3 German Christmas Markets You Won’t Want to Miss

Germany is famous for many things, but when the holidays roll around, it’s the Christmas markets that have everyone talking. Themed markets pop up around the country every year as the holiday approaches, transforming already-charming towns into whimsies of holiday magic. Twinkling lights, festive music, and the sweet aroma of gingerbread and roasting chestnuts make Germany’s legendary Christmas markets a must-see for family travelers. Here are just a few of the many markets the country has to offer.

Rothenberg ob der Tauber
Rothenberg ob der Tauber (Rothenberg above the Tauber River), or Rothenberg for short, is a place you can visit in Germany any time of year thanks to its beautifully preserved timber architecture and medieval history. It is home to one of the world’s most beloved Christmas decoration manufacturers, Kathe Wolfhart, as well as a Christmas museum that tells the story of Christmas from its inception to modern-day traditions. It is also home to an impressive Christmas market, Reiterlsmarkt. This market takes place along the cobblestone streets of the town’s main square, where visitors can also watch the hourly animatronic, cuckoo clock-style performance telling the story of a portion of the town’s history from the clock tower.

Munich
Munich is often thought of as the place to be for Oktoberfest (it is, after all, the birthplace of the celebration), but it is also home to an incredible Christmas market, Münchner Christkindlmarkt, which takes place every year in Marienplatz Square. The market features more than 130 stalls; decorating workshops; food stalls; Christmas carolers; and an especially unique event, the Krampus Run, where people dress up like Krampus (a Christmas devil who punishes naughty children) and run through the streets.

Dresden
Germany’s oldest Christmas market is found in Dresden, in the German state of Saxony. Dating back to 1434, Dresdner Striezekmarkt was originally held on a single day, Christmas Eve, but has since evolved into a seasonal event that opens in late November and culminates Dec. 24. It draws visitors from around the world.