September 18, 2024
Nuremberg is home to several Christmas markets, each offering its own unique charm and specialties. The festive season officially begins with an opening ceremony led by the Christkind, a symbolic angelic figure who recites a prologue from the balcony of the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady in Nuremberg). This beloved tradition continues to captivate visitors from around the world, who come to experience the magical atmosphere and festive spirit of Nuremberg’s Christmas markets
Nuremberg Christmas Markets:
1. Christkindlesmarkt (Main Market)
Located at Hauptmarkt (Main Square)
Dates: 29November ~ 24 December
Monday ~ Sunday: 10am to 9pm
Christmas Eve on 24 December: 10am ~ 2pm
Christkindlesmarkt features iconic wooden stalls selling handcrafted gifts, the crèche (nativity scene) in front of the Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady), and the Christkind, who delivers the opening prologue. The balcony of the Frauenkirche offers panoramic view of the market.
What to Eat & Drink:
Drei im Weggla: A local favorite, this dish features three small Nuremberg sausages served in a crusty roll, often accompanied by mustard. It’s a must-try for those who want to enjoy the famous sausages in a convenient, on-the-go format.
Nürnberger Lebkuchen: While gingerbread is already well-known, Nuremberg’s Elisenlebkuchen is particularly special. Made with a high nut content and minimal flour, it’s a soft, spiced cookie often topped with almonds or covered in chocolate, embodying the essence of traditional German Christmas baking.
Feuerzangenbowle: A traditional German drink similar to mulled wine but with a unique twist. A rum-soaked sugarloaf is set ablaze and allowed to drip into the wine below, creating a warm, spiced drink with a caramelized flavor.
2. Original Regional Market
Located around St. Sebaldus Church
The stalls in this market offers regional crafts, locally produced sausages, honey, soaps..., ideal for unique gifts.
3. Sister Cities Market
Located near the Old City Hall, close to the Christkindlesmarkt.
The market stalls feature Nuremberg's partner cities from places like Antalya (Turkey), Cordoba (Spain), Glasgow (Scotland), Nice (France)... offering International crafts and international food and drinks such as: Scottish shortbread, Nicaraguan coffee, and Italian cheeses.
4. Kinderweihnacht or the Children’s Christmas Market
Located at Hans-Sachs-Platz
Dates: 29November ~ 24 December
Monday ~ Sunday: 10am to 9pm
Christmas Eve on 24 December: 10am ~ 2pm
Kinderweihnacht offers a variety of child-friendly attractions, including a miniature merry-go-round, a mini Ferris wheel, and a small railway. One of its unique features is the Fundbaum (Lost and Found Tree), whimsically decorated with items lost by children, adding a playful and heartwarming touch to the market’s atmosphere.
Nuremberg Christmas Markets:
1. Christkindlesmarkt (Main Market)
Located at Hauptmarkt (Main Square)
Dates: 29November ~ 24 December
Monday ~ Sunday: 10am to 9pm
Christmas Eve on 24 December: 10am ~ 2pm
Christkindlesmarkt features iconic wooden stalls selling handcrafted gifts, the crèche (nativity scene) in front of the Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady), and the Christkind, who delivers the opening prologue. The balcony of the Frauenkirche offers panoramic view of the market.
What to Eat & Drink:
Drei im Weggla: A local favorite, this dish features three small Nuremberg sausages served in a crusty roll, often accompanied by mustard. It’s a must-try for those who want to enjoy the famous sausages in a convenient, on-the-go format.
Nürnberger Lebkuchen: While gingerbread is already well-known, Nuremberg’s Elisenlebkuchen is particularly special. Made with a high nut content and minimal flour, it’s a soft, spiced cookie often topped with almonds or covered in chocolate, embodying the essence of traditional German Christmas baking.
Feuerzangenbowle: A traditional German drink similar to mulled wine but with a unique twist. A rum-soaked sugarloaf is set ablaze and allowed to drip into the wine below, creating a warm, spiced drink with a caramelized flavor.
2. Original Regional Market
Located around St. Sebaldus Church
The stalls in this market offers regional crafts, locally produced sausages, honey, soaps..., ideal for unique gifts.
3. Sister Cities Market
Located near the Old City Hall, close to the Christkindlesmarkt.
The market stalls feature Nuremberg's partner cities from places like Antalya (Turkey), Cordoba (Spain), Glasgow (Scotland), Nice (France)... offering International crafts and international food and drinks such as: Scottish shortbread, Nicaraguan coffee, and Italian cheeses.
4. Kinderweihnacht or the Children’s Christmas Market
Located at Hans-Sachs-Platz
Dates: 29November ~ 24 December
Monday ~ Sunday: 10am to 9pm
Christmas Eve on 24 December: 10am ~ 2pm
Kinderweihnacht offers a variety of child-friendly attractions, including a miniature merry-go-round, a mini Ferris wheel, and a small railway. One of its unique features is the Fundbaum (Lost and Found Tree), whimsically decorated with items lost by children, adding a playful and heartwarming touch to the market’s atmosphere.
The Nuremberg Christkindlesmart is celebrated as one of the oldest and most prestigious Christmas markets in the world, with origins dating back to the 16th century. It transforms the Hauptmarkt Square into a festive wonderland of traditional wooden stalls, set against a historic backdrop. The market’s highlight is the opening ceremony, where the Christkind—an iconic, angel-like figure—delivers a welcoming prologue from the balcony of the Frauenkirche, heralding the start of the Advent season. This beloved tradition attracts visitors from all over the world, enveloping Nuremberg in a magical holiday atmosphere.
Exploring the Nuremberg Christmas markets is a delightful experience, rich in history and tradition. Whether you're strolling through the famous Christkindlesmarkt, savoring local specialties at the Original Regional Market, or browsing international crafts at the Sister Cities Market, there’s something to enchant every visitor.
Exploring the Nuremberg Christmas markets is a delightful experience, rich in history and tradition. Whether you're strolling through the famous Christkindlesmarkt, savoring local specialties at the Original Regional Market, or browsing international crafts at the Sister Cities Market, there’s something to enchant every visitor.
Experiencing the magic of the Kinderweihnacht, or Children's Christmas Market, on our first night in Nuremberg was truly enchanting. The tops of the stalls were adorned with storybook scenes featuring beloved fairy tale characters, bringing a whimsical charm to the festive atmosphere.
The Nuremberg Christmas markets are a cornerstone of the city's cultural heritage. They play a vital role in supporting the local economy and attracting tourism, drawing countless visitors from around the globe each holiday season.
The Nuremberg Christmas markets are a cornerstone of the city's cultural heritage. They play a vital role in supporting the local economy and attracting tourism, drawing countless visitors from around the globe each holiday season.
Kinderweihnacht is a Christmas market specially designed for children, featuring delightful attractions like steam trains, a merry-go-round, and a mini Ferris wheel. Although we didn't have any kids with us, we chose to spend our first evening at this charming Nuremberg Christmas Market. It was quite late, and there were more adults enjoying the festive atmosphere at that time.
We sampled Nuremberg’s Glühwein (German mulled wine) but, not being connoisseurs, couldn’t compare it to the one we had in Berlin. The festive mugs in which it’s served aren’t included in the price—you pay a 3-euro * deposit per mug. You can get your money back when you return the cup, but we decided to keep two as souvenirs to remember this magical experience.
*the price mentioned was during our visit in December 2019.
We sampled Nuremberg’s Glühwein (German mulled wine) but, not being connoisseurs, couldn’t compare it to the one we had in Berlin. The festive mugs in which it’s served aren’t included in the price—you pay a 3-euro * deposit per mug. You can get your money back when you return the cup, but we decided to keep two as souvenirs to remember this magical experience.
*the price mentioned was during our visit in December 2019.
The biggest Christmas Markets in Nuremberg, CHRISTKINDLESMARKT, is in the main square at the Old Town. This place is more known as Hauptmarkt. Not only the Christmas Markets is held in this square. It does host the Nuremberg’s annual fairs and festivals such as the Trempelmärkte (Nuremberg Flea Market) and the Nürnberger Altstadtfest (Nuremberg Old Town Festival). Other than these special events, the Hauptmarkt is the biggest daily market in Nuremberg,
Last few days of the Christmas Markets when we were there. It was before lunch time, the place started to get busy. We had stayed for an hour wandering the lined of stalls and had sausages again. Rain shower did not stop everyone to enjoy this event.
Last few days of the Christmas Markets when we were there. It was before lunch time, the place started to get busy. We had stayed for an hour wandering the lined of stalls and had sausages again. Rain shower did not stop everyone to enjoy this event.
At the eastern side of the Main square, where the CHRISTKINDLESMARKT is located, is the first Gothic church in Franconia, Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady in Nuremberg), a Roman Catholic church. One of the attractions of the church is the mechanical clock, Männleinlaufen (Little men dancing).
Nuremberg is renowned not only for its iconic Christmas Markets but also for its distinctive sausages. Nuremberg Rostbratwurst is the best sausage I ever had. Only specialized butchers are allowed to produce the Nuremberg sausages. The recipe is strictly checked daily by the Imperial butcher and the jury of the head market officers. Wow! no wonder the taste is so unique. Don't forget the must have drei im weggla (three cute sausages in a bun)
Other than the Nuremberg specialties: Sausages, Gingerbread and mulled wine, try also the following:
Früchtebrot (Fruit Loaf): This traditional delicacy is a rich, dense loaf filled with a variety of dried fruits and nuts. Often sweetened with honey or fruit syrup, it offers a delightful balance of natural sweetness and texture, making it a popular festive treat.
Gebrannte Mandeln (Roasted Almonds): These sweet, caramelized almonds are a quintessential snack at German Christmas markets. Coated in a crunchy, sugary glaze, they are roasted to perfection and served warm, filling the air with their irresistible aroma.
Schneeballen (Snowballs): Originally from the nearby Franconian town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, this pastry is also popular in Nuremberg. Made from shortcrust pastry, it is shaped into a ball, deep-fried, and dusted with powdered sugar or covered in chocolate.
Other than the Nuremberg specialties: Sausages, Gingerbread and mulled wine, try also the following:
Früchtebrot (Fruit Loaf): This traditional delicacy is a rich, dense loaf filled with a variety of dried fruits and nuts. Often sweetened with honey or fruit syrup, it offers a delightful balance of natural sweetness and texture, making it a popular festive treat.
Gebrannte Mandeln (Roasted Almonds): These sweet, caramelized almonds are a quintessential snack at German Christmas markets. Coated in a crunchy, sugary glaze, they are roasted to perfection and served warm, filling the air with their irresistible aroma.
Schneeballen (Snowballs): Originally from the nearby Franconian town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, this pastry is also popular in Nuremberg. Made from shortcrust pastry, it is shaped into a ball, deep-fried, and dusted with powdered sugar or covered in chocolate.
Walked up from the CHRISTKINDLESMARKT, more Christmas stalls around the St Sebaldus Church.
St. Sebaldus Church is considered the oldest church in Nuremberg. The original building was completed in 13th century. After the WWII bombing, the church was partly restored in 1957. It was said to be fully restored in 1978.
St Sebaldus Church, a Protestant Lutheran, is one of the three important churches in Nuremberg. Frauenkirche and St. Lorenz the other two.
St. Sebaldus Church is considered the oldest church in Nuremberg. The original building was completed in 13th century. After the WWII bombing, the church was partly restored in 1957. It was said to be fully restored in 1978.
St Sebaldus Church, a Protestant Lutheran, is one of the three important churches in Nuremberg. Frauenkirche and St. Lorenz the other two.
St. Lorenz Church in Nuremberg, a Protestant Lutheran church, plays a significant role during the Christmas season. It often hosts concerts and special services, contributing to the festive atmosphere of the city. The area around the church features market stalls during the Christmas season, not year-round. These stalls are part of the larger Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, offering traditional goods, food, and crafts.
More of Christmas Markets in Europe
Berlin, Prague
More of Christmas Markets in Europe
Berlin, Prague
Updated on September 27, 2024
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