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Nuremberg’s Christmas Market is known for its famous blonde-haired Christkind, tiny but mighty sausages, lipsmacking gingerbread, and historic ambiance.
It’s also widely considered to be one of the best Christmas markets in Germany.
We first visited this Bavaria Christmas market in November 5 years ago and loved the gorgeous atmosphere, hefty assortment of products and of course, the many delicious food stalls.
While this market is definitely not a secret, and can get severely overcrowded on the weekends, it’s a worthwhile visit if you want to see one of the most famous Christmas markets in Germany for yourself.
Looking to learn more about Nuremberg Christmas market, or perhaps need some guidance on planning your own trip there?
In this post, we’ll be covering…
- Practical Info for Nuremberg Christmas Market
- A Brief History of Nuremberg Christmas Market
- Why Visit Nuremberg Christmas Market?
- Christmas Markets in Nuremberg to Visit
- Unique Souvenirs from the Nuremberg Christmas Market
We hope you find it helpful and interesting!
Practical Info for Nuremberg Christmas Market 2024
Here are some quick must-knows for Nuremberg Christmas Market this year:
- Dates: Nov 29 – Dec 24, 2024
- Official website: https://www.christkindlesmarkt.de/en/
In need of a place to stay? Here are some quick hotel recommendations:
- Budget: Check prices and availability
- Mid-range: Check prices and availability
- Luxury: Check prices and availability
A Brief History of Nuremberg Christmas Market
According to the Nuremberg Christmas Market’s official website, the first written records of a Christmas market in Nuremberg date back to 1530, when private letters from a local council member referenced a market that took place during Advent.
However, the most concrete proof of Nuremberg’s Christmas Market existence dates back to 1628.
From that year, a decorated wooden box was found with the following inscription: “Sent to Regina Susanna Harßdörfferin by Miss Susanna Eleonora Erbsin (or Elbsin) on the occasion of the Kindle’s Market (Christmas Market) of 1628”.
So, with that proof in hand, Nuremberg does lay claim to one of the oldest Christmas markets in the entire country.
A lot has changed since 1628 though… These days, the Nuremberg Christmas Market is a popular affair, with hundreds of vendors, thousands of visitors and millions (we assume) of delicious calories inhaled every year.
Why Visit Nuremberg Christmas Market?
If you’re on the fence about which Christmas markets to visit this year, here are some reasons to visit the Nuremberg Christmas Market in particular:
It’s historic (and famous!)
Again, Nuremberg Christmas Market is one of the oldest and best-known markets in Germany, with a lengthy history dating back to 1530.
It’s accessible
Nuremberg Airport is a convenient transport hub that services many budget airlines in Europe, meaning flights here can be very cheap.
The airport is also very close to the city center – you can hop on the U2 line from the airport and be at the Central Station in 12 minutes.
This makes visiting the Nuremberg Christmas Market very, very convenient .
The Nuremberg Christkind
Nuremberg’s Christkind of one of the Christmas Market’s most unique differentiators.
Who is she exactly? Well, just as many kids around the world believe that Santa brings them gifts, kids here believe their gift giving angel is the Christkind – a pretty blonde angel with envy-inducing ringlet curls.
But the Christkind isn’t just some fictional angel that exists in literature – she is actually a real life person elected every two years to be the city’s ambassador of Christmas… and you’ll find her around the market and at special events like the Christmas Market’s opening ceremony.
This is a unique aspect of the Nuremberg Christmas Market that you won’t find anywhere else, so it’s definitely a noteworthy reason to add this market to your list.
Delectable treats
While delicious treats are a common denominator among Europe’s top Christmas markets, Nuremberg is special because some of the most famous Christmas market foods in Germany are specialties here.
For example, there’s the Nürnberger Rostbratwurst which you’ll see at almost every sausage stand in the country. these tiny finger-sized sausages are usually served “Drei im Weggla”, in threes in a crunchy bread roll.
This delicacy is so special in fact that it has been awarded a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) by the EU, which means it MUST be made within the city limits according to a specific recipe. So, try it here and you know you’re getting the real deal.
Nuremberg is also considered by some to be the birthplace of gingerbread (a contentious claim), but one thing that’s not contentious is that the gingerbread made here is absolutely delicious.
In particular, the Elisenlebkuchen (a mostly flourless variation of gingerbread with nuts), is a specialty of the city that’s worth a trip here all on its own.
The Largest Feuerzangenbowle in the World
Lastly, no doubt you’ve heard of Glühwein (mulled wine) – the official drink of Christmas markets around the world.
But have you heard of Feruzangenbowle? It’s Glühwein mixed with a rum-soaked sugar loaf that’s then lit on fire to caramelize and drip into your drink.
Yes, it’s as potent and wonderful as it sounds.
Well, great news: Nuremberg is where you can find the largest Feuerzangenbowle in the entire world!
This pot supposedly holds over 9000 litres and takes 48 hours to warm up. Type “Zwischen den Fleischbänken” into Google Maps for the location.
Looking for more Germany travel inspiration?
Check out these guides on the best places to visit in…
Christmas Markets in Nuremberg to Visit
While the Nuremberg Christkindlsmarkt is the most famous Christmas market in Nuremberg, there are actually several markets in the city you can visit. Here is a quick rundown of the many Christmas markets available to you in Nuremberg.
The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
Location: The Hauptmarkt
The Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg is the city’s main Christmas market, with hundreds of stalls scattered across the Hauptmarkt selling toys, treats, ornaments, gifts and more.
This is also one of the few Christmas markets in Germany with a big opening ceremony, hosted every year on the Friday before the 1st Advent.
During this ceremony, there’s music and a choir performance, but the highlight is of course when the famous Nuremberg Christkind recites an opening prologue to kick off the Christmas season.
The Sister Cities Market
Location: North of the Hauptmarkt
In addition to Nuremberg’s Christkindlemarkt in the Hauptmarkt, another great Christmas market to visit in Nuremberg is the Sister Cities Market.
This market has dozens of booths from Nuremberg’s sister cities around the world, including…
- Antalya (Turkey)
- Atlanta (USA)
- Kharkiv (Ukraine)
- Gera (Thuringia)
- Glasgow (Scotland)
- Kavala (Greece)
- Krakow (Poland)
- Nice (France)
- Prague (Czech Republic)
- San Carlos (Nicaragua)
- Shenzhen (China)
- Skopje (Macedonia)
- Limousin (France)
- Bar (Montenegro)
- Brasov/Kronstadt (Romania)
- Kalkudah (Sri Lanka)
- Klausen+Montan (Italy)
- Verona (Italy)
Children’s Market
Location: Hans-Sachs-Platz
Lastly, if you’re visiting the Nuremberg Christmas Market with little ones, there’s also a special Children’s Market.
Here, you’ll find an adorable double decker carousel, a little train and all sorts of kid-friendly activities.
Unique Souvenirs from the Nuremberg Christmas Market
Wondering what to buy at Nuremberg Christmas Market? Besides the usual German Christmas Market souvenirs you’ll find all around the country, here are some special souvenirs to take note of.
Zwetschgenmännle, AKA Nuremberg Prune People
These hilarious little figurines made of prunes are a Nuremberg invention these days seen in Christmas markets across Germany. Make sure to get one in Nuremberg though for the real deal!
It is said that these little dolls were originally created by a Nuremberg wire drawer in the 18th century who had to create gifts for his kids with no resources besides a plum tree and wire.
Why would you want one of these? Well, as they like to say in Nuremberg, “Hosd an Zwetschga im Haus, gäid dir es Geld und Gligg ned aus,” meaning “With a prune man in your house, money and happiness stay, too”.
Franconian Specialties
Nuremberg is part of the German region of Franconia, known for its delicious beers, wines, and local products.
If you want a taste of Franconia (and you want to bring that taste home too!), you can find “Regional Original” stalls by the Church of St. Sebald in Nuremberg (across from the Historical City Hall).
More Photos of Nuremberg Christmas Market
We hope you enjoyed this Nuremberg Christmas Market Guide!
Let us know in the comments if you have any more questions about your trip – we’re always happy to help.
Coming to Germany between December 1& 12 to visit different Christmas Marts
Wonderful. Hope you have an amazing time!
I have a trip planned in December, and have a little trepidation. I am triple vaxed and it’s all outside, so not worried about catching Covid. I just want to know that all the markets are operating normally, and that there haven’t been major changes made due to Covid. I’ve been a couple of times, and would be heartbroken if I couldn’t have all the yummy German foods and wine.