Christmas Market in Nuremberg – Germany 2025

Background & History

The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, one of the oldest and most renowned Christmas markets globally, traces its origins to the mid-16th century when it began as a trading point for household goods in Nuremberg’s Main Market Square. Evolving over time, it became a dedicated Christmas market by the 17th century, spurred by the Reformation’s shift of gift-giving to Christmas Eve. Historical records, such as a 1628 spruce bentwood box in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, highlight its early significance. After World War II, the market was re-established in 1948 in the war-torn Old Town, with a new prologue by Friedrich Bröger recited by the Nuremberg Christkind, a tradition continued by young local women since 1969. Recognized for promoting European unity, Nuremberg received the European Commission’s “Golden Stars of Town Twinning” in 2002 and the Council of Europe’s “Europe Prize” in 2007.

Event Highlights

• Main Activities or Performances: The market features over 140 wooden booths offering handmade Christmas decorations, gingerbread, Spekulatius cookies, and mulled wine, with live demonstrations of traditional crafts.
• Special Traditions or Features: The opening ceremony on the first Friday of Advent (projected as November 28, 2025) features the Nuremberg Christkind reciting the prologue from the Church of Our Lady balcony at 5:30 pm, accompanied by a children’s choir and church bells.
• Unique Attractions for Visitors: The Children’s Christmas Market on Hans-Sachs-Platz offers cookie baking and a nostalgic carousel, while the Sister Cities’ Market on Rathausplatz showcases international crafts from partners like Prague and Nice, with proceeds supporting charity.

Date & Duration

• Dates: November 28–December 24, 2025 (projected based on the first Friday of Advent to Christmas Eve; exact dates to be confirmed on christkindlesmarkt.de)
• Duration: Approximately 27 days

Venue / Location

• Main Venue: Main Market Square (Hauptmarkt)
  • Address: Hauptmarkt, 90403 Nuremberg, Germany
• Additional Locations:
  • Children’s Christmas Market: Hans-Sachs-Platz, 90403 Nuremberg, Germany
  • Sister Cities’ Market: Rathausplatz, 90403 Nuremberg, Germany
  • Sternenhaus Children’s Theater: Heilig-Geist-Saal, Heilig-Geist-Straße, 90403 Nuremberg, Germany

Contact Information

• Email: info@christkindlesmarkt.de
• Website: christkindlesmarkt.de
• Tourist Information: Hauptmarkt 18, 90403 Nuremberg, Germany
  • Phone: +49 911 2336-135
  • Hours: Monday–Saturday 9 am–7 pm, Sunday 10 am–4 pm (extended during December)
• Nuremberg Convention and Tourist Office: Frauentorgraben 3, 90443 Nuremberg, Germany
  • Phone: +49 911 2336-0
  • Email: tourismus@nuernberg.de

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold: Entry to the market is free; special events like workshops or concerts may require tickets purchased at the Tourist Information or online via christkindlesmarkt.de.
• Admission: No general admission fee, but:
  • Children’s Market Activities: €2–€5 (~$2.20–$5.50 USD) per activity (e.g., carousel ride, cookie baking).
  • Concert Tickets: €10–€20 (~$11–$22 USD), depending on venue and performer.
• Special Seating or VIP Options: VIP packages for private tours or reserved seating at concerts may be available, priced around €30–€50 (~$33–$55 USD), bookable via the tourist office.

Submission Information

• Submission Process: Artisans can apply to become stallholders via christkindlesmarkt.de, with applications typically opening in mid-2025. Submissions should feature traditional or regional Christmas crafts and foods.
• Fees: Estimated booth rental at €500–€1,000 (~$550–$1,100 USD), with details confirmed on the website.
• Selection: A committee reviews applications based on craftsmanship and authenticity, with notifications by September 2025.

Cultural Experience

The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt immerses visitors in Bavarian Christmas traditions, blending historical charm with international flair. The market showcases Nuremberg’s gingerbread heritage, with recipes dating back centuries, alongside mulled wine and handmade ornaments. The Sister Cities’ Market highlights global diversity with crafts from 13 partner cities, reflecting Nuremberg’s post-war commitment to peace and unity. Cultural events include Christmas concerts in historic churches like St. Lorenz and Sebaldus, while the Children’s Market fosters family engagement with hands-on activities. The Christkind’s presence, symbolizing innocence and joy, reinforces the market’s festive spirit.

Food & Drinks

The market offers a variety of seasonal treats, including:

• Nuremberg Gingerbread (Lebkuchen): Spiced cookies with nuts or jam, a local specialty.
• Spekulatius: Thin, spiced almond cookies, traditionally Dutch but popular in Nuremberg.
• Mulled Wine (Glühwein): Warm, spiced red wine served in commemorative mugs.
• Nuremberg Bratwurst: Small, grilled sausages served with sauerkraut or rolls.
• Stollen: Sweet bread with dried fruit and marzipan, a German Christmas classic. Local Franconian beers and hot chocolate are also available at various stalls.

Family & Accessibility

The market is family-friendly, with the Children’s Christmas Market offering activities like glass painting and a Ferris wheel. Accessibility features include:

• Wheelchair-accessible paths on Hauptmarkt, though cobblestones may pose challenges.
• Lowered booth counters for wheelchair users, with staff assistance available.
• Handicapped-accessible toilets west of City Hall.
• Contact tourismus@nuernberg.de for specific accommodations or guided tours.

Getting There

• By Air: Albrecht-Dürer Airport (NUE), 12 minutes by U2 subway (€2.50–$2.75 USD) to Lorenzkirche, then a 400m walk to Hauptmarkt.
• By Train: Nuremberg Main Station, 15-minute walk or bus lines 37, 46, 47 to Heilig-Geist-Spital (400m from the market).
• By Bus: Central Bus Station (ZOB), 15-minute walk to Hauptmarkt.
• By Car: Accessible via A3, A6, A9, and A73 highways; park at Hauptmarkt (Augustinerstraße 4), Findelgasse (Findelgasse 4), or Augustinerhof (Augustinerstraße) garages, all within 300m.
• Local Transport: U1 to Lorenzkirche (400m walk) or buses 37, 46, 47 to Heilig-Geist-Spital.

Local Attractions

• St. Lorenz Church: A Gothic landmark, 300m from Hauptmarkt, hosting Christmas concerts.
• Nuremberg Castle: 1 km away, offering panoramic views and historical exhibits.
• Germanisches Nationalmuseum: 1.5 km away, with artifacts like the 1628 bentwood box.
• Documentation Center: 2 km away, exploring Nuremberg’s Nazi history.
• Old Town (Altstadt): Surrounding the market, with medieval architecture and shops.

Security & Services

• Security Measures: Enhanced police presence, traffic barriers, and coordination with federal agencies ensure safety, refined post-2016 attacks.
• Lost & Found: Items at Hauptmarkt go to Police Station Rathaus (Theresienstraße 2) or City Hall (Hauptmarkt 18); Children’s Market items are on the “Lost and Found Tree.”
• Public Toilets: West of City Hall and behind Church of Our Lady, marked by signs.
• Taxi Stand: Augustinerstraße, west of the market, with directional signs.

Awards & Recognition

• The market’s cultural and historical significance earned Nuremberg the “Golden Stars of Town Twinning” (2002) and “Europe Prize” (2007), reflecting its role in fostering international understanding.