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THE ULTIMATE Nuremberg Christmas Market Guide – A locals recommendations

This post is updated to the 2022 season 🙂

AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER

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The Nuremberg Christmas market (aka “Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt”) is known far beyond the national borders. Every year, especially at Christmas time, it attracts many visitors. I’ve lived here for five years, and I understand why it’s one of the best European cities to spend Christmas.

I look forward to the Christmas season and meeting my friends at the Christmas market every year.

This Guide will give you a more detailed overview of the market, the best stalls, and experiences to ensure a great and stress-free visit!

Opening Hours 2022

  • 25.11.22 – 24.12.22
  • daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Location

Tips for visiting the Nuremberg Christmas Market

1 | How to get to the Nuremberg Christmas Market

Depending on your starting point, Nuremberg can be easily reached by car, train, bus, or plane.

  • Nuremberg Airport is just a few kilometers outside the city. The underground line 2 takes you straight to the city center.
  • Finding a parking space during the Christmas season will probably be the biggest challenge if you travel by car. Unfortunately, the car parks in the city center are usually costly and overcrowded, so I recommend you use public transport.
  • Thanks to ICE and regional transport, the main train station connects you with cities in the region and with all of Germany. With the ICE, for example, a trip from Munich takes one hour and from Berlin 3 hours.
  • After arriving, you can be in the middle of the old town in just a few minutes by tram or subway. Walking to the market is particularly beautiful since the path takes you past decorated streets and stalls to the Christmas market in just a few minutes.

FAQs

Many visitors often need clarification when it comes to the correct name of the city. For example, one reads “Nuremberg” as well as “Nuremberg” or “Nurnberg.” But which one is actually correct?

The German name of “the city is “Nürnberg.” However, since the letter “ü” is hardly used in other languages, the English name is “Nuremberg.” So, whether the city is referred to as “Nürnberg” or “Nuremberg,” both are correct.

The “Christkindlesmarkt” is by far one of the most famous Christmas markets in Germany. It has aroused international interest for years and attracts visitors from all over the world to the medieval city every year. Its history dates back to the 17th century, making it one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany.

It also became famous for the Nuremberg Christkind – a true icon. Every two years since 1968, a girl from Nuremberg will be elected as “Christkind.” Their speeches from the gallery of the church of our lady during the opening ceremony are a magnet for spectators every year.

2 | Where can you find the official Nuremberg Christmas market?

The entire Christmas market is located in the middle of the old town and consists of several parts. The main Christmas market with the most stalls is situated on the main market square called “Hauptmarkt.”

A few steps further in the direction of the Kaiserburg, you will reach the “Original Regional” area and the “Markt der Partnerstädte” (Nuremberg’s sister cities market).

The “Kinderweihnacht” (special children’s market) is located at Hans-Sachs-Platz and is an absolute must if you travel with children. I’ll tell you more about this area later in this post.

Finally, there is my favorite place: The longest Feuerzangenbowle in the world at Fleischbrücke. You will find it a bit away from the crowds, idyllically situated on the water.

Local Tip: The primary market is where you will find the most tourists, as this is the center of the market. To enjoy the atmosphere away from the crowds, my friends and I love the area of the Feuerzangenbowle. Of course, there is also a lot going on here - especially in the evenings and at weekends - but you are more likely to be among the city residents who are sipping hot drinks with friends and colleagues and not pushing through the stalls.
  • The main market square is the most crowded one
  • The original regional area at St. Sebaldus church
  • The Feuerzangenbowle area. Leave the Fleischbrücke next to the Starbucks and you’ll get some delicious drinks.
  • The stairway up to the market of the sister cities

3 | What to eat and drink on the market

What would a visit to the Christmas market be without the delicious food? On the “Christkindlesmarkt,” you will find a wide range of stalls selling culinary delights for everyone. My particular favorites are:

  • The classic Rostbratwurst. Bratwurst in a crunchy bread roll can be found at several stands and should definitely be on your culinary list. However, you can find the original Nuremberg sausages at the Lössel family booth no. 44.
  • Baggers: The so-called “Baggers” are potato pancakes and really delicious. You can try them at the Hoffmann family at booth no. 139.
  • Mulled wine: You will find plenty of hot drinks, especially mulled wine. It is impossible to recommend a stand here, as the drinks are delicious everywhere. If you want to try the original Nuremberg Christkindlesmakrt mulled wine, you should stop by Gerstacker at booth no. 32.
  • Feuerzangenbowle: Anyone who has had enough mulled wine will find the longest Feuerzangenbowle in the world just off the central marketplace. At the Fleischbrücke, you can stand comfortably a little away from the crowds and warm yourself with a Feuerzangenbowle. You have to try this drink here!
  • Heart-shaped waffles: With booth number 56, the Braun family and their sweets are located in the heart of the market. They sell roasted almonds and other delicacies like the tasty heart-shaped waffles. Such a delicious treat!
  • Your visit wouldn’t be complete without trying some mulled wine
  • These heart-shaped waffles are incredibly tasty!
  • There are many booths selling sweets like roasted almonds, gingerbread etc.
  • The classic Brautwurst in a bun. If you wanna do it the local way: order a “Bratwurst im Weggla”

4 | Other booths you should check out

The Nuremberg Christmas market is huge, so it’s easy to lose track of which booths you’ve already seen and which ones you haven’t. The variety of products like handmade Christmas ornaments or characteristic german decorations is wide! Here are the booths that I think you should keep an eye out for, as they’re either absolutely iconic or just plain gorgeous:

  • You can find the Original Nuremberg Lebkuchen from Schmidt at booth no. 130. If you want to buy them in larger quantities, you will also find a small shop with gift tins between Children’s Christmas and the Main Market. The perfect souvenir!
  • You can find the famous original Rauschgoldengel at Ralf Rehder at booth no. 27. They are a true Nuremberg Christmas market classic!
  • Another Nuremberg original is the “Zwetschgenmännla.” Here I recommend the detour to house no. 83 of the Schrödel family.
  • The well-known half-timbered architecture of the region is taken up by artist Edith Herrmann with her mini half-timbered houses made of ceramic. You can find her at booth no. 49.
  • Of course, a Playmobil stand is a must. The iconic toys are available at booth no. 46.
  • You can find particularly delicious teas and the “Christkindlmarkt Punsch” at booth no. 89, the so-called “Glüh’Alm.”
  • For special cookie cutters (like official Nuremberg Christmas market ones), visit Petra Strauß in booth no. 53.
  • You will find the “Original Regional” stalls a little further towards the castle. They are located directly opposite the Church of St. Sebaldus, and you sell regional products.
  • Follow the steps between the restaurant “Kaspar Schmauser” and the tourist info. You will reach the market of the sister cities called “Markt der Partnerstädte.” The individual stalls sell products from their home countries.
  • Look at all these tiny timbered houses!
  • The famous Rauschgoldengel
  • And the iconic Zwetschgenmännla
  • Lebkuchen Schmidt is the place to go for original Nuremberg Lebkuchen

5 | Visiting the Nuremberg Christmas market with kids

The Nuremberg Christmas market is an absolute paradise for children and the entire family. A lot is going on at the “Kinderweihnacht,” which you will find not far from the main Christmas market on Hans Sachs Platz. This children’s market area offers stalls with various delicacies, a swing boat, a steam train, and a steam carousel.

The unique hands-on booths are an excellent option for a visit with kids. Children can paint pictures together, bake gingerbread, or craft figures. Of course, there is also a tiny house where you can meet Santa. 

To make your visit even more unique, you can meet the “Christkind.” It invites the kids to a free ride on the carousel daily and meets you in front of the Church of our Lady at 3:00 p.m.

  • Your kids will be entertained for sure!
  • The details are stunning
  • The alley from the main market towards the Kinderweihnacht
Good to know before you go
  • The toilets are behind the town hall and in the café next to the Frauenkirche.
  • Nuremberg Christmas market is freely accessible. There is no entrance fee.
  • The nearest underground station is called “Lorenzkirche.”
  • The deposit prices for the cups are high because many guests want to take the cups home as a souvenir. However, you can also buy one of the official Nuremberg Christmas market cups at the booths, so feel free to return them. 
  • A Nuremberg Christmas market map is available online on the market’s official page.
  • You should bring enough cash for your visit to the Nuremberg Christmas market (or generally speaking for all german Christmas markets). Most stalls (especially food and drink stalls) do not accept credit cards. And always remember to add the deposit for your cups to your calculation!

Other things to do during the Christmas market season

Suppose you are looking for more experiences after strolling between the stalls and mulled wine. In that case, you might like the following activities:

  • Ride with the original stagecoach: Every year during the market season, the original stagecoach makes a short tour of the city center. An excellent experience for the whole family. You can find them on the street between the main market and St. Sebaldus church. The 10-minute stagecoach tour costs €5 and takes place between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
  • Mulled wine ride on the historic tram: One of my absolute recommendations for visitors during the Christmas season. Here you drive through the city in a historic tram while you are treated to gingerbread, mulled wine, and non-alcoholic hot drinks. A truly unique way to explore the city, especially when it’s cold and rainy outside.
  • Kaiserburg for a view: The Kaiserburg is close to the main market. Once you follow the cobbled streets past the original regional booths, you will get to the imperial castle in just a few minutes. Here you have a fantastic view at Christmas time and all year round.
  • There are quite a few city tours in Nuremberg. During the Christmas season, however, you can book themed tours, such as a tour on the history and background of the Nuremberg Christmas market. You can find a selection of possible guided tours on the city’s website.
  • Enjoy the market view from above: On some days, you can enjoy the “Christkind View” from the gallery of the Frauenkirche. Alternatively, you will find a balcony in the café on the corner next to the Frauenkirche. The good thing is: you can get hot drinks like mulled wine for your stay on the balcony.
  • The original stagecoach
  • The view from the cafés balcony
  • You can purchase mugs on the market!
  • The view from the Kaiserburg is amazing year-round!

Got some more time to spend in town?

If you visit Nuremberg for a couple of days, you could see the other Christmas markets in the city or region. For example, in the neighboring town called Fürth, you will find a charming Christmas market, which is particularly popular for its medieval market. It is also a bit quieter and less touristy here.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is also not far, which is why a day trip would be ideal. In the well-known city, you have a romantic Christmas market and the famous Käthe-Wohlfahrt Christmas Museum.

In Regensburg, in addition to the markets in the old town, you can also visit the romantic Christmas market at Thurn and Taxis Castle. This famous Christmas market is one of my favorites in the area!

Hotels in Nuremberg

Karl August – A neighborhood hotel*

Motel One Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof*

Sorat Hotel Saxx*

DasPaul Hotel*

I hope your time in Nuremberg will be fantastic and you will enjoy the Christmas spirit. Let me know in the comments if you’ve been here before and, if so, what you liked the most. Also, if you have already visited more german Christmas markets, let me know which ones you consider to be the best Christmas markets!

Have fun in this beautiful city!

As always, stay happy and healthy!

See you soon,

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Hi there, I'm Julia. I am a german native travel blogger and content creator showing you the world through my eyes. Welcome to the page!

7 Comments

  3. This would be a dream to visit a German Christmas market, the best of the best! I would definitely love to have a bagger, some gluhwein, and shop the chalet huts for little trinkets I could bring back with me. I’m a first-generation German-Canadian and so a lot of German traditions are still strong in our household. Especially having stollen.

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  5. It’s probably because I’m based in Germany that I’m quite oblivious to Christmas markets – you often don’t cherish what you have, right?! However, a couple of years ago, my landlady in Italy told me that she’s travelling every year to Nuremberg to visit the market, and yes, it’s the most famous one in Germany for a reason, I guess.

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