What is the very best season in Germany? Why, Christmas market season, of course! And where are the best of the best Christmas markets? Why, Bavaria! Check out this amazing one-week shopping extravaganza trip to all the best Bavarian Christmas markets!
It’s almost winter and visions of steaming mugs of glühwein and the sweet taste of stollen are dancing in my head. In Germany, the onset of winter brings one of my favorite seasons of the year – Christmas market season!
Living in Bavaria, specifically Grafenwoehr, We were smack-dab in the midst of the quaintest, quirkiest, and even oldest Christmas markets in Germany. If you haven’t done a German Christmas market yet, book a flight today and I’ll tell you how to get around to the best of Bavarian Christmas Markets in one glorious, shopping bonanza week. Our itinerary will take you to not only the markets, but the cities with the best sight-seeing as well.
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Top 5 Bavarian Cities with Christmas Markets
- Munich
- Nuremberg
- Wurzburg
- Bamberg
- Regensburg
You might also be interested in listening to our podcast of the Top 5 Cities to Visit in Germany.
Munich Christmas Markets
Munich Christmas Market Dates: Starting on 27 November and running through 24 December, 2023.
After that long flight, you are going to need an immediate Christmas market fix, so after checking into your hotel, head straight to the center of Munich to the Marienplatz. This traditional market will get you into the holiday spirit with your first cup of mulled wine, or glühwein, which you can find in many stalls.
If this is your first market, you will notice that the wooden stalls, decorated with fir boughs and festive wooden signs, really gets you into the spirit.
The capital of Bavaria has many Christmas markets to explore, so I would recommend spending two full days here, and more if you want to take any of the day tours from Munich.
One of the most traditional markets in Munich is the Kripperlmarkt where you can buy handmade creche figurines as well as other wooden carvings. To explore further you can find a medieval market, a handicraft market, and even a pink market. They are all fun!
While in Munich don’t miss your opportunity to visit the world-famous Hofbrauhaus! It’s guaranteed to be crowded so just look for a table with enough spots and ask if it’s open. People are expected to sit together to eat, drink, and of course be merry. Eat a roasted pork knuckle and drink some great beer while listening to the oompah band.
Munich provides a Bavarian experience that you will remember for a lifetime. You can head over there after watching the world-famous glockenspiel in the Marienplatz at 11:00 in the morning where wooden figurines joust high up in the clock tower.
Nuremberg Christmas Market
Nuremberg Christmas Market Dates: Running from the 1st through 24th December, 2023.
One of the most famous Christmas or Christkindl markets in Europe, Nuremberg, celebrates the beginning of their season with the Christkind, one of the girls from the city, who descends and opens the market.
If this is something you are interested in, this year the Opening ceremony is always on the official first day of the market at 5:30 PM.
Nuremberg is home to the famous cookie of Christmas, lebkuchen, and there are many stalls selling it to eat right then or wrap and give as gifts. Another tradition in Nuremberg are the prune men. Figurines made out of prunes are for sale at some of the stalls. They are quirky and fun, and you just have to bring one home to show off.
As you walk through the old town, you will also come to a portion that holds a special market just for kids where they can go on rides and eat Schneeballen (snowballs), a local pastry covered in sugar or chocolate.
Nuremberg, famous for the World War II War Crime trials, is a great little city with plenty to do other than Christmas markets. Visit the castle, Albrecht Durer’s house, and by all means eat some Nuremberger würstchen, or little sausages made right there. They are usually served with sauerkraut, but don’t forget to order a pint of beer to wash them down.
Würzburg Christmas Market
Wurzburg Christmas Market Dates: Running from December 1st through the 23rd of 2023.
Located in the beautiful area of Germany called Lower Franconia, Wurzburg has a sprawling Christmas market that is well worth the visit. The stalls boast everything from traditional Christmas items from nutcrackers to wooden candle pyramids, but there’s also plenty of delicious foods like the dampfnüdel or germnüdel.
These are yeast dumplings that are steamed and served with vanilla sauce. The dampfnüdel are plain, but the germnüdel usually is stuffed with plums or sour cherries. Both versions are served hot and are a must try while in Bavaria.
One of the best parts about visiting this city is a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Sight, Wurzburg Residenz, where Franconian Prince Bishops made their homes. Or travel a little way up the hill to Festung Marienberg. Both the palace and the fortress demand a visit and are easy to get to on public transportation.
Also, while in town, drink some Franconian wine. Different than other parts of the country, Franconian wine is special. Try a Bacchus or a Silvaner if you’re into whites, or a Domina for the red. All are delicious and come in a uniquely shaped bottle called a bocksbeutel. Pick up one or two of these excellent wines for gifts, they’re delicious!
Bamberg Christmas Market
Bamberg Christmas Market Dates: Running from 28 November through 23 December, 2023.
Bamberg’s downtown area is a world heritage site, and as soon as you start walking around you can see why. The half-timbered houses and old town hall are stunning examples of German architecture.
Lucky for you the Christmas market wends its way through the entire walking area, and you can’t go far without finding another quaint vendor stall with something to buy for your friends and family back home.
While in Bamberg, be sure to visit the old city hall, built on an island in the Regnitz river. Take a gander at the superb view as you cross over a number of bridges, and there is always a booth nearby to sell you that special warm drink. Don’t forget to visit the Dom, it’s mighty impressive as well. You will fall in love with this gorgeous city, I promise. For the best experience, take a guided walking tour, that way you won’t miss a thing!
Regensburg Christmas Markets
Regensburg Christmas Market Dates: Running from 24 November through 23 December, 2023.
This UNESCO World Heritage City hosts four Christmas markets. There is the traditional one in the downtown area, a handicraft or Artisan’s Lucreziamarkt, an Advent market, and, by far everyone’s favorite, the romantic Christmas market at the Thurn and Taxis palace (entry cost 10.50 Euros on weekends and cheaper during the week, especially Monday).
Regensburg is one of the few places that you can try a warm bier known as “gluhbier” along with your traditional gluhwein, and the city is also famous for their special sausage sandwiches called the Knackersemmel.
Another UNESCO World Heritage city, you can easily find more things to do than just these magical Christmas markets. The old stone bridge, built in the 12th century is a medieval marvel, and the architecture around the city is some of the most beautiful in Bavaria. Don’t miss the historical museum, the Goliathhaus, and even Oscar Schindler‘s house.
Important Info on Bavarian Christmas Markets
A few things to know about Christmas markets. In the larger cities, the markets run continuously from the opening day until right up to the 23rd of the 24th of December, so planning a trip during this time will give you access to all the great ones!
However, there are plenty of smaller, quaint towns that will only be open for a week or a couple of weekends during that time. You will want to check the schedule to see which ones are open during the time that you choose to come to Bavaria and make sure to hit some of those smaller ones as well.
All Christmas markets sell tasty fest food, so they usually open at about 11:00 in the morning to catch the lunch crowd. The best time to go, in my opinion, though is in the evening and into the night.
There are plenty of lights, and standing around sipping some hot cocoa or glühwein and watching the shoppers is a great way to pass some time. I like to walk around, get some ideas of what to buy, then warm up inside at a restaurant for dinner.
After which, I return and hit those stalls to buy those items that have stuck with me, and I just can’t live without (or my relatives can’t anyway).
What is a Pfand?
As you are wandering the markets, you will notice that every food and drink stand charges a pfand or deposit for their plastic or glass bottles and dishware. This includes the mug that will have the name of the Christmas market on it.
You have to pay the pfand, eat or drink the goods, and return the dishware to the stall to get your deposit back. If the lines are long, don’t worry, you can either cut the line or go up politely on the side and they will return your pfand.
If you’re crazy in love with the glühwein mug, and let’s face it, you will be, simply keep the mug and forego your deposit. Another great souvenir for your memories!
Getting To The Bavarian Christmas Markets
First, fly right into Munich. You can fly into many airports in Germany, all of which are situated near some good markets, but for those traditional Bavarian markets fly right to the capital of Bavaria itself.
Now you have your first choice. Should you train or drive? Both are easy and safe. Taking the train might be a little cheaper, and you don’t have to worry about much except making your connections, but driving gives you tons of flexibility, especially if you’re interested in visiting some of the smaller markets along the way. It’s up to you.
Taking the Train – Bayern Ticket
The most important thing you need to know about the train is that you do not book your tickets ahead. Really, don’t do it. I know you are tempted, but there is absolutely no reason to worry. You will get a seat and it will be cheaper to do it day by day.
Here’s why. There’s a special daily fare for traveling by rail around the state of Bavaria. It’s called the Bayern Ticket and it’s pretty cheap! Costs start at 27 Euros per adult, 32 for two, and what’s more? Up to three kids under 15 are free.
You have to leave after 9:00 am and you do have to ride 2nd Class, but so what? All German trains are clean and quiet. You will love it. If you decide to go by train, you can choose to stay in Munich at the same hotel for the full week, because your return ride is included as long as you return before 3:00 in the morning.
Top 5 Bavarian Christmas Market Map
Starting off and finishing in Munich is key! On your way out of the country, you can make sure to have one last glühwein or bratwurst at the Christmas market held right in the airport. That’s right, just in case you didn’t quite finish all of your shopping, you have one last chance. The Flughafen (Airport) Christmas Market is complete with an ice skating rink and plenty of handicrafts and great food. It’s guaranteed to be a fitting end to your trip!
Other Bavarian Germany Christmas Markets
If you are a Christmas Market fanatic, then maybe the top five cities are not enough. Don’t worry Bavaria is full on beautiful Christmas markets. Here are some of our favorite smaller markets that we’ve been to and absolutely loved. Just remember, since they are smaller, they may not be open the entire Advent, so check the calendar.
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- Schloss Guteneck
- Fraueninsel
- Passau
- Coburg
- Berchtesgaden
- Garmisch-Partenkirchen
- Dinkelsbuhl
Conclusion
German Christmas markets are nothing short of magical! It’s cold and feels like Christmas. There’s everything from quaint wooden stalls, to steaming glasses of gluhwein and hot chocolate.
The big five Bavarian cities usually have more than one Christmas market as well as fantastic historical sights to see. You will want to start planning your winter to Bavaria trip soon, and you will want to come back year after year.
Author Bio: Jim Vail, is a travel, food, and video creator and a perpetual traveler who has been travel writing for over 15 years. For many years he lived overseas in Germany, Japan, Turkey, South Korea, and the Netherlands, and he’s visited over 90 countries.
If you enjoyed our Bavarian Christmas Market Itinerary...
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Sage Scott
Monday 6th of November 2023
The Bavarian Christmas markets are the absolute BEST in Europe. Great job spotlighting them all!
Corinne Vail
Monday 6th of November 2023
Thanks. We can never get enough! This year we're visiting a lot more. So stay tuned!
cindy
Monday 6th of November 2023
I have never been to Germany but my husband just returned. I'd love to go around Christmas! I can just picture myself with a yummy hot chocolate walking around!
Corinne Vail
Monday 6th of November 2023
I have to say, there's nothing that feels more Christmas-y than a traditional market with its lights and tastes. I'm sure you would love it.
Jake
Sunday 5th of November 2023
Bavaria looks like it has some of the best Christmas markets in the world! Can't wait to start planning out our own itinerary after reading this. Thanks for the awesome tips.
Corinne Vail
Sunday 5th of November 2023
You will absolutely love it!
Paula
Saturday 4th of November 2023
I'm totally intrigued. We're planning a trip soon and I'm going to change one day plans to incorporate some of your suggestions. Thanks so much!
Corinne Vail
Sunday 5th of November 2023
Glad to hear it. Enjoy!
Annette Stull
Wednesday 13th of September 2023
I have really enjoyed your site! We are planning a trip this Christmas! Question, would you happen to know if the hot chocolate is gluten free? Here in the US, almost all pre packaged is not. Thanks!
Corinne Vail
Thursday 14th of September 2023
Hi Annette,
Most German hot chocolate that you will find in the Christmas markets are not made with a powder, if that helps. Honestly, I have no idea how it's made and would not want to guess if it's gluten free or not. I'm just not an expert at that. Sorry.
There are plenty of warm drinks that you can try that I'm sure would be gluten-free, though. I would just ask before you buy. The German word is "glutenfrei" pronounced like "gluten fry". I think they will understand you.
Have fun!