There are Christmas Markets all over Europe but the most popular ones are in Germany which is renowned for its enchanting Christmas markets, and many stand out among the crowd. This is my biggest bucket list trip which will come true this season as we are leaving for Germany on November 15, 2025! You have options of flying over to Europe and take trains or if brave enough rent a car and drive to the cities, you can take a Christmas River Cruise, or do what we are doing and combining both, taking a one week cruise and the rest of the time on trains staying in hotels.
Popular and highly rated markets include the Dresden Striezelmarkt, Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, and the Rothenburg Market. Other notable markets include those in Stuttgart, Munich, Berlin, and Cologne.
The Dresdner Striezelmarkt is considered one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, dating back to 1434, and known for its traditional crafts and food.
The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is known as one of the most famous Christmas markets in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year.
The Reiterlesmarkt in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is particularly charming, with the medieval town offering a fairy-tale atmosphere.
Stuttgart boasts a large and vibrant Christmas market, known for its festive atmosphere and extensive offerings.
The Munich Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatz is a large and popular market, offering a traditional German Christmas market experience. Munich boasts a variety of Christmas markets, ranging from the traditional Munich also is home to the Christmas Village in the Residenz, The Christmas Market at the Chinese Tower and the Medieval Christmas Market at Wittelsbacherplatz.
The Tollwood Winter Festival is often referred to as Munich’s “alternative Christmas market”. Here you can experience exciting international productions, street theatre as well as organic gastronomy and handicrafts – sustainable and fair – from all over the world. The winter festival traditionally comes to an end with the Tollwood New Year’s Eve events and the midnight waltz on the Theresienwiese. Over 90 percent of the shows, which range from theatre, music and performances to environmental activities or kids entertainment, are for free!
Pink Christmas in Munich at Stephansplatz (square)
The Christmas market of the LGBTIQ scene at the small Stephansplatz (square) in the middle of Munich’s Glockenbachviertel glows in pink. Since 2005, the Christmas market of the LGBTIQ* community has been held here. Mulled wine and gifts, tasty treats and light displays await the colourful crowd at Pink Christmas. You really can’t miss the Pink Christmas market at Stephansplatz: Between pagoda tents and magnificently decorated trees, it glitters and shines especially brightly here during Advent. All of Munich now meets here – families, friends, guests and neighbours – regardless of their sexual orientation, because Pink Christmas is meant to be a place for everyone!
