The Best Christmas Markets in German-Speaking Countries 🎄✨

Magical Weihnachtsmärkte in Germany, Austria and Switzerland

Few experiences capture the spirit of the season quite like a Christmas market in the German-speaking world. With twinkling lights, carol singers, and the comforting scent of Glühwein and gebrannte Mandeln, these festive markets — known as Weihnachtsmärkte or Christkindlmärkte — are a cherished tradition dating back to the Middle Ages.

If you’re planning a holiday trip, or simply want to learn more about German-speaking culture, here’s your guide to the most beautiful and historic Christmas markets in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland — plus useful German vocabulary to help you make the most of your visit.

🎄 Christmas Markets in Germany (Weihnachtsmärkte in Deutschland)

Germany is home to more than 2,500 Christmas markets, each with its own character. Whether you prefer a grand city market or a cosy medieval fair, there’s something for everyone.

🏰 Nuremberg – Christkindlesmarkt

One of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in the world, Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt dates back to 1628. The market is opened each year by the Christkind (the Christ Child) from the balcony of the Church of Our Lady. Must-try: Nürnberger Rostbratwurst, Lebkuchen, and mulled wine.Vocabulary tip: der Christkindlesmarkt = “market of the Christ Child.”

🌟 Dresden – Striezelmarkt

Founded in 1434, Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is Germany’s oldest Christmas market and famous for its Stollenfest, a parade celebrating the city’s iconic Christmas fruit bread (der Christstollen). Must-try: Dresdner Stollen and Pflaumentoffel (fig or prune figurines).

🎅 Cologne – Kölner Weihnachtsmarkt

With several themed markets around the city — including the spectacular one beneath Cologne Cathedral — this market blends history and modern festive flair. Must-try: Reibekuchen mit Apfelmus (potato pancakes with apple sauce). Cultural note: Locals call it Weihnachtszauber am Dom (“Christmas magic at the cathedral”).

🕯️ Munich – Christkindlmarkt am Marienplatz

Set against the backdrop of the neo-Gothic town hall, Munich’s main market features Alpine crafts and an enormous Christmas tree adorned with thousands of lights.Don’t miss: Feuerzangenbowle — flaming mulled wine with caramelised rum sugar.

🧑‍🎄 Berlin – Weihnachtszauber Gendarmenmarkt

Berlin hosts over 60 markets, but the Gendarmenmarkt is its most elegant. It’s known for high-quality handmade goods, live classical music, and gourmet food stands.

Example sentences for learners:

• Ich besuche jedes Jahr den Christkindlesmarkt in Nürnberg. – I visit the Nuremberg Christmas Market every year.

• Auf dem Berliner Weihnachtsmarkt gibt es Kunsthandwerk und Glühwein. – At the Berlin Christmas market, there’s handicraft and mulled wine.

🎶 Christmas Markets in Austria (Christkindlmärkte in Österreich)

Austria’s Christkindlmärkte are atmospheric and steeped in charm — often set against baroque architecture and snowy mountain backdrops.

🎄 Vienna – Wiener Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz

Vienna’s main market is world-famous for its grand decorations, skating rink, and the enormous Christbaum (Christmas tree) in front of City Hall. Try: Punsch, Maroni (roasted chestnuts), and Kaiserschmarrn (fluffy shredded pancake).Language tip: der Punsch (punch) is a hot fruit or rum drink popular in Austria.

🕯️ Salzburg – Christkindlmarkt am Domplatz

Nestled beneath the cathedral and fortress, Salzburg’s market has been celebrated for centuries. You’ll find traditional choir music and handmade crafts — the perfect place to hear Stille Nacht performed live (it was written nearby in 1818).

❄️ Innsbruck – Altstadt Christkindlmarkt

Innsbruck’s old-town market combines medieval streets with Alpine scenery. Try a cup of Jagertee and browse stalls selling wooden toys, ornaments, and Filzpantoffeln (felt slippers).

🎁 Graz – Adventmarkt am Hauptplatz

Graz offers several smaller markets, including one featuring an ice nativity scene (die Eiskrippe) — a highlight for visitors.

Example sentences:

• In Wien trinke ich gern heißen Punsch auf dem Rathausplatz. – In Vienna, I love drinking hot punch at the town hall square.

• Der Salzburger Christkindlmarkt ist bekannt für seine Musik. – The Salzburg market is famous for its music.

🏔️ Christmas Markets in Switzerland (Weihnachtsmärkte in der Schweiz)

Swiss Christmas markets combine German, French, and Italian influences, creating a truly unique festive atmosphere.

🕯️ Zurich – Wienachtsdorf am Bellevue

Zurich’s biggest market stretches along the lakeside promenade and features local crafts, fondue chalets, and an enormous illuminated Christmas tree. Must-try: Käsefondue, Raclette, and Glühmost (hot spiced apple cider).

🌟 Basel – Basler Weihnachtsmarkt

Set in the historic old town, Basel’s market on Barfüsserplatz is considered the best in Switzerland. It’s famous for Basler Läckerli, a chewy gingerbread speciality.

🛍️ Useful German Vocabulary for Visiting Christmas Markets

German	English
der Weihnachtsmarkt / der Christkindlmarkt	Christmas market
die Bude / der Stand	stall
der Glühwein / der Punsch	mulled wine / punch
die gebrannten Mandeln	roasted almonds
das Kunsthandwerk	handicraft
die Lichterkette	string of lights
der Weihnachtsbaum	Christmas tree
die Musik / das Lied	music / song
die Stimmung	atmosphere

Useful phrases:

• Einmal Glühwein, bitte! – One mulled wine, please!

• Wie viel kostet das? – How much does that cost?

• Frohe Weihnachten! – Merry Christmas!

🎓 Learn German Through Christmas Culture

Visiting Weihnachtsmärkte is not just magical — it’s one of the best ways to experience authentic German, Austrian, and Swiss culture. You’ll hear everyday phrases, taste traditional foods, and see festive vocabulary come to life.

To immerse yourself further in German language and culture, join Olesen Tuition, the top-rated German language school in London, offering:

• German classes in London – small, friendly groups

• Online German lessons – learn flexibly from anywhere

• Intensive German courses – perfect for fast progress or exam prep

• And explore over 600 expert posts on our German language blog

So whether you’re sipping Glühwein in Nuremberg, admiring the lights in Vienna, or tasting Raclette in Zurich, you’ll be experiencing the language, history, and warmth of Weihnachten in its truest form.

Frohe Weihnachten und viel Spaß auf dem Weihnachtsmarkt! Merry Christmas and have fun at the Christmas market!