We Ranked the 5 Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Southern Germany

TL;DR

As we cruised around Southern Germany, from one Christmas market to another, we realized that some of these Christmas markets deserved a special unofficial award of sorts.

A few stand out more than the others, and we have made sure to point out in this guide why they deserve a top spot as some of the best Christmas markets in the region (and probably in Europe in general).

You won't be disappointed; I can promise you this!

In our assessment for this post, we have included beauty, decoration, choice of stalls and rides, themes, food and drink, ease of access, location, general vibe, and uniqueness.

The last one at the bottom, the number 1, the best-of-the-best, is THE Christmas market that you should add to your must-see bucket list!

5. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is known as one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Europe, but it doesn't bag the best Christmas market title in Southern Germany.

Don't get me wrong, the town is stunning, and I wholeheartedly recommend that you visit this well-preserved, colorful walled city with its half-timbered buildings.

But the Christmas market itself is just meh, especially if you compare it to other much more elaborate Christmas markets in southern Germany.

The town is small, and the Christmas market is tiny with a few narrow alleyways and large crowds, including endless tour bus groups. Therefore, this Christmas market gets the last spot on our list this year.

4. Forest Christmas Market

The forest Christmas market in Southern Germany is truly a magical, fairytale-like experience worth exploring if you are looking for a different type of holiday memory.

This market is vast and absolutely mesmerizing, and yes, the location in the forest and in the middle of the countryside add a certain charm and feel to it. Yet, these exact features make it almost impossible to access.

Public infrastructure in the area is very limited; it's an hour away from the next city, and you might not want to walk through muddy forest pathways with your pretty boots.

Forest Christmas vibes are not everyone's cup of tea, especially if you need to prioritize your precious and very short Christmas market time.

Most first-time visitors strive for a classic Christmas market vibe, but we still thought that this market deserved the 4th spot for the effort put into organizing it.

3. Augsburg

Augsburg hosts one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe and in Germany, and incidentally, this historical city near Munich has been very much overlooked by international visitors.

The city has been around since Roman times, and several points of interest make it a must-see for history buffs. On the other hand, Christmas market fans shouldn't miss a trip to the holiday market because it's a classic.

Family and friends in the region all agree Augsburg is one of the best Christmas markets because of the traditional vibes, the stalls and their offerings, the ease of access, and the overall setup in the city.

You can walk from one Christmas market area to the next, and some are themed, such as the children's Christmas market with its rides and stalls geared towards families.

It's a terrific choice of a Christmas market in a picturesque city that isn't all that crazy overcrowded, suitable for all ages and groups of people.

2. Nuremberg

Nuremberg has long been considered THE ultimate Christmas market of all classic Christmas markets in Germany and Europe. I mean, there is nothing more traditional than this Christmas market.

The stalls follow a particular style, and they still sell very classic food specialties and products. It feels less artificial compared to some other Christmas markets that we have explored in central Europe.

On the inauguration day, they have an angel blessing the market as per the cultural custom. The ritual adds to the uniqueness and charm.

There are themed sections of the market, like the children's market and the market for other countries, where you can sample specialties from international representations.

We loved eating our way through Bratwurst buns (the local specialty) and couldn't stop picking up classic Nuremberg Elisenlebkuchen Christmas cookies.

1. Munich

Munich, hands down, wins the spot for the best Christmas market experience in Southern Germany (and probably the region in general).

The city organizes several Christmas markets, but the major one takes place on the old town square, which extends all the way to neighboring areas.

It's vast, but it doesn't feel all that overwhelming because the stalls are at times scattered, giving plenty of space for the crowds to move around.

Besides, we were amazed by the market decorations and impeccable Christmas light arrangements. You can see that a lot of thought and energy has been poured into the Munich Christmas market experience, and you won't find that anywhere else.

Another advantage worth mentioning is the fact that other Christmas markets are in walking distance.

A popular choice is the market in the courtyard of the royal Residenz, but we also stumbled upon a pink Christmas market (LGBTQ themed) and a secret Feuerzangenbowle market (a special alcoholic hot drink).

And if you are at the airport, you'll be spoiled by the airport Christmas market. It was equally as remarkable as the ones in the old town, and we had great fun here the night before our flight.

Bonus Win: Munich also has the best Christmas market drink choices on offer and the most fantastic collectible cups!