Christmas market in Nuremberg – Christkindlesmarkt and Christmas atmosphere

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: August 2026 | The Nuremberg Christmas Market is one of the most famous and traditional in all of Germany. The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt fills the Hauptmarkt square with red and white market stalls, Christmas decorations and the scents of mulled wine, gingerbread and grilled Nuremberg sausage. We visited Nuremberg just before the Christmas market opened – but preparations were in full swing and the Christmas spirit had already set in.

Christmas Market in Nuremberg – Christkindlesmarkt

The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany and is now known far beyond the country's borders. The market takes place in the middle of Nuremberg's old town, in front of the Frauenkirche on the main square, Hauptmarkt.

Every year, a small town of wooden stalls with characteristic red and white striped roofs is built here. The stalls sell Christmas decorations, crafts and local specialties. Two classic souvenirs from Nuremberg are Rauschgoldengel, golden Christmas angels, and Plum man, small figures made from dried plums.

The market usually opens on the Friday before Advent and runs until Christmas Eve. As dates and opening times can change from year to year, we recommend checking the official website for current information before visiting.

A Christmas market with several hundred years of history

The history of the Christmas market is much older than most of us might think of when we stand with a mug of glühwein in our hand.

The tradition has its roots in the 16th century and is connected with the Reformation and changing Christmas traditions. When it became more common to give children presents on Christmas Eve, the demand for presents also increased in the weeks before Christmas. During the 17th century, the market therefore increasingly developed into a Christmas market. Dolls, toys, candles, gingerbread, marzipan and sweets were sold here, among other things.

The first explicit written record of the Nuremberg Christmas market dates back to 1678. A little over half a century later, in 1737, a list shows that 140 vendors were allowed to sell their goods at the market. Almost all of Nuremberg's craft professions were represented at that time.

The market has since moved and changed. During the Nazi era it was used as part of the regime's propaganda and in 1933 it was moved back to Hauptmarkt. During World War II there was no Christmas market, but in 1948 the tradition was revived in the middle of the badly damaged old town.

Christkind opens the Christmas market

A special part of Christmas in Nuremberg is Christ Child, a white and gold-clad figure with a golden crown who has become the very symbol of the city's Christmas market.

Every year, the Christkindlesmarkt is opened by Christkind from the balcony of the Frauenkirche. There, a solemn prologue is given to the people gathered on the Hauptmarkt. The tradition in its current form dates back to the first Christmas market after the Second World War in 1948.

Since 1969, Nuremberg's Christkind has been elected from among young women from the city, and the mission spans two years. It's not just about opening the Christmas market. During Advent, Christkind represents Nuremberg at a wide range of events and visits kindergartens, retirement homes and social services, among other things.

This is much more than just someone dressing up on the opening day of the Christmas market – Christkind is a true Nuremberg institution.

Christmas atmosphere in Nuremberg's old town

When we visited Nuremberg, we were actually a few days early for the actual Christkindlesmarkt. Preparations were underway everywhere in the old town and the market stalls were being set up. But there was no lack of Christmas spirit.

Nuremberg is an atmospheric city from the start, with cobblestone streets, majestic churches, old houses and the large castle that watches over the city. When Christmas decorations and lights come into place, the atmosphere becomes even cozier.

Of course, we would have loved to have seen the market in full swing, but at the same time it was fun to see how the entire city was transforming for Advent.

What to eat at the Nuremberg Christmas market?

Christmas markets are of course just as much about the smells and tastes as they are about Christmas decorations. And in Nuremberg there are some specialties that are part of Christmas.

Nuremberg gingerbread

Nuremberg is famous for its Gingerbread, spicy gingerbread cookies that have been baked in the city for more than 600 years. The city's long history as a trading center meant that exotic spices arrived here early, and gingerbread has become one of Nuremberg's great specialties.

Nuremberg roasted sausages

Another classic is the small Nuremberg sausages. At the Christmas market you can buy them, among other things, as Three in the Weggla – three small grilled sausages in a bun. They can also be served on a plate with, for example, sauerkraut or potato salad.

Mulled wine

And what would a German Christmas market be without glühwein? The spiced hot wine is of course a classic when the temperature drops and you need to warm your fingers around a hot mug.

In Nuremberg there is also a substantial Feuerzangenbowle, where a rum-soaked sugar top burns above warm spiced wine and the caramelized sugar drips into the drink.

More Christmas markets in Nuremberg

The Christkindlesmarkt is the great classic, but during Advent there is more to discover within walking distance in central Nuremberg.

Nuremberg Children's Christmas

Since 1999, a special event has been held at Hans-Sachs-Platz children's Christmas market, Children's Christmas. Here you will find nostalgic carousels and a small train, along with activities where children can bake or make their own Christmas presents.

Market of the twin cities

Right next to the large Christmas market there is also Market of the twin cities, where Nuremberg's twin towns and partners from different parts of the world present crafts, food and other products from their respective countries.

The international market has been around since 1985 and is a fun contrast to the very traditional German Christkindlesmarkt.

Experience more of Nuremberg during your Christmas trip

It would be a shame to go to Nuremberg for the Christmas market without also seeing a little more of the city. The old town is largely surrounded by the historic city wall and above the rooftops sits the mighty Kaiserburg, Nuremberg Imperial Castle.

Don't miss the large churches either St. Lawrence and St. Sebald, and take a walk through the alleys below the castle. Here you will also find the Albrecht-Dürer-Haus, where the artist Albrecht Dürer lived and worked for a large part of his life.

Nuremberg was badly damaged during World War II, but large parts of the old town were reconstructed. The result is a city where medieval environments, reconstructed historic buildings and more modern elements are mixed.

READ MORE: Nuremberg – a medieval city with a castle and local specialties

Our tips for the Christmas market in Nuremberg

We would love to come back when the market itself is open. And if we were planning such a trip, we would definitely have set aside at least two days. The Christkindlesmarkt is a reason to travel here, but Nuremberg is far too interesting to just rush into the Hauptmarkt and then move on.

Try to experience the Christmas market both during the day and after dark. Combine the market stalls with a walk through the old town and up towards the castle – and leave room in your stomach for both Lebkuchen and Nürnberger Sausage.

Nuremberg's Christmas market is very popular, so if you are staying overnight in the city during Advent, it may also be wise to book accommodation well in advance.

More inspiration about Germany

Here you will find more inspiration and reading about Germany.

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