Christkindlesmarkt in Nürnberg

A centuries-old Nuremberg Christmas tradition

It’s not known for sure when the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt was first held but a wooden box in the Germanic National Museum in Nuremberg that dates back to 1628 features the inscription "Kindles-Marck". The name 'Christkendleinsmarck' is documented in1697, confirming that the Christmas market is at least three centuries old.

Historians assume earlier incarnations of the market would have sold everyday goods. However, letters from the Nuremberg councilman Willibald Pirckheimer (1470 to 1530), tell of nuns who were already buying spices at the market in 1530. So, the Christkindlesmarkt could be even older.

At the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, the Christkindlesmarkt receded into the background and was eventually moved away from the main market.

It returned in 1933 and was ceremonially revived with an actress dressed as the Christ Child. During the Second World War the Christmas market was closed and it was only reopened in the destroyed old town in 1948. This time, the Nuremberg actress Sofie Keeser played the Christ Child. Since 1966, a young woman has taken on the role of Christ Child every two years.

Two highlights in the history of the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt were the addition of the Twin Cities Market in 1986 and the Nuremberg Children's Christmas four years later.