20+ Christmas Markets Near Kaiserslautern: 2025 Dates, Times, & Tips

If you’re new to Germany, festivals, or Christmas markets, then this will be new for you. When you order any type of drink in glassware, you will pay the price for the drink and then an additional deposit, or pfand, for the cup. The price for a pfand can be anywhere from €2.00 – €4.00, or sometimes more for bigger glasses.

If you return your mug or glassware, you receive your pfand back. Another option is to forgo your deposit and then keep the mug. As for Christmas markets, many people collect the Christmas market mugs when ordering glühwein or hot chocolate to add to their growing collection.

The majority of Christmas markets are cash only when ordering any food or drink, as well as majority of shopping. There may be a few food or souvenir stands that take card, but I always prepare to have cash when visiting.

I’d also recommend keeping a few coins on you as well. Some places may offer free toilets, but majority of markets have toilet trailers that may cost €0.50 to €1.00 to use.

Many of the smaller villages around Kaiserslautern and the KMC will have their own Christmas market, which may run for one day or a weekend. You can keep an eye out in any local village Facebook groups, signs hanging around the villages, events on Facebook, or if they even have their own website!

Smaller Christmas markets include: Ramstein-Meisenbach, Landstuhl, Weilerbach, Hütschenhausen, Bruchmühlbach-Miesau, Kusel, Johanniskreuz, and St. Ingbert just to name a few.

The last Sunday of November is marked as Totensonntag, or Sunday of the Dead, a German holiday which commemorates those who have passed away. If the market opens prior to this day, then usually the Christmas market will be closed on Totensonntag.

It’s always imperative to check each market website or social media for the correct dates and times. I’ve done my best to research the websites, dates, times, etc, but things can always change!

One local Christmas market near Kaiserslautern, the Homburg Weihnachtsmarkt is held for three weeks in December. Only a 30 minute drive away, I love how this market is smaller and sits right in the city center, as it’s much more intimate.

They offer a small ice skating rink around a towering Christmas tree, with a few food and souvenir stands circling the rink. Pair this market with some shopping in the city, or just a quick visit over one afternoon or evening.

2025 Dates: December 7 – December 30

Opening Hours:

• Monday – Wednesday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
• Thursday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
• Sunday: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
• Christmas Eve: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
• Closed December 25 and 26

The Zweibrücken Christmas market is smaller but cozy, located in the heart of this charming town. Known as the city of roses, Zweibrücken adds a romantic flair to the festive season.

Only 40 minutes from Kaiserslautern or the KMC, Zweibrücken Weihnachtsmarkt is only open for two weekends in December, which can easily be paired with other markets nearby.

Combine your visit with a shopping spree at the Zweibrücken Fashion Outlet, which is a popular destination for popular designer brands, like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Levis, Columbia, Lindt and more.

2025 Dates: Friday December 5 – Sunday December 7 &
Friday December 12 – Sunday December 14

Opening Times:

• Fridays: 5:00 pm – at least 9:00 pm
• Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 am – at least 9:00 pm

The festive stalls are spread throughout the city center starting at St. Johanner Markt. You’ll find more food and drink stalls, along with rides for the littles, along Bahnhofstraße.

Daily at 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm, you can witness Santa flying with his reindeer sleigh above the St. Johanner Markt. Every Wednesday, the flying Santa Claus starts the first flight at 2:00 pm. In addition, tickets for the rides for children are half price on Wednesdays.

2025 Dates: November 17 – December 23

Opening Hours:

• Daily: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
• December 24: 11:30 am – 2:00 pm
• December 27 – 30: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm (Only along Bahnhofstraße)
• *Closed Sunday, November 23rd for Sunday of the Dead

Saarbrücken is about a 45 minute drive from Kaiserslautern, and an easy 40-ish minute train ride.

Bernkastel-Kues Christkindlmarkt is one of my favorite markets close to the KMC to visit. Known for their famous advent calendar house, you can watch the town count down daily at 5:30 pm in the windows starting December 1st.

The Christkindlmarkt has 40 market stalls located throughout the city, offering savory food and treats, delicious drinks, and handmade souvenirs. I found a small, but beautiful wooden angel ornament and a town wooden ornament the few times I’ve visited.

Bernkastel-Kues is located a little over an hour away from Kaiserslautern, and it’s such an easy drive. Unfortunately, public transportation isn’t available directly into city, unless you plan on taking the train nearby, then transfer via bus into the city.

2025 Dates: November 21 – December 21

Opening Hours:

• Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
• Friday and Saturday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
• *Closed Sunday, November 23rd for Sunday of the Dead

Set against the backdrop of Trier’s historic Roman structures, Trier Weihnachtsmarkt is one of the most picturesque in Germany. The medieval architecture and festive lights create a magical atmosphere.

The Christmas market takes place in front of the imposing cathedral and is another medieval market in Germany. 2025 marks the 45th year of this market, with unique decorations of the market stalls and many regional delicacies in celebration.

They offer many events, including live concerts at the historic Porta Nigra, gift giving by Santa Claus, and visits with the German mulled wine queen. If you have time to explore more of Trier, check out some of the Roman ruins, including the Amphitheater and Constantine Basilica.

Trier is located about an hour from Kaiserslautern, and easily accessible by car or train.

2025 Dates: November 21 – December 22

Heidelberg’s Christmas Market stretches through several parts of the Old Town, making it one of the most picturesque settings. The city’s charming castle overlooks the market, adding to the fairytale vibe.

The Heidelberg Weihnachtsmarkt is located in 6 areas around the city – Bismarckplatz, Anatomiegarten, Universitätsplatz, Kornmark, Karlsplatz, and Marktplatz.

Located in the Marktplatz is a large wine barrel with a capacity of 120,000 liters, with the bigger version located inside the castle! There is an ice rink available until January 11th at Karlsplatz with a beautiful view of the castle. Daily hours of the ice rink are 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Heidelberg is located about 1 hour from Kaiserslautern, and it is easily accessible by car or train.

2025 Dates: November 24 – December 22

Opening Hours:

• Sunday – Friday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
• Saturday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm

Wiesbaden Sternschnuppenmarkt, also known as the Shooting Star Christmas market, is located at Schlossplatz right in front of the towering Evangelical Market Church. With over 100 stalls around the market, they also offer a little less than 100 illuminated displays surround the city and market.

There is a 45-meter high ferris wheel on Mauritiusplatz offering a beautiful bird’s eye view of the Christmas market. They also offer a 2,500-square meter ice rink, the largest mobile ice rink in Germany, in front of the illuminated Kurhaus. The ice rink is open from 10:00 am – 10:00 pm.

For children only, the children’s Starmarkt can be found on Luisenplatz. Here, you can find Christmas stories, live music on the Winter Magic Stage, the children’s carousel, and more.

Wiesbaden is located about 1 hour and 10 minutes from Kaiserslautern, but an even longer train ride with 2-3 transfers.

2025 Dates: November 25 – December 23

Mannheim is known for its vast market sprawled around the Wasserturm, the city’s iconic water tower. It’s one of the largest in the region, featuring over 200 stalls. The Mannheim Christmas market is one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Germany.

Themed streets, including a Medieval section with period performances, a giant Christmas pyramid with traditional Erzgebirge figures, and kid-friendly rides and attractions.

Mannheim is about 40 to 50 minute drive from Kaiserslautern, with an easy train ride available.

2025 Dates: November 24 – December 23

Opening Hours:

• Daily from 11:00 am – 9:00 pm

What we love about Ludwigshafen Weihnachtsmarkt is that this market opens earlier than the majority of Christmas markets in the area. Although I’ve heard mixed reviews from other people, you can start the Christmas market season with a trip to this market to get a taste of what the season will hold.

If you don’t get a chance to go when it opens, you can easily pair it with a visit to Mannheim, as it sits right across the Rhine River. Ludwigshafen is about a 45 minute drive, or easy hour train ride from Kaiserslautern.

2025 Dates: November 12 – December 23

Opening Hours:

• Sunday – Thursday: 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
• Friday & Saturday: 12:00 pm – 9:30 pm
• *Closed Sunday, November 16th for Day of Mourning, and November 23rd for Sunday of the Dead

Known as one of the most beautiful and historic markets in Germany, the Mainz Weihnachtsmarkt offers Christmas cheer in front of the 1,000-year-old St. Martin’s Cathedral. The market dates back as early as 1788, first originally known as “Nikolose Markt”.

Marvel at all the beautiful Christmas lights, the 11-meter high Christmas pyramid, or the largest hand-carved Nativity scene. You can find plenty of hand-crafted goods with diverse food offerings at the Mainz Weihnachtsmarkt. Pair your visit with a stroll along the Rhine River for beautiful winter views.

Mainz is about an hour drive from Kaiserslautern, and about 1 hour and 30 minute train ride with one transfer.

2025 Dates: November 27 – December 23

Opening Hours:

• Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 am – 8:30 pm
• Friday and Saturday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm

Speyer Weihnachstmarkt is set against the backdrop of the UNESCO-listed Speyer Cathedral, one of Germany’s most important Romanesque buildings.

The market has a unique charm due to its proximity to the Rhine River, and stretches down all of Maximilianstraße until you reach the Altpörtel, or the Old City Gate. During the Advent season, the city will be offering a 10-minute 3D video mapping on the Old Gate twice a day.

If you have more time to explore the area, combine your visit with a trip to the Technik Museum for a fun day out seeing all the classic cars, motorcycles, aircraft and historic fire engines.

2025 Dates: November 24 – January 6, 2026

Conveniently located about an hour from Kaiserslautern, you can choose to drive and park near the cathedral, or easily train to Speyer with a 10 minute walk to the market.

Opening Hours:

• Monday – Thursday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
• Friday & Saturday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
• Sunday: 1:00 am – 9:00 pm (Stalls close at 8:00 pm)

Limited Open Days & Times:

• December 24: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
• Closed December 25 & 26
• December 31: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
• January 1: 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Originally when the “Christkindchesmarkt” started, it was exclusively for the residents of Frankfurt, with no outsiders allowed, giving the market its distinct city charm. Now, the Frankfurt Weihnachtsmarkt offers over 100 stalls around the city that still embraces German traditions.

Starting at Roßmarkt, the Christmas market stretches along the Zeil promenade all the way down to Römerberg and the River Main. There are also many festive stalls at Hauptwache. At Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz, you’ll find everything decorated in pink.

You can find Bethmännchen, a local marzipan pastry, and Frankfurt’s apple wine, which is also served hot during the season. I love to pair this market with shopping in the city at one of their shopping malls.

Frankfurt is about 1 hour and 20 minute drive from Kaiserslautern, with about 1 hour and 30 minute train ride away.

2025 Dates: November 25 – December 22

Opening Hours:

• Monday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
• Sunday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm

Mosel Wein Nachts Markt, also known as Mosel Wine Night Market, is especially unique as it sits underground in wine cellars around Traben-Trarbach.

This is one market where you will have to buy admission tickets to enter due to the specific location of the markets. Tickets are €5.00 for adults and children under 16 are free, which you can purchase on site. You’ll receive a bracelet as your ticket and a program with a map where the wine cellar markets are located.

Loads of wine and wine accessories at this market and a lot of neat handmade gifts compared to other markets I’ve been to. You can also find a small ice skating rink located here for an additional charge.

Tip: This market is definitely cash only, as the vendors cannot connect to the internet for their card machines in the cellars. If you plan on buying anything, make sure to take extra euro!

Not far from Bernkastel-Kues, Traben-Trarbach is located about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Kaiserslautern. Unfortunately, it’s best to drive to this market due to its location because public transportation would be more than double the time.

2025 Dates: November 21 – January 3 (Weekends only before Christmas)

Opening Hours:

• Friday – Sunday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
• Open daily from December 26th – January 3rd
• December 31 & January 1: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
• *Closed Sunday, November 23rd for Sunday of the Dead

With over 120 stalls spread out across the city, the Metz Christmas Market offers plenty to see and do.

Right next to the Saint Etienne Cathedral, the towering Ferris wheel gives you breathtaking views over the city and Place d’Armes. Place de la République offers an ice rink at the largest square in the city, along with plenty of shopping. More chalets can be found at Place Saint-Jacques.

Take time to see the other sites around Metz to include the Romanesque inspired Temple Neuf De Metz and Temple De Garnison.

2025 Dates: November 22 – December 30

Metz is located about 1 hour and 15 minutes west of Kaiserslautern. It’s best to drive into Metz, as public transportation time would be nearly double. Driving to France requires you to pay tolls, which can be easily done with your credit card. Don’t forget your passports since you’ll be crossing the border!

The Rüdesheim Christmas Market is internationally famous, with over 120 stalls representing over 20 nations from 4 continents. Located along the Rhine River, Rüdesheim Weihnachtsmarkt der Nationen is one of the most picturesque markets in Germany.

Take the cable car up to the Niederwald Monument for panoramic views of the Rhine River and surrounding vineyards. You can also take this one and a half hour roundtrip boat tour discovering the Middle Rhine Valley and all the romantic castles.

Rüdesheim is located about 1 hour and 20 minutes north of the KMC, with a train ride almost double the time.

2025 Dates: November 20 – December 23

Opening Hours:

• Monday – Thursday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
• Friday & Saturday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
• Sunday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm

Koblenz offers one of the largest and most diverse Christmas markets in the Rhineland. Located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, the Koblenzer Weihnachtsmarkt spreads across the historic Old Town.

The two Christmas markets located at Jesuitenplatz and the forecourt of the Liebfrauenkirche will end on December 22nd. But no worries, you can still enjoy the markets on the remaining 5 squares until January 4th.

You can take the cable car up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for breathtaking views, and purchase your ticket to their magical Christmas Gardens starting November 20th. These are timed tickets for each date, so early booking is recommended. Tickets are offered with or without the cable car included, and they have family tickets available as well.

Klobenz is located about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Kaiserslautern, with an even longer train ride of about 2 hours and 15 minutes with one transfer at Bingen (Rhein) Hbf.

2025 Dates: November 21 – January 4, 2026

Opening Hours:

• Monday – Wednesday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm (Food staying open until 9:00 pm)
• Thursday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm (Food staying open until 10:00 pm)
• Sunday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
• *Closed Sunday, November 23rd for Sunday of the Dead
• *Limited hours for dates after December 23rd – Check their website if you’re wanting to visit.

Luxembourg Winterlights Festival is definitely one of my favorite markets to go to, while also getting to enjoy the city. You’ll find 5 markets located around the city to explore, eat, and drink your way through.

There are 4 main markets scattered throughout the city center, which are: Wantermaart, Lëtzebuerger Chrëschtmaart, Niklosmaart, and Wanterpark. Starting mid December, the Winterkids area opens, which is perfect for families with littles.

Luxembourg is located about 1 hour and 40 minutes away from Kaiserslautern, and this market is the perfect day trip away. Don’t forget to take your passport while you cross the border!

2025 Dates: November 21 – January 1, 2026

Opening Hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
• Friday & Saturday: 11:00 pm – 10:00 pm
• Sunday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm

Here are all the markets listed with their opening dates for the 2025 season.

1. Kaiserslautern: November 17 – December 23, 2025
2. Homburg: December 7 – December 30, 2025
3. Zweibrücken: December 5 – December 7 | December 12 – December 14, 2025
4. St. Wendel: December 5 – December 14, 2025
5. Bad Dürkheim: November 28 – December 21, 2025 (Advent Weekends)
6. Worms: November 26-29, December 3-6, 10-13, 17-20, 2025
7. Saarbrücken: November 17 – December 23, 2025
8. Bernkastel-Kues: November 21 – December 21, 2025
9. Trier: November 21 – December 22, 2025
10. Heidelberg: November 24 – December 22, 2025
11. Wiesbaden: November 25 – December 23, 2025
12. Mannheim: November 24 – December 23, 2025
13. Ludwigshafen: November 12 – December 23, 2025
14. Mainz: November 27 – December 23, 2025
15. Speyer: November 24 – January 6, 2025
16. Frankfurt: November 25 – December 22, 2025
17. Traben-Trarbach: November 21 – January 3 (Weekends only before Christmas)
18. Metz, France: November 22 – December 30, 2025
19. Rüdesheim am Rhein: November 20 – December 23, 2025
20. Koblenz: November 21 – January 4, 2026
21. Luxembourg City, Luxembourg: November 21 – January 1, 2026
22. Strasbourg, France: November 26 – December 24, 2025
23. Cochem: November 28 – December 21, 2025