Nuremberg Christmas Market (Map + Dates 2023)

The Nuremberg Christmas market (Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt) is the most popular one in Germany. Featuring more than 180 wooden stalls selling quality gifts, it’s also one of the biggest. If this is your first time visiting Germany for the Christmas markets, this is the place to start with.

The origin of Christkindlesmarkt goes back to the traditional fairs of the Middle Ages. The market was first mentioned in 1628, but it’s considered to be older. The original Nuremberg Christmas market was a three-day-event, where traditional craftsmen gathered to sell their wares. With time, the interest in the event increased and the three days were expanded to three weeks.

Christkindlesmarkt means Christ Child Market in German. The Christ Child (or Christkind) is the symbol of the Nuremberg Christmas market.

The story of the Christ Child is deeply connected to the Protestant Reformation. During that time, Saint Nicholas was the one who was bringing gifts to the children every year on December 6th. However, as Martin Luther wanted to stay away from all Catholic saints, came up with the idea of the Christ Child. This angel-like creature became a substitute for the gift-bringing character of Saint Nicholas.

Nowadays, the Christ Child plays a very important role in the Nuremberg market. Represented by a young blond woman dressed in white and gold, the Christ Child is a part of the opening ceremony of the market. Initially, this role was played by an actress. However, since 1969, the Christ Child is elected once every two years amongst the local girls (16-19 years of age).

The largest Christmas market, Christkindlesmarkt, is located on the city’s main square, Hauptmarkt. In addition, you’ll find three smaller markets in less than a 5min walk from there – Original regional, Sister Cities and Children’s Market.

The best Nuremberg Christmas markets 2023

• Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt
• Original regional Market
• Sister Cities Christmas Market
• Children’s Market

You’ll find a map of all markets and their exact locations at the end of the article.

When is the Nuremberg Christmas market?

The Nuremberg Christmas market starts on the Friday before the first Advent Sunday and ends on Christmas Eve. In 2023, it will be open from 1 to 24 December. The opening ceremony will take place on 1 December at 05:30 PM.

Note that Christkindlesmarkt closes on Christmas Eve at 02:00 PM.

Is the Nuremberg Christmas market open on Sunday?
Yes, it is open every day, including Sundays from 10:00 AM to 09:00 PM.

Nuremberg Christmas market dates 2023

From 1 December to 24 December 2023
Daily from 10:00 AM to 09:00 PM
Christmas Eve – from 10:00 AM to 02:00 PM

Located on the city’s main square, Hauptmarkt, Christkindlesmarkt is the place to start with. This is not only the largest but also the best Christmas market in Nuremberg.

180 wooden stalls with white and red roofs occupy the medieval square in front of the Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche). You’ll find tons of quality ornaments as well as a lot of characteristic German decorations. Nutcrackers, smokers–figurines, prune men and Christmas pyramids are amongst the popular ones.

And I haven’t even started with the food! The stalls are stocked with delicious grilled sausages, spicy gingerbread cookies, tasty mulled wine and all kinds of tempting treats.

Also, the opening ceremony of the Nuremberg Christmas market takes place here. Every year on Friday before the first Advent Sunday the Christ Child recites a prologue from the balcony of the Church of Our Lady to open the market. It gets super crowded during the opening ceremony, so arrive early for good spots.

Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt Opening times
From 1 December to 24 December
Grand opening with a prologue on December 1st, at 05:30 PM
Daily from 10:00 AM to 09:00 PM
Christmas Eve – from 10:00 AM to 02:00 PM
Address: Hauptmarkt, 90403 Nürnberg, Germany
christkindlesmarkt.de

Although it’s a separate market, Original regional can be considered as an extension of Christkindlesmarkt. Less than 1min walk from the main square, you’ll find several booths by Saint Sebald Church. Stocked with quality goodies like honey, wool, bee-wax candles and jams, it’s a small market of local producers.

Original Regional Opening times
From 1 December to 23 December 
Address: next to St. Sebaldus Church, 90403 Nürnberg, Germany

Just a few steps north of Christkindlesmarkt is the Sister Cities Market. Here you’ll discover traditional goods from all over the world. Each stall represents a different city, offering local items and foods.

Looking for something non-traditional and unique? This is the place to go. Lavender honey from Provence, cheese from Italy, whiskey cake from Scotland, Nicaraguan coffee, these are just some of the goods you’ll find here.

Sister Cities Market (Markt Der Partnerstädte) Opening times
From 1 December to 23 December 
Address: Rathausplatz 1, 90403 Nürnberg, Germany

Just a short walk from the main city square is the Children’s Market. And as you can suggest from the name, it’s meant especially for kids. There is a huge carousel, a Ferris wheel, and even a steam train! It’s a kids’ paradise.

Children’s Market (Kinderweihnacht) Opening times
From 1 December to 24 December 
Address: Hans-Sachs-Platz 1, 90403 Nürnberg, Germany

The best area to stay in Nuremberg for the Christmas markets is the Old Town. All of the markets are located within the area and you are likely to spend most of your time here.

The Nuremberg Christmas Market is the most popular one in Germany with around 2 million visitors a year from all over the world. So I’d strongly recommend you book accommodation as soon as you start planning your trip.

A few weeks before the event most of the good options are long gone. Especially if you want to stay in the Old Town, close to the markets.

Find out more in my guide to the best area to stay in Nuremberg.

Located right on the main square, this is the perfect hotel for visiting the Christmas markets in Nuremberg. The individually furnished room are comfy and modern.
Why book – next to the main Christmas market, walking distance to everything

Quiet, but central location, just a short walk from Christkindlesmarkt, tourist sights and restaurants. Private parking and wellness facilities available on site.
Why book – central quiet location, spacious family rooms

Central accommodation at a very close walking distance to all markets, attractions and transport. The apartments are nicely furnished with a fully equipped kitchen.
Why book – excellent central location, fully equipped kitchen

To discover the city’s rich history and its highlights, take the Free Walking Tour of Nuremberg. In this 2.5-hour tour, you’ll explore the medieval city and see the Imperial Castle and Albrecht Dürer’s House.

There is no better way to explore Nuremberg than taking a stagecoach ride. Hop on the carriage and dive into a 15min journey through the cobbled streets of the Old Town.

The stagecoach is a 1939 reproduction of a nine-seater Berlin with two coupés, pulled by two cute Rheinland Heavy Draft horses. It’s real fun, especially for the little ones!

Costs: €4 for an adult, €2.50 for children
Opening hours: daily from 1 PM to 7 PM (1 December – 23 December)
Location: the stagecoach departs from its stop in the Waaggasse near the Hotel Saxx

To try the so popular drink Feuerzangenbowle, I’d recommend you going to Fleischbrücke.

Here you’ll find the largest Feuerzangenbowle in the world. It’s 2.5 meters wide and 3.4 meters high and can contain up to 9,000 litres of the tasty punch! Not to mention, that it takes two days to warm the punch to the proper temperature.

In addition, there are a few huts offering delicious food and more drinks.

Opening hours: From 1 December until 31 December
Daily – from 11:00 AM to 09:00 PM
24 December – from 11:00 AM to 04:00 PM
25 and 26 December – from 04:00 PM to 09:00 PM
New Year’s Eve – from 04:00 PM – open end
Address: Zwischen den Fleischbänken, 90403 Nürnberg, Germany

Käthe Wohlfahrt is one of the most famous companies for Christmas decorations in Germany. They have stores all over the country, including Nuremberg.

The store offers unique decorations and ornaments. If you look for something special, this is the place to go. Note that it gets really crowded during the day, so visit immediately after it opens.

Address: Königstraße 8, 90402 Nürnberg
kaethe-wohlfahrt.com

There are more than 180 stalls at Christkindlesmarkt, so it’s easy to miss something. That’s why the official Nuremberg Christmas Market website provides thematic self-guided walking tours. You can download a pdf with the tour in advance and explore the market at your own pace later.

Find more info and download the tours here. 

Of all the Christmas markets I’ve been to in Germany, the Bavarians’ have the best food for me. With such delicacies like Elisenlebkuchen, Drei im Weckla and Heidelbeere Glühwein, I’m sure the Nuremberg Christmas markets will win your heart, too.

Feuerzangenbowle

Feuerzangenbowle is a popular German winter drink. It’s a stronger (and sweeter) version of the traditional Glühwein.

Feuerzangenbowle is a hot punch, made of wine and rum. But wait, that’s not all! It’s topped with a sugar cube soaked in rum and then lit on fire. The sugar melts, caramelizes and drips into the wine below, giving it its unique flavour. The perfect way to get warm in the freezing cold.

Note that you’ll have to pay a small deposit for the mug. You’ll get it back once you return the mug. There is usually a special booth, where you can return your mug.

Heidelbeere Glühwein

If you look for something less strong, try Heidelbeere Glühwein. It’s locally produced blueberry wine infused with nutmeg, cinnamon, orange peels and other winter spices.

Elisenlebkuchen

If this is not your first time to Germany, you probably already tried the Lebkuchenherzen. A large heart-shaped gingerbread with colourful inscriptions. Well, let me tell you that the Elisenlebkuchen has nothing in common with them.

The Elisenlebkuchen is a round gingerbread cookie, topped with almonds, chocolate or a sugar coating. It’s moist, full of nuts, honey and spices with a little to no flour!

You’ll find this delicious treat not only at the Christmas stalls but also at numerous bakeries across the city.

Drei im Weckla

Drei im Weckla means Three in a Bun in German. Three Nuremberg grilled sausages (Nürnberger Rostbratwursts) served in a bun and topped with mustard for additional flavour. They are tiny in comparison to the regular Rostbratwursts, but don’t let this stop you. The taste is unique.

Drei im Weckla is a must eat while in Nuremberg. Why you may ask? Because only a sausage produced within the city limit can be called Original Nuremberger. In addition to this, there are special requirements for its weight and size. The sausages are prepared from pork loin, spiced with marjoram following a recipe from the 15th century!

Nuremberg is an easy day trip from Munich (about 1h journey). The Central train station is less than 1km away from the Old Town and Christkindlesmarkt.

Check timetables and book tickets online at Deutsche Bahn official site.

The closest airport is Nuremberg Airport (NUE), located only 5km away from the city. The metro connects the airport directly with the central train station. Just take metro line U2 and you’ll be in the city in less than 15min.

To help you navigate, I prepared this map with all the markets. You can use it during your trip, you only need internet access.

You can also find a detailed map of Christkindlesmarkt here (provided by Tourism Nuremberg).

Munich Christmas market is the best market you can visit around Nuremberg. It’s only 1 hour away by train, so you can do it on a day trip.

However, I’d strongly recommend spending at least one night in Munich. There are more than 10 Christmas markets to explore! Plus the best time to visit them is after dark when everything is festively illuminated.

Yet, if you’re short on time, a day trip from Nuremberg to Munich is an option. If you start early, for one day you’ll be able to visit the three main markets and explore the Old Town.