For a very unique holiday experience, you should plan a trip to Germany’s lesser-known Christmas Markets.

I’m not telling you a secret here. Germany is famous the world over for its stunning Christmas Markets. If you are among those planning a trip to Germany in December to visit these magical markets, you might have the well-known, popular Nürnberger Christkindelsmarkt, Striezelmarkt in Dresden, or the Christmas Markets in Cologne, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Munich on your itinerary. Or perhaps, you have already been there.

There is no question, each one of these Christmas Markets is worth a visit. Though if you are planning a trip to Germany during the holiday season to enjoy this particularly magical time of the year visiting Christmas Markets, you should beyond the famous destinations.

Throughout Germany a very different breed of Christmas Markets still exists, and they offer a unique experience you should not miss.  

The markets I am talking about are the ones providing a glimpse what Germany’s Christmas Markets once used to be when they started to appear during the Middle Ages: Simple winter markets which allowed locals to stock up on food and practical winter items and food. Initially, many of these markets were one-day markets only. Over time, these special markets slowly evolved into more festive social gatherings, adding festive decorations and treats.

While offering a different feeling compared to the large historic Christmas Markets, not all markets outside the large cities are small. There are some that will feature well over 100 stalls and a large event program including life music, festive parades, and much more. And some are quite well-known at least in the wider region where they take place, attracting a fairly large number of visitors. Still, most have managed to maintain a unique atmosphere and carefully chosen exhibitors typically coming from the nearby areas.

Below, I have rounded out 12 examples which stand testimony of the unique of Christmas Markets taking place across the whole of Germany you should visit the next time visiting the country during the holiday season.

12 unique Christmas Markets worth planning a trip

Each year, a nearly unlimited number of Christmas Markets, both large and small, are taking place across Germany. And if you are anything like me, you will want to give your Christmas Market trip a unique twist.

Plan a trip to Germany’s countryside and explore the much smaller, often privately organized Christmas Markets in some of the most romantic small towns, nestled within castle grounds, or those typically organized privately on working farms.

Germany’s small town Christmas Markets

Christmas Markets in Germany are not limited to the large cities. In fact, you can find them nearly everywhere, and often even the smallest towns will dedicate at least one weekend to hold their own local Christmas Market.

Many of Germany’s small-town Christmas Market will offer only a small number of stalls, and most will sell food and off course mulled wine. Yet, head to the small medieval towns in rural Germany, or the traditional wine regions, and you will find some of the most fairytale, small and cozy Christmas Markets you can imagine.

Weihnachtsmarkt Deidesheimer Advent

The small town is one of the highlights along the famous German Wine Route in the Palatinate, home to some of the best wineries in Germany. Thus, not surprisingly, stalls will only sell mulled wine made from red wine hailing from local wineries.

Located on the historic market square, town square and Bahnhofstrasse, Deidesheimer Christmas Market features nearly 80 stalls full of local crafts, food and wine.

Like all Christmas Markets, Deidesheimer Advent will offer plenty of mulled wine. Though in this case, you can be sure the wine will come from the nearby vineyards as only local wines are allowed.

There will be also live music, special events for kids, and the nearby castle garden will be decorated following the traditional themes ‘forest of animals’ and ‘angels mile’.

When: The market takes place on Friday evening (5pm to 9pm) and on Saturday and Sunday during the four Advent weekends.

Where to stay in Deidesheim: Hotel Ketschauer Hof, Hotel Deidesheimer Hof

Weihnachtsmarkt Bernkastel-Kues

The small mediaeval town nestled along the shores of the Mosel River is widely known for its beautiful historic half-timbered houses, cobble-stoned streets, and the surrounding vineyards and local wineries.

In December, the small town turns into largest animated Advent Calendar across the Mosel Valley. Each night at exactly 5.30 pm, another of the 24 calendar doors will open, displaying a Christmas song or story.

In addition to the nearly 40 stalls nestled on the market square and adjacent alleys, expect unique events like the torch swim, festive vineyard hikes and fireworks.

Make sure you try the famous Riesling mulled wine.

When: Daily over the full Advent season from end November through to Christmas

Where to stay in Bernkastel-Kues: Deinhard’s Hotel Bernkastel-Kues, Schloss Lieser

Traben-Trarbach Wine Nights Christmas Market

I would have a hard time deciding which of the small Mosel towns is the most beautiful. Each one is amazing and worth repeat visits. But if you’d ask me which one hosts the most beautiful Christmas Market, I might well say Traben-Trarbach.

The small town, nestled on both sides of the Mosel River and surrounded by steep vineyards used to be one of the most important wine-trading towns in Europe in the early 20th century. This legacy is still present today, and during the four Advent weekends the town takes this heritage to new hights.

The Mostel Wein-Nachts Markt, playing with Weihnachten in German having nearly the same pronunciation as Wein-Nacht (wine night) is spread across six of the towns historic underground wine cellars. Adorned with festive decoration, the cellars (some dating back to the 16th century) are transformed into a winter wonderland with stalls selling everything from handicraft, decorations, local food specialities and off course wine.

When: open during the four Advent weekends from end November to Christmas.

Where to stay in Traben-Trarbach: Hotel Moselschlösschen (one of the six historic wine cellars is located directly below the Hotel, check out the special Christmas Market package), Hotel Bellevue

Rüdesheim am Rhein Christmas Market of the Nations

The historic town nestled along the Rhine River is perhaps one of the most famous, and unfortunately highly touristy destinations in the Upper Rhine Valley. Accustomed to welcome visitors from around the world during the peak summer season, it is perhaps unsurprising Rüdesheim has initiated its Christmas Market of the Nations over 30 years ago.

The market features more than 100 stalls that offer crafts and food from 20 different nations spanning four continents.

This is a unique opportunity to learn about Christmas traditions from many different places within the backdrop of the beautiful historic streets of Rüdesheim.

Good to know: In addition to mulled wine, make sure to sip the famous Rüdesheimer Coffee. You will love it.

When: The market takes place daily from end November through to Christmas.

Where to stay in Rüdesheim am Rhein: Hotel Krone, Hotel Jagdschloss Niederwald, Hotel Schwarzenstein (Geisenheim)

Bamberg Christmas Market

UNESCO listed Bamberg, located in northern Bavaria is well-known for its medieval buildings, narrow streets and the famous local smoked beer.

The small, cozy Christmas Market is located at Maximiliansplatz square where stalls will sell delicious food, mulled wine, handcrafted gifts and decorations and much more.

Good to know: The small city is in easy reach of Nürnberg, so in case you are planning to visit this world-famous market, you might consider planning an additional day (and night) to include Bamberg.

When: daily during the Advent season from end November to Christmas

Where to stay in Bamberg: Hotel Villa Geyerwörth

Castle Christmas Markets

There are an estimated 20,000 castles throughout Germany, including historic monasteries, palaces, and fortresses, some left only as ruins. Several of these places will play host to lovely mediaeval Christmas Markets during the Advent season.

Wartburg, Eisenach, Thuringia

This UNESCO site in Thuringia towering over the small city of Eisenach is a gem worth a trip year-round.

The annual Christmas Market takes place during the four Advent weekends prior to Christmas. During this time, the historic castle grounds are turning into a bustling Middle Age market featuring candlemakers, glassblowers, stonemasons, pewterers, dressmakers and wandering merchants. Add to this live music, artists and off course food stalls selling a wide range of delicacies from sweets, candy, and chocolate to crepes, waffles, the famous Thuringia Bratwurst (grilled sausage), flatbread, and many more. Off course, there’s plenty of mulled wine too.

Good to know: There is an entrance fee to the market, which includes visits to the museum, ballroom and the famous Luther room.

When: The market is open during the first three weekends of Advent.

Where to stay in Eisenach: Hotel Kaiserhof, Vienna House by Wyndham, Hotel Hohenhaus (Herleshausen, about 15 minutes away)

Burg Reichenstein, Trechtingshausen, Middle Rhine Valley

Medieval halls brought to live with hundreds of lights, stalls selling handicrafts, performances and music along with delicious food will keep you in awe at this medieval castle.

If you want to elevate your weekend even further, located within the castle grounds is a small hotel and restaurant. So why not book a room and experience the full package.

Good to know: Individual car access to the castle is suspended over the weekend. Parking is possible at a dedicated parking lot in the town of Trechtingshausen. Form here, a shuttle will bring you to the castle.

When: Burg Reichenstein’s Magical Christmas Castle Christmas Market is usually open over the first weekend in December.

Where to stay in Techtingshausen: Hotel Burg Reichenstein, Burghotel auf Schönburg (Oberwesel), Papa Rhein Hotel (Bingen)

Weihnatchsmarkt an der Burgkirche, Ingelheim

Not a castle in the strictest of ways, though if you don’t mind a little cheating, the setting of the small Christmas Market around the historic castle church of Ingelheim is no less romantic.

Spread across the inner fortified courtyard and outside at the larger market square just outside of the historic wall, Ingelheim Christmas Market at the Burgkirche takes place every weekend in Advent.

A changing daily programme features live music and artists while the stalls sell local craft and delicious food.

When: over the four Advent weekends from end November to Christmas

Where to stay in Ingelheim: Hotel Wasem, Immerheiser Weinhotel (Schwabenheim)

Cochemer Burgweihnacht – Cochem Castle Weihnachtsmarket

Perhaps the most famous castle along the Mosel River, the stunning historic Cochem Castle perched high over the small town of Cochem, during one weekend in December will open its doors for a unique guided Christmas castle tour featuring actors in authentic costumes and living animals who will tell the Christmas story.

The tour will end in the small castle courtyard where a cozy, small Christmas Market offers local delicacies, mulled wine and other beverages.

Good to know: The Cochem Castle Christmas Market is accessible only via the guide tour, for which you have to buy tickets. No car assess to the castle, but there is a shuttle bus available.

When: usually held on the second Advent weekend

Where to stay in Cochem: Hotel Hegenbarth’s, Hotel Kessler-Meyer, Hotel Villa Vinum

Schloss Johannisberg, Geissenheim

Germany’s oldest Riesling winery, located in the Rheingau wine region will host its annual Christmas Market on the first Advent weekend.

Inside, you will find stalls selling handicrafts and decorations while outside on the castle ground stalls will offer food, mulled wine and other beverages from the castle’s own restaurant.

Good to know:  During the same weekend, the town of Geisenheim will also host their own small Christmas Market at the nearby Rheingauer Dom (Rheingau Cathedral).

When: First weekend in Advent

Where to stay in Geissenheim: Hotel Burg Schwarzenstein

Farmers’ Christmas Markets

If you wonder what I mean by farmers’ Christmas Markets, think of farmers markets on farm grounds transferred into holiday markets. Including festive decorations, Christmas lights, and stalls that will sell handicrafts, jewellery, decorations along with local food beyond the typical farmers markets produce.

These are a more recent addition to the historic Christmas Markets, usually privately organized by working and event farms, a form of working farms and guest locations; and they will typically focus on organic, regional food from small regional producers.

Dagobertshäuser Weihnachtsmarkt, Gut Dagobertshof, Marburg

You might be reminded of Walt Disnay, but Dagobertshof has nothing to do with the world-famous duck, and the place is not a fairytale playground.

This event farm located in proximity to the small student town of Marburg, over the four Advent weekends will transform into a winter wonderland. Wooden stalls will sell roasted almonds, freshly baked waffles, farmyard punch and an original Feuerzangenbowle (mulled wine punch) along with handicrafts from local producers.

When: Friday and Saturday afternoon from 3pm to 7pm and Sunday from noon to 7pm during the four Advent weekends.

Where to stay in Marburg: Hotel Stümpstal, Burg Staufenberg (about 15 Minutes away)

Hotel Hohenhaus Christmas Market, Herleshausen

A place I constantly keep returning to, this small country boutique hotel in recent years has refocused on its origins as working farm. This is particularly felt in the kitchen, where the seasonal menu uses many of the farms own meats and produce.

The annual culinary programme offers unique seasonal events year-round but the Christmas Market is without question one of the annual highlights.

Hohenhaus Christmas Market started in the early 2000s and this year marks the long-awaited return after its closure during the pandemic and the renovation works around the historic manor house in the past few years.

As usual, expect most of the food offer coming directly from the Hohenhaus Farm and the hotel kitchen, including the famous Hohenhaus wild boar sausage, wild boar from the grill, the signature pan-fried Hohenhaus potato with various toppings and raclette cheese. In addition, you can enjoy coffee and cake in the heated sheep barn where you can also learn to make candles and craft your own Christmas stars in the craft corner.

Other stalls will offer handcrafted decorations. As usual, all exhibitors will be carefully selected and come from the nearby areas.

When: the market will take place during the third Advent weekend

Where to stay in Herleshausen: Book the Hotel Hohenhaus Christmas Market special including a festive dinner.

Are you planning a trip to Germany to visit the stunning Christmas Markets this year? Let me know which ones are on your list!