The best part of Christmas in Germany for me was the Christmas markets. Germans truly know how to celebrate the season. In many places, the holiday spirit begins as early as October, with streets lined in Christmas lights. Window displays become festive, and Christmas-themed clothes everything from sweaters and socks to stockings and even Christmas underwear-fill the shops.
But what I loved most about Christmas in Germany were the amazing Christmas markets. You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy them. The ornaments are often unique and handcrafted, making them feel extra special. And of course, there’s plenty of bratwurst (sausages) and Glühwein—a spiced mulled wine that literally warms you up from the inside out. It’s so delicious.
I lived in Essen, in the North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) region, and had the chance to visit several Christmas markets before heading to the Netherlands for Christmas.
With the 2025 Christmas market season in full swing across Germany, I can’t help but think back to my time living there and the joy of visiting these magical markets.
Update for 2025
Germany’s Christmas markets are open again this year, running from late November through December. From Cologne to Essen, the festive lights, handcrafted ornaments, and warm mugs of Glühwein are back in full swing. Whether you’re planning a visit or just feeling nostalgic, here’s a look back at some of my favourite markets when I lived in Germany.
Aachen
Aachen is a charming German town that perfectly captures the image I had of Germany-like something out of a postcard. The Aachen Christmas Market has even been awarded the title of Best Christmas Market in Germany. Its unique appeal comes from the combination of Aachen’s historic charm and the stunning glow of the Christmas lights. It’s a magical experience you won’t want to miss.
Read more at: https://aachenweihnachtsmarkt.de/en/
Cologne
One of my birthday/Christmas gifts from Anastasia, my Russian friend, was a wire star filled with cinnamon sticks and other fragrant spices. It’s a special Christmas decoration that’s currently hanging on my tree. She must have bought it with love, as it still smells sweet even after two years.
The main Cologne Christmas Market is quite large, with several markets scattered throughout the city. I especially enjoyed the one near the cathedral. It sells unique items, like my star, which aren’t always found at other markets. And since Cologne is a major tourist destination, you can even hop on a little mini “train” that rides through the city to the Christmas market, adding a fun twist to your holiday shopping experience.
There’s also an ice skating rink, which adds to the winter fun. In addition to skating, you can try your hand at ice curling, a sport I personally know very little about, but it looks like a great way to spend some time with friends or family. It’s one of those activities that’s easy to watch but probably takes a bit of practice to master!
Find out more: https://www.cologne-tourism.com/experiences-lifestyle/christmas
Essen
The Christmas market in downtown Essen is larger than the one in Duisburg. It’s also where the head of my department and my professor treated me and my classmates to drinks during a mini get-together at the market. I celebrated my pre-birthday there with my close friend Anastasia, enjoyed Lángos (a Hungarian street food), had a postcard made, and even took a fun roller coaster ride. It’s also where I bought a few Christmas ornaments for my mom.
These are just some of the reasons why Essen’s Christmas market holds a special place in my heart—it’s filled with some of my best memories from Germany. Plus, the market’s items are often more affordable than those found in larger cities like Cologne.
Check it out at: https://www.nrw-tourism.com/a-essen-christmas
Bonn
My first friend in Germany was Maria, who moved from Essen to Bonn. She stayed in my apartment for a little over a week before leaving, but in that short time, we formed a lasting friendship. Bonn’s Christmas market made the list because of her.
I absolutely love everything about Bonn. It’s a beautiful city with a rich history-Mozart lived there for a time-and there are countless charming spots to explore. The Cherry Blossom Festival in Bonn is magical, and the Christmas market certainly doesn’t disappoint. The city’s overall charm only adds to the magic of the market, making it an unforgettable experience.
Find it here: http://www.bonnerweihnachtsmarkt.de/home/
Essen-Kray Leith
The Christmas market in Essen-Kray Leith is just a short walk from the Essen Steele train station-less than 10 minutes from my dorm. The first time I walked in the snow was on my way to this market. Anastasia and I went on a Sunday evening, and I stupidly asked if it was dangerous to walk in the snow. Coming from Cape Town, I had no idea what to expect and feared we were going to freeze to death at the Christmas market!
At the market, we met up with Elian, who later became one of my closest friends in Germany. The three of us enjoyed drinks, ate, and browsed the stalls. I ended up getting Elian’s eggnog mug because hers looked better than mine. In Germany, you pay a deposit on the mugs used at Christmas markets. If you don’t return the mug, you don’t get your deposit back. It’s all part of the tradition, and it’s completely legal. As a thank you, I bought Elian some chocolate because she didn’t mind losing her deposit for me.
That mug has travelled with me and now sits proudly in my room. While there are much bigger markets in cities like Düsseldorf, or the charming one in Münster, for me, the memory of meeting Elian, the mug, and walking in the snow for the first time will always be tied to the Christmas market in Essen-Kray Leith.
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Happy travels!
Nikkidiscovers 