Lonely PlanetOct 13
9 of the Best (Lesser-Known) Christmas Markets in Germany
Germany is synonymous with Christmas markets. Go beyond the most famous and visit these top options this winter.
Austria, destination for Christmas ship crossing
21 things in this story
- HafenweihnachtMarketLindau's market on an island in Lake Constance
- BregenzSightAustria, destination for Christmas ship crossing
- Elsewhere
- StriezelmarktMarketDresden, GermanyDresden's Christmas market dates back to 1434
- DomplatzNeighborhoodErfurt, Germanymain stage for Erfurt's Christmas market
- KrämerbrückeSightErfurt, Germanymedieval bridge lined with shops and houses
- Erfurter WeihnachtsmarktMarketErfurt, GermanyChristmas market on Domplatz
- Weihnachtsstadt des NordensMarketLübeck, GermanyLübeck's claim, 11 festive markets
- RathausSightLübeck, GermanyChristmas market first documented in 1648
- MärchenwaldMarketLübeck, Germanyfeatures handmade Grimm fairy-tale scenes
- Heiligen-Geist-HospitalMuseumLübeck, Germanyartisans fill vaulted halls and tiny cabins
- HafenglühenMarketLübeck, Germanycozy spot by the harbor
- Pink ChristmasMarketMunich, Germanyless market, more party in Stephansplatz
- ChristkindlmarktMarketMunich, Germanyfamous market on Marienplatz
- WeihnachtswaldMarketGoslar, Germanyforest in the middle of Goslar
- SchuhhofSightGoslar, Germanymedieval square with Weihnachtswald
- RammelsbergMuseumGoslar, Germany1000-year-old UNESCO-listed mine
- Santa Pauli marketMarketHamburg, Germanyon Spielbudenplatz with burlesque
- SpielbudenplatzSightHamburg, Germanylocation of Santa Pauli market
- Santa’s GlühweinapothekePlaceHamburg, Germanyplay pharmacist with wine and spices
- WinterdeckPlaceHamburg, Germanyclaim a sofa by the fireplace
- Ore MountainsNeighborhoodAnnaberg-Buchholz, Germanyorigin of nutcrackers, incense smokers