The festive season in Germany brings to mind twinkling streets, the intoxicating aroma of mulled wine, shimmering lights, and charming stalls offering artisanal treasures. Every year, numerous German cities transform into winter wonderlands, each with its own unique charm and Christmas traditions. In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the Freiburg Christmas market in Germany, where the festive spirit blends seamlessly with a rich history of Christmas traditions.
Whether you're searching 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 whimsical world of the Freiburg Christmas market and discover its year-end festivities.
🎦 Watch our short video on Christmas in Germany, which will inspire you to explore this beautiful country in Europe for the holidays ⤵
About the Freiburg Christmas Market
The German name for the Freiburg Christmas Market is Freiburger Weihnachtsmarkt.
A short history of the Freiburger Weihnachtsmarkt
As far back as the 19th century, we know there was a Christkindlesmarkt on Münsterplatz, although the details from that era remain a mystery.
The first Freiburg Christmas Market (Freiburger Weihnachtsmarkt) occurred from 1st to 20th December 1973. It featured 20 stalls, daily musical performances by children's choirs and bands, and even a ban on Sunday driving.
The inaugural event was an instant hit, and a press release on 13th December 1973 announced that it would become a regular event.
![Freiburg Christmas Market in Kartoffelmarkt © Andreas Schwarzkopf - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Christmas_lights_in_Freiburg_im_Breisgau?uselang=fr#/media/File:Freiburger_Weihnachtsmarkt_(1).jpg "Weihnachtsmarkt auf dem Kartoffelmarkt")
The Christmas market of Kartoffelmarkt © Andreas Schwarzkopf - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons
Therefore, the Freiburg Christmas Market's second edition was recognised far beyond the city's borders. A group of 36 buses filled with Canadians from Lahr came to visit. Swiss and French visitors also contributed to a more than 30% increase in sales.
By 1990, the market expanded to 46 stalls, with a carousel as the centrepiece, reaching 120 stalls by 2014.
Freiburg Christmas Market. Source: Depositphotos.com
Freiburg Christmas Market today
In 2022, the Freiburg Christmas market featured around 130 stalls.
The Christmas market stalls are located in the historic centre of Freiburg:
- Franziskanerstraße
- Kartoffelmarkt
- Kaiser-Joseph-Straße (every Sunday during Advent)
- Unterlinden (Predigertor)
- TurmStraße
![Franziskanerstraße Freiburg © Andreas Schwarzkopf - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Christmas_lights_in_Freiburg_im_Breisgau?uselang=fr#/media/File:Freiburger_Weihnachtsmarkt_(3).jpg "Weihnachtsmarkt in der Franziskanerstraße")
The Freiburg Christmas Market in Franziskanerstraße © Andreas Schwarzkopf - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons
To find out what all the stallholders have to offer, visit the Freiburg Christmas Market official website.
You can admire the Nativity Scene in front of St Martin's church.
Freiburg Christmas Market. Source: Depositphotos.com
Christmas at Colombipark
From the 2023 edition of the Freiburg Christmas Market, Colombipark has unveiled a mesmerizing lighting concept that enchants visitors with its romantic atmosphere and an irresistible photo spot in front of the Colombischlössle. Don't miss the chance to snap a delightful selfie in front of the picturesque chateau – a perfect souvenir to share with your loved ones!
What to see in Freiburg at Christmas
With its mix of historic landmarks and contemporary vitality, Freiburg im Breisgau immerses visitors in a captivating journey through time and culture. In Freiburg, a captivating 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's skyline with its intricate spire and magnificent stained glass windows.
Freiburg Cathedral. Source: Depositphotos.com
Stroll through the enchanting Old Town, where the cobbled streets reveal centuries-old buildings adorned with charming frescoes.
The Merchants' House in Freiburg. Source: Depositphotos.com
You can't miss the vibrant Martinstor and Schwabentor, the preserved medieval city gates.
The Schwabentor in Freiburg. Source: Depositphotos.com
The Augustinermuseum is a treasure trove of art and cultural history, with works ranging from the Middle Ages up to the Baroque period, as well as paintings from the 19th century.
For a touch of nature within the city, head to the Schlossberg, a local hill offering panoramic views and a peaceful escape.
The Minster of Freiburg from the Schlossberg. Source: Depositphotos.com
For more information about Freiburg, check out the event's official website.
What to do in Freiburg
Here's a list of inspiring activities in Freiburg im Breisgau:
Freiburg Christmas Market: What you need to know
Here are some practical info to plan your visit to the Freiburg Christmas Market.
Where is the Freiburg Christmas Market located?
The Freiburg Christmas Market takes place in the historic town, around the Rathaus (City-Hall).
The Christmas Market of Freiburg will take place from 23 November to 23 December 2023.
![Freiburg Christmas Market - Konviktstraße © joergens.mi - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Christmas_lights_in_Freiburg_im_Breisgau?uselang=fr#/media/File:Konviktstrasse_(Freiburg)_2367.jpg "Konviktstraße Freiburg © joergens.mi - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons")
Christmas Lights in Konviktstraße © joergens.mi - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons
How to get to the Freiburg Christmas Market?
🚄 By train:
You can reach Freiburg by train with high-speed connections (ICE) from Frankfurt and Basel (Switzerland), as well as Mulhouse (France).
🚗 By car:
To get to Freiburg im Breisgau by car, follow these general directions:
From France:
From Strasbourg, take the A35 motorway south to the German border. The motorway then becomes the A5 in Germany.
Continue on the A5 towards Freiburg. Depending on your destination in Freiburg, you can exit at different motorway exits to access the city.
From northern Germany:
Take the A5 motorway heading south. You will follow this motorway to Freiburg.
From Switzerland:
Take the A5 motorway heading north from Basel, which will take you to Freiburg.
From eastern Germany:
Depending on your point of departure, you can reach the A5 from various motorways in eastern Germany.
Where to park your car?
If you're coming to the Freiburg Christmas Market by car, there are two options:
- Park your car directly in the city centre, in one of the covered car parks.
- Park your car free of charge outside the city centre in one of the Park+Ride spaces and take the tram to the city centre. More info on Freiburg's Park+Ride.
![Schwabentor and Herrenstraße - Freiburg Christmas Market © joergens.mi - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Christmas_lights_in_Freiburg_im_Breisgau?uselang=fr#/media/File:Schwabentor_(Freiburg)_2416.jpg "Schwabentor and Herrenstraße Freiburg © joergens.mi - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons")
Schwabentor and Herrenstraße © joergens.mi - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons
Where to stay in Freiburg at Christmas?
Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of the Freiburg Christmas market by opting for comfortable and convenient accommodation!
When visiting the Freiburg Christmas market, selecting suitable accommodation is key to fully enjoying this enchanting season. Fortunately, the city offers a range of lodging options right for every taste and budget.
You can choose from elegant hotels in the heart of the old town, cosy hostels, or charming apartments that provide an authentic home-away-from-home experience.
To streamline your search, you can check out this list of accommodations, featuring a variety of options for your stay.
Remember to look at our interactive map to locate lodgings close to the Christmas market and select 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 the Featured Image of this article) from Depositphotos, a commercial platform that brings authors of high-quality licensed stock photos, graphics, vectors and videos together with appreciative buyers.
