Christmas market season in Germany 2026 starts in mid-November. The market at Cologne Cathedral opens first among the big classics on November 16, and Nuremberg’s famous Christkindlesmarkt opens last on November 27.
Here are the official 2026 dates for the best-known markets, checked against the organizers’ and cities’ own websites on November 12, 2026:
- Cologne (Cathedral market): November 16 to December 23
- Munich (Marienplatz): November 20 to December 24
- Berlin: many of the most popular markets open on November 23
- Frankfurt (Römerberg): November 23 to December 22
- Stuttgart: November 25 to December 23
- Dresden (Striezelmarkt): November 25 to December 24
- Nuremberg (Christkindlesmarkt): November 27 to December 24
NOTE: Several markets close on Totensonntag (Sunday of the Dead), which falls on November 22, 2026. Both the Cologne Cathedral market and the Munich Christkindlmarkt are closed that day.
Christmas Market Dates and Opening Hours 2026
| City and market | Dates 2026 | Opening hours |
|---|---|---|
| Cologne: Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom (Roncalliplatz) | Nov 16 – Dec 23 (closed Nov 22) | Sun–Wed 11:00–21:00, Thu–Fri 11:00–22:00, Sat 10:00–22:00 |
| Munich: Christkindlmarkt am Marienplatz | Nov 20 – Dec 24 (closed Nov 22) | Mon–Sat 10:00–21:00, Sun 10:00–20:00, 24 Dec 10:00–14:00 |
| Frankfurt: Weihnachtsmarkt (Römerberg, Paulsplatz, Mainkai and more) | Nov 23 – Dec 22 | Mon–Sat 10:00–21:00, Sun 11:00–21:00 |
| Stuttgart: Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt | Nov 25 – Dec 23 | Sun–Thu 11:00–21:00, Fri–Sat 11:00–22:00 (opening day from 17:00) |
| Dresden: Striezelmarkt (Altmarkt) | Nov 25 – Dec 24 | Daily 10:00–21:00 (Nov 25: 16:00–21:00, Dec 24: 10:00–14:00) |
| Nuremberg: Christkindlesmarkt (Hauptmarkt) | Nov 27 – Dec 24 | Daily 10:00–21:00 (Nov 27: until 22:00, Dec 24: 10:00–14:00) |
Sources: Kölner Weihnachtsmarkt, muenchen.de, visitfrankfurt, Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt, Landeshauptstadt Dresden, Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt. Organizers can change times, so check the official page before you travel.
Which Christmas Markets Open First?
If you cannot wait, some smaller and themed markets are already open:
- Hamburg: the city lists early markets such as the Winterdeck on St. Pauli (from October 21) and markets in Wandsbek and Winterhude (from October 31). Hamburg has more than 20 Christmas markets in total (hamburg.de).
- Munich: the first markets opened in early November, for example the Winterworld at Motorworld from November 7 (muenchen.de).
- Berlin: a few early markets are open, such as the Lichtenberger Winterzeit fair from October 31. The main season starts on November 23 (berlin.de).
What Makes Each Big Market Special?
- Dresden Striezelmarkt: the city calls it Germany’s oldest Christmas market. 2026 is its 592nd edition, with more than 200 traders and Ore Mountain (Erzgebirge) crafts (Dresden).
- Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt: opened by the Nuremberg Christkind with a prologue on November 27 at 17:30 (christkindlesmarkt.de).
- Frankfurt: spread across several squares around the Römerberg. The official opening is on November 23 (visitfrankfurt).
- Cologne: right in front of the cathedral on Roncalliplatz (Kölner Weihnachtsmarkt).
Want to know what Germans celebrate from Advent to Epiphany? See our Christmas calendar of Germany.
How Can You Visit Christmas Markets for Less?
- Go on a weekday afternoon. Weekend evenings are the busiest time at the big markets.
- Use local transport. City-center markets are easy to reach by train, tram or bus. The Deutschlandticket covers local and regional transport across Germany. Note that its price rises in January 2027, from €63 to €66.80 a month: Deutschlandticket price 2027.
- Bring cash and a card. Payment options vary from stall to stall.
- Return your mug. Many markets charge a deposit (Pfand) on mugs, which you get back when you return them.
Family Visiting From Abroad?
December is a popular time for parents and friends to visit. Guests who need a Schengen visa must show travel medical insurance for their stay, with coverage of at least €30,000 (Art. 15(3) EU Visa Code). A visitor policy such as Dr. Walter PRO Visit Visum* is designed to meet this requirement. Compare the coverage before you buy.
German Christmas traditions, day by day ->
Sources
- Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom: dates and opening hours 2026
- muenchen.de: Weihnachtsmärkte und Christkindlmärkte 2026
- muenchen.de: Münchner Christkindlmarkt am Marienplatz 2026
- visitfrankfurt: Frankfurter Weihnachtsmarkt 2026
- berlin.de: Weihnachtsmärkte in Berlin 2026
- Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt 2026
- Landeshauptstadt Dresden: 592. Dresdner Striezelmarkt
- Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt 2026
- hamburg.de: Weihnachtsmärkte in Hamburg
- Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (EU Visa Code), Art. 15: travel medical insurance
