6. Stuttgart
Five of Stuttgart’s squares will put you in the Christmas spirit, with over 300 enthusiastically-decorated stalls selling food, decorations and other Christmas-themed treats. There’s also an outdoor skating rink and live music performed under the massive Christmas tree in the incredibly-gorgeous courtyard of the Old Palace each night. But, the Christmas lights alone are a sight to see.
Learn more on the Stuttgart Tourism website.
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7. Munich
The city becomes even more fairytale-like when the Christmas decorations are put up. Visit the Marienplatz to find some unique Christmas gifts and German-influenced comfort foods. Head to the Manger market to find everything you could ever need to make the perfect manger, send Santa a letter from the Christmas Post Office, or take a Christmas-themed tour on the Christkindl Tram.
Learn more on the Munich Tourism site.
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8. Freiburg
It’s not the largest but it may be one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany. You’ll find a huge range of handmade products and gifts there, including ceramics, designer candles, hand puppets, jewellery and of course Christmas decorations, some of which you can watch being made right at the market. When you get hungry, try Lebkuchen, a ginger cake, or Nonnenseufzer, a nickname for fresh apple doughnuts. Wash it all down with mulled wine, of course.
Find more info on the Freiburg website.
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9. Konstanz
This Christmas market alongside Lake Constance attracts over 400,000 visitors each year, which makes sense because of its gorgeousness. It has all the usual Christmas market treats but what’s unique is the “Christmas Ship” moored up in the harbor that you can climb aboard.
Learn more on the Lake Constance tourism website.
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10. Frankfurt
Spread across Frankfurt’s Römerberg, St Paul’s Square and Mainkai (Main Quay), locals and visitors alike love to visit and begin their Christmas celebrations here. If you want to pick up some typical Frankfurt Christmas gifts, stop by the cozy log cabin under the market’s massive Christmas tree. You’ll find things like Frankfurt-style Christmas tree ornaments, apple wine soap, Frankfurt slippers and this year’s version of our popular glühwein (mulled wine) mug.
Find out more on the Frankfurt Tourism site.
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Bonus – Munich Airport
THERE’S AN ICE SKATING RINK AT THE AIRPORT GUYS. How cool is that? You can also pick up some last-minute German treats and Christmas gifts at one of the 50 stalls surrounding the rink. Munich’s might be the best airport EVER…
Learn more on the Bavaria tourism site.
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All of these German Christmas markets can be reached by train. Read more about traveling Germany by train (Europeans, you’ll want to travel with an Interrail pass.)
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