At the end of November, city centers all over Germany are transformed into beautiful Christmas markets. The first markets back in the 14th century lasted only a few days, whereas today, they usually begin around the last week of November and can be visited until Christmas Eve or even a few days longer. Giant Christmas trees and decorated booths stocked with handcrafted gifts such as incense burners, wooden nutcrackers, toys and Nativity scenes invite visitors to enjoy the magic of Christmas in Germany.

But don’t overlook the festive culinary delights. The aromas of roasted almonds and chestnuts, the famous lebkuchen (gingerbread), grilled sausages and glühwein (hot mulled wine) add to the romantic atmosphere of Germany’s over 2,500 Christmas Markets.

Berlin is a fairytale in lights at Christmas. Germany’s capital awaits visitors with more than 50 traditional Christmas Markets, cultural events, exciting concerts and endless shopping opportunities.

The Striezelmarkt, Dresden’s famous Christmas Market, was mentioned in the chronicles for the first time in 1434. Today, it is home to the world’s largest Christmas pyramid and the traditional baking of the city’s popular Christmas cake, the Christstollen.

Frankfurt’s Christmas Market, one of the oldest (1393) and prettiest in Germany, attracts more than 3 million visitors every year from all over the world. Two hundred stalls offer arts and crafts and festive food and drink.

Beautifully presented and illuminated stalls transform the city center of Stuttgart into one of the largest and most attractive Christmas Markets in Europe. The Old Castle, the collegiate church and the baroque grounds of the New Palace serve as the backdrop, creating a truly unique setting.

The ever-popular Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg welcomes visitors to take in the medieval atmosphere and delicious aromas of gingerbread, bratwurst, roasted almonds and glühwein.

Munich’s traditional Christmas Market, with roots going back to the 14th century, is held on Marienplatz Square. The Kripperlmarkt (specializing in Nativity scenes) and alpine Christmas music, sung live on the town hall balcony, are the highlights of the Christmas festivities in Bavaria’s capital.

Visitors can take home a part of Germany’s Christmas Markets with souvenirs like Christmas decorations, spices, glühwein and many more traditions and specialties. Käthe Wohlfahrt is a specialized company that offers the Christmas experience throughout the whole year in the charming town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria. Here, visitors can shop for artistic Christmas decorations and gift ideas in the unique “Christmas Village”—a Franconian indoor marketplace with some 30,000 Christmas items for sale. From high-quality pyramids, handmade incense smokers and nutcrackers to Christmas tree ornaments, this store is a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.

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