German Christmas Markets – Best Towns & Ultimate Foodie List!
Festive travel is among some of our favourite to book for clients, especially when it embraces the culture of the season, and fewer trips do that than one which takes you on a tour of the German Christmas Markets! This German Christmas Markets Travel Guide is going to tell you some of our favourites and why! Of course, our favourite way to tour the Christmas Markets in Germany is on a river cruise. While we are all about off the beaten path travel at The Boho Traveller and want to embue that “rugged luxury” into all of our trips, the most popular Christmas markets are that way for a reason. A river cruise allows for a one time unpacking and more time for exploring & seeing many destinations without the hassle of packing up and moving everyday.
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Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
Nuremberg, or Nürnberg in German, was one of our favourite stops on our Avalon Waterways River Cruise down the Danube! Not only was this Christmas Market MASSIVE, but there is also a really unique history to this city. The Christmas market itself has over 180 stalls and is one of the largest, and most famous, in Germany. We did so much shopping here, and the Glühwein mugs were among some of our favourites and very festive. Nuremberg is an absolute must visit stop on your German Christmas Markets bucket list trip!
How to get to Nuremberg
- Many River Cruises stop at Nuremberg during their itinerary – we are happy to quote a river cruise for you! Did you know that oftentimes travel agents have better rates than what you will see published online?
- Direct Trains from Munich every 20 – 25 mintes, ranging from 1 hour on the fast train or 2.5 hours on the regional train.
- Direct trains from Frankfurt every hour. Typically about 2 hours.
- Direct trains to Bamberg several times a day. Typically about 2 hours
Munich Christkindlmarkt
A wonderful place to start your adventure, Munich is one of the largest cities in Germany located in Bavaria with a rich history and lovely Christmas market. Many Christmas Market Cruises will not stop in Munich, so we recommend tacking this on to the beginning or end of your trip, depending on your itinerary!
How to get to Munich
Munich is the capital of Bavaria and is very well connected internationally to the US and Europe as well as domestically via planes and trains.
Want to head to Munich for a different kind of festivity? Check out our OKTOBERFEST guides for another Germany adventure you are sure to love!
OKTOBERFEST PACKING GUIDE
OKTOBERFEST TRAVEL GUIDE
FOODS TO TRY IN MUNICH
Rothenburg ob der Tauber Reiterlesmarkt
Rothenburg was not a stop we were supposed to make on our adventure, however, we were so glad it was! Tides were too high to make it under some of the bridges on our German Christmas Markets River Cruise. This medieval town is nearly perfectly preserved and feels like you are taking a step back into history with its stunning homes, streets, and medieval towers. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the world’s best examples of a double walled medieval city and has 43 towers and truly is incredibly well preserved. The Christmas market here is small but so charming, and we could have spent two nights in this location we loved it so much!
How to Get to Rothenberg
- Rothenberg is a bit far out of the way – but is definitely worth the visit – for this reason if it is on your absolute bucketlist, we highly recommend booking a river cruise that has it as part of the itinerary.
- Trains from Munich with one change.
- Trains from Würzberg with one change.
Hamburg Historic Christmas Market
Hamburg is another Christmas market that is particularly picturesque. Named Winterwald Hamburg – it lives up to it’s name of Winter Forest with it’s many christmas trees and festive vibe. Of course the Glüwhein is delicious, and don’t skip on the German version of eggnog, Eierlikör. We also enjoyed nice mulled cider here as well!
How to get to Hamburg
- Direct Trains from Nuremberg usually lasting about 4.5 hours.
- Direct Trains from Munich lasting about 6 hours.
- Direct Trains from Frankfurt lasting about 3 hours.
Frankfurt Christmas Market
Frankfurt Christmas market is one of the oldest in Germany and is visited by over 3 million people every year. This is one of the most visited Christmas Markets in Germany, and the large international airport makes it a good starting or stopping point for many river cruises – our trip ended in Frankfurt.
How to get to Frankfurt
- Similarly to Munich, Frankfurt is one of the largest hubs in Germany for flights both internationally to the US, EU & worldwide, as well as with connecting flights and trains domestically within Germany.
Heidelberg Christmas Market
One of the quaintest towns in Germany and a great place to live – Heidelberg Christmas Market is worth a stop on your German Christmas Market tour. While this is town is a stop on the Rhine or Neckar cruises, it is not among the stops on a Danube river cruise. That being said, Heidelberg can be easily paired with Munich via a direct 3 hour train journey.
How to get to Heidelberg
- While not on a Danube river cruise, Heidelberg is a popular stop on the Rhine cruises.
- Direct trains from Frankfurt lasting about 1.5 hours
- Direct trains frpm Munich lasting about 3 hours
- Direct trains from Stuttgart lasting about 30 minutes
Miltenberg Christmas Market
Miltenberg was one of our stops that got ousted due to high water levels on the Danube, and while we were gutted, it did mean we got to see Rothenberg instead. Miltenberg is a stunning medieval riverside town. While small, the Christmas Market is quaint, and is well worth the stop in your adventures.
How to get to Miltenberg
- A bit more complex to get to, this is one of those stops that if it is on your bucketlist, we recommend booking a river cruise to get to!
- Direct trains from Aschaffenburg lasting about 45 minutes.
- Changes are required from Munich, Frankfurt, and Nuremberg.
Bamberg Market
I had little to no expectations going into the Bamberg Christmas Market in Germany, but we absolutely loved it! This was our first stop after Prague, and we fell in love with it! This incredibly scenic town is lovely to walk amongst, and the market was perfect.
How to get to Bamberg
- There are several direct trains from Frankfurt to Bamberg a day that last about 3 hours.
- Direct trains from Würzberg last just over one hour.
Würzberg Christmas Market
I nearly forgot Würzberg! How is that possible! This stop on our trip was lovely, and we didn’t spend nearly as much time in this Christmas Market as we did wantering around town and climbing up to the castle on the opposite side of the river. The market was lovely and town had a myriad of dining options. There is a little bit of something for everyone in Würzberg!
How to get to Wurzberg
- Direct trains from Munich to Würzberg depart every 45 minutes and last from 2-3 hours depending on if the train is regional or express.
- Direct trains from Frankfurt to Würzberg depart every 20 minutes and last from 1-2 hours depending on if the train is regional or express.
- Direct trains from Nuremberg last about 1 hour.
Treats to try at the German Christmas Markets
Drinks to try on your German Christmas Markets Adventure
Glühwein – Hot spiced wine, the Christmas market essential.
Feuerzangenbowle – Glühwein but with a flaming rum-soaked sugar cone melted into it.
Eierpunsch – Germany’s version of eggnog, warm and boozy.
Apfelwein (Hot Cider) – Mulled apple wine, especially popular in Frankfurt.
Heißer Met – Warm honey mead, sweet and medieval.
Jagertee – Spiced black tea mixed with rum, perfect for extra cold nights.
Lumumba – Hot chocolate spiked with rum or brandy.
Punsch – Fruity, spiced punch, often available in alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions.
Kinderpunsch – The non-alcoholic version of Glühwein, perfect for kids (or pacing yourself).
Hot Kirschwasser – Cherry brandy served warm for a serious winter kick.
Foods to Try on your German Christmarkets Adventure
Bratwurst – Classic German sausage, often grilled and served in a bun with mustard.
Currywurst – Sliced bratwurst smothered in spiced ketchup and curry powder.
Schupfnudeln – Bavarian potato dumplings, pan-fried with sauerkraut and bacon.
Kartoffelpuffer – Crispy potato pancakes, usually served with applesauce.
Flammkuchen – Thin, crispy flatbread topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon.
Dampfnudel – Fluffy steamed dumpling, served with vanilla sauce.
Gebrannte Mandeln – Candied almonds, warm, crunchy, and addictive.
Stollen – Rich, fruit-filled Christmas bread dusted with powdered sugar.
Lebkuchen – German gingerbread, soft, spiced, and often heart-shaped.
Marzipankartoffeln – Sweet marzipan treats shaped like tiny potatoes.
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