Last Updated on October 8, 2025 by Soumya
Are you looking for the best souvenirs to buy at German Christmas markets? You’re at the right place.
German Christmas markets are the best places to shop for authentic German handicrafts such as prune figurines and pewter hangings, ceramics, wooden products, nativity sets, unique Christmas tree ornaments, and delicious baked goods.
And of course, mulled wine mugs! Can’t forget them, can we?
Dating back to the 14th century, Germany’s Christmas markets, known locally as Weihnachtsmärkte, were essentially local marketplaces where people could shop for their Christmas needs.
Flash forward to the 21st century, and these lively markets have now become a bucket list item for anyone visiting Europe in winter. And wondering what to buy at German Christmas markets is, well, a very genuine question.
So, here’s my Holiday Shopping Guide that will help you glide through your souvenir purchases at the Christmas markets in Germany.
✦ Check out: Best Christmas Market Tours of Germany
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Handcrafted Decorative Items to Buy at German Christmas Markets
Prune Figurines (Zwetschgenmännle)
Of all the amazing things I bought at the Christmas markets in Germany, the prune figurines are one of my favorites.
Locally known as Zwetschgenmännle, these small figures are actually made of dried prunes and walnuts. You can find kissing couples, cleaners, older men and women, musicians, cooks, waiters, and so much more in this collection.
I found the prune men only at the Nuremberg Christmas market, where they were first sold in the 18th century. They are easy to carry and last for years.
✦ Pro Tip: Explore the Nuremberg Christmas Market with a local and buy the best regional souvenirs.
Christmas Star Paper Lanterns
When visiting Germany’s Christmas markets, you cannot miss the stunning paper star lanterns that fill the area with warm, welcoming light.
The most famous are Herrnhuter Moravian Stars, originally created by the Moravian Church in the 1850s in the small Saxon town of Herrnhut. These geometric paper stars come in various sizes, from small window decorations to large outdoor displays.
When lit from within, they cast beautiful geometric shadows, and that’s what makes them so special.
The original Herrnhuter Moravian stars were colored red and white, but nowadays, you can find any color you like.
✦ Read Next: 10 Best Christmas Markets to Visit in Germany This Year!
Handblown Glass Ornaments
Do not miss the Christmas stalls that sell exquisite, handblown glass ornaments. These delicate things include traditional balls, bells, candleholders, and intricate figurines, all hand-painted by skilled artisans.
The Lauscha region of Thuringia has been producing exquisite glass Christmas ornaments since the 1840s. It is often called the birthplace of the glass baubles. If you come across a Lauscha glass shop, then you should definitely buy some.
Pewter Ornaments
Pewter ornaments, crafted from tin and lead, have long been a cherished Christmas tree decoration in Germany.
The history of pewter foundries in Nuremberg goes back centuries. Even today, Germany continues to produce exquisite handcrafted pewter ornaments.
Although often a bit expensive, these beautiful, shiny ornaments make stunning souvenirs to purchase at German Christmas markets in Bavaria.
✦ Read Next: Nuremberg Christmas Market Ultimate Guide
Glühwein Mugs
No German Christmas market experience is complete without sipping steaming Glühwein (mulled wine) from a commemorative mug.
These ceramic vessels, called Glühweintassen, feature unique designs specific to each market and year. Vendors typically charge a deposit (Pfand) of €2-5, which you can reclaim by returning the mug or keep as a souvenir from the Christmas market.
Each mug tells the story of a market. Collecting these mugs actually became addictive, and now I have a set of 10 in my cupboard!
✦ Read Next: Top 6 Christmas markets to visit in Munich
Half-Timbered House Miniatures
One of the most delightful finds at the Nuremberg Christmas Market was a set of miniatures depicting traditional half-timbered houses.
I’ve always had a soft spot for Germany’s half-timbered houses—whether wandering the fairy-tale lanes of Rothenburg ob der Tauber or admiring the ornate facades of Quedlinburg, these beautiful houses always remind me of Germany’s architectural legacy. Now, I am so happy I have a set at home.
✦ Pro Tip: Be sure to check out the Käthe Wohlfahrt store and other wonderful things in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Gold Angels
Another iconic souvenir to pick up at the Nuremberg Christmas Market is the Rauschgoldengel, the city’s beloved golden angel.
Crafted from delicate sheets of brass, this shimmering figure has become a true symbol of Christmas in Nuremberg and a must-buy when visiting this historic city.
✦ Read Next: 12 Best things to do in Nuremberg, Germany
Spice Ornaments
One of my favorite things to buy at the German Christmas markets was the spice ornament.
German artisans create beautiful ornaments using aromatic spices such as cinnamon, anise stars, dried orange slices, pine cones, and acorns. These do not just look good; they smell even better.
Beeswax Candles
Pure beeswax candles represent one of Christmas’s most ancient symbols. The use of some of the oldest surviving beeswax candles can be traced to 6th-century German graveyards.
German beekeepers and chandlers create exceptional candles in traditional shapes like pyramids, cylinders, and religious figures. They also have cute options, such as teddy bears like the one I got, honeycombs, flowers, and many more.
You will find beeswax candles in natural golden hues. Some artisans also offer candles with dried flowers or herbs embedded into them.
Wooden Crafts Souvenirs at German Christmas Markets
I have a separate section for wooden crafts and figurines that you can purchase at the German Christmas markets, because there are just so many different kinds available.
As you’ll notice, many of them originate in the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) region of Saxony in Germany.
German Nutcrackers
Nutcracker dolls were invented in Germany in the 17th century and are one of the most popular Christmas market souvenirs today.
The first nutcrackers were quite functional. They were used to cracking nuts. However, the ones available on the market now are mainly used for decoration.
The Erzgebirge region in Saxony produces the world’s most famous nutcrackers. Usually depicted as a soldier, the nutcracker is believed to protect your house from evil spirits.
Wooden Figurines
Wooden smoking figures (Räuchermännchen) are equally charming souvenirs. These hollow figurines burn incense cones, releasing aromatic smoke through their mouths.
Traditional designs include artisans such as miners, woodcutters, forest men, cone men, and night guards.
Christmas Pyramids
German wooden pyramids, or “Weihnachtspyramiden,” are yet another traditional Christmas decoration, originating from the Erzgebirge region of Germany.
Almost 500 years old, these intricately crafted pyramids are tiered, often featuring a hand-painted central carousel adorned with wooden figures of angels and local artisans, such as miners and foresters.
The base of the pyramid typically features candleholders where you can place lit candles.
If you have space in your luggage, this is a great piece to bring back from the German Christmas markets for your own Christmas decorations.
Nativity Figures and Sets
At all Christmas markets in Germany, you’ll find nativity scenes (Krippe) and individual nativity figures carved by skilled artisans.
Oberammergau, famous for its Passion Play, produces some of Germany’s finest nativity carvings. These pieces showcase incredible detail in facial expressions, clothing textures, and architectural elements.
Candle Arches
Schwibbogen, or candle arches, represent one of Germany’s most distinctive Christmas traditions.
Originating in the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge) region, these carved wooden arches traditionally featured seven candles representing the light that guided miners safely home. Today’s versions often include intricate scenes of winter villages, nativity stories, or mining heritage.
Wooden Kitchen Tools
Whenever I visit Europe, which is at least 2-3 times a year, I love to pick up wooden stuff like spoons, ladles, bowls, cutting boards, and rolling pins from the local markets.
The German Christmas markets were no exception. Here, you’ll find some of the finest kitchen tools made from locally sourced wood such as beech, oak, or walnut. They are not just durable but very pretty too.
Wearable Things to Buy at German Christmas Markets
Woolens
If you’re looking for woolens, stalls feature an array of cozy scarves, hats, mittens, and sweaters, many of which are handmade by local artisans using high-quality, natural wool.
You’ll also find soft woolen blankets and felt slippers that make for amazing Christmas market gifts to bring back for family and friends.
Jewelry
At these markets, you’ll find numerous stalls selling jewelry, some of which is handcrafted and unique in design. I did not shop for jewelry on my trip, but I recommend checking out the entire market, including prices and designs, before making a purchase.
Leather Purses and Wallets
Christmas markets in Germany offer handcrafted purses, wallets, and accessories made from locally tanned leather.
We especially loved the wallet shop in front of the Children’s Market in Nuremberg, where an elderly gentleman was embossing purses with names. My kid absolutely loved getting his name embossed on one.
Food Souvenirs from Christmas Markets in Germany
Can’t forget about foodie Christmas market souvenirs from Germany, can we? These are some of my favorites.
Please check if you’re allowed to bring these back into your country before making a purchase.
Handmade Stollen
Christmas markets throughout Germany offer regional Stollen variations, each reflecting local ingredients and traditions.
However, Dresden’s famous Christstollen, the history of which goes back to the 14th century, represents one of Germany’s most treasured Christmas traditions. This dense raisin stollen, produced by bakeries of the Dresdner Stollen Protection Association, is absolutely unmissable.
The city hosts the Stollen Festival every year in December, which is one of the Christmas market highlights in this region.
✦ Pro Tip: Taste the original Dresden Christstollen on this highly-rated Dresden Christmas Market Tour.
Lebkuchen
If you’re in Germany during Christmas, you cannot miss Nuremberg’s Lebkuchen, the famous German gingerbread.
These spiced cookies come in various forms, from simple hearts with romantic messages to elaborate architectural creations. I am not a big fan of all varieties, but I do love the Elisenlebkuchen.
You’ll notice that vendors offer both decorative and edible Lebkuchen varieties. Decorative pieces, featuring intricate icing work and colorful designs, are usually hung from strings, while the edible, more flavorful varieties are usually displayed as stacks on tables.
✦ Read Next: 29 Best Foods & Drinks to Try at German Christmas Markets
Chocolates
I love buying chocolates in all forms and kinds at German Christmas markets.
From simple chocolate bars and chocolate cookies to chocolate-coated fruits and chocolate shaped like warehouse tools (yes, those are chocolate tools in the picture above), the Christmas markets are brimming with options.
Must-Know Tips for Shopping at German Christmas Markets
Since German Christmas markets are literally the shopping holy grail, I want to share a few tips with you before you get started, so that you don’t get overwhelmed and end up stuffing your suitcases.
Look out for local crafts and craftsmen
Not everything that you see at the Christmas market stores is handmade or produced in Germany.
But many things are like the Zwetschgenmännle or the prune men of Nuremberg, the Herrnhuter Moravian stars, and the glass ornaments of Thuringia.
It is always a good idea to ask the vendor about the origins of their products. Genuine artisans are usually happy to answer.
✦ Pro Tip: Every region/city usually has its own art and craft collection. Therefore, it is best to review our Christmas market guides for Munich, Nuremberg, and Berlin before your visit.
Venture beyond Käthe Wohlfahrt
This may be an unpopular opinion, but I recommend venturing beyond Käthe Wohlfahrt and checking out local stalls for your Christmas market souvenir collection.
Käthe Wohlfahrt, a leading German company that sells Christmas gifts, is a great place to shop. However, sometimes, they are priced higher than the market. Also, I prefer to buy directly from the artisans, wherever possible.
✦ Pro Tip: Take Christmas market tours with locals and discover insider tips and suggestions for shopping.
Do not haggle
It is not typical to haggle at the Christmas stalls in Germany. Prices are fixed and usually mentioned on small stickers on every product.
Pay in cash/card
You can pay by cash or card. When I was planning for my German Christmas market trip last year, I noticed many websites recommending that we carry cash because stalls did not accept cards. But that is not completely true.
Many stores, especially those at the Christmas markets in Berlin, now accept cards. I would say we paid 50% cash and 50% card. So, if you’re a card person like me, be sure to ask before making a payment. However, it’s a good idea to carry some cash with you as a backup. Like I said, 50-50.
Carry your own bag
Stores will usually offer you things in plastic bags. But if you do not want to use that much plastic, please carry your own reusable bag to put your goodies in.
Know what you can pack and what you cannot
Ceramics and glass goods are pretty, but they are incredibly difficult to carry home, especially if you have a long flight back. Some vendors will wrap them up in paper for you, but not everyone. Plus, all those glühwein mugs need to be wrapped up too when coming home.
We ended up buying bubble wrap to avoid all that stress. And I was lucky we had decided to carry a couple of carry-on suitcases with us, where we could easily pack the fragile stuff.
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