When Are the German Christmas Markets? 2026 Dates & Details
Germany’s Christmas markets are among the most famous in the world, drawing millions of visitors every year. If you’re planning a trip in 2026, one of the most important details to know is when each market officially opens and closes. Dates vary widely — some begin as early as mid-November, while others don’t kick off until the first Advent weekend. So when should you plan your Christmas market trip? It depends on the age old question — when are the German Christmas markets open?
While nearly every town and city in Germany (and Europe) has their own spin on Christmas markets, we’ve curated our top 30 list of the most popular, historic, and charming German Christmas market destinations to share about . To help you plan with confidence, we’ve pulled together 2026 dates straight from official tourism boards for 30 of the best Christmas markets across Germany. We will continue to publish updated dates as soon as they’re announced! (We check tourism websites bi-weekly throughout the year for updates)
What to Expect: 2026 Opening & Closing Trends
Earliest openings → Some markets kick off as soon as November 18, 2026
Typical opening window → The majority open between November 20–24, 2026, lining up with the first Advent weekend.
Safest time to visit → If you want to maximize your market visits and see multiple destinations, plan a trip to Germany between November 26 – December 22, 2026. During this time frame, almost every major market is open.
Closings → Most wrap up by December 22 or 23, just before Christmas Eve. A few go later — Berlin and Dortmund run until the very end of December, and Koblenz stretches into early January. For more information on closures over the Christmas holidays, check out our First-Timer’s Guide to German Christmas Markets.
Weekends vs. weekdays: Weekends deliver the most festive atmosphere, but also the biggest crowds (and higher prices on hotels). Weekdays are quieter and easier to navigate — but keep in mind that some markets, especially in smaller towns or unique spots like the Ravenna Gorge, only open on weekends. We’ve linked every official tourism website below so you can double-check the details for each destination.
Holiday closures: Many, but not all, German Chrsitmas markets are closed on November 22, 2026. This day is called Totensonntag, and is the “Sunday Day of the Dead.” This is a religious holiday dedicated to the memory of those who have passed away. Most markets in Germany close before or on December 23, just ahead of Christmas Eve. A few exceptions stay open through Christmas or even into the New Year — especially in larger cities like Berlin, Cologne, and Dortmund. Always check the official tourism site for the market you’re visiting, since hours can vary on key holidays like December 24, 25, and 26.
While many of the Christmas markets below have published their dates, there are still a few that haven’t released their 2026 dates yet.
*Date last updated: June 28, 2026
German Christmas Markets to Visit in 2026
Aachen Christmas Markets
📅 November 20 – December 23, 2026
🔗 Official website
Set against the stunning backdrop of Aachen Cathedral and the town hall, the markets here feel straight out of a holiday postcard. While you’re in the city, don’t miss trying the famous Aachener Printen (spiced gingerbread) and taking a short stroll through the atmospheric old town streets.
Baden-Baden Christmas Markets
📅 November 26, 2026 – January 6, 2027
🔗 Official website
Located at the foothills of the Black Forest, this elegant spa town hosts a highly romantic winter fairy tale that stays open past the new year. Stretching directly in front of the historic Kurhaus, it offers a more boutique, upscale atmosphere with beautifully lit avenues and gourmet food options. Visitors can enjoy live brass music on the main stage, browse high-quality local crafts, or warm up after the market in one of the town's world-famous thermal baths.
Bamberg Christmas Markets
📅 November 24 – December 23, 2026
🔗 Official website
Bamberg’s UNESCO-listed old town transforms into a magical setting during Advent, with timbered houses and cobblestone lanes dressed in lights. Visitors can explore its seven hills for sweeping city views and stop by Bamberg Cathedral for some history between market visits. Click here to read our complete Bamberg Christmas market guide!
Berlin Christmas Markets
📅 November 18, 2026 – January 3, 2027 (dates vary slightly by market)
🔗 Official website
Berlin offers one of the most diverse Christmas market scenes in Germany, with events ranging from traditional squares to trendy neighborhoods. Beyond the markets, you can ice skate at Potsdamer Platz or take in panoramic winter views from the Berlin TV Tower.
Bremen Christmas Markets
📅 November 23 – December 23, 2026
🔗 Official website
Set around the historic town hall and the Roland statue, Bremen offers a fantastic northern, seasonal atmosphere. The market in the UNESCO-listed town square features classic wooden booths, festive lights, and traditional holiday treats. Visitors can easily stroll from the main square down to the Schlachte-Zauber along the Weser River promenade, where the waterfront is illuminated by blue lights and filled with atmospheric market stalls, historic ships, and winter chalets.
What to Pack for Your Christmas Market Trip
Be prepared for whatever weather comes your way! Get our ultimate packing list here.
Cologne Christmas Markets
📅 November 13, 2026 – January 3, 2027 (dates vary by market)
🔗 Official website
Cologne’s markets spread across several squares, all crowned by the soaring Cologne Cathedral at the city’s heart. Pair your visit with a walk along the Rhine River or a stop at the city’s world-class Chocolate Museum for a sweet seasonal detour.
Click here to read our complete Cologne Christmas market guide!
Dortmund Christmas Markets
📅 November 19 – December 30, 2026
🔗 Official website
Dortmund is famous for having one of the tallest Christmas trees in the world, decorated with thousands of lights and ornaments. To round out your trip, explore the city’s brewery museum for a taste of its beer-making heritage or enjoy shopping along Westenhellweg.
Dresden Christmas Markets
📅 November 25 – December 24, 2026
🔗 Official website
Dresden is often called the “Florence on the Elbe” and its Christmas season is legendary, with multiple markets scattered across the city. Visitors can enjoy a walk along the Brühl’s Terrace for river views or step inside the Frauenkirche to experience its breathtaking architecture.
Düsseldorf Christmas Markets
📅 November 20 – December 30, 2026
🔗 Official website
Düsseldorf’s Christmas markets take over the city center, each square offering its own theme and decorations. While visiting, stroll along the Königsallee for upscale shopping or head to the Rheinufer promenade for winter views of the Rhine.
Erfurt Christmas Markets
📅 November 24 – December 22, 2026
🔗 Official website
Erfurt’s market spreads out in front of its grand cathedral, creating one of the most dramatic Advent backdrops in Germany. Don’t miss the medieval Krämerbrücke bridge lined with shops, or a visit to the Petersberg Citadel for sweeping winter views.
Esslingen Christmas Markets
📅 November 24 – December 22, 2026
🔗 Official website
Esslingen sets itself apart with a medieval-themed Christmas market, complete with costumed vendors and old-world crafts. Between browsing, visitors can wander through the half-timbered old town or warm up with local Swabian dishes in a traditional tavern.
Frankfurt Christmas Markets
📅 November 23 – December 22, 2026
🔗 Official website
Frankfurt’s market stretches from the Römerberg to St. Paul’s Square, offering a festive mix of history and skyline views. Visitors can also explore the Goethe House for literary history or take in the cityscape from the Main Tower observation deck.
Going to Frankfurt? Read our full Frankfurt Christmas markets guide before you go!
Freiburg Christmas Markets + Ravenna Gorge
📅 *The 2026 Freiburg & Ravenna Gorge Christmas Markets dates have not been announced yet* 2025 Dates: Freiburg: November 20 – December 23, 2025
📅 Ravenna Gorge Market is open on the weekends from November 28 - December 21
🔗 Official website of Freiburg
🔗 Official website for Ravenna Gorge market
Freiburg’s market spreads across Rathausplatz and nearby streets with artisan stalls and regional treats like Black Forest cake. While here, take in the views from Freiburg Minster or enjoy a glass of local wine. Just outside the city, the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market offers one of Germany’s most dramatic holiday settings — tucked under a railway viaduct in the Black Forest, open weekends only.
Hamburg Christmas Markets
📅 November 20 – December 23, 2026
🔗 Official website
Hamburg hosts several markets across the city, including the famous Rathausmarkt set against its grand city hall. Visitors can take a harbor boat tour for a unique winter experience or explore Speicherstadt, the historic warehouse district now a UNESCO site.
Hanover Christmas Markets
📅 November 23 – December 22, 2026
🔗 Official website
Hanover’s market is best known for its Finnish village and medieval quarter, adding international flair to traditional stalls. Beyond the markets, visitors can stroll through the Herrenhausen Gardens or visit the Sprengel Museum for modern art.
Heidelberg Christmas Markets
📅 November 23 – December 22, 2026
🔗 Official website
Heidelberg’s markets spread across several squares in the charming old town, framed by the castle above. While visiting, ride the funicular up to Heidelberg Castle for panoramic views or walk along the Philosopher’s Path for a scenic winter stroll.
Koblenz Christmas Markets
📅 *The 2026 Koblenz Christmas Markets dates have not been announced yet* 2025 Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026
🔗 Official website
Koblenz keeps the festive spirit alive longer than most, with markets running into the New Year. Visitors can also explore the Deutsches Eck, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet, or take the cable car up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for spectacular winter views.
Leipzig Christmas Markets
📅 November 24 – December 23, 2026
🔗 Official website
Leipzig’s Christmas market dates back to 1458, making it one of the oldest in Germany. Beyond the festive stalls, don’t miss a performance by the St. Thomas Boys Choir or visit the Bach Museum to dive into the city’s rich musical heritage.
Lübeck Christmas Markets
📅 November 23 – December 30, 2026
🔗 Official website
Known as the “Christmas City of the North,” Lübeck’s UNESCO-listed old town glows with festive lights and marzipan treats. While visiting, explore St. Mary’s Church or sample world-famous Lübecker Marzipan at Café Niederegger.
Mainz Christmas Markets
📅 November 26 – December 23, 2026
🔗 Official website
Mainz’s market sits in front of its impressive 1,000-year-old cathedral, creating a dramatic backdrop. Visitors can also enjoy Rhine riverfront walks or tour the Gutenberg Museum to see the original printing press.
Munich Christmas Markets
📅 November 20 – December 24, 2026
🔗 Official website
Munich’s central Marienplatz market is world-famous, but the city also hosts smaller themed markets like the medieval one at Wittelsbacherplatz. Beyond the markets, visitors can explore the Residenz palace or warm up in a classic beer hall.
Going to Munich? Read our full Munich Christmas Markets Guide for extra tips!
Münster Christmas Markets
📅 November 23 – December 23, 2026
🔗 Official website
Set in Westphalia, Münster’s Christmas markets are known for their intimate and historic atmosphere, with lights strung across medieval gabled houses. Beyond the markets, you can stroll along the Prinzipalmarkt, admire St. Paulus Cathedral, or relax by the Aasee lake for a quieter winter escape.
Nuremberg Christmas Markets
📅 November 27 – December 24, 2026
🔗 Official website
Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is iconic, known for its Christkind opening ceremony and red-and-white striped stalls. Be sure to try Nürnberger Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and explore Nuremberg Castle overlooking the old town.
Heading to Nuremberg? Read our full Nuremberg Christmas Markets Guide for tips for your visit!
Passau Christmas Markets
📅 November 24 – December 22, 2026
🔗 Official website
Set against the striking backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Passau's market brings a festive glow to the Three Rivers City. Visitors can browse the wooden stalls, take in a bi-weekly organ concert on the largest cathedral organ in the world, or explore the beautifully illuminated historic alleys where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers meet.
Regensburg Christmas Markets
📅 November 19 – December 23, 2026 (dates vary slightly by market)
🔗 Official website
Regensburg’s UNESCO-listed old town makes for a romantic winter backdrop. Its main market is complemented by the exclusive Romantic Market at Thurn and Taxis Palace. Visitors can also explore the Stone Bridge, sip hot chocolate at a riverside café, or tour the Regensburg Cathedral.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market
📅 November 20 – December 23, 2026
🔗 Official website
This Bavarian jewel feels like a living Advent calendar when its streets fill with festive stalls. Rothenburg is world-famous for its medieval setting, making the Christmas market especially atmospheric. Don’t miss the year-round Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village or the climb to the Town Hall Tower for sweeping views.
Speyer Christmas Markets
📅 November 25 – December 23, 2026
🔗 Official website
Set in the heart of the city, Speyer’s Christmas market features a festive stretch of stalls leading toward the massive Imperial Cathedral. The historic setting offers a lively holiday atmosphere that carries straight through the new year. Visitors can explore the artisan craft market in the courtyard of the Historic Town Hall, enjoy choral performances, or skate at the nearby ice rink.
Stuttgart Christmas Markets
📅 November 25 – December 23, 2026
🔗 Official website
Stuttgart’s market is one of Germany’s largest, filling the heart of the city with hundreds of elaborately decorated stalls. The setting is just as impressive, framed by the Old Castle and Schiller Square. Beyond the markets, Stuttgart invites visitors to the Mercedes-Benz Museum, cozy wine taverns, and nearby excursions into the Black Forest.
Trier Christmas Markets
📅 November 20 – December 22, 2026
🔗 Official website
Set against the stunning backdrop of Trier Cathedral and the medieval Hauptmarkt, Trier’s Christmas market feels like stepping into a postcard. Beyond mulled wine and regional specialties, you can wander Roman ruins and UNESCO World Heritage sites just steps away — making Trier a great mix of festive cheer and deep history.
Wurzburg Christmas Markets
📅 November 27 – December 23, 2026
🔗 Official website
Stretching across the Upper and Lower Market Squares, Würzburg’s market blends Franconian traditions with a stunning backdrop of the Gothic Marienkapelle. Visitors can sip distinctive local Franconian mulled wine, browse the weekend artist market in the historic town hall courtyard, or take a short walk to see the illuminated Würzburg Residence nearby.