6 Best Christmas Markets for a High School Trip

Each year as we wrap up our Thanksgiving celebrations, something magical begins to happen.  Twinkly lights, festive foods, and handmade gifts appear in city spaces typically reserved for phone-toting, distracted pedestrians in a hurry to get from here to there. These same people seem to slow down just a bit as they stroll through stalls filled with custom trinkets and traditional holiday fares. It’s Christmas market time! And if you’re thinking of giving your students this special experience, we’re sharing the 6 best Christmas markets for a high school trip!

About Traditional Christmas Markets

Traditional Christmas markets (or Christkindlmarkts) originated in Germany in the late Middle Ages. In 1298, Duke Albrecht I allowed local craftsmen and vendors to sell their wares at a village fair for two weeks in December. This winter market, called Dezembermarkt, was the pioneer of the modern Christmas market.

Over time, fairs began popping up throughout Germany, offering a wide array of seasonal goods, food, and drinks, accompanied by traditional singing and dancing. Some of the oldest include the Striezelmarkt in Dresden (1434) and Nuremberg (1628).

Today these markets and many others are considered cornerstone holiday events for many cities around the world – and we’re going to highlight a few of our student favorites!

Travel and Leisure’s List of Best German Christmas Markets

Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt (November 28 – December 24, 2025)

The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest and most famous traditional Christmas markets. It’s located in the Hauptmarkt (Main Market Square) and spills over into surrounding streets.

As one of the largest markets in the world, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt brings more than 2 million visitors each year – including lots of high school groups!

Students love exploring “the little city of wood and cloth.” The roughly 180 wooden stalls are packed with traditional local crafts and savory treats to enjoy. They’ll also learn about the famous Christkind, the angelic gift-giver who officially opens the market.

Pro Tip! Don’t miss the noon chiming of the bells at Frauenkirche (the Church of Our Lady.) The Männleinlaufen automaton clock has been playing since it was installed between 1506 and 1509.

The Munich Christmas Market (November 24 – December 24, 2025)

Just about a hundred miles (and an hour train ride) from Nuremberg is another excellent Christmas market for a high school trip. The Münchner Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz is a “St. Nicholas” market dating back to 1642. It bounced around for several centuries before finding a permanent home in 1972 in the heart of Munich’s picturesque old town.

Students will be awed by the 100-foot fresh evergreen tree in front of the magnificent and historic Town Hall. It paints the entire square in a warm glow with nearly 3,000 candles adorning its branches and is the centerpiece of the market experience.

The Marienplatz market features live Bavarian folk music, traditional crafts, guided tours, and even a ‘Krampus Run!”

Pro Tip! There are two more smaller markets within walking distance of Marienplatz as well. Kripperlmarkt highlights products associated with the Nativity. Rindermarkt boasts bright stars hanging from the trees, giving visitors the feeling they are walking through an enchanted forest.

Strasbourg Christmas Market in France (November 27 – December 27, 2025)

Strasbourg is the “Capital of Christmas” for a reason! Christkindelsmärik is one of the oldest and most beloved in Europe, dating back to 1570.

The holiday market is centered around the Grande Île, near Strasbourg Cathedral and Place Kléber. It has more than 300 stalls filled with traditional holiday goods and treats.

Under bowers of pine, fairy lights illuminate the city square and transform an already charming spot into something positively spellbinding. Wander through the market and take in all the magnificent sights – including the giant Christmas tree.

In Alsace, the Christmas tree has special significance. Students can go to the Humanist Library (Bibliothèque Humaniste) to see the first written mention of a Christmas tree, in a carefully preserved old document.

Pro Tip! Christkindelsmärik is only 2 miles from the border of Germany, making it easy for your students to visit multiple markets in two countries- in one trip!

The Christkindlmarket in Chicago (November 21 – December 24, 2025)

A little closer to home is the Christkindlmarket in Chicago. The Nuremberg market inspired this annual event, which is home to vendors from around the world. Students will enjoy a wide variety of seasonal foods, unique gifts, and daily entertainment in a fun and festive atmosphere.

It all takes place at Daley Plaza – a charming village set against the backdrop of the big city!

Pro Tip! Your high school ensemble can perform at Christkindlmarket in Chicago as well! The application is simple and straightforward. The festival committee will review it and approve it for the events calendar. 

Christkindlmarkt in Carmel, Indiana (November 22 – December 24, 2025)

One of the largest Christmas markets in the U.S., the Christkindlmarkt in Carmel is something out of a fairy tale! Vendor huts are draped in greens, live music plays in the winter pavilion, and a gleaming ice rink invites skaters to lace up and join the fun. The entire setting is dripping with old world charm (and thousands of twinkling lights!)

Incredible German food, artisans and craftsmen, and music are sure to get students into the holiday spirit!

Pro Tip: Studentenfest is a special opportunity for school students to learn about German culture as they visit the Spielhaus, Werkstatt, Kinderecke and more. Registration is required by November 1^st and it’s first-come, first-served!

Texas Christkindl Market (Nov 21-23 and Nov 28 – Dec 23, 2025)

Arlington’s German sister city, Bad Königshofen, is the inspiration for the Texas Christkindl Market here. This unique market brings an authentic, European-style experience to the heart of Texas! Its dazzling sights, holiday sounds, and mouthwatering flavors will captivate your students!

Activities include workshops, a holiday train, traditional marionette theater performance, and live entertainment daily.

Pro Tip! School show choirs, bands, dance groups, and more can apply to take the stage at the Texas Christkindl Market. It’s a great way to wrap up the holiday performance season!

6 Best Christmas Markets for a High School Trip

Spring is on our doorstep. However, it won’t be long until busy city sidewalks and squares are once again filled with a little extra holiday magic. It’s the perfect time to plan your Christmas market high school trip. And when you do, remember to plan with a pro partner!

For more than 30 years, Kaleidoscope Adventures has been the conduit for travel experiences that teach, inspire, encourage, and allow students to explore the world around them. Our pro team has countless ideas for a trip that’s just right for you.

We make it easy SO easy to plan your high school trip …

• Expert planning team
• Online registration and payments
• Convenient crowdfunding options
• Impeccable customer service from start to finish
• Travel that exceeds your expectations

REQUEST A FREE QUOTE FOR YOUR HIGH SCHOOL CHRISTMAS MARKET TRIP