December 11, 2025, 3:48 pm | Read time: 7 minutes

While some prefer to head to the water in the summer, others don’t want to miss out during the winter months. Whether at the harbor, lake, or coast, there are markets everywhere that are both festive and maritime, where the Christmas lights reflect on the water. Perhaps there’s a market in this selection that you haven’t discovered yet.

The 9 Most Beautiful Christmas Markets by the Water

Lindauer Hafenweihnacht, Baden-Württemberg

Located directly on the shores of Lake Constance, the Lindauer Hafenweihnacht takes place. Among festively decorated stalls offering mulled wine, chimney cake, and bratwurst, visitors can leisurely stroll along the promenade. From here, you not only have an impressive view of the lake but also of the winter alpine landscape. For over 50 years, Lindau has transformed into a Christmas island during Advent. In addition to numerous booths with handicrafts, regional specialties, and Christmas decorations, there is also a wide festive program with music on weekends.

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Open: November 27 to December 21, 2025, Thursday to Sunday

Admission: free

Travemünder Schiff Ahoi Christmas Market, Schleswig-Holstein

If you’re looking for maritime flair during the pre-Christmas season, the Travemünder “Schiff Ahoi” Christmas Market is the place to be. It is also part of the TRAVELBOOK selection of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Schleswig-Holstein and is located directly at the Ostpreußenkai and in the cruise terminal. From Friday to Sunday starting at 11 a.m., visitors can stroll through the indoor and outdoor areas, discover handicrafts, jewelry, and souvenirs from local clubs, and enjoy punch, bratwurst, and homemade cake. If you’re in the mood for a change and enjoy the fresh harbor air, you’ll definitely feel at home here.

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Open: November 21, 2025, to January 4, 2026

Admission: free

Christmas Market by the Lake – Konstanz, Baden-Württemberg

Another Christmas market directly by the water is the Christmas Market by the Lake in Konstanz. Along the shores of Lake Constance, beautifully decorated stalls with candles, handicrafts, and various treats and drinks line up. According to the market’s own information, there are also many vegetarian and vegan dishes available. A special highlight is the historic Christmas carousel from 1897. Additionally, great emphasis is placed on sustainability: many vendors are from the region, food and drinks are organically sourced, and reusable dishes are used.

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Open: November 27, 2025, to December 12, 2025

Admission: free

Rottacher Advent at Tegernsee, Bavaria

For many, the journey itself is a highlight, as the Christmas market in Rottach-Egern is only accessible by boat. At the southern shore of Lake Tegernsee, about an hour south of Munich, the Rottacher Advent takes place. Shuttle boats run directly across the lake from Tegernsee or Bad Wiessee to the market, whose lights are visible from afar in the evening hours. The view of the lake and the mountain backdrop also makes the market a particularly romantic destination.

On-site, stalls with chestnuts, Christmas ornaments, and other holiday offerings invite you to browse. In addition to punch and bratwurst, there are also regional delicacies like fresh fish or cheese specialties. If you get a bit cold, you can warm up by one of the campfires. And if you haven’t had enough of a Christmas market, just hop back on the boat and head to one of the other Advent markets in Wiessee or Tegernsee.

Open: November 29 to December 21, 2025

Admission: Price for the shuttle boat: Day ticket 17 euros, children up to 14 years accompanied by a paying adult free

Fleetinsel Christmas Market, Hamburg

All Hamburg residents are likely familiar with it: the Christmas market on Fleetinsel, which is also among the Hamburg insider tips from the TRAVELBOOK editorial team. Located directly on one of the typical canals, the water meets old warehouses here, creating an atmosphere unique to Hamburg. At the selected stalls, there are handicrafts, various snacks, and some special souvenirs. It’s also convenient that many areas are covered, making a visit worthwhile even in bad weather. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the large Hamburg Christmas markets, you should definitely mark this one on your calendar.

Open: November 17 to December 29, 2025

Admission: free

Romantic Christmas Market at Schloss Merode, NRW

The Christmas market at Schloss Merode in North Rhine-Westphalia was voted the coziest Christmas market in Germany by TRAVELBOOK readers last year. In the impressively illuminated Renaissance water castle, there is a very special atmosphere, with romantic light installations and open fireplaces making the stay particularly cozy, and the market stalls reflecting in the castle moat.

Open: November 26 to December 21

Admission: 11.50 euros for adults, reduced 4.50 euros

Floating Christkindlmarkt Vilshofen, Bavaria

A rather unusual Christmas market is the Floating Christkindlmarkt in Vilshofen on the Danube. It not only takes place by the water but partly on the water. Along the Danube promenade, lovingly stocked booths with regional handicrafts, Lower Bavarian specialties, and Christmas classics like grilled goods and roasted almonds can be found–some of them directly on a ship.

The entire area between the promenade and the town square is festively decorated, transforming Vilshofen into a small winter world. Particularly striking are the world’s largest crib and a nine-meter-high mulled wine pyramid–both real eye-catchers. Due to its manageable size, the market remains pleasantly relaxed and almost feels like a family gathering.

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Open: On all Advent weekends

Admission: free

Winter Market Carolinensiel, Lower Saxony

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In 2023, TRAVELBOOK readers voted the Winter Market in Carolinensiel at the museum harbor as the most beautiful insider tip Christmas market in Germany, which is why it certainly deserves a mention here. According to the website, it is “the most beautiful Christmas time on the North Sea.” A floating Christmas tree greets guests, and numerous food stalls around the Harle promenade offer bratwurst, mulled wine, gingerbread, and, of course, fish sandwiches. The Winter Market, which belongs to the city of Wittmund, is open until January 2–hence the name Winter Market instead of Christmas Market.

Open: November 28 to January 2

Admission: Free

Christmas Market on Fraueninsel in Chiemsee, Bavaria

The last Christmas market you can already mark for next year is the market on the Fraueninsel. It stretches across the entire island, mainly along the Frauenwörth monastery complex and around the landing stage. Since the island is only accessible by boat from Prien or Gstadt, you can leisurely stroll through the many small stalls here. The market traditionally takes place on the first two Advent weekends.