The most beautiful Christmas markets in 2025 – magic, tradition, and sparkling lights

The Nuremberg Christmas Market is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in the world. Since 1628, it has been delighting visitors with its unique blend of tradition, festive atmosphere, and culinary delights. When the Christ Child opens the market on the first Sunday of Advent with the words “The Christ Child invites you to his market, and whoever comes shall be welcome,” the old town is transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland. This year, the Christkindlesmarkt will take place from November 28 to December 24.

• Craftsmanship & nostalgia: Over 180 stalls selling Christmas decorations, wooden toys, and regional specialties
• Culinary delights: Nuremberg grilled sausage, Elisen gingerbread, and mulled wine
• Children’s Christmas: Carousels, craft activities, and puppet theater
• Lights & music: Evening choirs and brass bands accompanied by the scent of spices

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For a pleasant stay in the heart of Nuremberg, we recommend the Best Western Hotel Nuremberg at the Main Station, just a few minutes’ walk from the old town and Christmas market. This modern hotel combines Franconian hospitality with contemporary comfort – the ideal base for your visit to this festively decorated city. Enjoy the magic of the Nuremberg Christmas market and end the day at the Best Western Hotel Nürnberg.

The Freiburg Christmas market is one of the most beautiful in southwestern Germany. Between Rathausplatz, Franziskanerstraße, and Kartoffelmarkt, the old town shines in festive splendor. The smell of mulled wine, roasted almonds, and pine needles is everywhere, and Freiburg shows its warm, Baden side. This year, the Christmas market will be open from November 20 to December 23.

• Craftsmanship: Over 120 stalls selling jewelry, wooden toys, and glass art from the region
• Cuisine: Baden specialties such as tarte flambée, raclette, and mulled wine
• Family-friendly: Craft activities and shows for the little ones
• Music and atmosphere: Choirs and musicians create a festive atmosphere

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The environmentally conscious Hotel Victoria, Signature Collection by Best Western, is located in the heart of Freiburg. This elegant boutique hotel is just a few steps away from the old town and Christmas market and, as a CO₂-neutral 4-star hotel, combines sustainability, style, and modern comfort. Enjoy the more than central location to experience the festive magic of Freiburg and savor the lights of the Baden Advent season to the fullest.

The Dresden Striezelmarkt is considered one of the oldest and most traditional Christmas markets in the world. Since 1434, it has been delighting visitors from all over the world with its unique blend of festive glamour, Saxon craftsmanship and delicious treats. When the Altmarkt terrace is transformed into a sparkling sea of lights, Dresden shows itself from its most magical side. This year, the Dresden Striezelmarkt will take place from November 26 to December 24.

• Tradition & craftsmanship: Fine wood carvings, candle arches, and Herrnhut stars from the Ore Mountains
• Delicacies & specialties: Dresden Christmas stollen, Saxon bratwurst, and hot mulled wine
• For families: Carousel, craft room, and the Christmas miracle on the Altmarkt
• Lights & music: Thousands of lights and festive sounds transform the old town into a winter wonderland

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For a relaxing stay in Dresden, we recommend the Best Western Macrander Hotel Dresden, located just a few minutes from the old town and the Striezelmarkt Christmas market. The 4-star hotel combines contemporary comfort with warm hospitality and offers ideal conditions for a relaxing Advent season in the Elbe metropolis. Whether it’s an extensive breakfast buffet or Starbucks coffee and croissants to go, the hotel is well prepared to meet every guest’s needs and make your visit to the Advent market an experience to remember.

The Lindau Christmas Market enchants visitors with its unique atmosphere right on Lake Constance. Set against the historic backdrop of Lindau Island, it offers festively decorated stalls selling arts and crafts, regional specialties, and winter treats. An atmospheric meeting place for all connoisseurs and Christmas fans! This year, it will be open from November 27 to December 21.

• Unique atmosphere: Christmas market right on Lake Constance with sparkling lights, boats, and views of the Alps.
• Regional delicacies: Cheese fondue, waffles, mulled wine, and fine specialties from the lake.
• Artwork: Over 70 stalls with handmade jewelry, woodwork, and decorations.
• Music & romance: Choirs, brass bands, and evening light over the water create festive magic.

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For a relaxing break on Lake Constance, stay at the Best Western Hotel Rebstock in Rorschacherberg, just 27 miles from Lindau. This elegant hotel on the Swiss side of the lake combines modern comfort, tranquility, and a fantastic panoramic view—ideal for relaxing after Lindau’s Harbor Christmas market. My tip: Make the journey itself a highlight: the most convenient way to reach the market is by ferry, so you can be enchanted by the sparkling lights on the shore on your way home.

Thanks to several small Christmas markets, Luxembourg’s city center is transformed into a festive winter wonderland. With lovingly decorated stalls, regional specialties, and a varied cultural program, it offers an atmospheric atmosphere for young and old alike – a highlight of the Advent season in the heart of Europe. This year, the Winter Lights Festival Luxembourg will take place from November 22 to January 1, 2026.

• Light art: Spectacular installations and projections bathe the city in magical light.
• Christmas markets: Small markets with handmade crafts and international specialties.
• Cuisine: Mulled wine, crêpes, and Luxembourg classics for connoisseurs.
• Entertainment: Live music, street art, and children’s programs for a festive atmosphere.

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For a stylish stay in the heart of Luxembourg, we recommend the traditional Grand Hotel Cravat – WorldHotels Distinctive,  just a few steps away from the main venues of the Winter Lights Festival. This elegant 4-star hotel uniquely combines classic charm with modern comfort. While the lobby and most of the rooms shine in an upscale mid-century style, lovers of modern high-tech should visit the fourth floor.