Festive shopping is essential when celebrating the most wonderful time of year and a visit to the best Christmas markets in Germany is the perfect way to get into the spirit this December.
Heading to Germany for your Christmas market break not only offers a fantastic winter break in Europe but means you can experience an authentic Christkindlmarkt in the country where where the tradition originated.
We’ve picked the best spots to sip warm glühwein, watch glassblowers at work and tuck into freshly-baked gingerbread this winter. And if you're feeling inspired to have an unforgettable Christmas market break in Germany, you'll want to check out Good Housekeeping’s exclusive Christmas market cruise.
We can smell the chestnuts roasting already....
Nuremberg: A historic, crafty affair
In Nuremberg’s main square, you’ll find one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets, which dates all the way back to 1628. Here, you can stroll through the 180 traditionally decorated huts, more than 30 of which are the original stalls from the late 1800s.
Many of the goods sold here are locally crafted, using high-quality materials and giving the market its local nickname, "our little town of wood and cloth". Make sure to try the fingerlike, spicy Nuremberg Rostbratwurst sausage and some warm lebkuchen (gingerbread cookies).
Rüdesheim: A multicultural market viewed from the clouds
During advent, you can take an atmospheric cable car ride over the Rhine Valley's Rüdesheim Christmas Market to float calmly above the twinkling lights and ribbons of steam below.
Guests are even provided with woollen blankets to keep warm during the ride. Back on solid ground, Rüdesheim Christmas Market is set to be a multicultural affair this winter, with over 15 countries from six continents showcasing national specialties.
Koblenz: A boozy market full of fun activities
Located at that fertile spot where the Moselle joins the Rhine, Koblenz is where some of Germany’s best grapes are grown, making delicious red or white glühwein in the winter months.
Koblenz also holds a number of classical, jazz and gospel concerts at its Christmas market, and you can take a romantic carriage ride through the enchanting old quarter. As you ride, look out for the 24 advent calendar windows on the roof of the baroque town hall.
Visit the market at Koblenz on Good Housekeeping’s festive Christmas market cruise.
Bonn: For a Christmas experience with a touch of drama
Head to the 19th-century Drachenburg Castle on Saturdays and Sundays during the advent season to be transported back in time by storytellers and actors reenacting Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
The castle grounds fill up with stalls selling gifts, souvenirs and all the warming treats your heart desires under the festively lit fairytale castle. There’s simply nothing else like it.
Cologne: The sparkling pink Christmas market
Cologne itself features seven Christmas markets and over 110 different nativity scenes tucked away around the city. Perhaps its most iconic market is set against the spectacular backdrop of Cologne Cathedral. Due to be a favourite this year though is the colourful, pop-art Heavenue market.
This Christmas market is brought to life by the organisers of Cologne Pride and Cologne AIDS Aid. It’s a dazzling place to visit at Christmas, serving up artisanal warm drinks alongside a programme of live performances.
Dresden: The largest decorations you’ll see at any Christmas market
The Striezelmarkt in Dresden – which is one of the oldest documented markets in Germany, supposedly dating back to 1434 – is famous for its festive decorations.
Here, you’ll find the world's biggest nutcracker, a huge Christmas pyramid and the largest stollen in the world, weighing four tonnes and standing at an unbelievable 13 feet tall. In fact, there’s a celebration thrown in the stollen’s honour alone!
Cruise your way through Koblenz, Rudesheim, Mainz and Cologne, visiting wonderful Christmas markets this winter. FIND OUT MORE
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The 10 best weekend bags for your next mini break
This duffle bag/backpack hybrid has been a game changer for our senior homes and lifestyle writer, Megan Geall, as it can easily transport days' worth of outfits and belongings. There’s also a chest buckle for better support and security – perfect for when you’re carrying heavy loads!
The design feels very high quality and we love the two end compartments for keeping everything separate. There’s plenty of storage inside too, including two mesh pockets and a laptop compartment. It also comes with laundry and shoe bags, so you’ll have everything you need to stay organised on the go.
This Helly Hansen backpack would make a thoughtful unisex gift for travellers. Thanks to the roll-top design, the main compartment is adjustable and easy to fasten. It also comes with a laptop sleeve and padded straps, making it a great pick for those who commute via public transport or bike.
It’s not the biggest backpack so is best suited to light packers or one-night stays but it’s an affordable buy.
After splashing out on a weekend away, the last thing you need is to spend a fortune on your luggage. That’s why we love this affordable, yet practical, bag from Eastpak. It’s lightweight and versatile with carry handles and an adjustable, detachable shoulder strap.
It folds away easily and comes with a compact pouch for no-fuss storage when it’s not in use. Plus, it's the ideal cabin-friendly size if you want something to fly with.
Fjällräven Weekender Holdall
Popular luggage brand Fjällräven specialises in durable designs, and this weekender is no exception.
With a 30L capacity, it can be worn in three ways: crossbody, as a hold-all, or as a backpack. The handles are a little rough and they’re not the strongest, but while it may look small, it can hold a lot. Plus, there’s a 17” laptop compartment and the expandable front section is handy for keeping passports and phones within quick reach.
We love the versatility of this bag. As well as top handles, it has a detachable shoulder strap, a side handle, and a sleeve handle to attach it to your suitcase so you can breeze through the airport.
The handy shoe compartment is separate from the main bag, and there are two pockets on the front that offer a lot more extra space than you’d initially think. There’s also a laptop compartment and interior pockets for valuables. It’s not the smartest-looking bag on this list but it’s practical, durable and more affordable than most.
Part of the brand’s ‘Featherlight’ collection, this weekend bag weighs in at least than one kilogram, so even if you fill it to the brim with your favourite outfits, it shouldn’t weigh you down. However, the polyester twill material does feel cheaper than a traditional duffle bag – something to keep in mind if you typically opt for a thicker fabric.
The bag comes with a 16” laptop pocket, an interior and exterior pocket, and a shoe compartment at the bottom. We also love the adjustable crossbody strap, which feels sturdy and secure and (most importantly) comfortable!
This is more of an overnight option than a weekend bag, but it’s super affordable, can be easily adjusted from handbag size to an overnight bag, and comes with a matching cosmetic bag for storing your beauty essentials.
There’s also a sleeve for attaching it to your suitcase so you can free up your hands in the airport.
Horizn Studios SoFo Weekender M
Sleek and sophisticated, travelling with this weekend bag certainly won’t cramp your style. It’s made with a water-sealed base and waterproof lining and features padded handles, and an adjustable shoulder strap made of coated cotton.
There are also pockets on the inside and outside for storing valuables or items that need to be within easy reach, and the 32L capacity means there’s plenty of room for everything you might need for a weekend getaway.
Our tech editor, Simon Cocks, says Stubble & Co's Hybrid backpack is fantastic for a long weekend getaway. It opens like a suitcase for packing, and the 30L capacity allows you to fit a lot in.
It weighs just 1.5kg and has smart features like a dual-access top pocket, a padded laptop and tablet compartment, and water-resistant zips. It might be a little bulky if you're travelling light, but if you've got a lot to carry, it's a comfy all-in-one travel backpack.
Aspinal of London's classic Boston holdall is handcrafted from fine, full-grain leather with a gorgeous pebble finish, for a quality, durable finish that should last a lifetime.
Its soft shell and beautiful printed silk lining, paired with sturdy handles and a detachable strap, make it a both a practical and stylish choice.
How we choose the best weekend bags
Our senior homes and lifestyle writer, Megan Geall, looks after all the Good Housekeeping Institute’s tried and tested luggage guides, so she knows what to look for in the ultimate weekend bag.
She spent weeks trying out many of the bags featured above, including taking two of them with her to Glastonbury this year. Others have been recommended by the frequent travellers in Team GH. We were looking for practical, durable, lightweight and stylish designs that could fit everything we needed for a weekend away. We also paid close attention to standout features such as suitcase sleeves, separate shoe compartments and extra pockets for easy access.
How big should a weekend bag be?
The ideal weekend bag size depends on where you're going, how you’re travelling and the length of your trip. For example, if you're travelling by coach or train, we highly recommend something that’s lightweight with a generous capacity, such as the Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack (15 x 30 x 45 cm).
However, for the airport, you'll want a design that fits everything and has easy-to-access pockets for holding your passport and boarding pass. We love the Kono Travel Duffel Bag with Cosmetic Bag, which also has a sleeve so you can safely attach it to the handle of your suitcase.
More GHI Approved luggage to shop
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