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Christkindlesmarkt in Nürnberg


A stroll across the famous Nuremberg Christmas Market (Christkindlesmarkt) at the heart of the festively decorated Old Town is like a trip to a Christmas Wonderland. Freshly-baked Gingerbread as far as the eye can see, lovingly lined up in glass cases, firs festooned with fairy lights and sparkling decorations, hot mulled wine served in cosy wooden huts and a historic stagecoach that makes its way through Nuremberg's Old Town to the Christmas post office. Welcome to the enchanting Franconian Christmas market.

Our tips:

  • The classic Christmas market in the Nuremberg Old Town
Visitors from around the world flock to buy gifts and souvenirs, handmade Christmas decorations and delicious spices from almost 200 traders at the traditional Nuremberg Christmas Market. Fine Nuremberg Lebkuchen, fruit bread and other delights from the regional Christmas bakery, Nuremberg grilled bratwursts and the Nuremberg "Zwetschgenmännla" made from dried plums are just some of the local delicacies on offer. But this is only the classic Christmas market, there’s plenty more to explore!
  • Children's Christmas at the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
Christmas is special for children. That's why a visit to the Nuremberg Christmas Market every year is an experience that the little ones look forward to. Nuremberg’s Children's Christmas has been held on Hans-Sachs-Platz next to the main market square since 1999. With its range of festive attractions, it’s a magical experience for the whole family.

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.
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What we particularly like

Christmas international: The Twin Towns Christmas Market
Right next door to the classic Christmas market is the twin towns market on Rathausplatz, where you’ll find not only traditional goods from Franconia, but 22 stalls of festive fare from around the world. Sweet shortbread from Scotland, mulled wine from Switzerland, arts and crafts from Turkey, pearl jewellery from China, Venetian masks from Italy and much more.

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Opening hours

Opening day 30.11.:
10:00 - 21:00
Opening with prologue:5:30 p.m.

30.11. until 24.12.
Monday - Sunday: 10:00 - 21:00
Christmas Eve, December 24th: 10:00 - 14:00