Germany's Greatest Christmas Markets

Enjoy a Cup of Hot Chocolate

Indulging in a delightful cup of hot chocolate is unbeatable on a chilly winter's day, and the finest option awaits at Rausch Schokoladenhaus on Gendarmenmarkt. The showcase area is a treat in itself, featuring chocolate volcanoes, a chocolate Brandenburg Gate, and even a colossal Airbus suspended from the ceiling (originally created for the grand opening of Berlin's new airport).

Trabi Safari Group Tour

Drive through Berlin in the unofficial car of the DDR. Squeeze yourself behind the wheel of a the comically idiosyncratic Trabant and drive around the German capital, seeing its sights and getting a Trabant driver's license to take home.

Over 80 Christmas Markets to Try

Within Germany, Berlin takes the lead in sheer quantity with over 80 Christmas markets, and at any given time, several dozen of them are in full swing. Many of these markets are conveniently located within walking distance of each other. We suggest exploring the market at Gendarmenmarkt or the one in front of the Rotes Rathaus (Red City Hall), featuring a Ferris wheel and an ice rink surrounding the impressive Neptune Fountain. While some of the city's finest markets are open for just a weekend, our local representative will offer additional recommendations tailored to your travel dates

Private Christmas Markets Tour

Berlin's Christmas Markets are a delightful way to spend an evening, with their mulled wine, and endless stalls featuring handmade crafts and artisanal goodies, like candles, festive decorations, wood carvings, and more. Perhaps even more tempting than the shopping is all of the delightful food, such as fragrant roasted chestnuts, savory sausages, delectable chocolate-covered fruits and nuts, and hot drinks. Let's not forget Feuerzangenbowle, a photogenic sight in which a rum-soaked sugarloaf is set aflame, directly above a bowl of mulled wine (the name translates to "fire tongs bowl"). Get into the holiday spirit while discovering Berlin Christmas markets with your local guide!

Winter in the City

Ice skating is great fun for kids and adults alike. You will find an open-air ice rink, which is surrounded by enchanting Christmas light installations at the Christmas Garden, Winterwelt at Potsdamer Platz, and between a Ferris wheel and Neptune Fountain at the Christmas market just west of Alexanderplatz. Take in the Christmas lights and other decorations with a stroll down Under den Linden or Kurfurstendamm (better known as Ku'damm). Sitting comfortably in a vintage theatre, watching silent films with live orchestra music, is just the perfect way of escaping the cold. Babylon Berlin (Kino Babylon) opens daily and still uses a preserved cinema organ. There, you can catch free silent films at midnight on Saturdays.

Dresden Old Town Private Walking Tour

A must-do for getting to know the city of Dresden is strolling through its historical Old Town. From the majestically situated Theatre Square with the world-famous Semper Opera House to the baroque Zwinger Festival Square with its striking landmark - the Crown Gate and from the galleries lined with fountains to Taschenbergpalais, the former residence of Countess Cosel, Dresden remains a major cultural centre of historical memory.

Germany's Christmas Hometown

Dresden is the home to many of Germany’s Christmas traditions, and its oldest Christmas market: the Striezelmarkt. Here, you can find traditional wooden Christmas crafts. Be sure to visit the Christmas Arch, with its candles and ornate figurines representing the decorations placed on mine entrances. If you are into music, enjoy an evening in the Baroque ambience of the impressive Marble Hall in the Zwinger. During a festive Christmas concert, listen to the Dresden Residenz Orchestra play music by Vivaldi, Bach and Mozart. See our blog for plenty more details.

Cherish the Christkindlesmarkt

Nuremberg's Old Town hosts one of Germany's largest, oldest, and most famed Christmas markets: the Christkindlesmarkt. It's hard to think of things you can't find in its 180 booths, from everyday objects (such as nails, hammers, and faucets) made of chocolate to marzipan potatoes. We recommend the city’s famed short bratwurst (Nürnberger Rostbratwurst) and gingerbread (Lebkuchen). With its central location, near the river and Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche), this market is hard to miss.

Nuremberg Old Town Private Walking Tour

On this private walking tour, you will be introduced to the prosperous city of Nuremberg. It provided the ideal foundation for cultural and intellectual life and was a center of economic activity. All your questions will be answered during the tour, which offers a journey through Nuremberg's rise to greatness and provides historical background and insights in a fun and informative format. The guide will introduce you to two tasty local snacks: Nuremberg's world-famous Lebkuchen and Bratwurst.

Bratwurst and Gingerbread

Experience a Medieval Winter Wonderland

Rothenburg is a delight at any time of year, but in winter, the snow turns its spires and rooftops into a living Christmas card. Every year, the narrow and winding streets and the squares around the Rothenburg Town Hall are lined with stalls where you can find everything your heart desires: old German Christmas pastries, mulled wine, large and small handcrafted treasures, souvenirs, and gifts.

Night Watchman Private Tour

A unique way to experience this picturesque medieval town, join a night watchman on his patrol, as he ensures a safe and peaceful night.

Winter in the City

During winter, the canal at Nymphenburg Palace transforms into Munich's lengthiest curling track, welcoming both beginners and experts. Enjoy ice skating at Stachus (Karlsplatz), where the "Munchner Eiszauber" open-air rink offers skating pleasures into the evening. For a quieter experience, consider the Eis- und Funsportzentrum West and the Eissportzentrum Ost, opening as soon as the temperature permits. Another option is skating around the Olympia-Eissportzentrum. Once sufficient snow blankets the ground, tobogganing enthusiasts can hit the slopes on various hills in Munich, such as those found in Luitpoldpark and Westpark.

Christmas Markets Private Tour

Did you know that the history of Christmas markets in Munich can be traced back as far as the 14th century? Stroll along the festive lights during this journey through old and modern times. Discover the sights and hidden corners, and look behind the scenes of cozy Christmas market stalls. You'll be surprised at the number of enchanting Christmas markets that Munich is so famous for, each with a different atmosphere and setting. Enjoy two different types of aromatic "Glühwein" (or, alternatively, non-alcoholic drinks), Bratwurst in a bun, gingerbread, Stollen, and roasted almonds.

Feast Your Eyes in the Alte Pinakothek

Munich is a fantastic city for art and culture lovers. With over 80 museums – many of which are just €1 on Sundays – as well as art galleries, you can explore anything from ancient sculpture to cutting-edge contemporary design. Among them is the Alte Pinakothek, one of the world's oldest art galleries, dating back to 1836. This museum was intended by King Ludwig I to serve as the world's largest museum, as echoed by its impressive castle-like exterior.