2020 was no doubt a rollercoaster of a year, with pretty much all of Germany’s Christmas Markets cancelled in light of… well, I’m sure you know.

This article was originally published back in 2020 as a centralized place to find up-to-date news on all the Christmas market cancellations in Germany, but if you’re reading this right now, odds are you’re looking towards 2021’s Christmas Market Season.

And while Christmas market plans for 2021 were in full swing leading up to November, plans are now very uncertain due to case numbers in Germany soaring to record high numbers.

Just as many German Christmas markets were cancelled pretty last-minute last year, prospects are starting to look bleak, with the first major Christmas market (Munich’s Christkindlmarkt) announcing its cancellation with only a week’s notice.

It is likely other markets will follow.

In this post, I’ll be sharing a list of confirmed Christmas market cancellations in Germany so far that I’ve been able to find for 2021, along with the scheduled dates for markets that have not yet announced their cancellation.

Do note that things change quickly and with thousands of Christmas market across the country, it is possible that I will miss a few. If you have any updates for me, let me know in the comments, and make sure you check the official websites of each event before making any plans.

German Christmas Market Dates for 2021

Let’s start with the positive news first! As I mentioned, many large cities are still planning their Christmas markets.

Below you’ll find a table with confirmed dates (via ChristmasMarketsInEurope.com) for some of the bigger Christmas markets in Germany. Do note that things can always change though, and with short notice!

Here are some other pages with confirmed dates for Christmas markets in Europe, broken down by country:

• Austria Christmas Market Opening Dates 2021
• Belgium Christmas Market Opening Dates 2021
• Czechia Christmas Market Opening Dates 2021
• France Christmas Market Opening Dates 2021
• Germany Christmas Market Opening Dates 2021
• Ireland Christmas Market Opening Dates 2021
• Liechtenstein Christmas Market Opening Dates 2021
• Luxembourg Christmas Market Opening Dates 2021
• The Netherlands Christmas Market Opening Dates 2021
• Poland Christmas Market Opening Dates 2021
• Switzerland Christmas Market Opening Dates 2021
• UK Christmas Market Opening Dates 2021

Confirmed German Christmas Market Cancellations for 2021

Before we dive into the list, here are a few things you should know:

• Most places have multiple Christmas markets that are organized by different groups, hence the cancellation of one specific market does not necessarily mean all the events in that city are cancelled. I’ve done my best to clarify specific markets where these exceptions apply
• Even in cities that will still be hosting Christmas markets, the markets will look very different to what they have looked like in the past, likely with significant spacing between stalls, restrictions on pedestrian traffic flow, limitations on programming and food/drink, etc.
• Any plans for Christmas markets in Germany are contingent on the current situation being controlled. Any spikes in cases are likely to result in plans changing, so be wary of this!
• Lastly, the situation is changing daily, so be sure to check direct sources like tourism board websites before making any plans

Christmas Market Cancellations 2021 in Bavaria

Bavaria (known as Bayern in German) is Germany’s largest state, with a roster of famous Christmas markets that are among the best known in the world (like Nuremberg and Munich).

Unfortunately, as of November 20, 2021, all Christmas markets in Bavaria have been cancelled for the year, as confirmed in this article.

NOTE: I will also be posting updates as I find them on Instagram here.

Christmas Market Cancellations 2021 in North Rhine-Westphalia

North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is Germany’s most populous state. It’s home to some of the most famous Christmas markets in the entire country, including the ones in Cologne, Düsseldorf and Dortmund, as well as lesser-known gems like the ones in Essen.

Here were the Christmas markets that have been cancelled for 2021 in North Rhine-Westphalia:

• Harsewinkel: The Harsewinkeler Weihnachtsmarkt has officially been cancelled, as confirmed in this article.
• Kempen: The Christmas market here has been cancelled for 2021, as confirmed in this article.
• Lüdinghausen: The Christmas market for hobby artists at Lüdinghausen Castle, the Seppenrade Christmas market, the Lüdinghausen Advent market, and the Special evening market have all been cancelled, according to this article.
• Monschau: The Christmas market in Monschau has been cancelled for 2021, as confirmed on their official website.
• Nettetal: The Christmas markets in Breyell, Lobberich and Kaldenkirchen have all been cancelled, as confirmed in this article.
• Solingen: The Christmas markets at Schloss Grünewald and Schloss Burg have been cancelled, as confirmed by this article.
• Unna: The Massener Weihnahtsmarkt has been cancelled for 2021, as confirmed in this article.

Christmas Market Cancellations 2021 in Baden-Württemberg

Baden-Württemberg is both Germany’s third most populous state and also its third largest.

Not only does it have several well-known Christmas markets like the ones in Stuttgart, it also borders Alsace, a region in France that has (honestly) some of the most magical Christmas markets in the world, like the ones in Strasbourg and Colmar.

You can read my full list of amazing Christmas markets in the Alsace here.

Unfortunately, due to statewide regulations, all Christmas markets in Badem-Württemberg had to shut down early after Dec 4, 2021.

These were the Baden-Württemberg Christmas markets that had already been cancelled for 2021 prior to that announcement:

• Bad Krozingen: The Christmas markets here have been cancelled, as confirmed in this article.
• Bad Wildbad: The Weihnachtsmarkt am Kurplatz von Bad Wildbad has officially been cancelled, as of October, as confirmed here.
• Böblingen: The Christmas markets in Böblingen have officially been cancelled, as confirmed in this article.
• Eberbach: The Eberbacher Weihnachtsmarkt has officially been cancelled as of November, as confirmed here.
• Esslingen: The Christmas markets in Esslingen have officially been cancelled, as confirmed in this article.
• Ettlingen: The Christmas markets here have officially been cancelled, as confirmed here.
• Freiburg: The Christmas market here decided to end their season early, and is now closed as November 25, 2021, as confirmed in this article.
• Freudenstadt: The Freudenstädter Weihnachtsmarkt has officially been cancelled, as of October, as confirmed here.
• Gaiberg: According to this news article, the market here has been cancelled for 2021.
• Göppingen: The Christmas markets in Göppingen have officially been cancelled, as confirmed in this article.
• Heilbronn: According to this news article, the market here has been cancelled for 2021.
• Herrenberg: The Herrenberger Weihnachtsmarkt has officially been cancelled, as confirmed here.
• Karlsruhe-Durlach: The Christmas market in the Karlsruhe district of Durlach has been canceled, as confirmed here.
• Laupheim: The Christmas market in Laupheim has been canceled for 2021, as confirmed here.
• Leimen: According to this news article, the market here has been cancelled for 2021.
• Leonburg: The Christmas markets in Leonburg have officially been cancelled, as confirmed in this article.
• Ludwigsburg: The Christmas markets in Ludwigsburg have officially been cancelled, as confirmed in this article.
• Mauer: According to this news article, the market here has been cancelled for 2021.
• Meckesheim: According to this news article, the market here has been cancelled for 2021.
• Mühlacker: The Christmas markets in Mühlacker have officially been cancelled, as confirmed in this article.
• Neckargemünd: According to this news article, the market here has been cancelled for 2021.
• Neckarsteinach: According to this news article, the market here has been cancelled for 2021.
• Nussloch: According to this news article, the market here has been cancelled for 2021.
• Ochsenhausen: Weihnachtsmarkt im Himmelreich des Barock has officially been cancelled for 2021, according to this article.
• Ötigheim: The Christmas market here has been cancelled for 2021, as confirmed here.
• Pforzheim: The Christmas market here decided to end their season early, and is now closed as November 25, 2021, as confirmed in this article.
• Rheinfelden: The Christmas market here has been cancelled for 2021, as confirmed in this article.
• Sandhausen: According to this news article, the market here has been cancelled for 2021.
• Schönau: According to this news article, the market here has been cancelled for 2021.
• Schorndorf: The Christmas markets in Schorndorf have officially been cancelled, as confirmed in this article.
• Sinsheim: The Sinsheimer Weihnachtsmarkt has been cancelled as of November 2021, as confirmed here.
• Spechbach: According to this news article, the market here has been cancelled for 2021.
• Stuttgart: The Christmas markets in Stuttgart have officially been cancelled, as confirmed in this article.
• Weil-am-Rhein: The Weiler Weihnachtsmarkt has officially been cancelled for 2021, as confirmed here.
• Wiesenbach: According to this news article, the market here has been cancelled for 2021.
• Wilhelmsfeld: According to this news article, the market here has been cancelled for 2021.

NOTE: Even in some places where markets haven’t been ordered to close, some stall owners are packing up and dismantling early as they don’t think participation is worth it, as detailed in this article.

Christmas Market Cancellations 2021 in Rhineland-Palatinate

Rhineland-Palatinate is a state located on the western side of Germany, along the borders with France, Luxembourg and Belgium. Some of the country’s most beloved Christmas markets (like Mainz and Koblenz) can be found here.

Here were the Christmas markets that have been cancelled in Rhineland-Palatinate for 2021:

• Bobenheim-Roxheim: The Christmas market here has been cancelled for 2021, as confirmed here.
• Grünstadt: The Christmas market here has been cancelled for 2021, as confirmed here.

Christmas Market Cancellations 2021 in Berlin

Berlin (which yes, is a city-state in Germany) has the unique honour of hosting over 70 different Christmas markets during the festive season.

This sheer variety is made all the more confusing when you consider that each market has its own set of dates, locations, organizers, etc.

Here are the Berlin Christmas markets that have cancelled their markets so far this year, according to this published list:

• Schloss Charlottenburg
• Dänischer Weihnachtsmarkt
• Naturschutzzentrum Ökowerk
• Schloss Hohenschönhausen
• Rathaus Lichtenberg
• Alt-Kaulsdorf
• Alt-Marzahn
• Freizeitforum
• Green Market
• Opernpalais
• Klunkerkranich
• Neu-Buckow
• Dorfkirche Rudow
• Alt-Rudow
• Buch
• Monopol
• Forstamt Tegel
• Kirmes auf altem Postgelände
• Bahnhof Lichterfeld-West
• Schlachtensee
• JVA Düppel
• Breslauer Platz
• Lichtenrade
• Malzfabrik
• Arena

Christmas Market Cancellations 2021 in Brandenburg

Unfortunately, all the Christmas markets in Brandenburg have been cancelled, as confirmed in this article.

Christmas Market Cancellations 2021 in Bremen

Bremen is another city-state that (in a regular year) would offer a great deal of gorgeous Christmas markets to visit.

So far (knock on wood), it seems like the Christmas markets in Bremen are going ahead as planned. Here is the latest article I was able to find on updates.

Christmas Market Cancellations 2021 in Hamburg

Last year, Hamburg waited a long time to officially cancel their markets.

So far in 2021, it doesn’t seem like any official cancellations have been made so far for Christmas markets in Hamburg, but we will be updating this post when we know more.

Christmas Market Cancellations 2021 in Hesse

The state of Hesse (AKA Hessen in German) is home to some really well-known Christmas markets including the Christmas markets in Frankfurt and Kassel.

Here were some of the Christmas markets that have been cancelled for 2021 in Hesse:

• Wächtersbach: The Christmas market here has officially been cancelled, according to this article.

Christmas Market Cancellations 2021 in Lower Saxony

Lower Saxony (known as Niedersachsen in German) is home to several large cities with prominent Christmas markets, including Hannover, Braunschweig and Oldenburg.

Here are some of the Christmas markets that have been cancelled in 2021 in Lower Saxony:

• Aerzen: The Aerzener Weihnachtsmarkt has officially been cancelled, as confirmed here.
• Bockhorn: The Christmas market here has been cancelled, as confirmed here.
• Bückeburg: The Christmas market at Bückeburg Castle has been cancelled, as confirmed here.
• Cloppenburg: The Cloppenburger Weihnachtsmarkt has officially been cancelled, as confirmed here.
• Duderstadt: The Christmas market here has been cancelled, as confirmed here.
• Gleidingen: Der Weihnachtsmarkt der Gleidinger Vereine is cancelled for 2021 as confirmed in this article.
• Goslar: The Christmas market here has been cancelled, as confirmed here.
• Hankensbüttel: The Hankensbütteler Weihnachtsmarkt has officially been cancelled, as confirmed here.
• Hann. Münden: The Christmas market here has been cancelled for 2021, as confirmed here.
• Kirchhatten: The Christmas market here has been cancelled, as confirmed here.
• Königslutter: The Christmas market here has been cancelled for 2021, as confirmed in this article.
• Neuchâtel: The Christmas market here has been cancelled, as confirmed here.
• Nörten-Hardenberg: The Christmas market here has been cancelled, as confirmed here.
• Northeim: The Christmas crib market here has been cancelled, as confirmed here.
• Nienhagen: The Christmas market here has been cancelled, as confirmed here.
• Ostercappeln: The Christmas market here has been cancelled, as confirmed here.
• Peine: The Christmas market here has been cancelled for 2021, as confirmed here.
• Quakenbrück: The Christmas market here has been cancelled, as confirmed here.
• Rodenberg: The Christmas market here has been cancelled, as confirmed here.
• Sandkrug: The Christmas market here has been cancelled, as confirmed here.
• Schöningen: The Christmas market here has been cancelled for 2021, as confirmed in this article.
• Sögel: The Christmas markets at Clemenswerth Castle and Heimathof have been cancelled, as confirmed here.
• Wittmund: The Christmas market here has been cancelled, as confirmed here.
• Lehrte: The Lehrter Weihnachtsmarkt has officially been cancelled as of November 2021, as confirmed here.

I will update this post when I find out more about Christmas market cancellations in Lower Saxony.

Christmas Market Cancellations 2021 in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is a state in Northern Germany that is home to some of the largest Christmas markets in the northern part of the country (the Christmas markets in Rostock being a particular highlight).

Here were some of the Christmas markets that have been cancelled for 2021 in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern:

• Bad Doberan: The Christmas market at Marktplatz has been cancelled, according to this article.
• Neustrelitz: The Christmas market at Tiergarten has been cancelled, according to this article.
• Nienhagen: The Nienhäger Christmas Market has officially been cancelled for 2021, as confirmed here.
• Röbel: The Röbeler Weihnachtsmarkt has officially been cancelled for 2021, as confirmed here.
• Ulrichshusen: The Christmas market at the Schloss has been cancelled, according to this article.

Christmas Market Cancellations 2021 in Saarland

Saarland, located in West Germany, is (apart from city states like Berlin, Bremen and Hamburg) the country’s smallest state in terms of both area and population.

The capital of Saarland is Saarbrücken, where the state’s most well-known Christmas market takes place.

Here are some of the Christmas markets that have been cancelled in 2021 in Saarland:

• Burg Kirkel: The Christmas Market at Burg Kirkel has been cancelled, as confirmed here.
• Neunkirchen District: The Christmas markets in Wiebelskirchen, Dirmingen and at Illingen Castle have been canceled, as confirmed here.
• Saarbrücken: The Christmas market in the Nauwieserviertel, Heidstocker Christkindelmarkt and in Friedrichsthal have been canceled due to the increasing number of corona cases, as confirmed here.
• Saarlouis District: The Christmas markets in Körprich, Wadgassen, Schmelz, Rehlingen-Siersburg, Wallerfangen-Giesen and Nalbach have been canceled, as confirmed here.

Christmas Market Cancellations 2021 in Saxony

The German state of Saxony (AKA Sachsen in German) is home to some of the oldest and most respected Christmas markets in the country, including the Striezelmarkt in Dresden.

Unfortunately, as of November 20, 2021, all Christmas markets in Saxony have been cancelled for the year, as confirmed in this article.

Christmas Market Cancellations 2021 in Saxony-Anhalt

Saxony Anhalt (AKA Sachsen Anhalt in German) is a state in West Germany bordered by Brandenburg, Saxony, Thuringia and Lower Saxony.

Here are the Christmas markets in Saxony-Anhalt that have been cancelled so far in 2021:

• Aschersleben: The Christmas market in Aschersleben has officially been cancelled, according to this article.
• Wernigerode: The Christmas market in Wernigerode has officially been cancelled, according to this article.

Christmas Market Cancellations 2021 in Schleswig-Holstein

Schleswig-Holstein is Germany’s northernmost state (bordering Denmark).

So far, no major cancellations have been announced for the Christmas markets in Schleswig-Holstein for 2021.

Christmas Market Cancellations 2021 in Thuringia

Thuringia is a state located in central Germany, bordered by Bavaria, Hesse, Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Saxony.

As of November 24, all Christmas markets in Thuringia have been forced to close. However, as confirmed in this article, some prominent local figures such as the mayor of Erfurt intend to pursue legal action in an attempt to re-open the markets. I will update this post when more details become known.

Prior to the blanket ban, the following Thuringia Christmas markets had already been cancelled for 2021:

• Artern: The Christmas market here has been cancelled, as confirmed in this article.
• Bad Berka: The Christmas market here has been cancelled, as confirmed in this article.
• Eisenberg: The Christmas market here has officially been cancelled, as confirmed here.
• Gera: The Christmas market in Gera has officially been cancelled, as confirmed here.
• Jena: The Christmas market in Jena has officially been cancelled, as confirmed here.
• Nordhausen: The Christmas market in Nordhausen has officially been cancelled for 2021, as confirmed here.

The Best Christmas Markets in Germany (Video)

Looking for a virtual tour of Germany’s top Christmas markets? Check out this video:

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Do you have any updates or tips on Christmas market cancellations I missed? Let me know in the comments!

I’ve tried my best to research and stay up to date on Xmas market cancellations, but with everything changing daily, it’s easy for some news to slip between the cracks. Let me know in the comments below if there are any cancellations I missed in this list that you know about! Thanks in advance.