Where to Buy Christmas Market Mugs After the Market

Can you buy a Christmas market mug after the market has closed?

Often, yes, though it takes more effort than keeping one at the stall. Mugs are made in large numbers, and many find their way into kitchen cupboards and then onto second-hand sites. The rarer the market or the older the year, the longer the wait.

Do tourist information offices sell market mugs?

Some do, especially in cities where the mug is part of the market's brand. Contact the city's tourist information office or the market organiser directly and ask whether leftover mugs are for sale. Do it soon after the market closes, while there's still stock.

Can you buy mugs from the market organiser?

Sometimes. Markets are usually run by the city, a tourism office or an association of stallholders, and the mugs are often ordered centrally. An email in English (or, better, in the local language) asking whether they sell or post leftover mugs costs nothing. Be prepared to pay postage.

Where can you find mugs online?

• eBay: search for the market name, city and year, plus "Glühweintasse" or "Glühweinbecher". eBay's German site has the most listings.
• Kleinanzeigen: Germany's main classifieds site, good for local collections and job lots, often sold by people clearing out cupboards.
• Etsy: fewer listings, usually older or decorative mugs.

Check the photos carefully: the printed year and small details are the only way to tell similar designs apart. Compare them with the catalogue's photos, filtered by market and year, before you buy.

Can you swap mugs with other collectors?

Yes, and it's often the best way. Collector groups on Facebook regularly arrange swaps of duplicates, and many collectors bring home spares to trade. Agree on postage and packing up front, and wrap mugs well (see our packing guide).

How do you know which mugs you're missing?

Keep your collection in My Mugs and compare it with the catalogue for the markets you collect. If a design isn't in the catalogue at all, other collectors probably want to know about it too: add it with a photo.

Last checked: 2 November 2026