The 7 best Christmas markets in Germany

For all Christmas lovers! Have you already scoured all the Christmas markets in the Netherlands and are looking for something new? Then visit the atmospheric Christmas markets in Germany. After all, our eastern neighbours know exactly how the Christmas season should be celebrated. We have listed the 7 best Christmas markets in Germany 2024 for you.

Please note: in most German cities, you will need a clean air sticker. This environmental sticker – or Umweltplakette – can here Apply easily online. This way, you'll be fully prepared and can fully enjoy the Christmas atmosphere.

1. Düsseldorf Christmas Market 

Christmas Market Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf's Christmas market, situated on the banks of the Rhine, is just a three-hour drive from Amsterdam. The Christmas market is a true winter wonderland. The city of Düsseldorf is renowned for its fantastic shopping, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural scene. During the Christmas market, various parts of the city centre, including Marktplatz, Heinrich-Heine Platz, Gustaf Grundgens Platz, Schadowplatz, Stadtbruckchen, and Flingerstrasse, are transformed into a cosy Christmas market. Visitors can enjoy a charming stroll through beautiful Düsseldorf while being mesmerised by all the festive splendour.

Opening days 

The market is open from 21 November to 30 December, with the exception of a few days. Admission is free. 

Environment sticker 

vergeet niet om vóór je reis naar Düsseldorf de Environmental sticker to request. This way you can set off with peace of mind to enjoy the magical Christmas splendour. 

2. Cologne Christmas Market (Köln) 

Christmas market Cologne

The vibrant city of Cologne is renowned for its impressive cathedral and exuberantly celebrated carnival. But the real highlight of the city is Europe's busiest Christmas market. The market, which begins at the end of November, stretches from the cathedral to the Alter Markt, Rudolfplatz, and Heumarkt. The cosy stalls, filled with unique gifts and fairytale scenes, offer everything a Christmas lover's heart desires. 

Opening days 

The market is open from 18 November to 23 December. Admission is free. 

Environment sticker 

Leave the Environmental sticker Your access ticket to the atmospheric Christmas market of Cologne. This way, you can drive into the city worry-free, where history and joy go hand in hand.

3. Aachen Christmas Market (Aachen) 

Christmas Market Aachen

The German city of Aachen lies just across the Dutch border and is known for its historic buildings, such as: the Cathedral, the fourteenth-century town hall, and the Couven Museum. During the annual Christmas market, the area around the Cathedral and the Rathaus is filled with atmospheric stalls, delicacies, sparkling lights, and fitting music. The popular Christmas market in Aachen attracts 1.5 million visitors annually.

Opening days 

The market is open from 22 November to 23 December. Admission is free. 

Environment sticker 

Where Christmas market and historic architecture merge for an unforgettable experience. Let the Environmental sticker your key to the charm of Aachen.

Christmas Market Oberhausen 

Christmas market Oberhausen

From the Old Town to the CentrO shopping centre, and from the Mountain Christmas Market and Santa Village to the Gnome Market. From mid-November, Oberhausen's city centre is shrouded in a magical Christmas veil. Professional stalls and chalets offer a variety of delicacies, handmade products, and entertainment for children. The CentrO shopping centre also boasts 220 shops, a cinema, and various restaurants. Enough Christmas fun for everyone!

Opening days 

The markets are open from 15 November to 23 December. Admission is free. 

Environment sticker 

Leave the Environmental sticker Your access ticket to the magical Christmas Market of Oberhausen.

5. Berlin Christmas Market 

Christmas market Berlin

Berlin's rich history is more than enough reason to visit the city. But during the festive season, the city really ups its game by spreading various Christmas markets across the centre and other parts of the city. Where can you find a Christmas market? Gedächtniskirche, Richardplatz, Gendarmenmarkt, Potsdamer Platz, Alexander Platz, Charlottenburg, Spandau, and Zehlendorf are popular and offer everything for the Christmas enthusiast.

Opening days and times 

The market is open from 25 November to 31 December. Admission is free. 

Environment sticker 

In the dynamic city of Berlin, where history and modernity converge, the Environmental sticker so that you can enjoy the diversity of Christmas markets undisturbed.

6. Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg 

Nuremberg Christmas market

The Bavarian city of Nuremberg welcomes its visitors to a winter wonderland. From the end of November, the historic city centre comes alive with the opening of the Christkindlesmarkt on the Hauptmarkt. For young and old alike, there are numerous activities, such as a carousel, stagecoach rides, gingerbread baking, and enjoying mulled wine and other delicacies. The Great Market offers handmade beeswax candles and beautiful gifts. The performance Feuerzangenbowle is a true tradition and worth visiting.

Opening days 

The market is open from 29 November to 24 December, with the exception of a few days. Entry is free.

Environment sticker 

Make sure yours Environmental sticker to ensure a carefree journey to the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg.

7. Münster Christmas Market 

Christmas market Münster

Münster's Christmas market is comprised of a romantic setting with five markets. Consider the Aegidiimarkt with a nativity scene and manger; the cosily decorated Christmas stalls around St. Lambert's Church, and the Giebelüüskesmarkt in front of the historical square of the Überwasserkirche. The Giebelüüskesmarkt offers handicrafts, gift items, and culinary delights.

Opening days 

The market is open from 25 November to 24 December, with the exception of a few days. Entry is free.

Environment sticker 

Leave the Environmental sticker your passport to the romantic Christmas market of Münster, where the lights sparkle as much as the historic surroundings. 

Environmental sticker Germany: ticket to the best Christmas markets 

Are you eager to visit one of these German Christmas markets? Then apply for the environmental sticker (Umwelsticker) in good time. With this sticker, you demonstrate that your vehicle meets the environmental requirements of the respective city. When you have the environmental sticker, you have access to the Umweltzones in the various cities. Order the German environmental sticker simple online.