongs punch), made by melting a rum-soaked sugar cake into mulled wine. It may not be your last, as you’ll see this fiery concoction at all good Christmas markets in Germany.
When: Monday, November 25 to Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Festive Activities Around Munich
A big reason why Munich launches our tour of the best Christmas markets is because the festive fun doesn’t end at the Marienplatz.
Supporting the main event are a host of smaller festive gatherings.
- Christmas Village at the Residenz – Munich’s royal palace and the seat of the Bavarian monarchy from 1508 to 1918 is a romantic backdrop for more Christmas revelry.
- Sendlinger Tor – an intimate and cozy Christmas market overshadowed by Sendlinger Tor, towering city gates raised in the 13th century. One of four imposing gates allowing entry through the Medieval wall protecting Munich, this imposing landmark exudes an altogether jollier vibe in December.
- Medieval Christmas Market at Wittelsbacher Platz – stalls and workers in medieval dress evoke a sense of the Advent season when the first Christmas markets sprung up. Grab a wild boar sausage and an old-fashioned mug of mead and take a trip to Christmas past.
- Neuhausen-Nymphenburg – a relatively new Christmas market in the refined, leafy neighborhood around the royal estate that was the summer home of the Bavarian monarchy. Visit the magnificent Nymphenburg Palace place and grand park before grabbing a warming drink at the small Christmas market on Rotkreuzplatz (U-Bahn stop nearby) is an extra incentive.
You can also find neighborhood Christmas markets dotted across Munich, from approximately 40 colorful and traditional stalls on Weissenburger Platz in Au-Haidhausen to festive arts and crafts at the Schwabing Christmas market on Münchner Freiheit near the English Garden.
Beyond Munich’s Christmas Markets
Munich anchors many of our popular rail tours around Central Europe and the Alps. Simply because there is so much to see and do in the heart of Bavaria.
Between glühwein and festive shopping, you’ll have time to explore parts of Munich that draw visitors whatever the season.
- Visit the English Garden, one of the prettiest in Germany.
- Grab a plate of weisswurst and a stein of Bavarian beer in Munich’s fabled beer halls, including the Hofbrauhaus founded in 1589 and once frequented by Mozart.
- Take in a show at the eco-conscious Tollwood winter festival, where you’ll find Munich’s “alternative” Christmas Market selling organic gastronomy and fair-trade crafts.
- Visit the ornate Asamkirche church then admire more modern art at the acclaimed Alte Pinakothek museum.
- If you crave more foodie adventures on your tour of Germany’s best markets, you’ll love the Viktualienmarkt. This lively Saturday market sprinkles festive spice across the food hall during the holiday season.
Augsburg Christmas Market: A Historic Festive Gem
Less than an hour by train transports intrepid explorers to Augsburg and one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets. Ideal for a day trip and one folded into our tour of Germany’s best Christmas cities.
Founded by Romans and a free imperial city for over 500 years, this characterful medieval town is Bavaria’s oldest and hosts a Christmas Market that has thrived since Medieval times.
The festive market reflects Augsburg’s rich heritage and dates back to the 15th century. One of the most celebrated Christmas markets in Germany fills the streets from Rathausplatz (City Hall square) to Martin-Luther-Platz. An immense decorated tree and detail-rich pyramid complete the Christmas card scene.
Dates for Augsburg Christmas Market
Augsburg’s famous Christmas market begins in the last week of November and stays open until Christmas Eve.
2024 dates – Saturday, November 23 to Tuesday, December 24
Rathausplatz Christmas Market: Centuries of Living Tradition
The headline event of the Augsburg Christmas Market is the Augsburger Engelsspiel, a dazzling spectacle with 23 golden angels recreating an advent calendar among the alcoves of the handsome town hall (Fridays-Sundays at 6 pm).
Seasonal goodwill spills over into neighboring streets along the Augsburg Fairytale Route. A trail passing decorated window displays with riddles for kids to solve and potentially win a prize (entry cards at the tourist information office on Rathausplatz).
Detailed nativity scenes punctuate stalls laden with local crafts or dishing out aromatic Bavarian goodies. For something with local flavor, look out for ceramics and wood carvings depicting yuletide city scenes or beer sets championing Bavarian brews.
If you like the idea of spending time in Augsburg or want to discover more of the best Christmas markets in Germany by rail, we can tailor your perfect festive tour. Start by customizing your dream trip to the best Christmas markets in Germany.
Nuremberg Christmas Market: The Heart of German Christmas Traditions
Little over an hour on Deutsche Bahn (DB) Intercity Express (ICE) highspeed trains whisks travelers from Munich to Nuremberg, where many people’s idea of the best Christmas market in Germany unfolds.
On our German Christmas markets tour we plan for two nights in the heart of Nuremberg, close to the festive action and the assorted cultural attractions of Bavaria’s second-largest city.
Straddling the River P
egnitz, Nuremberg is known for its painstakingly restored old town and an abundance of cultural treasures in its parade of museums.
As Christmas approaches and the caroling season gets underway, Nuremberg’s main Christmas market springs to life under the gaze of the striking Frauenkirche church.
There is no better time to lose yourself on Nuremberg’s atmospheric streets than during the holiday season.
When to Visit Christmas Markets in Nuremberg
Nuremberg’s Christmas markets open in the last week of November (specifically the first weekend before Advent) through to Christmas Eve.
Medieval Character At Nuremberg’s Famous Christkindlesmarkt
The mouthwatering aroma of grilled wurst mingled with spiced glühwein and gingerbread lures visitors into a Christmas market that traces its origins back to 1530.
Overlooked by the august Frauenkirche church since the beginning, Nuremberg’s illustrious Christkindlesmarkt extends through rows of stalls selling handcrafted toys and decorations. Dubbed “the little city of wood and cloth,” this is a good time to find original gifts to fill stockings back home.
Festive music enlivens the yuletide vibes and busy stalls grill Nürnberger Rostbratwurst; small herby sausages served with mustard and sauerkraut that are emblematic of the city and its festive markets.
When: Friday, November 29 to Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Christkind: A Spectacle Unlike Other Christmas Markets in Germany
Christkind is a one-of-a-kind celebration of Advent that sets Nuremberg apart from other contenders for the best Christmas markets in Germany.
The Christ Child (Christkind) – an angel chosen every two years from fierce competition – appears on the precipitous balcony of the Frauenkirche church extolling the spirit of Christmas and kickstarting the Advent season in eye-catching style.
Although you may not see her again, the Christkind appears at events throughout the festive season. Meanwhile, there is plenty more to see and do in Nuremberg at Christmas.
Sister Cities Market: An International Twist On Tradition
Adding a contrasting touch to tradtional festivities is the Sister Cities Market which invites artisans to present and sell their crafts from countries around the globe.
This contemporary alternative underscores Nuremberg’s place among the best Christmas destinations in Germany. Filling Rathausplatz are crafts and foodie delights from various countries; lavender scents from Provence, tartan threads from Scotland, Greek and olives, and Nicaraguan coffee, all brought to Nuremberg by locals.
If you’re craving more international festivities, our tour of European Christmas markets can feed an appetite for multi-national escapades during the festive holidays.
Cultural Diversions Around Nuremberg At Christmas
With three nights in Nuremberg, you can take time from seasonal merriment to see a few sights.
On the shortlist are:
- Nuremberg Castle – The majestic imperial castle rises dramatically above the city and offers unbeatable views across Augsburg.
- Albrecht Dürer’s House – the restored half-timbered home of Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer is one for art and history enthusiasts.
- Museums galore that explore Nuremberg’s and Germany’s past, among them the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, Germany’s largest cultural museum, and powerful exhibits exploring Nuremberg’s role in Nazi history.
- For families and fans of quirky diversions, there’s a toy museum and the Germany Railway Museum. The Deutsche Bahn-supported museum is a pick-me for anyone who cherishes the romance of rail travel (you might also want to read our post about Europe’s best itineraries for more rail inspiration).
Cologne Christmas Market: A Winter Wonderland on the Rhine
Charismatic Christmas markets are not exclusive to Bavaria. You’ll find them dotted around Germany. Pick any European city on our curated rail tours and you’re sure to find an exciting Christmas market in December.
But this tour is dedicated to showcasing some of Germany’s best Christmas markets. Which brings us to Cologne for the final two-night stop.
Germany’s fourth-largest city is around three to five hours by DB ICE trains.
The Rhine city founded by Romans is a cultural hub and home to an array of Christmas markets big and small.
When to Visit Cologne’s Christmas Markets
Visit Cologne’s Christmas Markets from Mid to late November until December 23
Best Christmas Markets in Cologne
The reason we include Cologne on our tour of the best Christmas markets in Germany is that there’s more than one glittering event for festive fun. Many are within walking distance of each other or a short hop on city trams or the subway (U-Bahn).
The main event is the Weihnachtsmarkt. Cologne’s liveliest Christmas market takes place against the dramatic silhouette of the Kölner Dom, once briefly the world’s tallest building.
With around 150 stalls noted for their red décor, it’s one of the biggest Christmas markets in Germany. Just the place to enjoy local favorite currywurst and a glass of the light and bright city beer, Kolsch.
At the center of Cologne’s busiest Christmas market is a stage hosting daily shows yuletide that makes it the place to gather for a night of festive frivolity.
When: Monday, November 18 to Monday, December 23
A Mythical Christmas at Heinzel’s Winter Fairytale
One for families and those curious about German folklore Heinzel’s Wintermärchen on the Alter Markt and Heumarkt squares in the Old Town, a short stroll from the main event.
Inspired by the impish heinzelmännchen, the market is themed around the mythical house gnomes and hosts around 100 stalls and one of the finest seasonal ice rinks at any Christmas market in Germany.
When: Monday, November 18 to Monday, December 23
Angel’s Market For More Seasonal Cheer
The Markt der Engel (Angel’s Market) fills the Neumarkt square, a stone’s throw from Cologne’s fashionable shopping streets.
Going all in on the winter wonderland vibe, expect street performers on stilts and crystal white lights adorning the trees.
The log cabins are swapped for modern chalets and this is the place to shuck oysters and sip Rhineland wines while performing angels enliven proceedings. A Christmas market adults will relish!
When: Monday, November 18 to Monday, December 23
Holiday Fun Extends Across Cologne
Keeping your festive itinerary busier than Santa’s elves are an array of smaller Christmas markets in Cologne.
There’s the nautical-themed Harbor Christmas market complete with pirates and hot gin cider. Next door is the Chocolate Museum, in case you still have room for sweet indulgences.
If you have time, you might want to stop at the cozy Christmas market beneath the illuminated trees of Stadtgarten.
While In Cologne For Christmas
While roaming around and discovering why Cologne is known for some of the best Christmas markets in Germany, you might find time to:
- Visit the iconic Kolner Dom cathedral, over 600 years in the making.
- Take a lazy and potentially snowy river cruise along the Rhine.
- Forget tradition and marvel at modern art in the Ludwig Museum.
- Stop at a bierkeller for a glass of locally brewed Kolsch. Smaller than the steins of beer served in Bavaria, but sure to let your server know you’re finished with a timely beer mat placed on the glass. Unless you want a refill before hitting the Christmas markets.
The Laidback Charm of Visiting Germany’s Famous Christmas Markets by Train
German Christmas markets may have inspired the festive template across the globe. But nothing beats experiencing a German Christmas market in their homeland, where advent traditions have flourished for centuries and show no sign of losing their sparkle.
Rail travel is the ultimate way to explore the diversity of Germany’s best Christmas markets. No time lost at airports or navigating unfamiliar roads.
Convenient and comfortable, you can bounce from city to city, giving yourself time to unwind between destinations. More sustainable and filled with opportunities to make deeper connections with the cities you stop in, trains can elevate a festive vacation.
Alternative Tours Showcasing the Best Christmas Markets In Germany
No surprise. But there’s plenty of competition for the best Christmas markets in Germany.
We’ve followed a tour we created to showcase the diversity of Christkindlmarkt in several absorbing cities. But we offer tours that shine whatever the season but certainly come with festive sparkle during Advent. It’s all a matter of timing.
German History and Culture Tour
For example, our German History and Culture tour opens in the German capital Berlin, home to multiple Christmas markets and myriad cultural diversions.
Then it’s all aboard to Hamburg and a colorful Christmas market in front town hall, complete with a flying Santa.
Trains then sweep vacationers to Munich, whose inimitable festive character we’ve explored in this guide.
Fairytale Castles And Picturesque German Markets
Then there’s our German Castle Tour on the Fairytale Road, a tour already infused with magical moments that comes with extra helping of festive magic during Advent.
It’s a journey of contrasts that begins in our Bavarian festive favorite, Munich, before heading to Stuttgart.
Stuttgart, the park-filled capital of Baden-Württemberg state, hosts one of Germany’s largest and most animated Christmas markets with a bewildering 300+ stalls.
In stark contrast, this rail tour finishes in Heidelberg, a dreamy city overlooked by the magnificent Heidelberg Castle. Infused with history, it’s an idyllic setting for one of Germany’s prettiest Christmas markets.
A Festive Farewell to The Best Christmas Markets in Germany
As our festive rail tours reveal, there is far more than glühwein and bratwurst that makes Christmas markets in Germany so special.
The best christkindlmarkt in Germany knows how to put on a spectacle for the holiday season. After all, local communities have had centuries to perfect the art of filling atmospheric streets with fairytale vibes.
If you have an idea for a rail odyssey that links Germany’s best Christmas markets and the cities you’ve dreamed of visiting, contact our experts to tailor a rail tour filled with seasonal goodwill in the land where Christmas markets began.
