Germany
Bamberg's Christmas market sits before the UNESCO old town's four-spired cathedral, in a medieval town famous for its smoked beer (Rauchbier).
Famous for
UNESCO half-timbered old town and a rauchbier (smoked beer) Christmas — the fairytale Germany.
Bamberg is the Main river's fairytale stop — a UNESCO old town built on seven hills, with a medieval town hall perched on a bridge in the middle of the river. Its Christmas market, on the Maxplatz before the four-spired cathedral, is small and intimate. The local oddity is Rauchbier — a smoked beer brewed from malt dried over beechwood fires — which sounds strange but pairs perfectly with market sausages. Bamberg appears on Rhine-to-Danube 'Grand' itineraries.
Dates: Late Nov – Dec 23
Vibe: Fairytale and uncrowded — a UNESCO medieval town without the big-city bustle.
Local tip
Try the Rauchbier at Schlenkerla — even if you don't love it, it's a one-of-a-kind experience. Pair it with a Schäufele.
Germany
Seven Christmas markets sit in the shadow of Cologne's UNESCO cathedral, anchored by the Cathedral Market (Dom) and the medieval Old Town market.
Late Nov – Dec 23
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The Christkindlesmarkt is the world's most famous Christmas market, set in Nuremberg's medieval main square and dating back to the mid-1600s.
Late Nov – Dec 24
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Regensburg's Romantic Christmas Market sits in the medieval Neupfarrplatz, in a UNESCO old town with the world's oldest sausage kitchen (since 1146).
Late Nov – Dec 23
ExploreGermany
Rüdesheim's Christmas Market of Nations lines the Drosselgasse with stalls from 25+ countries, in a Rhine-gorge wine town famous for Riesling.
Late Nov – Dec 23
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