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The German Christmas Market NJ 2026 edition returns to the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta on Friday, December 4 through Sunday, December 6, 2026, marking the market’s 25th year. Expect wooden huts, bratwurst and German food, handcrafted gifts, live choirs and holiday entertainment, with proceeds going to community causes.
Hours for 2026, per the market’s official website, are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. General admission is $10, and kids 12 and under get in free. Here is everything our team confirmed, plus tips for a smooth visit.
German Christmas Market of NJ 2026 at a glance
- Dates: Friday, December 4 to Sunday, December 6, 2026
- Hours: Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Where: Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta (Frankford Township), NJ 07822
- Admission: $10 for ages 13 and up; $7 for seniors 65 and up; free for veterans with ID; free for children 12 and under
- Tickets: online presales open in early November, per the market’s website
- Official site: gcmnj.org
Is the German Christmas Market in Sparta NJ?
Plenty of people still search for the “German Christmas Market Sparta NJ,” and it is easy to see why: the nonprofit that runs the market lists its mailing address as a post office box in Sparta. The market itself, though, takes place at the Sussex County Fairgrounds at 37 Plains Road in Augusta, a section of Frankford Township off Route 206. Put the fairgrounds address in your GPS, not Sparta.
The fairgrounds sit near Branchville, Lafayette and Newton, which makes the market an easy add on to a day of holiday shopping in the area.
What to expect at the market
The official site describes the market with:
- Authentic wooden huts filled with vendors
- Traditional bratwurst and German food
- Hand crafted, artisanal gifts from vendors chosen for tradition and craftsmanship
- Live choirs and festive entertainment throughout the weekend
The market’s website cites roughly 30,000 visitors a year, so it is one of the biggest holiday events in Sussex County. It is a good place to knock out a chunk of holiday shopping while supporting small makers.
A nonprofit market that gives back
The German Christmas Market of New Jersey is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and its proceeds go to community causes. According to the market’s website, it supported 64 charities in 2025 and has donated $930,000 to community causes since it was founded in 2001. Buying a ticket and shopping the huts directly helps local organizations.
Vendors interested in a hut can apply through the Vendor Hub on gcmnj.org.
Planning your visit: Friday, Saturday or Sunday?
With three days to choose from, a little planning goes a long way.
- Friday, December 4 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.): a good pick if you can get away on a weekday afternoon. Coming after work lets you see the huts lit up after dark, since sunset in early December comes well before the market closes.
- Saturday, December 5 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.): the longest weekend day and the easiest for most families. Arrive close to opening if you want first pick of handmade gifts.
- Sunday, December 6 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.): the shortest day, so plan to arrive by early afternoon to give yourself time to shop, eat and catch some of the entertainment.
Families get a break on cost: with kids 12 and under free and seniors at $7, a family of four with two young children pays $20 for admission at the 2026 rates listed on the official site. Veterans with ID also get in free, which makes the market an easy outing for multigenerational groups.
Plan on spending a couple of hours if you want to walk every row of huts, sit down for a bratwurst and listen to a choir set.
Tickets and admission
As of fall 2026, the official site lists these prices:
- General admission (ages 13 and up): $10
- Seniors (65 and up): $7
- Veterans with ID: free
- Children 12 and under: free
The site says online ticket presales are coming in early November. Buying ahead lets you skip the ticket line on a busy weekend. Check the official site for any changes before you go.
Parking and getting there
The fairgrounds are on Plains Road just off Route 206 in Augusta. Per the fairgrounds’ directions page, from Route 80 take exit 34B to Route 15 North, then Route 206 North about 1 mile to Plains Road and turn right at the light. From the north, follow Route 206 South to Plains Road and turn left at the light.
The market’s website links to a “Directions, Parking, and Site Map” page, but our team could not confirm 2026 parking details for the market. Check gcmnj.org before you go for parking instructions and any shuttle information.
Know before you go
- Dress for December. A Christmas market is mostly an outdoor stroll between huts. Wear warm layers, gloves and boots that can handle a muddy or frozen field.
- Go early or on Friday if you want lighter crowds. Friday and Saturday run until 8 p.m., and Sunday closes earlier at 5 p.m.
- Bring a tote bag for gifts and ornaments.
- Bring some cash. Payment options can vary by vendor, so it is smart to have cash on hand.
- Check the official site the week of the market for the entertainment lineup, ticket links and any weather updates.
If you are making a day of it in the Skylands, see our guide to where to eat and drink in Sparta and Lake Mohawk or where to eat in Newton. Looking for a way to give back this season too? Check out the Norwescap Winter Wonderland Toy Drive. The fairgrounds also host other seasonal events, like the Lunar Faire Halloweekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the German Christmas Market of NJ in 2026?
Friday, December 4 through Sunday, December 6, 2026. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, per the official site.
Where is the German Christmas Market in NJ?
At the Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta (Frankford Township), NJ 07822. The organization’s mailing address is in Sparta, but the market is held in Augusta.
How much are tickets?
$10 for ages 13 and up, $7 for seniors 65 and up, and free for veterans with ID and children 12 and under. Online presales open in early November.
Is the German Christmas Market free for kids?
Yes. Children 12 and under get in free, per the market’s website.
Who runs the German Christmas Market of NJ?
It is run by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and proceeds support community causes. You can reach the organizers at 973-264-9336 or Info@GCMNJ.org.
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Primary sources for this guide: German Christmas Market of New Jersey official website and the Sussex County Fairgrounds directions page.
Featured photo: stock image of a Christmas market stall, for illustration only (not the German Christmas Market of NJ). Photo by Jannis Christmann via Pexels.
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