Freiburg Christmas Market: A Discovery Guide

The holiday season in Germany brings to mind glittering streets, the intoxicating smell of mulled wine, twinkling lights and charming stalls offering handicrafts. Every year, numerous German cities are transformed into winter wonderlands, each with its own unique charm and Christmas customs. In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the Christmas market in Freiburg, Germany, where the holiday spirit blends seamlessly with the rich history of Christmas traditions.

Whether you’re looking for handmade gifts, regional culinary delights or simply the magic of the season, Freiburg im Breisgau is ready to welcome you to its enchanting Christmas market. Get ready to immerse yourself in the wacky world of the Freiburg Christmas market and discover its year-end festivities.

🎦 Watch our short video about Christmas in Germanythat will inspire you to explore this beautiful country in Europe for the holidays ⤵

The German name for the Christmas Fair in Freiburg is Freiburger Weihnachtsmarkt.

We know that it existed even in the 19th century Christkindlesmarkt on Münsterplatz, although the details from that era remain a mystery.

First Christmas fair in Freiburg (Freiburger Weihnachtsmarkt) took place from December 1 to 20, 1973. It marked 20 stands, daily musical performances by children’s choirs and bands, and even a ban on driving on Sundays.

The inaugural event was an instant hit, and a December 13, 1973 press release announced it would become a regular event.

Therefore, the second edition of the Christmas Fair in Freiburg was recognized far beyond the city limits. A group of 36 busloads of Canadians from Lahr came to visit. Swiss and French visitors also contributed to an increase in sales of more than 30%.

By 1990, the market had expanded to 46 stalls, with a carousel as the central part, and by 2014 it had reached 120 stalls.

In 2022, the Christmas market in Freiburg had around 130 stands.

The stands of the Christmas market are located in the historic center of Freiburg:

• Franziskanerstraße
• Kartoffelmarkt
• Kaiser-Joseph-Straße (every Sunday during Advent)
• Unterlinden (Predigertor)
• TurmStraße

To find out what the stalls have to offer, visit the Freiburg Christmas Market official site.

You can admire the nativity scene in front of the church of St. Martin.

Since the edition of the Freiburg Christmas Fair 2023, Colombipark has presented an enchanting lighting concept that enchants visitors with its romantic atmosphere and an irresistible photo spot in front of the Colombischlössle. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a wonderful selfie in front of the picturesque castle – the perfect souvenir to share with your loved ones!

With its mix of historic landmarks and contemporary vitality, Freiburg im Breisgau immerses visitors in a fascinating journey through time and culture. In Freiburg, a fascinating blend of history and modernity unfolds before your eyes.

Begin your exploration at the iconic Freiburg Minster, a striking example of Gothic architecture that graces the city skyline with its intricate spire and magnificent stained glass windows.

Stroll through the enchanting Old Town, where cobbled streets reveal centuries-old buildings decorated with charming frescoes.

You should not miss the lively Martinstor and Schwabentor, the preserved medieval city gates.

Tea Augustinermuseum is a treasure trove of art and cultural history, with works from the Middle Ages to the Baroque, as well as paintings from the 19th century.

For a touch of nature in the city, head to Schlossberg, a local hill for panoramic views and a quiet escape.

For more information about Freiburg, check out the event’s official website.

Here is a list of inspiring activities in Freiburg im Breisgau:

Here is some practical information for planning a visit to the Christmas market in Freiburg.

The Freiburg Christmas Market takes place in the historic city, around the Rathaus (Town Hall).

The Freiburg Christmas Market will take place from November 23 to December 23, 2023.

🚄 By train:

You can reach Freiburg by high-speed train (ICE) from Frankfurt and Basel (Switzerland), as well as from Mulhouse (France).

🚗 By car:

To get to Freiburg im Breisgau by car, follow these general instructions:

From France:
From Strasbourg, take the A35 motorway south to the German border. The highway then becomes the A5 in Germany.
Continue on the A5 towards Freiburg. Depending on your destination in Freiburg, you can take different motorway exits to access the city.

From Northern Germany:
Take the A5 motorway south. You will follow this highway to Freiburg.

from Switzerland:
Take the A5 motorway north from Basel, which will take you to Freiburg.

From East Germany:
Depending on your departure point, you can reach the A5 from various motorways in eastern Germany.

If you are coming to the Freiburg Christmas Market by car, there are two options:

• Park your car directly in the city center, in one of the covered parking lots.
• Park your car for free outside the city center at one of the Park+Ride locations and take the tram to the city center. More information about Freiburg Park+Ride.

Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of the Freiburg Christmas market by choosing comfortable and practical accommodation!

When visiting the Christmas market in Freiburg, choosing the right accommodation is essential to fully enjoy this enchanting season. Fortunately, the city offers a variety of accommodation options for everyone’s taste and budget.

You can choose between elegant hotels in the heart of the old town, cozy hostels or charming apartments that provide an authentic home away from home experience.

To simplify your search, you can see this list of accommodationswith various options for your stay.

Don’t forget to check out our interactive map to locate accommodation near the Christmas market and choose the one that best suits your needs.

About the illustrations in the article

Most of the photos are ours (© French Moments). However, I have selected some photos (including this article’s featured image) from Depositphotosa commercial platform that connects authors of high-quality licensed photos, graphics, vectors and videos with grateful customers.