Like any travel guide to Germany, there are always the must-see cities to visit in Germany. The same applies to the best Christmas Markets to visit in Germany. Yet, so often, those lists always contain the same cities and towns. Of course, they are worth visiting for a reason, especially for first-timers to Germany. However, if you have an obsession with Christmas Markets like I do, you start to look for Unique Christmas Markets to Visit in Germany, the underrated, underdog Christmas Markets that get skipped over for the big, popular ones. Augsburg’s Christmas Market is one of those underdog Christmas Markets. 

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If you’ve been to at least 5 Christmas Markets in Germany or Europe, then you most likely have a Top 5. 

Here are my Top 5 Big City Christmas Markets in Europe:

1. Heidelberg Christmas Market
2. Vienna Christmas Market
3. Strasbourg Christmas Market
4. Dresden Christmas Market
5. Regensburg Christmas Market

Here are my Top 5 Lesser-known Christmas Markets 

1. Augsburg Christmas Market
2. Esslingen Medieval Christmas Market
3. Abensberg Kuchlbauer Hundertwasser Christmas Market
4. Schloss Hellbrunn Christmas Market (Coming Soon!!)
5. Waldweihnacht Schweinhütt in the Bavarian Forest
    

As you can see, Augsburg jumped up to the top of my underdog, lesser-known Christmas Markets in Europe. It was a Christmas Market only a two-hour drive from Regensburg. Easy enough to get to, but far enough that we never went. Until it was the very last Christmas Market I would visit before I left Germany to move back to the US. I was adamant that we would visit if it was the very last thing we would do. And it darn near was the last thing we would do. And let me tell you, I did not plan to fall in love so much with the Augsburg Christmas Market as I had. 

Why Should You Visit the Augsburg Christmas Market?

First of all, you’ve most likely never even heard of Augsburg, as it is often overlooked for a variety of other, more popular cities in Bavaria, such as Munich or Nuremburg. Worse, it sits nearly in the middle of a perfect triangle between the three most popular Christmas Markets in southern Germany – Stuttgart, Munich and Nuremburg. Thus, Augsburg unfortunately gets skipped over, but I am here to tell you, you need to make the extra effort to visit. 

Why?

Because, Augsburg still holds on to that small town city quaintness, with its meandering streets all leading to the heart of the city. And because Augsburg so easy gets skipped over, the Augsburg Christmas Market thrives off of local tourists and does not feel like it is being inundated by hordes of non-local tourists. Though a whopping one million visitors do stop by per year!

For the rest, I’ll let the pictures do the talking.

When to Visit the Augsburg Christmas Market

Opening hours 2025

November 24th: 10am – 9:30pm – Opening Day

Christkind Ceremony starts at 6:00pm

Sunday – Thursday: 10:am – 8pm

Friday and Saturday: 10am – 9:30pm

December 23rd: 10am – 9:30pm

December 24th: 10am – 2pm – Last Day

The Magic of the Augsburg Christmas Market

The Augsburg Christmas Market is one of Germany’s oldest Christmas Markets, dating back to the 15th century, spread out throughout the wandering lanes and main square of Augsburg known as Rathausplatz. The rather unique looking Augsburg City Hall is the stunning backdrop to the Augsburg Christmas Market. At the heart of the market, is a large Christmas tree and a stunning Christmas Pyramid Glühwein stand and lovely wooden huts selling their wares, all wrapped up in cozy, twinkling lights. 

More: Beautiful City Halls in Germany

Christmas Markets in Germany all have an aroma of freshly baked Lebkuchen (gingerbread cookies) and hearty Bratwurst sausages which fills the market, enticing market-goers to indulge in a delicious array of traditional Bavarian Christmas Market foods. You can sip on warm mugs of Glühwein (mulled wine) or Kinderpunsch (non-alcoholic punch), warming both body and soul as you wander through the festive stalls, taking in the handcrafted jewelry, candles, and toys that showcase the local craftsmanship.

Tip: Everything You Need to Know about German Christmas Markets

What to do at the Augsburg Christmas Market

Visiting the Augsburg Christmas Market is like stepping into a holiday dream, with a perfect mix of festive activities, cultural experiences, and delicious treats. Here’s a list of what to do to make the most of your visit:

1. Explore the Historic Stalls

• Shop for Unique Gifts: Browse the market’s beautiful wooden stalls for traditional, locally made handcrafted goods like wooden toys, Christmas ornaments, wool scarves, and handmade candles. The market is full of artisans showcasing their Bavarian craftsmanship, perfect for unique holiday gifts.

2. Savor the Festive Food & Drink

• Pick Up Some Local Treats: Don’t miss the delicious local specialties, such as Lebkuchen (gingerbread), sausages, roasted chestnuts, and Stollen (a traditional German Christmas cake).

• Glühwein (Mulled Wine): Warm up with a glass of Glühwein (mulled wine) served in festive mugs or fancy wine glasses. For non-alcoholic options, try Kinderpunsch (children’s punch) or hot chocolate.

• Try Traditional Bavarian Snacks: Don’t miss out on hearty snacks like Bratwurst sausages, Käsespätzle (cheese noodles), or Brezn (pretzels). The smell of these foods fills the air, adding to the festive ambiance. Our favorite was the Heisser Josef: warm cured ham with sauerkraut.

• Sweet Treats: Indulge in Christmas cookies like Zimtsterne (cinnamon stars), Marzipan sweets, or crispy Schmalzkuchen (mini doughnuts).

3. See the Opening of the Christkindlesmarkt

• The Christkind Parade: The highlight of the market is the Christkind (Christ Child) procession, where a young woman dressed as the Christkind opens the market with a charming ceremony. It’s a beautiful tradition that brings the spirit of Christmas to life, especially for families and children. Opening ceremony starts on November 24th at 6:00pm.

4. Enjoy the Christmas Atmosphere Throughout the City Center

• Stroll the Market: Simply wandering through the market is an experience in itself and is the joy of visiting any market. You never know what goodies you will find! The glowing lights, the music, and the festive decorations create an atmosphere of warmth and joy, making it a perfect place for a leisurely stroll, preferably with a Glühwein in hand. The architecture around the market, including the magnificent Augsburg Cathedral, adds to the historical charm.

• Christmas Music and Carols: Throughout the town, you can find local choirs and musicians performing Christmas carols and holiday tunes. Sometimes there are also live performances of traditional Bavarian music or folk dances, adding a local cultural touch to your visit. Be sure to check the Program schedule.

• Catch the Angel’s Performance: Delight in the enchantment of the angel presentation “Engelsspiel,” performed in the facade of Augsburg City Hall in accordance with Hans Holbein’s famous exemplar of altar angels. 23 angels appear on the beautiful backdrop of the town hall and transform it into a giant Advent calendar.
  • The Augsburg Angels’ Play takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 6:00pm.
  • On December 23, the angels will perform at 6:00 pm 

5. Visit the Children’s Corner

• Children’s Activities and Workshops: The Augsburg Christmas Market has a special focus on families. Kids can enjoy activities like decorating gingerbread cookies, making Christmas crafts, or even riding on a small carousel.

• Meet the Christkind: There’s often a chance for children to meet the Christkind (the symbolic gift-bringer of Christmas) in person, hear stories, and pose for photos.

6. Admire the Decorations

• Holiday Lights: The entire market and the surrounding streets are adorned with thousands of Christmas lights, illuminating the city center into a glowing winter wonderland. Make sure to visit Augsburg’s iconic Christmas tree in the central square and admire the beautiful lights that adorn the buildings.

• Nativity Scene: Check out the stunning nativity scene that’s often set up at the market, complete with handcrafted figures and elaborate displays. 

7. Take a Historical Walk

• Explore Augsburg’s History: While you’re at the market, try to make the time to wander around the historic old town. Augsburg is one of Germany’s oldest cities, and its medieval streets, buildings, and landmarks are a treat to explore. Stop by Augsburg Cathedral, Fuggerhäuser, or Rathausplatz (Town Hall Square) for a dose of history.

8. Attend Special Events and Performances

• Christmas Concerts: Depending on when you visit, you might find Christmas concerts or performances at nearby churches or concert halls. The Augsburg Cathedral is known for its beautiful holiday services and concerts, so check the schedule if you’re interested.

10. Take Some Snap Shots

• Capture the Magic: With its medieval backdrop, twinkling lights, and charming decorations, Augsburg’s Christmas Market is a photographer’s dream. Don’t forget to snap some pictures of the market’s festive decorations, the Christmas tree, and the bustling atmosphere. It’s a place where every corner looks like a holiday postcard. Be sure to snap some photos at Blue Hour for the best possible photos.

Other Christmas Markets in Europe:

Prague’s Christmas Market, Czech Republic

A COMPLETE Guide to Vienna’s Christmas Markets, Austria

Strasbourg is the “City of Christmas”, France

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