Christkindlesmarkt is a Christmas market that is held annually in Nuremberg, Germany. With about two million visitors a year the Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt is one of the largest Christmas markets in Germany and one of the most famous in the world. The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany. The pre-Christmas sales fair on Nuremberg’s main market can be traced back to the middle of the 16th century. The current Christkindlesmarkt includes about 180 wooden stalls traditionally decorated with red and white striped fabric. Hence the nickname of the market as “town made of wood and cloth” from the prologue.
Every year the main market is transformed into a Christmassy town made of wood and cloth, the Christkindlesmarkt. It takes place during Advent in the Hauptmarkt, the central square in Nuremberg’s old town, and in adjoining squares and streets. The Christkindlesmarket is opened with a prologue speech by the Christkind from the balcony of the Frauenkirche church. This solemn event attracts thousands of people to the Hauptmarkt. The traditional offer – gingerbread, mulled wine, Christmas decorations, handicrafts, toys and confectionery – gets you in the mood for Christmas.
The Christmas Market for children, was first mentioned in 1628, its roots probably go back to Luther’s time, when the tradition of giving presents to children at Christmas developed. In the wooden stalls, decorated with red and white fabric, traditional goods such as handmade Christmas decorations and culinary delicacies. With a little childish joy in Christmas tree decorations, gold foil angels, wooden nutcrackers, cribs and colorful stars, enjoy strolling through the romantically lit Christmas market.
Nuremberg’s Christmas traditions are slightly different from the usual Santa Claus. The Nuremberg Christkind, or Christ Child, a young woman dressed in white and gold, with curly blond hair, a tall golden crown and angel-wing-like long golden sleeves, is an important part of the market. Besides the opening speech on every Friday evening, the Christkind appears in schools, hospitals etc.
The Christkindlesmarkt smells seductively of gingerbread, mulled wine and bratwurst. First mentioned in 1628, its roots probably go back to Luther’s time, when the tradition of giving presents to children at Christmas developed. Many fascinating towns and communities, castles and palaces show their romantic side during Advent. Stroll through the Christmas market between the first Advent and Christmas Eve. Old handicrafts are cultivated on the town hall market, Christmas specialties are offered and atmospheric programs are organised. Immerse in the magical world of bright lights and delicacies.
In the 180 wooden stalls, decorated with red and white fabric, traditional goods such as handmade Christmas decorations and culinary delicacies are still on sale today. Dealers offer goods that are mainly in the tradition of Nuremberg. Examples of this are the Nuremberg gingerbread, fruit bread and typical Christmas tree decorations, such as gold foil angels. The “Nürnberger Zwetschgenmännla”, figures made of dried plums, Nuremberg grilled sausages and mulled wine, among other things, are offered for refreshment while strolling through the market.
Stroll through the festively lit stalls and let yourself be enchanted by the unmistakable atmosphere. In the themed alleys you will find a wide range of Christmas decorations, gifts for young and old and culinary delicacies. The time of longing for harmony and closeness, culinary delights, Christmas decorations and gifts for loved ones and our children. All of this is a festive part of the traditional Christmas markets. Every year since 1981, the city of Nuremberg has awarded the “Zwedschgermoo” in gold, silver and bronze for the stalls with the most appealing design and range of products.
Christmas markets
The most beautiful Christmas markets in Nuremberg are spread throughout the city, on every corner it glitters and sparkles at Christmas time. Every year, some stalls innovations offer at the Christkindlesmarkt, invited its visitors again to experience the special variety of goods. Around 180 traders presented a traditional range of goods: Nuremberg gingerbread, baked goods and confectionery, typical Christmas items such as gold foil angels and Christmas tree decorations, as well as candles, toys and handicrafts.
In the center of the market is an open, pentagonal pavilion-like crib building, inside which the Christmas story is traced. The crib building is made of hand-hewn wooden beams and covered with a thatched roof. A shining star shines on the roof. About 30 figures made of turned wood and movable limbs of about 50 centimeters in size and – apart from a few figures – in Franconian costumes, recreate the Christmas story. Around 15 animals, including sheep, camels, oxen and donkeys, complete the nativity scenes.
Discover traditional shops, let the search for the most beautiful Christmas presents. Everywhere there is a tempting smell of mulled wine, gingerbread, cinnamon and fir branches. Since 1998 there has also been a market for the twin towns on Rathausplatz. Stands are set up there that sell various specialties and other products from the respective countries of Nuremberg’s partner cities and cities. Strolling through the stalls, visitors can take an arts and crafts and culinary journey “around the world”.
The beautiful, traditional, romantic, popular Christmas markets sell special goods, such as handicrafts for Christmas decorations and food. The approach of Christmas with its special colours, scents, contemplative sounds and fragrant Christmas baking. Mulled wine, roasted almonds, gingerbread and festive booth magic at the Christmas market, there is a lot to discover at traditional Christmas markets. Many Christmas markets also offer visitors rides, music and performances such as nativity plays.
Everywhere in the city there are small and large markets that tempt with their individual charm. It is the most contemplative time of the year, characterized by candlelight and the smell of cookies, frost flowers on the window, mysterious Christmas stories, the freezing cold and romantic nights by the blazing open fire. In addition to events in winter, the Christmas markets in particular ensure an atmospheric ambience everywhere. The wonderful displays, the sparkling Christmas tree and the lovingly designed nativity scene with steaming mulled wine. A varied stage program surrounded by Christmas sounds guarantees entertainment for young and old and makes a stroll through the Christmas market an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest and certainly the most famous Christkindlesmarkt in the world. The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, opens its doors on the Friday before the first Advent. Beautifully decorated Christmas trees are everywhere at Christmas time and for most people they are an indispensable part of Christmas. Every year, the trees are also hung in the living room with glass ornaments of various shapes and colors. Linger here in a relaxed Christmas atmosphere with the family or with friends.
Specialties and traditional handicraft products from Franconia and the Upper Palatinate at the lovingly decorated stalls, opposite the old town hall. The original regional stalls are decorated with liquorice garlands from Bamberg’s gardeners, and Christmas baubles shine in the stalls. Traditional, often hand-made Christmas decorations and sweet treats such as gingerbread and speculoos. Additional attractions are the Children’s Christmas and Star House, the Twin Cities Market and the Nuremberg Children’s Light Procession. Discover high-quality mulled wines, herbal teas, brandies and fruit spreads from local fruit and meadow orchards, lamb and beef sausage specialties, chocolates, handmade wool products, hand-boiled soaps, honey, beeswax products and much more.
Christmas town and star house for children
A Christmas town for children has been set up at Hans-Sachs-Platz. At the Children’s Christmas visitors can bake cookies, write a Christmas wish list to the Christ child, or ride the nostalgic carousel and the Ferris wheel. The Star House in the Heilig-Geist-Saal offers a colorful cultural and storytelling program around the Christkindlesmarkt. Not far from the main market, on Hans-Sachs-Platz, the Nuremberg Children’s Christmas Market, a child-friendly addition to the Christkindlesmarkt, has been held since 1999.
A nativity scene path, which presents nativity scenes from different eras, connects the Christkindlesmarkt on the main market with the market for children. Here children can take advantage of several hands-on offers such as candle making, handicrafts, glass workshop or baking cookies, some of which are free. A carousel is also available, as is Santa Claus, who is available for photos and children’s wishes. In the nearby star house, theater, music and magic are offered for children from the age of 4.
Since 1999, the Star House has been offering a rich children’s cultural program for children and families in the pre-Christmas period. Theater, stories, music, ballet and fairy tales with the Nuremberg Christ Child are on the programme. In the mornings there is a special program for groups from kindergartens and elementary schools. The events take place in the beautifully decorated Heilig-Geist-Haus.
Market of the Partner Cities
The market of the partner cities has given the Christkindlesmarkt an international flair for many years. The products on the market of the partner cities are as diverse as the countries that are represented. Strolling through the stalls, visitors can take an arts and crafts and culinary journey “around the world”. Big-eyed rag dolls from Sri Lanka, olive wood products from Palestine and hot toddy from Scotland: the market in Nuremberg’s partner cities and regions offers a wealth of typical specialties that are otherwise often difficult to obtain.
The offer at the stalls is truly international: for example Greek honey or Nicaraguan coffee. Togolese tea or Scotch whiskey. Christmas decorations from different countries are also on offer, as well as wooden toys from Sri Lanka and Nicaragua, woodcarvings from South Tyrol and hand-painted ceramics from Nablus. Woolly warm products to wear can be bought at the stalls from Skopje, Braşov and Kharkiv. You can also find amber jewelry from Poland or cosmetics with salt from the Dead Sea here.
While strolling along the stalls you can warm up with hot drinks, for example with Montenegrin “Šljivac”, Scottish “Hot Toddy” or South Tyrolean mulled wine. Nobody who wants to try the different types of mulled wine will be able to avoid the alpine version. The mixture comes from an old family tradition and remains secret. Or do you prefer other delights: Whether Thuringian marzipan and Christmas stollen, Italian sausage and cheese specialties, Romanian or Spanish Christmas pastries, the culinary delights are not neglected. Let yourself be seduced by French pies or Togolese nectar.