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1. Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt (Bavaria)

One of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in the world, Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt dates back to the 16th century. Known for its handmade wooden decorations, famous Nuremberg gingerbread (Lebkuchen), and sizzling bratwurst, this market is a magical experience. Don’t miss the opening ceremony, where the "Christkind" (a golden-robed angel) welcomes visitors from the balcony of the Church of Our Lady.

2. Dresden Striezelmarkt (Saxony)

First held in 1434, Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is Germany’s oldest Christmas market. Named after the famous Stollen (Striezel) fruitcake, this market features a festive atmosphere with twinkling lights, a giant Christmas pyramid, and artisans selling handmade nutcrackers and candle arches from the Erzgebirge region.

3. Cologne Christmas Markets (North Rhine-Westphalia)

Cologne boasts several stunning Christmas markets, but the one in front of the towering Cologne Cathedral is the most iconic. With over 150 wooden stalls, visitors can enjoy mulled wine (Glühwein), roasted chestnuts, and the famous "Reibekuchen" (potato pancakes). The floating market on a boat along the Rhine is also a unique experience.

4. Munich Christkindlmarkt (Bavaria)

Set against the backdrop of Marienplatz and the stunning Neo-Gothic town hall, Munich’s Christmas market is traditional and elegant. The highlight is the huge 30-meter Christmas tree decorated with thousands of lights. Visit the Kripperlmarkt (nativity market) to find intricate nativity scenes crafted in Bavaria.

5. Stuttgart Weihnachtsmarkt (Baden-Württemberg)

Stuttgart’s Christmas market stands out for its elaborately decorated wooden stalls, each adorned with festive miniatures and lights. The market is known for its Swabian delicacies like "Maultaschen" (Swabian ravioli) and Schupfnudeln (potato noodles), as well as the nearby Esslingen medieval market, where traders in historical costumes recreate a medieval winter fair.

6. Rothenburg ob der Tauber Reiterlesmarkt (Bavaria)

Held in one of Germany’s most picturesque medieval towns, Rothenburg’s Christmas market feels like stepping into a fairytale. The town’s half-timbered houses and cobbled streets are illuminated with warm lights. The market’s name comes from the mystical "Reiterle" (Rider), a centuries-old Christmas figure who symbolizes the transition from fall to winter.

7. Hamburg Rathausmarkt Christmas Market (Hamburg)

Set in front of the grand Hamburg Town Hall, this Christmas market is famous for its theme-based sections, including a toy street, a historic crafts section, and a food area offering delicious North German specialties like roasted fish and marzipan treats. Don’t miss Santa Claus flying over the market in a sleigh three times a day!

8. Leipzig Christmas Market (Saxony)

Dating back to 1458, Leipzig’s Christmas market is one of Germany’s oldest and features over 250 stalls spread across the historic city center. A highlight is the Finnish village, where visitors can enjoy traditional Finnish smoked salmon, hot berry wine, and handmade crafts from Lapland. There’s also a nostalgic carousel and ferris wheel for families.

9. Frankfurt Christmas Market (Hesse)

One of Germany’s largest Christmas markets, Frankfurt’s event fills the Römerberg square with festive cheer. Known for its towering Christmas tree and life-sized nativity scene, this market is a paradise for food lovers, offering specialties like Bethmännchen (almond-marzipan cookies) and Frankfurter Brenten (spiced biscuits).

10. Erfurt Weihnachtsmarkt (Thuringia)

Located in the medieval heart of Erfurt, this Christmas market is famous for its enormous candle-lit Christmas pyramid and traditional Thuringian bratwurst. Visitors can also explore the historic Merchant’s Bridge (Krämerbrücke), which is lined with Christmas lights and home to artisanal workshops.