Nuremberg Christmas Market

Visiting the Christmas Market in Nuremberg, Germany

Besides being one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in the world, Nuremberg also has bragging rights to the origin of the Christkind. This is the idea that the Christ child brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve, as opposed to St. Nicholas on December 6. The idea came about by the Lutheran Church in an effort to shift focus from the Catholic Church’s celebration of Saints. The character evolved into more of an angelic figure and is still a part of the Nuremberg Christmas traditions to this day.

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My visit to the Nuremberg Christmas Market, or Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt in German, with my BFF, Kath, was part of our week-long itinerary in Bavaria. Although our hotel stay was for two nights, we spent only one day in Nuremberg and the other on a day trip to Rotherburg ob der Tauber.

An overview of our complete 6-Day Christmas Market itinerary can be found here.

The Nuremberg Christmas Market is 100% deserving of its reputation and is absolutely a must-see on your Christmas Market itinerary. It is not a small market, yet it is somehow able to pull you in to all of the charms and nostalgia of a story book written a hundred years ago.

Above photos: Nuremberg Christmas Market

If you are able, I definitely recommend reserving some time in Nuremberg to explore some of the historical landmarks and attractions. We followed a walking map provided by our hotel to visit St. Lorenz Church, the Imperial Castle, and the lovely Weißgerbergasse, lined with artisan half timbered houses.

Our first stop was St. Lorenz Church, which dates before 1275. The Gothic architecture and numerous works of art are a draw for visitors year-round, but the decorations are especially beautiful during the Advent season.

Above photos: St. Lorenz Church, Nuremberg

The Imperial Castle, or Kaiserburg Nürnberg, which dates from the Middle Ages, is a group of medieval fortified buildings on a sandstone ridge. It was one of the most important imperial palaces in the Holy Roman Empire. Although heavily damaged in war, it was re-built for for the Nuremberg Party Rally of 1936. It is open year round for visitors – and we were lucky enough to be there at during the last hour of daylight and caught some amazing views of the rooftops and streets below.

Above photos: The Imperial Castle, Nuremberg

Weißgerbergasse is a picturesque street lined with at least twenty half timbered townhouses that survived WWII. It is the most beautiful street in Nuremberg and will make you feel like you have stepped back in time. From there, it is a short walk through the Hallertürlein pedestrian area and to the Schlayerturm and Kettensteg foot bridge.

Above photo: Weißgerbergasse

At the end of Weißgerbergasse, there is a pedestrian zone called Hallertürlein and several footbridges crossing the Pegnitz that offer lovely views. We weaved around the area and located several historical landmarks such as Schlayerturm, Maxbrücke (bridge), and Henkerbrücke (another bridge).

Above photos: Hallertürlein, Nuremberg

As dusk fell, we made our way back under the twinkling lights of the market. The stalls were full of traditional crafts and foods, from prune people to Springerle cookies. There were wood-cut ornaments, felted decorations, blown glass candle holders, and sweets & treats of every kind. It was so much fun!

Above photos: Nuremberg Christmas Market

It was here that I bought my set of Herrnhuter stars. The Herrnhut Star originated over 160 years ago in the Renewed Moravian Church. There are many different types of stars manufactured by other companies, but the Herrnhuter Sterne has been produced by hand for over a hundred years — and my heart was set on these traditional beauties. The vendor will provide you with your choice of electrical voltage adapter. So, regardless of where you live, you will be able to take something home with you that suits the electrical specifications in your country. They are also available in many different sizes, some of which may or may not be practical to stuff in your luggage.

Above photo: Herrnhuter Stars at Nuremberg Christmas Market

One of my favorite “mini” markets at Nuremberg was the International Markt der Partnerstädte where various countries have stalls featuring traditional crafts, foods, or wares. We loved visiting with the folks running the stall for the USA and seeing the “hot ticket” American specialties. But, I adored the handcrafted items from Poland the most.

Above photos: International Markt der Partnerstädte

The Nuremberg Christmas Market also features an area geared towards little ones called Kinderweihnacht. There is a lovely carousel and all kinds of “hands-on” booths for children of all ages. It is fun to stroll through (kids or not). We sampled our first schokokuss here. These chocolate covered marshmallow treats are sold in a variety of flavors and are available at most Christmas Markets throughout Germany. We caved early-on:)

Above photos: Kinderweihnacht, Nuremberg

Which brings us to the food. There is hardly a need for restaurant reservations when there are so many choices at the Christmas Markets. Sooner or later, you may get a hankering for a salad or something moderately healthy. But, until then, why not taste all the traditional flavors and confectionary delights as you continue to wander around?

Above photos: Food at Nuremberg Christmas Market

Fully liquored and sugared up, we retired to our hotel to make ready for our next day in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Where to stay in Nuremberg

While in Nuremberg, we stayed at the Hotel Drei Rabin. The location was fantastic! We were within walking distance of the train station, historical sites, and the market. It is a smaller boutique hotel (which I love) with very nice rooms and amenities. Nuremberg is a popular Christmas Market, so once you settle on your dates, don’t delay making your hotel reservation, especially if location is an important criteria.