Christmas in Hamburg
Discover Hamburg Christmas Markets
During the Christmas period, the whole of Hamburg between the Elbe and the Alster lake is lit with colourful lights, filled with the aroma of mulled wine and ginger cookies, music and markets fill the streets. Shopping in the centre of Hamburg is a real pleasure during Christmas as small boutiques, shops and shopping centres are all decorated for the Christmas atmosphere. Most importantly for the little ones, what is Christmas without Santa Clause? During Christmas you'll see him around the Town Hall Square on his sleigh, accompanied by elves and deer.
If you are looking for Christmas magic, Hamburg is a place where you will not be disappointed.
City Hall Market - Rathausmarkt
The Town Hall Christmas market takes place in the Rathausmarkt, which is the oldest square in Hamburg. This Christmas market is unique for its mesmerising backdrop of the city hall and gathers lots of guests at Christmas time! When visiting, you will be surrounded by beautifully decorated huts, Christmas lights and the Hamburg Christmas tree. Look out for Father Christmas who flies across the sky in his sleigh and hovers across the market! A perfect place to visit with the family.
Winterwald in Hamburg
The main market in the shopping streets. Formerly known as ‘Traditionen in Winterwald’ – the German name suggests the idea of creating a Christmas market in a winter forest. Walking around you might forget that you are in the city centre, surrounded by the Christmas spirit of this market. Many stalls fill the streets, all selling magical goodies for you to take home.
‘White Magic’ on the Jungfernasteig
The Weisserzauber Christmarket is located along the idyllic promenade next to the Binnenalster. Perfect to take a stroll and look at the beautiful surroundings, with the lights reflecting off the river. It’s a perfect step away from the bustle of the city centre, but still a magical feeling fills the air.
Gänsemarkt
This Christmas market is one not to be missed with intricately designed Gingerbread house themed Market stalls, you will feel immersed in a Christmas Village. The famous German poet and philosopher Lessing plays an important role in the square, as his monument stands tall and images of his profile decorate baubles upon the tree. Here you will be welcomed to the smell of gingerbread, Glühwein and surrounded by unique and handcrafted gifts.
St Pauli in Reeperbahn
Santa Pauli is Germany’s first ever adult-only Christmas market and is located in the Lively area Reeperbahn. For ages 18+, this market breaks the boundaries of the conventional Christmas traditions and puts a twist on them; it is for those reasons that St Pauli is Hamburg’s most unique Christmas markets. With many different mulled wine creations and distinctive Christmas decorations, this Market is great if you are looking for a more party-focused experience away from the ordinary.
Things to do
Elbe Tunnel: Created in 1911, this tunnel is 426 metres long, with four large transport lifts across the Elbe. Today, many people still use it to get from city centre to the port. On the other side of the river Elbe is the Steinwerder, which offers an amazing view over Hamburg. Visit www.hamburg-tourism.de
Fish Market: The Traditional Fish Market, located in the area of St. Paul, has been open to visitors every Sunday since the 18th century; there is a fun atmosphere with live music and dancers.
Museums: If museums are of interest, Hamburg has many of them for you to browse. From the Minitur Wonderland and U-Boot Submarine Museum to the Hamburg Dungeon and Chocoversum, you will not be bored here.
