Come with me as I rate Christmas Markets this season.
We absolutely love a good Christmas market. Before moving to Germany, we would aim to visit one or two while traveling over Christmas. But this year we finally get to experience the whole season from start to finish. Between work, school, and regular life, we’re planning to explore and rate as many Christmas markets as we can. Come along and see which ones are worth your time… and which ones are a pass.
Most Christmas markets in Germany open in late November or early December and run until December 23. If you’re hoping for markets after the 23rd, neighboring countries are usually your best options, not Germany. But this year, we spotted one opening unusually early in mid-November and we couldn’t resist.
Germany’s “Cheapest Christmas Market”: Aldi’s Günstigsten Weihnachtsmarkt
Last year Aldi launched what they called “Germany’s Cheapest Christmas Market,” complete with mulled Glühwein for only 1 Euro, and snacks like Käsespätzle and sausage for 2 Euros. Naturally, we had to check it out.
The market in Saarbrücken was only open for three days, from 3pm–9pm. We arrived on day two around 5pm, expecting a fun little early-season market. Instead, we found massive lines. Apparently, you must first wait in a line that wrapped around the corner just to buy food tickets, then wait in a second line at each booth to actually get the food. Add in a small, crowded space (again, we were literally in the corner of an Aldi parking lot) and it quickly became more chaos than charm.
The Actual Experience
My kids did enjoy a quick free carousel ride and there was a free photo booth, which was a cute touch (but we didn’t stand in that line to try it out). But overall this one was oversold online. Whether the hype made the crowd show up or the crowd made the hype, I’m not sure, but the internet definitely helped convince people like me to show up for parking-lot Käsespätzle.
Since the event supported charity and was at least trying something new, I’m giving it a 6/10. Not terrible, not magical, but fine for the novelty.
If you go, I highly recommend arriving closer to opening at 3pm so you can actually enjoy it without drowning in lines.
As for us? We bailed on the wait and walked next door to Lidl for a 1 Euro bakery treat instead. Honestly, the kids were happier, and so was I. Sometimes with kids, the experience just isn’t worth it, and that’s okay.
Upcoming Aldi Christmas Market Locations
If you’re curious and want to try one yourself (arrive early!), here are this year’s dates:
- November 12–14: Halbergstraße 5, 66121 Saarbrücken
- November 12–14: Weiherstraße 10, 86154 Augsburg
- November 18–20: Maarstraße 3, 53227 Bonn
- November 18–20: Hagenauer Straße 40, 65203 Wiesbaden
