German Christmas Markets are known today for festive stands selling regional treats and crafts, and for exuding all sorts of Christmas-y cheer.

The Cologne Cathedral Traditional Christmas Market has wooden huts, Christmas lights, regional foods, Christmas trinkets, and a festive spirit. You do not want to miss it!

Try the delicious food and drink including Glühwein which is a Christmas market staple. It is a hot mulled wine spiced with cloves, star anise, cinnamon, and citrus fruit.

Christmas Mugs

When you order a glühwein, you pay for the drink and a deposit on the mug. You can return the mug for your deposit back or you can take it home as a souvenir.

Buy a Lebkuchen at a Christmas Market. A large heart-shaped gingerbread cookie decorated with frosting often displayed hanging from the market stalls.

Take in the beautiful and festive Christmas trees around every corner and buy a handmade Christmas trinket at the Heidelberg Christmas Market.

Market Hopping

Go German Christmas Market hopping! Visit Dresden and Stuttgart plus stop at the smaller towns including Speyer and Rüdesheim.

Browse Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt also known as the Nuremberg Christmas Market which is one of the largest Christmas markets in Germany.

If you're looking for something special to take home to remember your Christmas Market adventure, keep an eye out for hand-made wooden ornaments, nutcrackers, Santas, and more.