There’s nothing more special than Christmas in Germany. Between the aroma of roasted almonds, the steaming mug of mulled wine, and the twinkling lights strung between half-timbered houses, you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped into a holiday dream.
If you are planning a trip to German Christmas Market 2025One of the most important things to know is; when opening and closing–Because timing is everything. Some markets start in mid-November, while others don’t open until the first weekend of Advent. Whether you’re planning a road trip to authentic European Christmas markets or just visiting one festive city, this guide has you covered. Official and expected dates for 2025 We aim to be the best Christmas market in all of Germany.
I got the details directly Official tourist offices and local city websitesyou can plan your visit with confidence. You’ll also find practical tips on when to go, what to expect, and which markets are open beyond Christmas Day (hint: some markets are open until the New Year!).
Christmas market opening and closing trends in 2025
- Earliest opening: Some markets open early November 6, 2025
- Most markets are open: between November 20-29, 2025Just around the first weekend of Advent
- Best time to visit: from November 25th – December 22nd, 2025 Almost all major markets across Germany are open
- Closing: Most markets close by December 22nd or 23rdjust before Christmas Eve, but some — Berlin, Heidelberg, Cologne, Dortmund— Continues during or during vacation early January
- Comparison of weekdays and weekends: Weekends bring unbeatable festival bustle (and more people), but weekdays are quieter and easier to explore. Please note that there are several smaller markets such as: Ravenna Valleyopen only on weekends.
- Closed on holidays: many markets close December 24thsome remain closed December 25th-26th— so be sure to check local listings before you go.
Firm and expected dates for 2025
Christmas trees are already on sale at most Christmas markets in Germany. Official date of 2025But some are still pending. For those I included Scheduled date Based on last year’s official schedule. These predictions are usually accurate within a day or two, so we’ll update when the final date is announced.
| city | Date in 2025 |
|---|---|
| Cologne | November 17th – December 23rd |
| heidelberg | November 24th – December 22nd |
| munich | November 24th – December 24th |
| trier | November 21st – December 22nd |
| Nuremberg | November 28th – December 24th |
| dresden | November 26th – December 24th |
| aachen | November 21st – December 23rd |
| Berlin | November 24th – December 31st |
| frankfurt | November 24th – December 22nd |
| stuttgart | November 26th – December 23rd |
| dusseldorf | November 20th – December 30th |
| hamburg | November 24th – December 23rd |
| leipzig | November 25th – December 23rd |
| erfurt | November 24th – December 22nd |
| Wiesbaden | November 25th – December 23rd |
| Bon | to be decided |
| Rothenburg ob der Tauber | November 21st – December 23rd |
| Hannover | November 24th – December 22nd |
| regensburg | November 25th – December 23rd (scheduled) |
| Freiburg | November 20th – December 23rd (scheduled) |
25 Best Christmas Markets in Germany to Visit in 2025
Here are some of the most common ones Fascinating and historic, Germany’s must-see Christmas marketsfrom Cologne and Munich to Nuremberg and Heidelberg. Each one has something special, such as a giant Christmas tree, a medieval market theme, or a view of a snowy castle.
Click here for the complete guide!
Aachen Christmas market
📅 November 21st – December 23rd, 2025
Located in front of breathtaking views aachen cathedralthis market sparkles with old-fashioned charm. Don’t leave without tasting it Aachner Printenthe city’s famous spiced gingerbread.
Bamberg Christmas Market
📅 November 25th – December 23rd, 2025
the The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage SiteBamberg turns into a winter fairy tale. Stroll along the cobblestone streets under the twinkling lights and sip mulled wine while admiring the cathedral.
berlin christmas market
📅 November 24th – December 31st, 2025
from From Gendarmenmarkt to AlexanderplatzBerlin hosts many unique Christmas markets. Go ice skating at Potsdamer Platz and enjoy the views from Potsdamer Platz. berlin tv tower For a festive urban escape.
Cologne Christmas market
📅 November 17th – December 23rd, 2025
With seven major markets spread throughout the city, Cologne is a Christmas wonderland beneath its iconic cathedral. Please stop by chocolate museum market For a nice surprise.
Dresden Christmas market
📅 November 26th – December 24th, 2025
Home to world-famous cities StriezelmarktDresden is a place where Christmas traditions come alive. try the original Stollen cake Enjoy the baroque beauty of the old town.
Heidelberg Christmas Market
📅 November 24th – December 22nd, 2025
I’m very biased since living here! But I love this market! Indeed, this is a perfect example of a true German Christmas market. With well-designed stalls, you can easily restore Hauptstrasse (main street) where all the markets are held.
…and much moreNuremberg, Munich, Stuttgart, Trier, Regensburg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Lübeck, Koblenzkeeping the market open. January 2026.
Here’s your complete guide to Germany’s best Christmas markets!
What to bring for a Christmas market trip
December in Germany can be chilly and damp, so a cozy scarf, boots, and gloves are best. check mine Christmas market packing list I have everything I need (including things I wish I had packed earlier).
What to expect at German Christmas markets
Think wooden stalls, local artisans, roasted chestnuts, and piping hot mugs of mulled wine. You’ll find everything from handmade ornaments and wool scarves to piping hot bratwurst and sweet marzipan treats. Even in its riverside setting, each city has its own twist. Koblenzcastle view heidelbergor medieval theme Esslingen.
Here’s everything you need to know about Christmas markets in Europe.
Plan your Christmas market route
Want to visit multiple markets? It’s easy! Germany’s train network connects most major cities, so you can catch a train from: Frankfurt to Nuremberg or Cologne to Heidelberg In just a few hours.
German Christmas markets are the heart of the European holiday season. from From Cathedral Square to the castle courtyardeach one feels like it came straight out of a snow globe. Sip mulled wine under the stars, find the perfect handmade décor, and you’ll see why these markets are loved around the world.
Read our complete Christmas Market Guide!
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Photos to inspire your trip to the Christmas market
Source: Helene in Between – heleneinbetween.com
