Every year, Germany turns into a true winter wonderland, when Christmas markets fill the cities with the aroma of mulled wine, fried sausages and festive treats. From the historic grounds of Nuremberg to the atmospheric streets of Leipzig, every fair here has its own unique flavor. For those on a budget, we’ve rounded up the best Christmas markets and convenient budget hotels nearby. Add to that some unique souvenirs and your Christmas trip to Germany will be one to remember forever!
Nuremberg
Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is one of the most famous in Germany and attracts tourists from all over the world. Located on the main market square in front of the Frauenkirche, the fair runs from late November to December 24. A special attraction is the traditional figurines of a Christmas child and wooden souvenirs. A must-buy souvenir is the famous Nuremberg gingerbread. (Lebkuchen). Економ-варіант для ночівлі Hotel Garni Probst, located near the center. You can read more about the Nuremberg fairs in our post “Nuremberg Christmas Market“. Discover the magic of the Nuremberg Christmas Market with our excursion, that offers unique dishes, traditional souvenirs and a fascinating history of celebrations!
Munich
The main Christmas market in Munich is located on Marienplatz, in front of the city hall. It is open from the end of November until Christmas Eve. Features include a large Christmas tree and authentic Bavarian souvenirs such as carved wooden figures and ceramics. It should be borne in mind that the bazaar is popular among tourists, so it is better to plan visits in the morning. Suitable for budget accommodation A&O München Hauptbahnhof. Two hours оглядова екскурсія Munich Christmas Market will help you feel the magical atmosphere of the holiday, enjoy traditional delicacies and learn more about the history and culture of these festive markets.
Berlin
There are dozens of Christmas markets in Berlin, but the most popular is located at the Gendarmenmarkt, where visitors are amazed by the magnificent architecture of the surrounding buildings, such as the German and French cathedrals. The fair is open from the end of November to the beginning of January, which allows you to enjoy the festive atmosphere even after Christmas. To avoid crowds, it is better to plan your visit on weekdays or in the morning. A souvenir worth bringing back from Berlin is traditional wooden toys, Berliner Bär. Economy hotel MEININGER Hotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof offers a convenient location close to major events. Feel the holiday spirit at 2-hour bus tour with the Christmas lights of Berlin, complemented by aromatic mulled wine and wine for a perfect winter walk.
Frankfurt
Frankfurt’s Christmas market on Remer Square is one of the most popular in Germany, and its main attraction is a huge Christmas tree decorated with five thousand lights. The festive atmosphere lasts from the end of November until Christmas Eve, so on weekends it is better to avoid the crowds, especially in the central squares. A traditional souvenir from Frankfurt is local Christmas tree decorations and gingerbread. For those looking for a budget option, you should pay attention to Mercure Frankfurt City Messe , which is not far from the center. Go to Advent a walk through the old town, to discover the festive atmosphere and history of the city during the Christmas period.
Hamburg
In Hamburg, the most famous Christmas market is located on the Town Hall Square, where a magical Christmas tree is installed and performances are held. This bazaar is open from the end of November to December 23. The highlight of the fair is its maritime theme, as the city is famous for its maritime history. It is worth considering that there are many people at the fair in the evening, so it is better to visit it in the morning. The perfect souvenir from Hamburg is the famous ceramic mugs for mulled wine. For economical accommodation, you can choose a hotel Generator Hamburg, which is conveniently located near the train station.
Bremen
The Bremen Christmas Market, located in front of the Old Town Hall on one of the most beautiful historical squares, creates a fairy-tale atmosphere. Open from the end of November until December 23, the bazaar offers visitors the unique Schlachte-Zauber sea fair along the Weser River. The highlight of the bazaar is festive Renaissance architecture and maritime souvenirs. Souvenirs to buy are the traditional Bremen gingerbread and the Bremen Christmas musicians (figures). Perfect for budget accommodation B&B Hotel Bremen-City.
Cologne
The Christmas market near Cologne Cathedral is one of the most famous holiday events in Germany. The cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the main attraction of the fair, which is open from the end of November until Christmas Eve. The fair is famous for its bright light installations and a wide range of souvenirs, especially glass Christmas tree ornaments and Cologne ceramics. Given the large number of tourists, it is better to come on weekdays. For budget accommodation, you can choose a hotel Ruby Ella Hotel Cologne. Enjoy the magic winter cruise on the Rhine in Cologne, where the festive atmosphere will be emphasized by Christmas music against the background of picturesque shores.
Bonn
Bonn’s Christmas market at Münsterplatz offers a cozy atmosphere near historic buildings, including the house where Ludwig van Beethoven was born. The fair takes place from the end of November to the end of December and is known for its small size but especially warm atmosphere. Souvenirs worth bringing are music boxes, Beethoven figurines or local Christmas gingerbread. For economical accommodation, pay attention to IntercityHotel Bonn, which is located close to the main events. Enjoy the romantic panoramic excursion to the accompaniment of Christmas music, which creates the perfect atmosphere for a stroll through Bonn’s festive fairs.
Düsseldorf
The historic center of Düsseldorf is transformed into a large Christmas market with six fairs located around the Old Town Hall. The bazaar is open from late November to December 23 and attracts visitors with its traditional handicrafts and local treats. Visitors are particularly attracted by the wooden Christmas figurines and the Düsseldorf Christmas tree decorations, which can be purchased as souvenirs. For those who are looking for a budget accommodation option, B&B Hotel Düsseldorf-City, conveniently located near the center.
Aachen
The Christmas market in Aachen is known for its cozy atmosphere and the historic square in front of the city hall. It is open from the end of November until the 23rd of December, and the specialty of this bazaar is a large selection of local souvenirs, such as Aachener Printen. If you are planning a trip here, it is worth considering that weekends are especially busy, so it is better to come on weekdays and take a guided tour of the old town at the fountains. The hotel offers budget accommodation Ibis Styles Hotel Aachen City.
Essen
The International Christmas Market in Essen has a unique atmosphere thanks to its assortment of goods from different countries around the world. The fair is open from the end of November until December 23 in the main square of the city, next to modern buildings and sculptures. Souvenirs that can be purchased are exotic products of artisans, such as Christmas candles from different countries. Essen: Self-guided walking tour of the old town of Kettwig. For budget accommodation, pay attention to B&B Hotel Essen
Dresden
Dresden Striezelmarkt is the oldest Christmas market in Germany, founded in 1434. Its highlight is the sale of the famous Dresden stollen, a Christmas cake that can be purchased at every turn. The main building is the Frauenkirche church, located not far from the fair. The fair runs from the end of November until Christmas Eve, but it’s best to come in early December to avoid the biggest crowds. You can choose for budget accommodation NorthApartments Dresden am Park. Experience the true taste of Christmas during Advent tour in Dresden with tasting of traditional stollen and aromatic mulled wine or visitChristmas Garden Dresden Entrance Ticket.
Leipzig
The Christmas market in Leipzig, which takes place on the main square in front of the Old Town Hall, is one of the oldest in Germany – it dates back to 1458. Famous for its huge nutcrackers at the entrance, the fair runs from the end of November until December 23. Traditional wooden toys (Nutcrackers) made by local craftsmen are a souvenir. Leipzig: Christmas Garden Entrance Ticket. Suitable for budget accommodation Travel24 Hotel Leipzig City, which is located next to the fair.
Wernigerode
The Christmas market in Wernigerode is known for its romantic atmosphere thanks to the half-timbered architecture around the Old Town Hall. The fair runs from the end of November to December 22. The main building is the town hall itself, which is one of the best preserved in Germany. A visit here can be combined with an excursion to the Harz mountains, where traditional Christmas wooden toys are made – an excellent souvenir. Wernigerode: sights of the old town in the picturesque style, independent walk. Budget accommodation offers Hotel Altora, which is located near the bazaar.
Erfurt
The Erfurt Christmas Market is located on the square in front of the majestic Erfurt Cathedral, making it one of the most impressive in Germany. The fair is open from the end of November until December 22, and its special feature is the large Christmas nativity scene. Note that the bazaar can be crowded in the evenings, so it is better to visit it in the morning. A traditional souvenir is Christmas decorations made of wood (wooden Christmas pyramids), made by craftsmen from Thuringia. Erfurt: Old Town Walking Tour. For budget accommodation B&B Hotel Erfurt.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The small Bavarian town of Rothenburg is famous for its medieval architecture, and the Christmas market here is called Reiterlesmarkt. It is located in the very center of the Old Town, near the Town Hall, and is open from the end of November until Christmas Eve. A specialty is traditional Bavarian souvenirs, in particular, straw products and glass Christmas tree ornaments (figures). Budget accommodation offers Hotel-Garni Hornburg, which is not far from the main locations. Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Private Old Town Walking Tour. Rothenburg can also be visited as part of a visit to Nuremberg, we wrote about it in a post “3 days in Nuremberg during Christmas“.
Stuttgart
The Christmas market in Stuttgart takes place at Schillerplatz and is one of the largest in Germany. Visitors can enjoy a stunning view of the nearby Altes Schloss. The fair is open from late November to December 23 and is known for its decorated stalls and musical performances. Don’t miss the opportunity to buy traditional Stuttgart walnut figurines as a souvenir. Stuttgart: Christmas Garden at Wilhelma. For an economical accommodation option, pay attention to Motel One Stuttgart-Mitte.
Augsburg
The Augsburg Christmas Market, located on the Town Hall Square in front of the town hall, is famous for its unique show “The Angel Show”, when the facade of the town hall is transformed into a Christmas calendar. The fair runs from the end of November to December 24. The highlight is the bright festive performances that make the atmosphere special. A souvenir worth buying are the wooden Christmas angels and Christmas balls. Augsburg: Walking Tour with Fuggerei. You can choose for budget accommodation Ibis Augsburg Koenigsplatz.
Heidelberg
The Heidelberg Christmas Market takes place in the square in front of the old castle and is open from the end of November until December 22. The atmosphere of this bazaar is created by the incredible view of Heidelberg Castle, especially at night when it is illuminated. In the center of the fair there is a large ice rink, popular among visitors. Souvenirs worth buying are Heidelberg cinnamon and clove candles and castle souvenirs. Heidelberg: Historical Adventure Tour “Night Watchman”. Offers budget accommodation Lotte Hostel Heidelberg.
Freiburg
The Freiburg Christmas Market is located on Münsterplatz, next to the magnificent Freiburg Cathedral. The fair is open from the end of November to December 23. A special highlight is the crafts workshops, where you can learn how to create Christmas decorations. Souvenirs worth bringing here are handmade Freiburg ceramics and Black Forest wooden toys. Freiburg: City Tour of Hessle, Bechle and More. It is suitable for an economical accommodation option IntercityHotel Freiburg.
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