Christmas markets in Germany: Dresden, Nuremberg, Cologne and Rothenburg
Germany is the home of the Christmas market – the tradition here goes back to the Middle Ages and almost every town has at least one. We have picked four places with completely different characters: baroque Dresden, medieval Nuremberg, lively Cologne and fairy-tale Rothenburg. For other countries, see our guide to Christmas markets in Europe.
When and how to go
- Season: German markets usually open in late November and close on 23–24 December.
- Getting there: there are direct flights from Sofia to several German cities. Dresden is also easy to reach via Prague or Berlin, Nuremberg via Munich, and Rothenburg by train from Nuremberg or Würzburg.
- Documents: Germany is in the EU and Schengen – Bulgarian citizens travel with an ID card.
Dresden
Baroque architecture, palaces and museums on the Elbe – in December Dresden's historic centre is one of the most beautiful in Germany.
Christmas markets
- Striezelmarkt – one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world, first mentioned in 1434. Here you will find a huge wooden Christmas pyramid, traditional wooden toys and the famous Dresden stollen. In 2026 it runs from 25 November to 24 December.
- Stallhof medieval market – in the courtyard of the Royal Palace, with artisans and demonstrations of old crafts.
- Augustusmarkt – on Hauptstraße across the Elbe, with international food and light displays.
What else to see
The Frauenkirche, rebuilt after World War II, the Zwinger, the Semperoper, Brühl's Terrace with views of the Elbe, and Pfunds Molkerei – the dairy shop with hand-painted tiles often called the most beautiful shop in the world.
What to eat
Dresden stollen, gingerbread, sausages and candied almonds.
Nuremberg
Medieval towers, city walls and an old town in Bavaria – Nuremberg is one of Germany's most visited Christmas destinations.
Christmas markets
- Christkindlesmarkt – one of the most famous Christmas markets in the world, on the Hauptmarkt in front of the Frauenkirche, with its distinctive red-and-white stalls. In 2026 – from 27 November to 24 December.
- Kinderweihnacht – a children's market with carousels and small rides.
- Sister Cities market – with products and food from around the world.
What else to see
The Imperial Castle above the old town, Albrecht Dürer's House, the Gothic St Lorenz Church, the Germanisches Nationalmuseum and the Handwerkerhof crafts courtyard. For those interested in 20th-century history – the Documentation Centre Nazi Party Rally Grounds.
What to eat
Small grilled Nuremberg sausages and the famous Nuremberg Lebkuchen gingerbread.
Cologne
The lively city on the Rhine has several Christmas markets, each with its own theme, all overlooked by the huge Gothic cathedral.
Christmas markets
- Cathedral market – the most famous, with a huge tree in the middle. It opens in mid-November.
- Heinzels Wintermärchen – on Alter Markt and Heumarkt, dedicated to the legendary Heinzelmännchen elves, with a large ice rink.
- Harbour market – next to the Chocolate Museum and the Rhine, with a maritime theme.
- Market of Angels – on Neumarkt, with sparkling decorations.
What else to see
The cathedral inside and from its towers, the Chocolate Museum, the Hohenzollern Bridge with its love locks and views of the cathedral, Museum Ludwig with works by Picasso, and the old town with its traditional brewpubs.
What to eat
The local Kölsch beer and Himmel un Ääd – potatoes with apples and black pudding. And as a gift – an original Eau de Cologne, named after the city.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
This small Bavarian town has kept its medieval look – colourful houses, cobblestones, towers and city walls. Christmas here is peaceful and straight out of a storybook.
Christmas markets
- Reiterlesmarkt – the traditional market on the Marktplatz, from late November to 23 December.
- Christmas shops in the old town – with handmade ornaments, wooden figures and candles.
What else to see
The Plönlein with its yellow house between two towers – the most photographed spot in town, the Town Hall tower with panoramic views, a walk along the city walls, the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas village shop and the German Christmas Museum.
What to eat
Schneeballen – "snowballs" of pastry strips dusted with sugar or dipped in chocolate.
Tip: Nuremberg and Rothenburg are easy to combine in one trip. Dresden is only about two hours by train from Prague – a great combination with the Christmas markets of Czechia.
Dates are based on information available in November 2026 and may change – check the market's website before you travel.
Need help planning?
The Clio Travel team will help you combine Germany's Christmas markets in one trip – flights, central hotels and trains between cities. For more ideas, see our guide to Christmas markets in Europe.
