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German Christmas Markets Set November Openings as Nuremberg Dominates Rankings and Faces Historical Rethink

New archival findings put Nuremberg’s famed Christkindlesmarkt about 50 years younger.

Overview

  • City archivists and the Germanisches Nationalmuseum conclude the Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt likely dates to around 1678 rather than 1628, with officials stressing the market’s standing remains unchanged.
  • Time Out’s new lists place Nuremberg first in Germany and Europe, with Berlin’s Schloss Charlottenburg ranked second nationally and Dresden’s Striezelmarkt third.
  • Organizers confirm earlier and staggered starts: Essen-Steele opens on November 2, more NRW markets follow mid‑November, and Munich launches multiple events from November 7, often under “Winter” branding to begin before Totensonntag.
  • Dortmund’s market runs November 20 to December 30 and brings back the 45‑metre XXL tree with the traditional angel on top, while tweaking lighting and decorations after last year’s feedback.
  • Vienna’s market office announces 14 approved markets with 911 stands for 2025, and Berlin adds a first‑time KaDeWe Wittenbergplatz market from November 24 to January 1 featuring heated pagoda tents and a defined security concept.