Choosing between Nuremberg and Dresden depends on preference: Nuremberg offers the historic,, quintessential, and bustling "traditional" experience, while Dresden provides a more atmospheric, varied, and scenic experience with multiple, unique markets across the city. Both are world-class, but Dresden is frequently favored for having a more magical, less crowded, and diverse atmosphere.
Is Dresden or Nuremberg a better Christmas market?
So for me, Nuremberg was a must. The Christkindlmarkt in Nuremberg is also one of the largest and oldest Christmas markets in the world. With two nights you can combine Dresden and Leipzig quite easily… as you could Nuremberg and Regensburg… or Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Dresden has several beautiful markets.
There's no single "best" city, as it depends on your preference, but Nuremberg (traditional/famous), Berlin (most markets/variety), Cologne (cathedral backdrop), Dresden (oldest/Striezelmarkt), and Munich (classic Bavarian) are top contenders, offering a mix of huge, historic, unique, or intimate Christmas market experiences with regional food, crafts, and festive cheer.
The Christmas Markets in Nuremberg are huge with a great number of stalls. We really enjoyed the experience but it was over-crowded maybe because we went on a Sunday. The Christmas Markets themselves are worth going to, but the transportation needs to be polished up.
Visitors will generally find more to do in Dresden than Nuremberg. While Nuremberg is larger than Dresden, Dresden has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists.
7 Must-See German Christmas Markets from Nuremberg to Dresden
Is Dresden Christmas market worth it?
And yes, it's absolutely worth visiting with kids! There's something about Dresden that just screams Christmas. Perhaps it's because Dresden lays its claim as having one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, dating back to 1434.
What is the most authentic German Christmas market?
Dresden. In the middle of Dresden's gorgeous altstadt (old town), featuring the world's largest rotating wooden Christmas pyramid, the Striezelmarkt has been an annual tradition since 1434 — it's considered Germany's oldest Christmas market.
For Christmas Markets, definitely Nuremberg. Yes, it's crowded but it is filled with great vendors and food. Enjoyed Nuremberg, but Munich has more markets and the Krampus Run if you're there in early December.
There's no single "most beautiful," as it depends on preference, but top contenders for beauty often include Gdańsk, Poland (voted best in Europe for its unique charm), Cologne, Germany (iconic cathedral backdrop), Prague (historic Old Town Square), Vienna (Rathausplatz magic), and Bruges, Belgium (fairy-tale canals and light trails). Other favorites feature stunning settings like Winchester, UK (Cathedral close) and Strasbourg, France (oldest market).
Dresden is one of the best trips to do in December. It has one of the oldest and prettiest Christmas Markets I have ever seen. You can get there by train from Berlin in about 2 hours, making it perfect for a short trip.
What is the most beautiful Christmas market in Germany?
Places 1–3: Germany's Biggest & Most Famous Christmas Markets
Nuremberg – Christkindlesmarkt. Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt is one of the world's most famous Christmas markets and truly embodies traditional German festive culture. ...
How long do you need at Nuremberg Christmas Market?
You only need a few hours to visit the Nuremberg Christmas Market, but with a few days in Nuremberg, you can explore the market multiple times. It's rather tranquil in the morning, when all is quiet. It's beautiful to photograph at sunset, which happens around 4:30 pm.
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.
The food wasn't the most interesting, but there were far more happenings, like a parade, constant live music, and a school kids Christmas pageant. This market lived up to the hype for sure, and the city alone is worth a visit. It oozes German charm with half timbered beer halls and cobbled streets.
DRESDEN. Dresden was a much more controversial target for civilian-affecting bombing than Hamburg because, to almost all accounts, it really wasn't industrial at all—such a cultural epicenter, in fact, that it was called “Elbflorenz,” or Florence of the Elbe .
The Striezelmarkt in Dresden is one of the first genuine Christmas markets in the world. Founded as a one-day market in 1434, it celebrated its 590th anniversary in 2024. Its 240 stands attract about 3 million visitors from all over the world. The annual market lasts throughout the Advent season until Christmas Eve.
Additionally, Dresden is known for its affordable cost of living and its high quality of life. On the other hand, the cons of living in Dresden include its cold winters, its high levels of air pollution, and its lack of diversity.
What is the most English-friendly city in Germany?
Berlin remains the undisputed champion for English-speaking professionals. It is the startup capital of Europe, home to thousands of tech companies, global consultancies, and digital agencies. The job market is characterized by an English-friendly work culture, with thousands of international roles available.
Wismar. Listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site for the beauty of its historic centre, Wismar is still one of the underrated destinations in Germany, although increasingly trendy with travellers who think outside the box. Did you know that Wismar was, a century ago, a city occupied by the Swedes?
