As the holiday season approaches, Germany invites travellers from GCC to experience the wonder and warmth of its renowned Christmas markets.
Nothing captures the spirit of the season like the magic of a German Christmas market, where mediaeval squares and cobblestone streets set the stage for a festive celebration of German holiday culture.
Running from late November until Christmas Eve—and sometimes into January—these markets brim with regional charm, offering handcrafted ornaments, seasonal pastries, artisanal gifts, and traditional music, immersing visitors in time-honoured traditions and holiday cheer.
Germany’s winter season lights up with a vibrant array of markets across the country. Here are seven unmissable highlights that capture the true spirit of the season:
Münchner Christkindlmarkt – Munich
Set in the heart of Marienplatz, the Münchner Christkindlmarkt is a quintessential Bavarian Christmas market, combining centuries-old traditions with the festive spirit of Munich. Visitors can explore rows of wooden stalls featuring local crafts, delicate ornaments, and delicious seasonal treats like gingerbread and roasted nuts. Families can enjoy a variety of special activities, including musical performances and a “Heavenly Workshop” where children can make Christmas crafts.
Open daily from November 27 to December 24, 2024, hours are 10 am to 9 pm.
Dresdner Striezelmarkt – Dresden
Dating back to 1434, the Dresdner Striezelmarkt is Germany’s oldest Christmas market and one of its most storied. Held in the city’s Altmarkt Square, the market showcases Saxony’s handcrafted wooden decorations and blown-glass ornaments, with performances and children’s activities at the Fairy Tale Castle for all to enjoy.
Open from November 27 to December 24, 2024, the market welcomes visitors from 10 am to 9 pm daily.
Christmas Market on Alexanderplatz – Berlin
Alexanderplatz is one of Berlin’s most famous squares, and the market’s iconic Ferris wheel provides panoramic views of the city’s historic landmarks, while the skating rink and amusement rides offer family-friendly fun. The market features international vendors offering holiday foods like roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, and Berlin-style waffles, with a towering Christmas pyramid adorned with traditional figures as a photo-worthy centrepiece.
Open from November 25, 2024, to January 5, 2025, hours are 10 am to 10 pm on weekdays, and until midnight on weekends.
Frankfurt Christmas Market – Frankfurt
Set against the scenic backdrop of Römerberg and St. Paul’s Square, the Frankfurt Christmas Market is known for its festive decorations and musical performances. The market offers handcrafted ornaments, wooden toys, and seasonal treats like Bethmännchen marzipan cookies, while a giant Christmas tree, and festive music from local choirs and orchestras add to the holiday charm.
The market is open from November 25 to December 22, 2024, from 10 am to 9 pm on weekdays and 11 am to 10 pm on weekends.
Reiterlesmarkt – Rothenburg ob der Tauber
In the mediaeval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the Reiterlesmarkt offers a unique holiday setting in one of Germany’s best-preserved mediaeval towns. As visitors stroll through the town’s winding streets, they can enjoy Franconian holiday treats, traditional performances, storytelling, and candle-lit walking tours that bring the town’s history to life, with the mythical “Rothenburg Rider” as the Reiterlesmarkt’s festive centrepiece.
This market runs from November 29 to December 23, 2024, with hours from 11 am to 7 pm daily.
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt – Nuremberg
One of the world’s most famous Christmas markets, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, takes place in Hauptmarkt Square, offering handcrafted gifts like Nuremberg gingerbread, wooden nutcrackers, and “Nuremberg Plum People” dressed in traditional attire.
This family-friendly market runs from November 29 to December 24, 2024, featuring a children’s market and holiday activities, open daily from 10 am to 9 pm, with an 8 pm closing on Christmas Eve.
Hamburg Historic Christmas Market – Hamburg
Held in front of Hamburg’s historic Rathaus, the Historic Christmas Market is known for its unique Flying Santa, which performs daily flights over the market square, delighting children and adults alike. Hamburg’s maritime history is evident in its holiday displays and festive stalls, where visitors can find seafaring-themed gifts and enjoy regional specialities like roasted chestnuts and holiday pastries. The market’s children’s village and carousel make it a popular destination for families.
Running from November 25 to December 23, 2024, this market is open daily from 11 am to 9 pm.
Yamina Sofo, Director of the Marketing & Sales Office – GNTO GCC, said: “We are excited to extend an invitation to GCC travellers to explore these holiday wonders in 2024. Germany’s Christmas markets showcase the heart and soul of our holiday traditions, inviting visitors to enjoy the season’s warmth, history, and beauty. Our focus on sustainability ensures that travellers can experience these markets’ magic while enjoying eco-friendly winter adventures, such as snow walks, torchlight hikes, and shared holiday customs. Germany’s Christmas markets offer a truly unique way to celebrate the season with its unique charm and cheerful festive lights.”
Germany’s Christmas markets offer a perfect opportunity to enjoy festive traditions and create lifelong memories with family and friends. Whether exploring the timeless traditions of the Striezelmarkt in Dresden or the lively celebrations at Alexanderplatz in Berlin, visitors can enjoy a truly magical holiday experience.
For those planning a visit, additional information on these markets and other holiday events across Germany is available at the German National Tourist Board’s website: www.germany.travel/christmas-markets.
