Off The Beaten Path: Five Underrated Christmas Markets In Germany

You know those experiences that you’ll never forget? The kind that make your heart grow three sizes and put a huge smile on your face every time you reminisce? Well, I just had one on a recent Christmas market hop around Germany. You see, I’ve always wanted to visit the famous markets (my German aunt spoke fondly of them since I was little), but I never expected to be so enchanted. Often left awestruck by the dazzling fairy tale towns, I felt the need to pinch myself occasionally to make sure I wasn’t dreaming…

Twinkling lights, friendly faces with rosy cheeks, the smell of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine permeating in the air… While you’ll find these at all markets that dot the country (all 2200 + of them), my travel buddy and I decided to ditch the larger cities and head straight for the small and cozy to experience the true meaning of gemütlichkeit. Here are the five underrated Christmas markets in Germany that we explored…

1. Marburg Christmas Market

My very first German Christmas market experience was like a page out of a medieval fairytale. There’s just something about the small town that makes it the perfect backdrop for holiday festivities. It’s an energized, historic and beautiful place. Where the cutest ferris wheel on the planet turns, the clock tower bell rings and locals unite after work/school (Marburg is a university town) to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Although there’s a large market that hugs Elisabethkirche (which also happens to be the oldest church on German soil that is constructed in a purely Gothic style), I fell in love with the smaller market dotting the square in front of the historical town hall.

2. Aachen Christmas Market 

There are some cities you fall in love with from the moment you enter them. Aachen was one such place for me. I can’t quite put a finger on why — but I felt it immediately in my bones as we wandered its cobblestone streets. If there is a place in Germany that embodies Christmas, this is it. The city just oozes gemütlichkeit: from its kind-hearted locals to the warm energy in the market. Camaraderie at its best as friends – new and old – clink steaming mugs of glühwein and share stories. I truly felt like I experienced something special at this market…

Located just across the border from the Netherlands and Belgium, Aachen is one of Germany’s most historic cities. And at its core you’ll find the most incredible Cathedral (the Aachener Dom was Germany’s first Unesco World Heritage Site) which is surrounded by over 120 festive stalls selling locally-made goodies. But one specialty reigns supreme at this market: Aachener Printen. And for good reason. The firm, spicy biscuit-like treats (which somewhat resemble gingerbread) are addictive!! I think I may have eaten a pound a day. Freshly baked with a secret blend of cinnamon, clove, cardamom, allspice, ginger and aniseed, they are not to be missed — and with stores and stalls dedicated to selling them, you likely won’t…

3. Koblenz Christmas Market

Picturesque squares, cozy courtyards, quaint alleys… The historic centre of Koblenz is the perfect setting for the holidays. With six markets (Münzplatz, Plan, Rathausplatz, Liebfrauenkirche, Jesuitenplatz, Zentralplatz) just a romantic stroll away from one another, this charming city in wine and castle country is a definite must-see. A place where the Rhine and Moselle unite, the landscape is covered with frost in December which turns the region into a winter wonderland. On weekends you’ll find choirs belting out Christmas carols as visitors shop and eat their way through the market…

Make sure to try the Kowelenzer Schängelsche (quince liqueur) when you visit — and of course… glühwein!

4. Heidelberg Christmas Market

Imagine skating on a rink that’s cocooned by a castle AND a Christmas market. Now add some epic eats, brightly lit stalls (over 150), tons of stores with gorgeous window displays (fun fact: Hauptstrasse is the longest pedestrian street in Germany) and thousands of people rejoicing over glühwein. Sounds perfect, right?

Although it’s not the smallest of markets, the Heidelberg Christmas Market is divided over six, historic squares (Marktplatz, Universitätsplatz, Karlsplatz, Bismarckplatz, Kornmarkt and Anatomiegarten) so it still feels cozy and quaint at each one…

Highlights for me were getting lost in Käthe Wohlfahrt (a family-run company and maker of my own Christmas decorations), trying germknödel for the first time and watching families skate at Karlsplatz…

Make sure to take some time to climb Philosophers Walk (Philosophenweg) for an incredible view of the city and Heidelberg Castle. It is breathtaking during the day, but has a special holiday sparkle at night as all the Christmas market lights are turned on…

5. Mörz Christmas Market

Aha! A hidden gem. Even the Germans I chatted with throughout the trip didn’t know the Mörz market existed. It may have something to do with the fact that it only runs ONE weekend during the entire year. Or perhaps its location has kept it a secret (the village is nestled just outside of Koblenz). But if you’re on the hunt for an authentic, off-the-beaten path holiday experience, this market is for you. I’m talking live alphorn performances, spiessbraten glistening on a rotisserie, fire pits to warm up around and even a few live goats at the nativity scene…

I could’ve spent the entire weekend in this dreamy land — a place where young and old unite to prepare food on traditional grills and residents open up their backyards for the public to wander through…

This was the most unique and memorable market I visited. Everything was just a bit slower, friendlier and more purposeful. The kind of place that makes you want to pack up your bags and move to a small village. They also happened to have the best hot chocolate I’ve ever tasted…

Le sigh, that wraps up my recap of the markets we visited. I’ve looked forward to this trip since I was a little kid and can say it was even more magical than I could’ve ever imagined. In my opinion, Germans have mastered the art to celebrating Christmas by focussing on what really matters. These markets go beyond just being a place to purchase goods; they are flooded with good cheer, a strong sense of community and an energy that rejuvenates the soul. I hope you guys get a chance to visit some underrated Christmas markets in Germany one day. I’m already starting a list of all the others I want to explore so do send me your recos! And next time, I’ll make up for all the glühwein I missed out on…

Before I sign off, here is a video recap produced by my travel buddy to give you a sense of the sights and sounds at these markets:

A huge thanks to the German National Tourist Office for sending us to the five underrated Christmas markets in Germany listed above. If you want to see more of our journey check out #GermanyXmasHop on social media!