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Destinations > Europe > Germany > Weihnachtsmarkt: The Christmas Markets of Western Germany

Other Christmas articles: Marché de Noël: Christmas Markets of Alsace France, Liege Belgium, and Luxembourg

Christmas Markets - Weihnachtsmarkt

The holiday season in Germany is truly magical. Filled with tradition and pageantry and most important – delicious food!

A great place to take in some of this holiday spirit is one of the Christmas markets that you will find throughout Western Germany. Bundle up and enjoy the twinkling lights and holiday wonders.

If you wait until evening the festive atmosphere and light displays make it feel like an outdoor party!

“Known as a Weihnachtsmarkt in German, Christmas markets also have other German names, including Advent(s)markt, Christkindlmarkt, Christkindlesmarkt, Nikolausmarkt, Striezelmarkt, and Krippenmarkt.” - The German Way

Find out which off these were our favorite Christmas Markets at the end of this article!

Ruhr Valley Christmas Markets

Duisburg Christmas Market

The Christmas Market in Duisburg, Germany is the longest running in the German region of Ruhr. The city center along Königstraße is transformed into a glittering wonderland, with a lighted Ferris wheel guiding shoppers and strollers to the end of street.

In addition to the wares displayed in the wooden stalls set up along the street, you can also get a variety of Christmas treats and even mulled wine served from the wine ship, “Freyja II”.

Take a break from shopping and try your balance skills out ice skating on the rink at the center of the market.

Open daily throughout the afternoon and evening from November 11th through the 30th of December, the market has reduced hours on Sundays, Memorial Day, and the day after Christmas Day. The market is closed on Dead Sunday, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

See more photos of this Christmas Market!

More details coming soon - including the very best Christmas Markets from this list!

Herne Christmas Market

In Herne, Germany, the Christmas Market is a smaller and more cozy affair. The booths are largely run by the craftsmen and women.

The beautifully decorated trees are sponsored by local business, demonstrating the community spirit the market inspires.

The warm glow of the lights shines on the city center from early November until just before Christmas.

See more photos of this Christmas Market!

More details coming soon - including the very best Christmas Markets from this list!

Dortmund Christmas Market

For a bigger and more bustling experience, a visit to the Christmas Market in Dortmund, Germany is a must. With over 300 stalls selling handmade toys, crafts, and delicious holiday treats, this is one of the biggest Christmas markets in the world.

The central Christmas tree – actually made up of 1700 fir trees – rises 45 meters above the market, its lights illuminating the night. It’s the largest natural Christmas tree in the world, as well.

There’s a Christmas village with activities for children and live entertainment daily on a market stage.

Construction for the market pyramids and Christmas tree starts in October, and the market opens in November and runs through the 30th of December.

See more photos of this Christmas Market!

More details coming soon - including the very best Christmas Markets from this list!

Essen Christmas Market

The Christmas Market in Essen, Germany, another large market with about 170 stalls, offers visitors the opportunity to time travel on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Medieval Market, where historical crafts are practiced and sold, and the food offerings are historical as well.

Like most of the German markets, there is a special tent set up for charities – in Essen, the Heart Hut is an excellent place to stop in and see what the local organizations are doing to spread the Christmas spirit.

See more photos of this Christmas Market!

More details coming soon - including the very best Christmas Markets from this list!

Other Major Christmas Markets
in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Düsseldorf Christmas Market

The Düsseldorf, Germany Christmas Market is actually a series of seven markets, each with a different theme, scattered throughout the city.

The Little Angel Market and the Little Star Market are crowd favorites, and for good reason as they are charming and festive. The Handwerker-Markt is another great stop – the red huts with their handcrafted goods surround a beautifully carved Nativity Scene.

For the kids, there’s the Kö-Bogen-Markt, with a special children’s activity tent, and the Märchen-Markt, or fairytale market, has storytelling and visits from Father Christmas.

See more photos of this Christmas Market!

More details coming soon - including the very best Christmas Markets from this list!

Aachen Christmas Market

As the western-most city in Germany, Aachen’s Christmas Market attracts a lot of visitors from nearby Belgium, the Netherlands, and England.

Held in the city center near the Cathedral, the picturesque market has around 120 different stalls and vendors. As with the other German Christmas markets, they sell traditional, often hand-crafted items.

Stop and get a Aachener Printen, a tasty gingerbread treat. If you’re feeling more adventurous when it comes to your food, you could try the local Öcher Weihnachtsleberwurst, or Aachen Christmas liver sausage.

The market is open daily from late November until just before Christmas.

See more photos of this Christmas Market!

More details coming soon - including the very best Christmas Markets from this list!

Cologne Christmas Market (Köln)

Like many of the larger cities, Cologne, Germany has several Christmas Markets for visitors to enjoy.

The Weihnachtsmarkt am Dom (Cathedral Market), magical under a canopy of twinkling lights, is the main market and if you can only get to one, that’s the one to see.

The Weihnachtsmarkt in der Altstadt (Old Town Market) is also called Heinzels Wintermärchen which means House Elves Winter Fairytale is a great market for fun that doesn’t involve shopping, as it’s home to a skating rink circuit, a carousel, and a Ferris wheel.

The Markt der Engel (Angles Market) is Cologne’s oldest Christmas market and costumed angels glide through the market under glowing star lanterns – occasionally they’re joined by Santa on horseback.

Nikolausdorf am Rudolfplatz (St. Nicholas Village) is a must visit for families with children. Located by the Hahnen Gate, a medieval gate to the old city walls, the market is home to Santa’s House, and of course the sparkling lights are matched by the twinkle in the eye of Santa himself.

See more photos of this Christmas Market!

More details coming soon - including the very best Christmas Markets from this list!

Unique Christmas Markets
in Baden-Württemberg

Sadly, the markets in Baden-Württemberg were closed by the time we made our way to the area, so photos are currently unavailable. These ones are definitely worth googling though!

Baden-Baden Christmas Market

The heart of fairytale country is the Black Forest in Germany, and no Christmas Market tour would be complete without visiting markets there. Baden-Baden, in the heart of the Black Forest, is host to a yearly holiday market located around the entrance to the renowned Lichtentaler Allee park and gardens.

The spices from the gingerbread and mulled wine will entice you as you make your way through the festively lit huts. There are regular live entertainment programs, so be sure to check the schedule when you’re there. There’s even a Children’s Bakery and a merry-go-round for kids to look forward to.

Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market

Even further into the heart of the Black Forest, the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is dramatically situated under the 40-meter-high arches of a railroad viaduct over the Ravenna Gorge.

Focused on the traditions and crafts of the Black Forest Region, the market is open for the four weekends before Christmas – Friday through Sunday – and due to its unique location, you also need to book tickets in advance.

The train above rushing through the magical-seeming light puts you right in the middle of a fantastic fairytale, while you’re surrounded by passionate local crafters sharing their arts with you.

See what it looks like for the Christmas Market here.

Hessen’s Best Christmas Market

Frankfurt Christmas Market

Frankfurt, Germany’s Christmas Market has its core at the Römerberg square, but the market stalls actually meander throughout the city’s streets. The sparkling lights drape over stalls selling traditional treats and snacks, and the beautiful carousel in the center of the square adds to the festive atmosphere.

The market in front of nearby St’ Paul’s Cathedral offers more variety when it comes to local crafts and delicacies, including a variety of unique honey products.

Another market is set up by the river if you are looking for something a little more open – the food is the highlight of the Mainkai portion of the market. As many of them, the Frankfurt market runs from mid-November through to just before Christmas.

The Best Christmas Markets in Western Germany

Whether in the heart of German city, a small town, or the middle of the Black Forest, there is a special kind of magic that is unique to German Christmas markets. They emphasize the magic of the season and bring out the inner child in all of us. Each with its own special joy, a Christmas market is a wonder not to be missed.

However, our absolute favorite Christmas Markets in this region were the ones in Köln, Aachen, Essen, and Frankfurt. They are the absolute must-visit Christmas Markets in our opinion!

FAQ’s

How much does it cost to visit a Christmas market in Germany?

The cost of visiting a Christmas market in Germany depends on the location, the size, and the popularity of the market. Generally, there is no entrance fee for the markets, but you will need to pay for the food, drinks, souvenirs, and activities that you want to enjoy. The average cost of a mug of glühwein (mulled wine) is around 3 euros, a bratwurst (sausage) is around 2.5 euros, and a lebkuchen (gingerbread) is around 1.5 euros. You can also expect to pay a deposit of 2 to 3 euros for the mugs or plates that you use, which you can get back when you return them or keep as a souvenir.

What are some of the traditional foods and drinks that are sold at the Christmas markets?

Some of the traditional foods and drinks that are sold at the Christmas markets are:

- Glühwein: This is a hot drink made of red wine, spices, and sometimes fruits. It is usually served in a ceramic mug and is very popular among visitors. It can also be made with white wine, apple juice, or rum.

- Bratwurst: This is a grilled sausage that comes in different varieties, such as pork, beef, veal, or even vegan. It is often served in a bread roll with mustard, ketchup, or curry sauce.

- Lebkuchen: This is a type of gingerbread that is shaped into hearts, stars, or animals and decorated with icing, nuts, or chocolate. It is a typical Christmas treat that can be eaten as a snack or given as a gift.

- Stollen: This is a fruit bread that is filled with dried fruits, nuts, and marzipan and dusted with powdered sugar. It is a traditional German cake that is usually eaten during the Advent season.

- Schneeballen: This is a pastry that is made of strips of dough that are fried and shaped into a ball. It is then coated with sugar, chocolate, or other toppings. It is a specialty of the town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, which has a famous Christmas market.

How long do the Christmas markets last and when do they open and close?

The Christmas markets in Germany usually start at the end of November and last until Christmas Eve or a few days after. Some markets may open earlier or close later, depending on the region and the tradition. The opening and closing hours of the markets vary, but they are generally open from 10 a.m. to 8 or 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends. Some markets may have special events or attractions, such as concerts, fireworks, or ice skating, that may extend the hours or days of operation.

(1) 15 best Christmas markets in Germany (2023 guide). https://europeinwinter.com/christmas-markets-in-germany/.

(2) Weihnachtsmarkt: The Christmas Markets of Western Germany. https://eatwanderexplore.com/blog/weihnachtsmarkt-the-christmas-markets-of-western-germany.

(3) Marché de Noël: Christmas Markets of Alsace France, Liege Belgium, and .... https://eatwanderexplore.com/blog/march-de-nol-christmas-markets-of-alsace-france-liege-belgium-and-luxembourg.

(4) christmas — The best travel blogs on the internet all in one place .... https://eatwanderexplore.com/blog/tag/christmas.

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