Best Christmas Markets in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
Christmas markets in Germany, Austria and Switzerland turn old town squares into glowing winter villages every year. The scent of roasted almonds, gingerbread and steaming mulled wine drifts between wooden huts, while choirs sing beneath towering Christmas trees. If you are planning a festive getaway this season, this guide covers some of the finest markets in the DACH region. You will find the 2026 dates and the highlights not to miss at each one. We have also paired every market with a nearby Leonardo hotel, so you can head back to a warm room whenever the cold sets in.
Christmas Markets in Germany, Austria and Switzerland at a Glance:
- The biggest: Dortmunder Weihnachtsstadt in Dortmund, with around 300 stalls and a 45-metre Christmas tree
- The oldest: Frankfurter Weihnachtsmarkt in Frankfurt, first recorded in 1393 .
- The most famous: Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, opened by the Christkind on the Friday before the first Sunday of Advent.
- Best for families: Weihnachtsmarkt Volksgarten in Linz, with fairground rides and an animated nativity scene, and Mannheimer Weihnachtsmarkt am Wasserturm in Mannheim, with a children's Ferris wheel and train
Best Christmas Markets in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
Germany
Christmas in Germany starts weeks before 25 December, and the markets are at the heart of it. Some of the oldest date back to the late Middle Ages, when towns held winter fairs for meat, sweets and gifts before the festive season. Today most German markets open in the second half of November and close on 23 or 24 December. Many open only after Totensonntag, a day of remembrance on the last Sunday before Advent.
Food is half the fun. Expect Glühwein (mulled wine), often served in a collectable mug with a small deposit. Try Lebkuchen (spiced gingerbread), Stollen (fruit bread dusted with sugar) and paper cones of gebrannte Mandeln (sugar-roasted almonds). Savoury classics include grilled Bratwurst, Reibekuchen (potato fritters) and, in some cities, Feuerzangenbowle, a mulled wine topped with a burning rum-soaked sugar loaf. Entry to all the markets below is free.
1. Mannheim: The Christmas Market at the Water Tower
- Dates: 23 November to 23 December 2026
- Location: Friedrichsplatz, around the Wasserturm
Mannheim's main Christmas market wraps around the Wasserturm, the city's Art Nouveau water tower on Friedrichsplatz. Around 160 festively decorated huts sell crafts, decorations and regional treats. The 18-metre Christmas pyramid with its own tavern is the centrepiece. Children can ride the carousels, a mini Ferris wheel and a small train, and local choirs and bands perform on stage every evening.
Good to know: Two smaller markets run on the Kapuzinerplanken and Paradeplatz, both a short walk away. A New Year's market follows on the Kapuzinerplanken between Christmas and New Year's Eve.
Your closest stay: Hotel Mannheimer Hof - Leonardo Limited Edition
This historic hotel sits right next to the Water Tower, so the market lights are only a few minutes' walk from your room.
2. Munich: Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz
- Dates: 20 November to 24 December 2026 (closed on 22 November)
- Location: Marienplatz and Rindermarkt, Old Town
Munich's flagship Christmas market fills Marienplatz and the surrounding pedestrian streets with more than 130 stalls. Its roots go back centuries, and it remains the city's best-known market. The Gothic New Town Hall forms the backdrop, with a giant Christmas tree in front. From Sunday to Thursday, live Bavarian folk music and choirs play from the Town Hall balcony in the early evening.
Don't miss: The annual Krampus run in December, when hundreds of costumed Krampus figures parade through the Old Town.
Your closest stay: Leonardo Hotel München City Center
The hotel is a two-minute walk from Munich Hauptbahnhof, where the S-Bahn takes you straight to Marienplatz in a few minutes.
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3. Dortmund: Dortmunder Weihnachtsstadt
- Dates: 19 November to 30 December 2026 (closed on 22 November)
- Location: Hansaplatz, Alter Markt, Reinoldikirchplatz and the surrounding streets
Dortmund's "Christmas City" stretches across the centre with around 300 stalls and attracts millions of visitors each season. That makes it a strong contender for the title of biggest Christmas market in Germany. The star is the 45-metre Christmas tree on Hansaplatz, billed as the largest in the world and lit by thousands of lights. Try the local Salzkuchen, a bread roll with caraway, onions and minced pork.
Good to know: This is one of the few big German markets that stays open between Christmas and New Year.
Your closest stay: Leonardo Royal Hotel Dortmund sits opposite the Westfalenhallen, ideal if you are combining the market with a match or trade fair.
4. Frankfurt: Frankfurter Weihnachtsmarkt
- Dates: 23 November to 22 December 2026
- Location: Römerberg, Paulsplatz, Mainkai, Hauptwache, Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz and Roßmarkt
First recorded in 1393, Frankfurt's Christmas market is one of the oldest in Germany. More than 230 stalls spread from Roßmarkt and Hauptwache to Paulsplatz, Römerberg and down to the river Main. The half-timbered houses of Römerberg and the large Christmas tree make the main square especially atmospheric. Look out for Bethmännchen, small marzipan sweets topped with almonds, and a glass of hot apple wine.
Don't miss: Every Wednesday and Saturday evening, brass players perform from the gallery of St Nicholas Church above Römerberg.
Your closest stay: Leonardo Hotel Frankfurt City Center
The hotel is right next to the main station and within walking distance of Römerberg and the Zeil.
5. Nuremberg: Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt
- Dates: 27 November to 24 December 2026
- Location: Hauptmarkt, Old Town
For many travellers, Nuremberg is the classic choice among the best Christmas markets in Germany. Known as the "little town of wood and cloth", it fills the Hauptmarkt with red-and-white striped stalls. The opening is a highlight: the Nuremberg Christkind reads a prologue from the balcony of the Frauenkirche. Try Nürnberger Lebkuchen and "Drei im Weggla", three small Rostbratwürste in a bread roll.
Don't miss: The opening ceremony on the market's first evening. Arrive early for a good view.
Your closest stay: Leonardo Hotel Nürnberg City Center
A comfortable city base with quick public transport links to the Old Town and the Hauptmarkt.
6. Berlin: The Christmas Market at Charlottenburg Palace
- Dates: 23 November to 27 December 2026 (closed on 24 December)
- Location: Spandauer Damm 22, in front of Charlottenburg Palace
The Weihnachtsmarkt am Schloss Charlottenburg is one of Berlin's most romantic markets. Around 100 vendors set up in front of the baroque palace, which is lit up in colour every evening. Natural decorations replace plastic, and heated food tents keep you warm between stalls. It is a lovely setting for gift shopping and an evening Glühwein.
Good to know: The market reopens on 25 and 26 December.
Your closest stay: Leonardo Hotel Berlin
The hotel is in the Charlottenburg district, a short bus ride from the palace.
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Austria
Christmas markets in Austria are called Christkindlmärkte or Adventmärkte, and the tradition runs deep. Vienna held a "December market" as early as 1298, and "Silent Night" was first performed near Salzburg in 1818. Most Austrian markets open in mid to late November. Several stay open until 26 December or even New Year's Day, which makes Austria a good choice for a trip between the holidays.
Alongside Glühwein, Austrians love Punsch, a hot fruit punch often spiked with rum. Snack on Maroni (roasted chestnuts), Kiachl (fried dough with jam or sauerkraut) and Vanillekipferl (crescent-shaped vanilla biscuits). Look out for Krampus too. This horned figure accompanies St Nicholas in early December, and Krampus runs are a lively Alpine custom. Entry to the markets below is free.
1. Vienna: Wiener Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz
- Dates: 13 November to 26 December 2026
- Location: Rathausplatz, 1010 Vienna
Vienna's best-known market turns the square in front of the neo-Gothic City Hall into a glowing fairytale setting. Around 100 stalls sell handcrafted gifts, decorations and sweet treats. In the Rathauspark next door, the illuminated "Tree of Hearts" is a favourite photo spot. The Eistraum ice rink winds between the park's trees and stays open into the new year.
Good to know: The Eistraum ice rink stays open until early January, after the market itself has closed.
Your closest stay: Leonardo Hotel Vienna Hauptbahnhof
The hotel sits right next to Vienna's main station. Tram D runs from there along the Ring to the Rathausplatz/Burgtheater stop.
2. Salzburg: Salzburger Christkindlmarkt
- Dates: 19 November 2026 to 1 January 2027
- Location: Domplatz and Residenzplatz, Old Town
The Salzburg Christkindlmarkt is one of the most atmospheric in the world. Its roots go back centuries, and it fills Domplatz and Residenzplatz in the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Baroque architecture frames the stalls, and more than 90 choirs perform on the market throughout the season. Traditional tower brass music drifts across the squares on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings.
Don't miss: The traditional Krampus run on 5 December and the Perchten run on 21 December. On New Year's Eve, the market turns into a party with fireworks at midnight.
Your closest stay: Leonardo Hotel Salzburg City Center
A practical city base with easy bus connections to the Old Town and the cathedral squares.
3. Linz: Weihnachtsmarkt Volksgarten
- Dates: 21 November to 24 December 2026
- Location: Volksgarten, next to Linz Hauptbahnhof
The Christmas market in Linz's Volksgarten park is a family favourite with a relaxed, local feel. It is home to what is believed to be Austria's largest wooden nativity scene, which comes to life every 30 minutes. Craftspeople give daily demonstrations, and children can enjoy fairground rides and fairytale huts. Pair your Punsch with a slice of Linzer Torte, the city's famous jam-filled tart.
Good to know: On Advent weekends, a free hop-on hop-off Christmas train links the Volksgarten with the larger market on the Hauptplatz.
Your closest stay: Leonardo Boutique Hotel Linz City Center
A stylish central base for exploring both the Volksgarten and the Hauptplatz markets.
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Switzerland
Christmas markets in Switzerland are smaller than their German cousins but full of charm, with a strong focus on local crafts and Alpine food. Most Swiss Christmas markets open in the second half of November and close on 23 or 24 December. On 6 December, children wait for Samichlaus, the Swiss St Nicholas, who brings nuts, mandarins and gingerbread.
The food leans towards melted cheese. Expect raclette scraped onto potatoes and fondue chalets filled with steam and laughter. Sweet treats include Grittibänz, a bread figure baked for St Nicholas, as well as Zimtsterne (cinnamon stars) and Mailänderli butter biscuits. Prices are in Swiss francs, and entry to the markets below is free.
1. Zurich: Polarzauber at Zurich Main Station
- Dates: 19 November to 24 December 2026
- Location: Main hall, Zurich Hauptbahnhof
Formerly known as the Christkindlimarkt, Polarzauber is the biggest indoor Christmas market in Switzerland. More than 100 stalls fill the grand main hall of Zurich Hauptbahnhof, beneath a giant Christmas tree. Being sheltered from the Alpine cold makes it a great choice on rainy or icy days. Look out for the fondue express and the family programme during your visit.
Good to know: The Old Town's Dörfli market in Niederdorf, Zurich's oldest, is a short walk away across the river Limmat.
Your closest stay: Leonardo Boutique Hotel Rigihof Zurich
Located near the university district, the hotel has quick tram connections to the main station and the Old Town markets.
2. Zurich: Bellevue Noël at Sechseläutenplatz
- Dates: 19 November to 23 December 2026
- Location: Sechseläutenplatz, next to the Opera House and Lake Zurich
New for 2026, Bellevue Noël replaces the long-running Wienachtsdorf in front of Zurich's Opera House. Its standout feature is a 50-metre-wide walkable Advent wreath made of Swiss wood. From around five metres up, you can look down over the festive crowds. Around 100 stalls focus on local and sustainable products, and a fondue chalet seats up to 600 guests.
Good to know: Access to the Advent wreath is free, but you need a ticket, available online or at the market. A candle ritual takes place every Sunday.
Your closest stay: Hotel Alden Splügenschloss Zürich - Leonardo Limited Edition
This historic boutique hotel is about 200 metres from Lake Zurich and close to Enge station. Reach Bellevue by tram or with a scenic walk along the lake.
FAQ: Best Christmas Markets in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
When do Christmas markets in Germany open in 2026?
Most Christmas markets in Germany open between 19 and 27 November 2026. Dortmund is among the first on 19 November, while Nuremberg opens on 27 November. Most close on 23 or 24 December.
What is the biggest Christmas market in Germany?
Dortmund's Weihnachtsstadt is often named the biggest, with around 300 stalls and a 45-metre Christmas tree. Frankfurt, with more than 230 stalls, is another of the largest.
What are the best Christmas markets in Germany for a first visit?
Nuremberg, Munich and Frankfurt are classic choices for their history and old town settings. Dortmund is ideal if you want a big market that stays open until 30 December.
What is the biggest Christmas market in Switzerland?
Polarzauber at Zurich Main Station is the biggest indoor Christmas market in Switzerland, with more than 100 stalls under one roof.
Which Christmas markets stay open after 25 December?
In 2026, Berlin's Charlottenburg Palace market runs until 27 December and Dortmund until 30 December. Vienna's Rathausplatz market closes on 26 December, and Salzburg on 1 January 2027.
Final Thoughts
From Nuremberg's wooden stalls to Dortmund's giant tree, Christmas markets in Germany set the tone for the whole festive season. Add Vienna's ice rink, Salzburg's tower music and Zurich's walkable Advent wreath, and you have a winter trip to remember. Dates can change, so check the official market websites shortly before you travel.
Ready to experience the magic of the season? Book your winter escape with Leonardo Hotels today and unwrap the joy of a perfectly located holiday getaway!
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