Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt

Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is Germany's most iconic Christmas market, drawing over 2 million visitors annually. Its 400-year tradition began in 1628, and the market is famed for the gold-foiled Christkind figure and traditional Lebkuchen gingerbread. While #2 Dresden's Striezelmarkt dates to 1434, Nuremberg's international appeal and unique rituals, like the opening ceremony, make it the top-ranked destination. Visitors can savor the original Nuremberg Elisenlebkuchen, a protected recipe since the 19th century.