Magdeburg's annual Christmas market spreads across the Alter Markt and the square in front of Magdeburg Cathedral, with stalls selling handicrafts, ornaments, mulled wine, and traditional festive food.
Magdeburg's Christmas market runs each year from late November until shortly before Christmas across the Alter Markt, in front of the historic town hall, and extends toward the square by Magdeburg Cathedral, one of Germany's oldest Gothic cathedrals. Stalls sell handmade ornaments, wooden crafts (some sourced from Harz workshops in Wernigerode and Thale), toys, and seasonal foods including Glühwein (mulled wine), roasted chestnuts, and regional baked goods. The cathedral setting gives the market a striking backdrop after dark, when the illuminated stalls and the cathedral's spires create one of the more photogenic Christmas market scenes among Saxony-Anhalt's several seasonal markets. As the state capital's flagship holiday event, it draws visitors from across Saxony-Anhalt and neighbouring states, and weekends in December can be significantly busier than weekday visits. Exact opening dates shift slightly year to year, so checking the current year's schedule before planning a visit is worthwhile.
| Hours | Late November to shortly before Christmas, daily; hours vary by year |
|---|---|
| Price | €-€€ |
| Address | Alter Markt and Domplatz, 39104 Magdeburg |
Weather through the year in Germany
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Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Germany.
Location
Alter Markt and Domplatz, 39104 Magdeburg
52.1259, 11.6386 View on map
Highlights
- Set across the Alter Markt and the square by Magdeburg Cathedral
- Handmade ornaments and wooden crafts, some from Harz workshops
- Illuminated cathedral backdrop after dark
- The state capital's flagship holiday event
Tips for visiting
- A cup of Glühwein typically costs around €3-4 (~$3.25-$4.30), often including a deposit for the souvenir mug.
- Check the current year's exact opening and closing dates, since they shift slightly year to year.
- Weekday evenings are noticeably quieter than weekends in December.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Magdeburg Christmas Market run?
Typically from late November until shortly before Christmas, though exact dates shift slightly each year.
Where is it located?
Across the Alter Markt in front of the historic town hall and extending toward the square by Magdeburg Cathedral.