It's finally here! Opening soon German Christmas markets again. We are already looking forward to twinkling lights, cozy Christmas music and hot mulled wine.
Big or small, classic or modern – the Duitse Christmas markets are world famous. So it's no wonder that tourists from all over the world flock to Germany's cities in November and December to get into the Christmas spirit. The Dutch also like to take a trip to the eastern neighbors to visit a Christmas market.
The offer is huge and therefore has Travelcircus Once again this year we have listed the Christmas markets in some of the most popular German cities. We have made an overview of the Christmas markets in Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne en Munich with handy route planner. This way you can be sure that you won't miss anything.
The main points:
- Most of the Christmas markets take place in Hamburg this year
- In Germany, about 50 million liters of mulled wine are drunk every year
- In Munich and Cologne, all Christmas markets are free
- Again this year there is a lot to do for families
- In Hamburg, visitors will get hot again in December this year
Tip:: Do you like to travel in a sustainable way? You can take the train to various Christmas markets in Europe. Click here for all Christmas market destinations and prices via NSinternational.
The categories
Glühwein, Christmas music and decorations are everywhere, but not every Christmas market is the same. Some Christmas markets focus on families, others on adults. There are Christmas markets with original themes and Christmas markets that go for a classic atmosphere. Whatever your taste, there is a perfect German Christmas market for everyone!
To make the choice a little easier, the travel experts of Travelcircus all Christmas markets in major German cities divided into different categories. This way you can immediately see which Christmas markets are worth visiting for you.
This year Travelcircus 88 Christmas markets in Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne en Munich compared. To get a place on the route planner, a Christmas market must meet the following requirements:
- Open at least 2 weekends
- Within walking distance of a metro or tram stop
- Opening hours for 01-11-2023 announced
German Christmas markets in 2023
We expect numerous visitors and a cheerful festive atmosphere at the 88 Christmas markets in the four largest German cities. Below you will see an overview of the number of Christmas markets 2023 in Germany per city.
Hamburg overtakes Berlin as the ultimate Christmas city
Tip:: don't feel like going straight back home after a long day at the Christmas market? Then view here the hotel offer Hamburg and order here your train tickets.
In the north of Germany you have the largest choice of Christmas markets. on 30 spots can you get into the Christmas mood in Hamburg. But there is also a party in the German capital. In Berlin there are 28 beautiful Christmas markets. There are 20 in Munich this year and 10 in Cologne. New Christmas markets may be announced that are not included in this comparison.
An outing for the whole family
Most Christmas markets are suitable for visitors of all ages, but some are more child-friendly than others. Looking at the categories above, it is clear that many Christmas markets are aimed specifically at families. That is not surprising, since Christmas is really a family celebration. Most child-friendly Christmas markets can be found in Berlin and Hamburg.
Also read: These are the best amusement parks in Europe | Amusement Park Check
Especially for adults there are 5 Christmas markets in the Sexy/Love/Pride category this year, in Hamburg even two. In addition, there are 16 Christmas markets that we find very special and have therefore placed in the Special Tip category.
Handcraft rather than mass production
Those who like shopping for handmade gifts can indulge themselves in Munich, because there are 4 of the 16 Christmas markets with a special emphasis on handicrafts and traditional crafts.
Fortunately, most Christmas markets can also be visited for free this year. Only in Hamburg and Berlin do you have to pay an entrance fee for 8 Christmas markets. In the All inclusive Weihnachtsmarkt am Spree in Berlin this is really worth the money! All food and drinks are included here for € 40.
Christmas markets 2023 in Berlin
Tip:: Below you will find the 2022 Christmas Markets Berlin map – we expect it to be largely the same in 2023. If you want the latest version: At the end of November we will update the map for the 2023 version. Click on the map to enlarge and view it download on your phone).
Tip:: Don't feel like going to the Christmas market after a long day Berlin go straight back home? Then view here the hotel offer for Berlin and order here your train tickets.
Which metro will run from market to market this year?
In Berlin you will find 28 enchanting Christmas markets spread throughout the city. If you want to visit as many as possible in one day, it is best to travel by public transport. Also this year the U2 past 9 Christmas markets and is thus the unofficial Christmas line.
Also look outside the center
Far from the hustle and bustle of the city center, the Christmas spirit is fully present. In the south, Zehlendorf and Treptow lure with the cozy craft market on Mexicoplatz or the Christmas market in the Späth'schen Baumschulen. In Spandau, on the eastern edge of Berlin, 4 Christmas markets will take place this year. The most beautiful is the attractive Christmas market in the citadel of Spandau.
Colorful and diverse
The Christmas markets in the German capital are as colorful as Berlin is. From beautiful crafts and classic Christmas markets to medieval scenes and Scandinavian style. If you want to experience Christmas in Berlin, you should go to the LGBTQ* Christmas market at the Nollendorferplatz.
Also read: 10x tips for Berlin | Diverse and multicultural metropolis
Christmas markets 2023 in Hamburg
Tip:: Below you will find the Hamburg Christmas Markets map of 2022 – we expect it to be largely the same in 2023. If you want the latest version: At the end of November we will update the map for the 2023 version. Click on the map to enlarge and view it download on your phone).
Did you know: You already from 33 euros by train to Hamburg can travel? Click here for ticket prices and availability and here for available hotels.
With the U3 in the Christmas mood
In Hamburg there is plenty of choice from 30 different Christmas markets. Most of them are located in the city center and with the U3 you can easily visit 13 of them.
Fun for young and old in Hamburg
In Hamburg, young and old are amazed. About a third of the Christmas markets are particularly child-friendly, especially the Bergedorfer Wichtelmark with a Christmas bakery and gnome workshop is fun for the little ones.
But it is also exciting here for the adults! Hamburg is the only German city to have not one, but two Christmas markets in the Sexy/Love/Pride category. The Santa Pauli Christmas market on the Reeperbahn and Winter Pride will also keep you nice and warm in December.
Extra tip: those looking for romance must visit Weissen Zauber on the Jungfernstieg. Here, the twinkling lights on the water add an extra dose of magic.
Christmas markets 2023 in Cologne
Tip:: Below you will find the Cologne Christmas Markets map of 2022 – we expect it to be largely the same in 2023. If you want the latest version: At the end of November we will update the map for the 2023 version. Click on the map to enlarge and view it download on your phone).
Did you know: You already from 20 euros by train to Cologne can travel? Click here for ticket prices and availability and here for available hotels.
Christmas fun in Cologne
Cologne enchants visitors this year with 10 Christmas markets. Lines 1, 7 and 16 take you past 4 of the 10 Christmas markets. At the stop Rudolph Square you will even find two Christmas markets together. The beautiful Nikolausdorf for families and the Heavenue Cologne – The Gay Christmas Market.
Everything is slightly different in Cologne
In Cologne, a particularly large number of markets earned our Special tip category this year. They put you in the Christmas mood here in their own unique way. At the Hafenweihnacht am Schokoladenmuseum for example, everything revolves around the theme of shipping and you can shelter from the cold in the cozy wooden huts of the Weihnachtsmarkt im Herbrand's.
There is also a lot to discover for families this year. The Markt der Engel am Neumarkt is lovingly decorated with huts and angel figures. In the Lindenthaler Winterdorf on Karl-Schwering-Platz there is a Ferris wheel for children and a theater program full of fun Christmas shows.
Extra tip: those who can't get enough of handmade works of art should pay a visit Heinzel's Wintermärchen. In the center of the city you will find the iconic Cologne dwarves here.
Christmas markets 2023 in Munich
Tip:: Below you will find the Munich Christmas Markets map of 2022 – we expect it to be largely the same in 2023. If you want the latest version: At the end of November we will update the map for the 2023 version. Click on the map to enlarge and view it download on your phone).
Did you know: You already from 40 euros by train to Munichn can travel? Click here for ticket prices and availability and here for available hotels.
Bavarian Christmas spheres
Want to visit almost half of Munich's Christmas markets in one day? It's possible with the U3 and U4! These metro lines take visitors to 9 of the 21 Christmas markets. You will even find three markets together on the Odeonsplatz.
De 3 meter tall Santa Claus at Moosacher Hüttenzauber is definitely worth a look. And at Weihnachtszauber in the Bavariapark, the little ones can look forward to a visit from Santa Claus and Jan Klaassen.
Between modernity and tradition Munich is the perfect place to shop handmade artifacts and craft products. You will find many traditional Bavarian handicrafts at the Christmas markets here. But Munich is also moving with the times. For example, visit the exciting Wintertollwood Festival and the romantic Feuerzangenbowle. And those who are cold can warm up on the extravagant Pink Christmas at Sendlinger Tor.
Summary
We can look forward to mulled wine and Christmas music again. In the major German cities of Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and Cologne, visitors will soon be able to get into the Christmas spirit again.
Thanks to the good connections of the Christmas markets on public transport, you can easily and quickly cross the cities to visit as many Christmas markets as possible and not miss any of the fun. Who will you visit the German Christmas markets with in 2023?
Tip:: Do you like to travel in a sustainable way? You can take the train to various Christmas markets in Europe. Click here for all Christmas market destinations and prices via NSinternational.
