Germany is known for its magical Christmas markets, and there are many great options for families. Here are 10 good Christmas markets in Germany for families, with tips on how to make the most of your visit:
1. Nuremberg Christmas Market
The Nuremberg Christmas Market is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Germany. It is also one of the most family-friendly, with a variety of activities and attractions for children of all ages.
Some of the highlights of the Nuremberg Christmas Market for families include:
The Children’s Christmas Market, which features a carousel, a Ferris wheel, and other rides and attractions
The Plärrer, a large amusement park that is located next to the Christmas market
The Nuremberg Toy Museum, which has a special exhibit of Christmas toys
The Nuremberg Zoo, which is open year-round but is especially festive during the Christmas season
Tips for visiting the Nuremberg Christmas Market with families:
Arrive early to avoid the crowds. The Nuremberg Christmas Market is one of the most popular in Germany, so it can get very crowded, especially on weekends and in the evenings.
Take breaks throughout the day. The market is large and there is a lot to see and do, so it’s important to take breaks so your children don’t get too tired.
Dress warmly. The weather in Nuremberg in December can be cold and wet, so it’s important to dress warmly.
Bring snacks and drinks. Food and drinks can be expensive at the Christmas market, so it’s a good idea to bring your own snacks and drinks, especially if you have young children.
Be sure to try the Nuremberg gingerbread. Nuremberg is known for its delicious gingerbread, which is sold at many stalls at the Christmas market.
Visit the Children’s Christmas Market. The Children’s Christmas Market is a special section of the Nuremberg Christmas Market that is geared towards children. It features a carousel, a Ferris wheel, and other rides and attractions.
Take a ride on the Plärrer train. The Plärrer is a large amusement park that is located next to the Nuremberg Christmas Market. The Plärrer train takes visitors on a tour of the amusement park.
2. Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market
The Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market is one of the most picturesque Christmas markets in Germany. It is set in the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, which is surrounded by a well-preserved town wall.
Some of the highlights of the Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market for families include:
The Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village, which is a large Christmas store with a variety of Christmas decorations and gifts
The Rothenburg Toy Museum, which has a special exhibit of wooden Christmas toys
The Rothenburg Town Hall, which offers guided tours of the tower
The Rothenburg Medieval Christmas Market, which is a smaller market located within the town walls and features traditional Christmas crafts and food
Tips for visiting the Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market with families:
Arrive early to avoid the crowds. The Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market is another popular market, so it’s important to arrive early if you want to avoid the crowds.
Take a walk through the Old Town. The Old Town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is beautifully decorated for the Christmas season.
Visit the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village. The Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village is a large Christmas store that is located in the heart of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. It is a great place to find Christmas decorations and gifts.
Visit the Rothenburg Toy Museum. The Rothenburg Toy Museum has a special exhibit of wooden Christmas toys.
Take a ride on the Rothenburg Christmas Market Train. The Rothenburg Christmas Market Train takes visitors on a tour of the market.
3. Munich Christmas Market – One of the Good Christmas markets in Germany
The Munich Christmas Market is one of the largest and most popular Christmas markets in Germany. It is located in the heart of Munich, and it features a variety of stalls selling Christmas decorations, gifts, food, and drinks.
Some of the highlights of the Munich Christmas Market for families include:
The Marienplatz Christmas Market, which is the largest and most popular Christmas market in Munich
The Residenz Christmas Market, which is located in the courtyard of the Munich Residenz
The Sendlinger Tor Christmas Market, which is located at the Sendlinger Tor gate
The Tollwood Winter Festival is a cultural festival that features a variety of events and attractions, including a Christmas market
Tips for visiting the Munich Christmas Market with families:
Arrive early to avoid the crowds. The Munich Christmas Market is one of the largest and most popular Christmas markets in Germany, so it’s important to arrive early if you want to avoid the crowds.
Visit the Marienplatz Christmas Market. The Marienplatz Christmas Market is the largest and most popular Christmas market in Munich. It is located in the Marienplatz, which is the main square in Munich.
Visit the Residenz Christmas Market. The Residenz Christmas Market is located in the courtyard of the Munich Residenz, which is the former royal palace of Bavaria.
Visit the Sendlinger Tor Christmas Market. The Sendlinger Tor Christmas Market is located at the Sendlinger Tor gate, which is one of the main gates of the Old Town of Munich.
Visit the Tollwood Winter Festival. The Tollwood Winter Festival is a cultural festival that features a variety of events and attractions, including a Christmas market.
4. Heidelberg Christmas Market
The Heidelberg Christmas Market is one of the most romantic Christmas markets in Germany. It is set in the Old Town of Heidelberg, which is surrounded by the Neckar River and the Heidelberg Castle.
Some of the highlights of the Heidelberg Christmas Market for families include:
The Heidelberg Castle offers stunning views of the city and the Christmas market below.
The Old Town is lined with shops and restaurants that are decorated for the holidays.
The Christmas Market features a variety of stalls selling Christmas decorations, gifts, food, and drinks.
The Heidelberg Ice Rink is located in the Marktplatz.
The Heidelberg Christmas Train, which takes visitors on a tour of the Old Town.
Tips for visiting the Heidelberg Christmas Market with families:
Arrive early to avoid the crowds. The Heidelberg Christmas Market is a popular market, so it’s important to arrive early if you want to avoid the crowds.
Take a walk through the Old Town. The Old Town of Heidelberg is beautifully decorated for the Christmas season.
Visit the Heidelberg Castle. The Heidelberg Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers stunning views of the city and the Christmas market below.
Go ice skating at the Heidelberg Ice Rink. The Heidelberg Ice Rink is located in the Marktplatz.
Take a ride on the Heidelberg Christmas Market Train. The Heidelberg Christmas Market Train takes visitors on a tour of the market.
5. Dresden Striezelmarkt
The Dresden Striezelmarkt is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Germany. It is also one of the largest, with over 250 stalls selling Christmas decorations, gifts, food, and drinks.
Some of the highlights of the Dresden Striezelmarkt for families include:
The Dresden Christmas Pyramid, which is a giant wooden pyramid that is decorated with Christmas figures
The Dresden Christmas Stollen, which is a traditional German fruit bread that is sold at the market
The Dresden Christmas Market Train, which takes visitors on a tour of the market
The Dresden Christmas Market Carolers, who sing traditional German Christmas carols
The Dresden Christmas Market Puppet Theater, which puts on traditional German Christmas puppet shows
Tips for visiting the Dresden Striezelmarkt with families:
Arrive early to avoid the crowds. The Dresden Striezelmarkt is one of the oldest and most popular Christmas markets in Germany, so it’s important to arrive early if you want to avoid the crowds.
Visit the Dresden Christmas Pyramid. The Dresden Christmas Pyramid is a giant wooden pyramid that is decorated with Christmas figures.
Try the Dresden Christmas Stollen. The Dresden Christmas Stollen is a traditional German fruit bread that is sold at many stalls at the Striezelmarkt.
Take a ride on the Dresden Christmas Market Train. The Dresden Christmas Market Train takes visitors on a tour of the market.
Listen to the Dresden Christmas Market Carolers. The Dresden Christmas Market Carolers sing traditional German Christmas carols.
Watch the Dresden Christmas Market Puppet Theater. The Dresden Christmas Market Puppet Theater puts on traditional German Christmas puppet shows
6. Stuttgart Christmas Market
The Stuttgart Christmas Market is one of the largest and most popular Christmas markets in Germany. It is located in the heart of Stuttgart, and it features a variety of stalls selling Christmas decorations, gifts, food, and drinks.
Some of the highlights of the Stuttgart Christmas Market for families include:
The Stuttgart Christmas Market Train, which takes visitors on a tour of the market
The Stuttgart Christmas Market Ice Rink, which is located in the Schlossplatz
The Stuttgart Christmas Market Choir, which sings traditional German Christmas carols
The Stuttgart Christmas Market Nativity Scene, which is a large nativity scene that is set up in the Marktplatz
Tips for visiting the Stuttgart Christmas Market with families:
Arrive early to avoid the crowds. The Stuttgart Christmas Market is a popular market, so it’s important to arrive early if you want to avoid the crowds.
Visit the Stuttgart Christmas Market Train. The Stuttgart Christmas Market Train takes visitors on a tour of the market.
Go ice skating at the Stuttgart Christmas Market Ice Rink. The Stuttgart Christmas Market Ice Rink is located in the Schlossplatz.
Listen to the Stuttgart Christmas Market Choir. The Stuttgart Christmas Market Choir sings traditional German Christmas carols.
Visit the Stuttgart Christmas Market Nativity Scene. The Stuttgart Christmas Market Nativity Scene is a large nativity scene that is set up in the Marktplatz.
7. Cologne Christmas Market
The Cologne Christmas Market is one of the most popular Christmas markets in Germany. It is located in the heart of Cologne, and it features a variety of stalls selling Christmas decorations, gifts, food, and drinks.
Some of the highlights of the Cologne Christmas Market for families include:
The Cologne Christmas Market Ice Rink, which is located in the Roncalliplatz
The Cologne Christmas Market Choir, which sings traditional German Christmas carols
The Cologne Christmas Market Nativity Scene, which is a large nativity scene that is set up in the Neumarkt
The Cologne Christmas Market Ferris Wheel, which offers stunning views of the city and the Christmas market below
The Cologne Christmas Market Santa Claus Parade, which takes place every Saturday afternoon during the Advent season
Tips for visiting the Cologne Christmas Market with families:
Arrive early to avoid the crowds. The Cologne Christmas Market is one of the most popular Christmas markets in Germany, so it’s important to arrive early if you want to avoid the crowds.
Visit the Cologne Christmas Market Ice Rink. The Cologne Christmas Market Ice Rink is located in the Roncalliplatz.
Listen to the Cologne Christmas Market Choir. The Cologne Christmas Market Choir sings traditional German Christmas carols.
Visit the Cologne Christmas Market Nativity Scene. The Cologne Christmas Market Nativity Scene is a large nativity scene that is set up in the Neumarkt.
Take a ride on the Cologne Christmas Market Ferris Wheel. The Cologne Christmas Market Ferris Wheel offers stunning views of the city and the Christmas market below.
Watch the Cologne Christmas Market Santa Claus Parade. The Cologne Christmas Market Santa Claus Parade occurs every Saturday afternoon during Advent.
8. Berlin Christmas Markets
Berlin is home to a variety of Christmas markets, each with its own unique atmosphere.
Some of the most popular Christmas markets in Berlin include:
The Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market, which is one of the most picturesque Christmas markets in Berlin
The Potsdamer Platz Christmas Market is a large and bustling Christmas market with a variety of stalls selling Christmas decorations, gifts, food, and drinks
The Alexanderplatz Christmas Market, which is a popular Christmas market with a focus on family-friendly activities
The Spandau Christmas Market, which is a traditional German Christmas market located in the Spandau borough of Berlin
Tips for visiting the Berlin Christmas Markets with families:
Arrive early to avoid the crowds. The Berlin Christmas Markets can be very crowded, especially on weekends and in the evenings.
Visit the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market. The Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market is one of the most picturesque Christmas markets in Berlin.
Visit the Potsdamer Platz Christmas Market. The Potsdamer Platz Christmas Market is a large and bustling Christmas market with a variety of stalls selling Christmas decorations, gifts, food, and drinks.
Visit the Alexanderplatz Christmas Market. The Alexanderplatz Christmas Market is a popular Christmas market with a focus on family-friendly activities.
Visit the Spandau Christmas Market. The Spandau Christmas Market is a traditional German Christmas market located in the Spandau borough of Berlin.
9. Hamburg Christmas Markets
Hamburg is home to a variety of Christmas markets, each with its own unique atmosphere.
Some of the most popular Christmas markets in Hamburg include:
The Hamburg Christmas Market at Jungfernstieg, which is a traditional German Christmas market located on the Jungfernstieg promenade
The Hamburg Christmas Market at the Rathausmarkt is a large and bustling Christmas market with a variety of stalls selling Christmas decorations, gifts, food, and drinks
The Hamburg Christmas Market at the Fleetinsel, which is a picturesque Christmas market located on the Fleetinsel island
The Hamburg Christmas Market at the Hafentor, which is a maritime-themed Christmas market located at the Hafentor harbor
Tips for visiting the Hamburg Christmas Markets with families:
Arrive early to avoid the crowds. The Hamburg Christmas Markets can be very crowded, especially on weekends and in the evenings.
Visit the Hamburg Christmas Market at Jungfernstieg. The Hamburg Christmas Market at Jungfernstieg is a traditional German Christmas market located on the Jungfernstieg promenade.
Visit the Hamburg Christmas Market at the Rathausmarkt. The Hamburg Christmas Market at the Rathausmarkt is a large and bustling Christmas market with a variety of stalls selling Christmas decorations, gifts, food, and drinks.
Visit the Hamburg Christmas Market at the Fleetinsel. The Hamburg Christmas Market at the Fleetinsel is a picturesque Christmas market located on the Fleetinsel island.
Visit the Hamburg Christmas Market at the Hafentor. The Hamburg Christmas Market at the Hafentor is a maritime-themed Christmas market located at the Hafentor harbor.
10. Leipzig Christmas Market
The Leipzig Christmas Market is one of the oldest and most popular Christmas markets in Germany. It is located in the heart of Leipzig, and it features a variety of stalls selling Christmas decorations, gifts, food, and drinks.
Some of the highlights of the Leipzig Christmas Market for families include:
Leipzig Christmas Market Ice Rink
The Leipzig Christmas Market Ice Rink is located in the Marktplatz and is a great place for families to enjoy some winter fun. The rink is open to all ages and abilities, and there are skate rentals available.
Leipzig Christmas Market Choir
The Leipzig Christmas Market Choir sings traditional German Christmas carols every day at the market. The choir performs at various locations throughout the market, and their performances are a great way to get into the holiday spirit.
Leipzig Christmas Market Nativity Scene
The Leipzig Christmas Market Nativity Scene is a large nativity scene that is set up in the Thomaskirche church. The nativity scene is free to visit and is a great way to learn about the Christmas story.
Leipzig Christmas Market Ferris Wheel
The Leipzig Christmas Market Ferris Wheel offers stunning views of the city and the Christmas market below. The Ferris wheel is located in the Marktplatz and is a great way to see the market from a different perspective.
Leipzig Christmas Market Santa Claus Parade
The Leipzig Christmas Market Santa Claus Parade occurs every Saturday afternoon during Advent. The parade features Santa Claus and his elves, as well as other holiday characters.
Leipzig Christmas Market Train
The Leipzig Christmas Market Train takes visitors on a tour of the market. The train is a great way to see all of the different stalls and vendors.
Leipzig Christmas Market Toy Market
The Leipzig Christmas Market Toy Market is a great place to find unique and traditional German Christmas toys. The market is located in the Marktplatz and features a variety of stalls selling toys for all ages.
Leipzig Christmas Market Food and Drink
The Leipzig Christmas Market offers a variety of food and drink options for families. There are stalls selling everything from traditional German Christmas dishes to international cuisine. There are also a variety of stalls selling hot drinks, such as mulled wine and hot chocolate.
Tips for visiting the Leipzig Christmas Market with families:
Arrive early to avoid the crowds. The Leipzig Christmas Market can be very crowded, especially on weekends and in the evenings.
Visit the Leipzig Christmas Market Ice Rink. The Leipzig Christmas Market Ice Rink is located in the Marktplatz.
Listen to the Leipzig Christmas Market Choir. The Leipzig Christmas Market Choir sings traditional German Christmas carols.
Visit the Leipzig Christmas Market Nativity Scene. The Leipzig Christmas Market Nativity Scene is a large nativity scene that is set up in the Thomaskirche church.
Take a ride on the Leipzig Christmas Market Ferris Wheel. The Leipzig Christmas Market Ferris Wheel offers stunning views of the city and the Christmas market below.
Watch the Leipzig Christmas Market Santa Claus Parade. The Leipzig Christmas Market Santa Claus Parade occurs every Saturday afternoon during Advent.
Visit the Leipzig Christmas Market Toy Market. The Leipzig Christmas Market Toy Market is a great place to find unique and traditional German Christmas toys.
Try the Leipzig Christmas Market Food and Drink. The Leipzig Christmas Market offers a variety of food and drink options for families. There are stalls selling everything from traditional German Christmas dishes to international cuisine. There are also a variety of stalls selling hot drinks, such as mulled wine and hot chocolate.
Additional tips for visiting Christmas markets in Germany with families:
Plan your trip in advance. This will help you to choose the right Christmas markets to visit and to make the most of your time.
Be prepared for crowds. Christmas markets in Germany can be very crowded, especially on weekends and in the evenings.
Dress warmly. The weather in Germany in December can be cold and wet, so it’s important to dress warmly.
Bring cash. Many vendors at Christmas markets do not accept credit cards.
Take breaks throughout the day. Christmas markets can be overwhelming, so it’s important to take breaks throughout the day.
Have fun! Christmas markets in Germany are a magical experience for the whole family.
Conclusion
Germany is home to some of the best Christmas markets in the world. With their festive atmosphere, delicious food and drinks, and various activities, Christmas markets are a great way to create lasting holiday memories with your family.
I hope this blog post has helped you to learn more about the best Christmas markets in Germany for families.
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