A terrorist sworn to the so-called Islamic State killed 12 people when he drove a lorry into a Christmas market in central Berlin in December 2016.
Tight security measures are designed to prevent a repeat of the devastating attack in the German capital this year.
In Bochum, western Germany, organisers decorated concrete bollards blocking out pedestrianised areas, wrapping them up as Christmas presents with bows to make them look more festive.
Meanwhile at other markets, there were security staff patrolling the market, and concrete barriers to protect shoppers from a copycat attack after the tragedy in Berlin last year.
Germany boasts some 2,600 Christmas markets, which are famous around the world for their stalls selling candied nuts, sausages, mulled wine and local handicrafts.
They are beloved by Germans and many of the markets are huge tourist destinations for those wanting a festive holiday.
Berlin Mayor Michael Müller admitted new measures could not guarantee total security but said: “What could be done was done.”
Klaus Schultheis, a Christmas market expert who collects data on the annual festivities, said only two markets nationally had been cancelled due to security concerns.
He said: “Christmas markets are a piece of the German culture that shouldn’t disappear no matter what. It goes on.”
Far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) asked members of the public to post pictures of the security measures on social media.
The photos are designed to protest Angela Merkel’s decision to welcome asylum seekers into Germany.
AfD blames foreigners for a rise in crime and Islamic extremist terrorism in Germany.
Extra security has also been installed in Christmas markets in the UK.
Measures including armed police patrols, large concrete barriers and stop-and-search checks have been introduced at venues across the country.
Heavy police presences could be seen in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Edinburgh and Bath over the weekend with armed officers patrolling the festive attractions.
Plain clothed officers will also mingle among crowds of revellers as part of the heightened security situation.
The Local Government Association warned councils to be vigilant this year with the terror threat level to the UK currently at “severe” – meaning an attack is “highly likely”.
While US officials have issued warnings to tourists over the “heightened risk” over Christmas in Britain amid terror fears.