Looking for that idyllic German Christmas market without the crowds? Are you looking to take a Christmas market trip that won’t break the bank? Look no further than Trier Christmas Market! This German city on the southwestern border near Luxembourg and the Moselle wine region is idyllic. Founded by the Romans, it contains several well-preserved Roman structures and offers one of the best German Christmas markets. I’m so glad I had a friend recommend Trier to me because even after visiting many other European Christmas markets this one has been my favorite! This market feels authentic and has some of the best decorations and just charm that I’ve seen. Keep reading for how to visit the Christmas market in Trier, Germany!
Don’t miss this Christmas Market in Trier Germany
How to get to Trier Germany
The nearest airport to Trier is Luxembourg Airport. If you’re coming from another German destination, Frankfurt and Cologne are still at least a few hours away by train. The best way to get to Trier Germany is to fly into Luxembourg and take an hour train ride from Luxembourg City center. If you’re looking to visit the Luxembourg Christmas markets as well, here’s a comprehensive guide.
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Where to Stay when visiting the Trier Christmas Market
Casa Benedicta $$: This three-bedroom and three-bathroom apartment would nicely accommodate your family when heading to the Christmas market in Trier. It also has a fully-equipped kitchen, a balcony, and a price tag that won’t break the bank!
Romantik Hotel Zur Glock $: One of the best hotels in Trier, this also has one of the best locations in the city center. Some rooms even have wood beam ceilings and so much German character!
Hotel Parc Beaux Arts $$: If you’re looking to stay in Luxembourg and take the one-hour train ride to the Christmas market in Trier, check out this location. This hotel is in Luxembourg City center and close to museums, shops, and restaurants. It also has a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Hotel Le Places d’Armes $$-$$$: Part of the luxury Relais & Chateaux hotel group is this Luxembourg location. This hotel also won’t break the bank!
Park Inn by Radisson $-$$: Use your hotel points and stay close to the Luxembourg train station. If you’re not exploring much of Luxembourg, I recommend this option!
The Central City $$: A chic and modern option close to the Luxembourg City train station. This property features a fitness center and a garden, and even offers one and two-bedroom apartments to rent with a small kitchen, dishwasher, and microwave!
Christmas Market in Trier: 1 Day Itinerary
Take the train from Luxembourg to Trier
If you stay in central Luxembourg City, you won’t be far from the main train station. It’s only an hour’s train ride from Luxembourg City to Trier, and it’s a great option to stay if you’re looking to visit the Trier Christmas Market. If you read the above, you can find options to stay close to the train station and the city center. The train runs every thirty minutes, and you can buy tickets easily online and scan in using your smartphone.
Best Things to See in Trier
Visit the Roman city gate
Porta Nigra is known to be the best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is believed to have been built in 170 CE!
If you’re looking for a guided tour of Trier’s historical highlights, here are some of the best things to do in Trier!
Wander into Trierer Dom
This cathedral is said to be Germany’s oldest bishop church, essentially the oldest cathedral in Germany! It’s located right on the outskirts of the Christmas market in Trier and is free to visit. Make sure to look for a side door on the right near the altar towards the back of the cathedral. This door will take you to a beautiful courtyard and small garden area.
Head to the Basilica of Our Lady after
After visiting Trierer Dom, head to the other Basilica or Church of Our Lady, Liebfrauenbasilika next door. This church is on a much smaller scale but just as beautiful. This again is practically in the Trier Christmas market. This church and the cathedral above make for a beautiful backdrop for the Christmas market in Trier!
Wander into the Basilica of Constantine
This was my favorite building in Trier, also known as the ‘Basilica of Trier’. This is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, built by the Romans around 300 AD, and it’s simply stunning. The Romans even used it as a throne room and town hall. It has had some modifications through the years and has some incredible acoustics given its structure. You can enjoy a concert here or tour under the basilica. The tour under the basilica is offered in German only.
See the Electors Palace of Trier
One of the most beautiful places in Trier, this pastel-pink palace looks like something out of a Disney princess movie. Even though you probably won’t be visiting when they offer their concert series, you can still visit and enjoy their gardens!
Walk the beautiful Palastgarten
As a part of one of the most beautiful places in Trier, this garden is also quite beautiful. This garden is a short walk from the Christmas market in Trier and is located right next to the Basilica of Constantine. The flower beds may not look so lovely in the winter but it still is a nice place to wander.
Visit St. Matthias’ Abbey
If you’re still looking for things to do in Trier, this one is outside the city center. This abbey is named after the apostle Saint Matthias who has been buried there since the 12th century. It is the only burial site of an apostle in Germany.
Christmas Market in Trier Guide
The Trier Christmas Market is held right in the middle of the Trier Old City in the Main Market and Cathedral Square and is connected by a wide alleyway. Both of these areas are pedestrian-friendly with no cars allowed. Find all the information on opening days and times here.
Enjoy the hot mulled wine
This Christmas market in Trier is known for its wines, especially the mulled wine. You can also find the best Rieslings and unique sweet red wines like Dornfelder.
Stop by Weinstube Kesselstatt
This is one of the best restaurants in Trier. A ‘weinstube’ is a restaurant that focuses on wine, and this is the most popular one in Trier. Even during the Trier Christmas market season, you can find guests dining outside. This location is in the Mosel-Saar Ruwer wine-growing region with prime locations in all three river valleys. This spot also offers plenty of different wine experiences, you can check them out here. They do accept reservations and can be quite busy during the Christmas market season!
Take home a Christmas ornament
One of the best keepsakes from a European Christmas market is a traditional and unique mug and ornament. You’ll find quite a few stalls selling them, and a special place right at the front of the market that sells all different types. You really can’t go wrong!
Find the cute Winter character scene
If you’re lucky you just may spot the stall with the most adorable winter character scene. This stall was decorated head to toe and even had a moving character scene on the roof that if I can remember correctly featured Santa Claus! It looked straight out of the classic movie ‘Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.’
Where to find public bathrooms
Here’s where you can find all the public bathrooms in Trier if you don’t fancy a portable toilet.
Best Restaurants at the Trier Christmas Market
Even though you can get some of the best food at the Trier Christmas Market, here are a few restaurants in the area if you want to sit inside and warm up!
Weinstube Kesselstatt
Weinstube Kesselstatt is one of the best restaurants in Trier. Even though it was quite cold when we were at the Christmas market in Trier, this restaurant was busy. Keep in mind depending on the day you visit the Trier Christmas market, many restaurants may be closed, especially if it’s a Sunday. Check restaurant hours before visiting.
Zur Glocke at the Romantik Hotel
As mentioned before, this is one of the best hotels in Trier, but you can book their restaurant even if you’re not a hotel guest. This is the oldest pub in the town, and the building itself goes back to 1567! It has so much German charm, serving traditional German food! They also have a historical cellar vault where you can dine in, make sure to enquire when booking!
Restaurant Brasserie
This French restaurant is only a few minutes from the main town square. They are closed on Sundays and public holidays and serve a special Christmas menu.
Restaurant Schlemmereule
This is quite a lovely and luxurious restaurant in Trier. Check out their website for more details and how to book.
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3 Day Madrid Itinerary: A Complete Guide for First Timers
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