Destinations
Germany
Christmas market

The best Christmas Markets in Germany

Discover Germany’s magical Christmas markets – enjoy festive stalls, twinkling lights and seasonal treats in the birthplace of this beloved tradition.

Travel by train to Germany’s Christmas markets

Travel to Germany by train and leave stress at the station, soaking in scenic views as you make your festive journey. Whether you’re visiting Cologne, Düsseldorf, or Aachen, Eurostar offers smooth connections from London St Pancras via Brussels, straight to the heart of the Christmas magic.

With plenty of festive things to do in Germany, you’ll feel the Christmas spirit right from the start. Enjoy browsing handcrafted gifts and savour steaming cups of mulled wine. And remember, Germany’s magical Christmas markets are just a train ride away with Eurostar.

Discover the most magical Christmas markets in Germany

Germany is home to many enchanting Christmas markets, eagerly awaiting new visitors to experience their magic. Explore the best German Christmas markets below, complete with dates, locations and those charming details that make them unique – everything you need to plan a German trip with Eurostar.

Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market

From 17 November to 23 December, Cologne Christmas Market transforms Roncalliplatz with fairy lights and festivities. Nestled beneath the majestic Cologne Cathedral, visitors can weave around 150 snow-dusted chalets, each selling Christmas goodies and authentic German favourites.

Browse handcrafted trinkets while warming your hands with a hot cup of Glühwein. The exciting events programme makes the Cologne Christmas Market a magical pick for families. A 5-hour and 30-minute journey from London St Pancras, with a quick change in Brussels, it’s well worth the trip to get you feeling festive.

Cologne Harbour Christmas Market

Experience the charm of Cologne Harbour Christmas Market for a maritime twist on holiday tradition. With sparkling riverside views of the Rhine, this distinctive market hosts nautical-themed celebrations among sail-shaped pagoda tents, brimming with handmade treats and trinkets.

For 2025, the Cologne Harbour Christmas Market runs from 17 November to 23 December. Enjoy German market favourites served out of giant wooden ships, soak in spectacular views from the Ferris wheel and remember to take home a few sweet treats from the Lindt Chocolate Museum next door.

HEAVEN Cologne

Cologne’s LGBTQIA+ Christmas market is making a comeback after a three-year break, shining once again as a colourful highlight in the city’s festive lineup. As the official gay Christmas market of Cologne, HEAVENUE is the place to go for creative interiors, unique gifts and fun food concepts.

From 17 November to 23 December, head to the market’s new location in the city’s Belgian Quarter to enjoy the line up of mesmerising performances and events. HEAVENUE stays open until 10pm Monday to Thursday and 11pm at weekends, a perfect late-night spot where everyone is welcome.

Düsseldorf Christmas markets

Düsseldorf is wrapped in festivities from 20 November to 30 December. The main event is Altstadt Market, the main Christmas market. Don’t miss the transformation of the city’s famous shopping boulevard, Königsallee, into “Kö-on-Ice” – a family favourite year after year.

Wander between huts overflowing with handcrafted gifts, or soar above it all on the Wheel of Vision for memorable city views. Düsseldorf Christmas markets are easily walkable, so follow your nose to find the next attraction! It’s a short journey from London St Pancras via Brussels, putting Christmas charm within easy reach.

Aachen Christmas Market

In the historic Aachen Christmas market the market stalls dot around Aachen Cathedral, one of the oldest in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. From 21 November to 3 December, the area is adorned with wooden stalls and traditional activities. Don’t miss Aachener Printen – local gingerbread!

As one of Germany's smaller Christmas markets, Aachen captivates visitors with its traditional and intimate atmosphere. Just a short train ride from Cologne, it makes an ideal day trip for those seeking an authentic festive spirit in a historic setting.

Frankfurt Christmas Market

One of Germany’s oldest and largest Christmas markets is in Frankfurt, where Römerberg transforms into a festive wonderland. Timber stalls twinkle with lights, and an enchanting carousel takes centre stage. From 24 November to 22 December, this market offers an authentic atmosphere steeped in centuries of tradition.

Sample Frankfurt’s iconic Bethmännchen – marzipan confections studded with almonds – or marvel at the towering Christmas tree. With historic grandeur and festive warmth, plus easy connections via Brussels, Frankfurt makes an ideal centrepiece for a longer German winter getaway.

Munich Christmas Market

Munich Christmas Market unfolds in Marienplatz before the neo-Gothic New Town Hall, blending Bavarian tradition with festive enchantment. From 24 November to 24 December, alpine stalls waft fragrant spices while live Stubenmusik fills the square.

Families enjoy festive workshops and the thrilling Krampuslauf – a dramatic parade where costumed devils chase through crowds in Alpine folklore tradition. Getting there requires connections beyond our direct routes, but Munich rewards determined travellers with an authentic Christmas experience.

FAQs

You can take the Eurostar from London to Cologne, Düsseldorf, or Aachen, with a quick transfer in Brussels. From Cologne, you can continue on a local Deutsche Bahn (DB) train to Frankfurt or Munich.

German markets draw huge crowds, particularly on the weekends and as Christmas approaches, so expect an energetic and festive buzz. For a more peaceful experience, visit on weekday evenings in late November when the atmosphere is magical but the crowds are thinner. Arriving early in the day also helps you avoid the rush, giving you leisurely time to explore the stalls and soak up the details before the evening surge.

Absolutely! Many German cities host multiple markets within easy walking distance. Cologne and Düsseldorf are perfect examples, where you can hop between distinctly different markets in a single day – from traditional to modern, each with its own character. For a longer adventure, combine nearby cities like Cologne and Aachen, just a short train ride apart, letting you experience contrasting markets across one festive-filled trip.

Does Father Christmas bring presents? Absolutely, German Christmas markets are wonderfully family-friendly destinations. You’ll find vintage carousels, twinkling Ferris wheels, hands-on festive workshops and special children’s events at many markets, creating magical memories for all ages.

German Christmas markets are flowing with seasonal treats. Must-tries include Glühwein (spiced mulled wine), sizzling Bratwurst, sugar-roasted almonds and spiced Lebkuchen gingerbread. Each city offers its own specialities: seek out Aachener Printen (local spiced cookies) in Aachen, delicate Bethmännchen marzipan in Frankfurt and the theatrical Feuerzangenbowle (flaming rum punch) in Munich. And no visit is complete without a warm, pillowy waffle crowned with powdered sugar.

German Christmas markets are treasure troves for one-of-a-kind gifts. Browse hand-carved wooden ornaments, intricate nutcrackers, shimmering glass baubles and traditional candle arches that cast a warm glow. Edible treasures like spiced Lebkuchen, rich Stollen fruit bread and regional specialities make thoughtful gifts that bring the flavours home. Many markets showcase local artisans selling handcrafted pottery, textiles and jewellery – ideal for discovering unique pieces that capture the spirit of your journey while supporting traditional craftsmanship.