Lonely PlanetOct 13, 2026
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.
21 things in this story
- Weihnachtsstadt des NordensMarketLübeck's claim, 11 festive markets
- RathausSightChristmas market first documented in 1648
- MärchenwaldMarketfeatures handmade Grimm fairy-tale scenes
- Heiligen-Geist-HospitalMuseumartisans fill vaulted halls and tiny cabins
- HafenglühenMarketcozy spot by the harbor
- 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
- 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
- HafenweihnachtMarketLindau, GermanyLindau's market on an island in Lake Constance
- BregenzSightLindau, GermanyAustria, destination for Christmas ship crossing
- 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