How late do German Christmas markets stay open?

German Christmas markets generally stay open until 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM on weekdays and weekends, with larger cities often operating until 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM. Most markets close for the season on December 23 or by 2:00 PM on December 24, although some in major cities (e.g., Berlin, Cologne) may remain open through early January.

How late do Christmas markets run in Germany?

They usually start in the last week of November and continue up until a day or two before Christmas day. The first Sunday of Advent in 2026 is 29 November. Many Christmas markets start the Friday before the first Sunday of Advent – that is, on Friday 27 November in 2026.

Do any Christmas markets stay open after Christmas?

Yes, many Christmas markets stay open after Christmas, often until New Year's Eve or the first week of January, though some traditional ones close by December 23rd or 24th. Major cities like London, Edinburgh, Prague, and various French/German locations frequently run markets through the holiday period, sometimes rebranding as New Year's markets. It's essential to check specific market dates, as they vary widely. 

What do Germans do on the 25th and 26th of December?

On December 25th (First Christmas Day) and 26th (Second Christmas Day, Zweiter Weihnachtstag), Germans enjoy official public holidays focused on quiet family time, large festive meals with traditional foods like roast goose or carp, exchanging gifts (which often happens on Christmas Eve), and visiting relatives, with most shops remaining closed as the celebration continues after the main gift-giving on Christmas Eve (Heiligabend).
 

How long are Munich Christmas markets open?

The Munich Christmas markets open in mid to late-November and close a few days before Christmas. So, if you will be in town on Christmas day, most markets will be closed by then. The perfect time to visit Munich to see the Christmas markets is from late November through December 22. Every market is different.

16 Tips I Wish I Knew Before Visiting European Christmas Markets

What is the most Christmassy city in Germany?

While many German towns are festive, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is widely considered Germany's ultimate Christmas Town because it feels like a year-round fairytale, complete with medieval walls, cobblestone streets, numerous Christmas shops, and the famous year-round Christmas Museum (Käthe Wohlfahrt) and Reiterlesmarkt. Other top contenders include Dresden for its historic Striezelmarkt and multiple markets, and Quedlinburg for its enchanting medieval atmosphere and Advent calendar.
 

How late is the Nuremberg Christmas market open?

Monday until Sunday: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Is everything closed on 26th December in Germany?

December 26: Second Day of Christmas (St.

Many people spend the day relaxing at home, visiting relatives, or enjoying another festive meal. As it is part of the Christmas holiday period, schools and most businesses remain closed.

What happens on the 24th of December in Germany?

Christmas celebrations start in Germany on 24th December (Christmas Eve) when Christmas gifts are exchanged. On 25th December (Christmas Day) and 26 December, usually the family gets together for celebrations and also the religious Christians will visit Christmas mass during these days.

What are the five Christmas traditions in Germany?

Here are ten of our favorite German Christmas traditions, with some historical background, anecdotes and even delicious recipe suggestions.

• Advent Calendar (Adventskalendar) ...
• Advent wreath (Adventskranz) ...
• St. ...
• Krampus Night (Krampus Nacht) ...
• Christmas Markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) ...
• Mulled Wine (Glühwein)

What is the most Christmassy city in Europe?

Berlin, Germany. It's official – Berlin takes first prize as the most festive city to celebrate the holidays in Europe.

Is it safe to go to the German Christmas markets?

Security at these markets has been a national concern since 2016, when a man steered a stolen truck into crowds in Berlin. Ever since, municipal officials across Germany have tried to prevent further attacks by encircling markets with barriers.

Do Christmas markets end on Christmas?

When do they end? All the big locations traditionally stay open until at least December 23rd. Expect several markets to continue through the Christmas public holiday period as well. One or two may even stay open until late December or early January, often in the form of a New Year market.

What time does the Frankfurt Christmas Market close?

 Frankfurt Christmas Market (Frankfurter Weihnachtsmarkt)  Nov 25 - Dec 22, 2025.  Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 11am-9pm.

What to wear to a German Christmas market?

Layered warm essentials for winter in Germany include moisture-wicking thermal wear for German winter, insulating sweaters, and protective warm coats for Germany Christmas markets, plus accessories like gloves and scarves.

What is the best German Christmas market to go to?

Germany offers many top Christmas markets, with Nuremberg (Christkindlesmarkt) known for tradition and prune men, Dresden (Striezelmarkt) for being the oldest and famous Stollen, and Cologne for its stunning cathedral backdrop; other favorites include Berlin (variety), Munich (classic Bavarian), Aachen (pastries), and Düsseldorf (multiple themed markets). The best choice depends on preference for big city buzz vs. fairytale charm, medieval themes (Esslingen), or unique regional crafts and foods like gingerbread (Lebkuchen) and mulled wine (Glühwein).
 

What do Germans do on 25th December?

Christmas Day and Boxing Day in Germany

It's common for families to enjoy a big breakfast together. Additionally, religious family also attend a special Christmas church service on this day. On the Second Christmas Day (26th), shops remain closed and family time continues.

Why is December 24 so special?

Christmas Eve is the evening or entire day before Christmas, the festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas Eve is widely recognized as a full or partial holiday in anticipation of Christmas Day, which is observed around the world.

Is 24 December a working day in Germany?

Christmas Eve | December, 24

The start of the Winter Holidays in Germany. Shops close around midday on Christmas Eve (Weihnachten) and many offices let workers leave early to go home and spend time with family and to enjoy a traditional meal of potato salad and sausages or raclette.

What happens on the 26th of December in Germany?

Well, the 25th and 26th of December in Germany are official Christmas holidays⛄❄️. They are set aside for quality family time, feasting together🍚🍗, visiting friends and relatives and enjoying more food. Shops are closed on these days!

Why is everywhere closed on Sunday in Germany?

German supermarkets, as well as clothes shops, bookshops and pharmacies, are all closed on Sundays. Sunday is a “quiet day” in Germany, and a law adopted in 1950 prohibits shops from opening so people can enjoy recreational activities and time with family and friends.

How long do the Christmas markets last in Germany?

During this time frame, almost every major market is open. Closings → Most wrap up by December 22 or 23, just before Christmas Eve. A few go later — Berlin and Dortmund run until the very end of December, and Koblenz stretches into early January.

What is the most Christmassy town in Germany?

While many German towns are festive, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is widely considered Germany's ultimate Christmas Town because it feels like a year-round fairytale, complete with medieval walls, cobblestone streets, numerous Christmas shops, and the famous year-round Christmas Museum (Käthe Wohlfahrt) and Reiterlesmarkt. Other top contenders include Dresden for its historic Striezelmarkt and multiple markets, and Quedlinburg for its enchanting medieval atmosphere and Advent calendar.
 

How late is the Stuttgart Christmas market open?

The Christmas market opens every year on the last Thursday in November in the Renaissance inner quadrangle of Stuttgart Old Castle. It is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 9pm and on Sundays from 11am to 9pm. The market finishes on Christmas Eve.

What is the best Christmas market in the world?

Top 10 Christmas markets in the world

• Vienna, Austria. Vienna's Christmas markets are legendary, especially the Rathausplatz Christmas Market. ...
• Nuremberg, Germany. ...
• Prague, Czech Republic. ...
• Strasbourg, France. ...
• Copenhagen, Denmark. ...
• Berlin, Germany. ...
• Rovaniemi, Finland. ...
• Brussels, Belgium.