Christmas Markets in Hamburg
Christmas time in Hamburg ... the city sparkles and glitters, the fragrance of cinnamon and spice wafts through the air and the Christmas spirit can be felt at every turn. Hamburg is famous for its Christmas markets and Christmas time cultural events. From historic to traditional and even a little crazy, the northern German city offers a very special atmosphere during the Advent season. We’ve put together some (insider) tips for your stay in Hamburg during the Christmas season:
RONCALLI CHRISTMAS MARKET AT CITY HALL
No longer an insider tip, but still a must-see, is the historic Christmas market in front of Hamburg City Hall. Children will squeal in delight when Santa Claus comes flying in on his sleigh. And with gingerbread, fried sausage rolls and spiced wine mulled especially for the market, this is the perfect place for a little Christmastime indulgence. To find all the delicious food and drink, just follow your nose!
MARITIME FLAIR AT FLEETINSEL
The proximity to the harbour at the Alster’s confluence with the Elbe give the Christmas market at Fleetinsel a unique maritime flair. The market stands sell mulled wine and Christmas delicacies as well gift articles in a charming holiday atmosphere.
CHRISTMAS MARKET HAFENCITY
Come Christmas, Hamburg’s Überseeboulevard shopping street is festively lit in colourful lights and filled with the scent of mulled wine, crêpes and grilled specialities. The stylish market, with winter golf and Advent calendar, opens to the public every day at noon. Obstacles and targets along on the course include wintertime themes such as nutcrackers, snowmen, gingerbread men and ice floes with penguins.
CRAZY CHRISTMAS
Classic and traditional – that’s easy. But Hamburg is also crazy, a bit kitschy and above all cool and different! If it’s quirky and unconventional you want, then check out the Santa Pauli Christmas market and LGBTQ Winter Pride. Santa Pauli on Spielbudenplatz is the most erotic holiday market ever. Here, the boundaries between tradition and eroticism blur in a way that is typical of Hamburg: unpretentious, and absolutely authentic. The party goes on late into the night.
WHITE MAGIC
The fanciful Christmas lights at Weißer Zauber turn a visit to this Christmas market into an unforgettable holiday experience. The proximity to the water, the festively illuminated Christmas tree and the busy market atmosphere guarantee that a visit to Weißer Zauber is a magical time well spent.
WINTER DOM
Winter Dom brings a carnival atmosphere to Hamburg with fried pastries and fairground drinks at Heiligengeistfeld starting from 4 November. The annual winter fair offers a wonderful variety of thrills, goosebumps and excitement as well as leisurely and romantic attractions – plus 70 restaurants and cafés serving up a variety of culinary specialities. To soothe your sweet tooth, the delicacies include freshly roasted almonds, apple turnovers and baked pastries, best accompanied by a spicy mulled wine or a cup of hot chocolate.
CHRISTMAS TIME ENTERTAINMENT
Hamburg is renowned for its musicals, and a must on any trip to Hamburg is an evening at a musical theatre. Currently running are some of the world’s most famous musical productions, including Hamilton, The Lion King and Frozen.
CHRISTMAS FAIRYTALES
From classic fairytales to modern narratives, plays and musicals – for many children and parents, Christmastime stories are as much a part of the season as holiday markets and presents. This Christmas, you’ll find plenty of plays and musicals in Hamburg that have been especially adapted for younger audiences, including The Little Prince at the St. Pauli Theater, Snow White at the Ernst Deutsch Theater, Secret Life of a Tiger at Schmidts Tivoli, Alice in Wonderland at the Allee Theater Altona and The Robber Hotzenplotz at the Schmidt Theater.
