While Dresden might hold the oldest Christmas market in Germany, the Nuremberg Christmas Market stands out as the most famous and among the largest and most authentic.
By “authentic”, I refer to the timber-built stalls and the requirement that all goods be locally produced and handmade.
I’ve had the privilege of visiting twice, and in this guide, I’ll share insights from my experience and provide essential details for planning your visit, including the confirmed dates for 2023.
Products from outside Bavaria, even from other parts of Germany, are notably absent. The organisers diligently uphold market traditions, promoting local businesses and ensuring sustainability and ethics.
Nuremberg Christmas Market 2023
The Christmas market in Nurember is set against the historic Hauptmarkt town square backdrop, where you’ll find the classic red and white striped decorated Christmas chalets.
The rich aroma of gingerbread and Nuremberg sausages fills the air, guiding you towards the grandeur of the Frauenkirche, which overlooks the lively market below.
As you navigate the maze of over 180 wooden stalls, the detailed artistry of the “Zwetschgenmännle” – handcrafted little prune figures – is bound to catch your eye.
You’ll also discover the city’s celebrated Nürnberger Lebkuchen, mouth-watering gingerbread cookies that epitomise the season. These are the most famous gingerbread in Germany.
The market’s pinnacle event is the opening ceremony, presided over by the golden-haired angel, Christkind, marking the season’s commencement with passion and grace.
My focus at most Christmas markets is on food and drinks. I just love that side of it. Of course, there’s plenty of shopping available too and music, art and theatre events.
Confirmed Christmas Market Dates
Nuremberg Christmas Market dates: 1st to 24th December 2023.
Location: Hauptmarkt Nürnberg.
Opening times: 10am to 9pm (closes at 2pm on Christmas Eve).
Hotels Near Nuremberg Christmas Market
On my first trip to Nuremberg, I visited in December, especially for Christmas, by taking a self-guided Christmas road trip.
I stayed at the NH Nuremberg because it’s across from the train station, and I was arriving by train.
This was convenient for me, and it’s a nice hotel, but it’s a 15-minute walk to the Christmas markets. It’s not far, it’s a beautiful walk, but it won’t be for everyone.
I think a better option is to stay at Karl August. This is by far the best hotel near Nuremberg Christmas Market as it’s literally one minute from Hauptmarkt, Nuremberg’s main market square.
If you want more information or details on the best areas to stay, I published a guide to hotels near Nuremberg Christmas Market. It explains why you might choose one area over another and further recommendations for all budgets.
I highly recommend a road trip if you can. This Bavaria road trip guide has some good itinerary ideas too.
Christmas Market Location
Food Specialties in Nuremberg
Gluhwein
In Nuremberg and elsewhere in Germany, a visit to the Christmas markets often starts with a hot mulled wine, known as gluhwein in German. It’s typically made with local red wine and heated through with various spices like cinnamon, star anise and often with orange peel.
Hot Cider
If you would prefer something a little sweeter and lighter, choose a hot cider instead. I think this is the nicest hot alcoholic drink. You can always choose hot chocolate if you want something non-alcoholic.
Feuerzangenbowle
For a stronger hot drink in Nuremberg, you’ll find feuerzangenbowle. This is made by lighting rum-soaked sugar on fire and letting it drip into mulled wine. It’s a great combination and a delicious drink.
Give it a try before you judge. It’s not as fiery as you might imagine.
Nuremberg Bratwurst
Even though I generally consider myself to be vegetarian, I often like to be open-minded when I travel and try the local specialties. In Nuremberg, this meant trying the famous Nuremberg Bratwurst.
Nuremberg Bratwurst is a controlled product, meaning only sausages made in Nuremberg to a specific recipe and standard can be sold under that name.
At the Christmas market stalls and in the nearby restaurants, you can be assured you’re getting the real thing.
Typically, you’ll be served your bratwurst three to a bun, but you’ll most likely get between 8 and 15 at a restaurant! Three is more than enough, I think.
Lebkuchen
The next most famous Nuremberg snack is Lebkuchen. This is usually translated as gingerbread, but it’s quite different from the gingerbread I know.
Traditional Lebkuchen is made with nuts and no or little flour. It’s quite soft and almost like a cake rather than a biscuit.
The gingerbread I’m familiar with looks more like this in the image below, but according to the locals, these are not edible, although I haven’t been able to confirm if that’s true. I find it hard to believe.
Kartoffelpuffers
Another very tasty, very rich and very non-vegetarian dish is kartoffelpuffers. These are deep-fried (usually in lard) potato hash browns that are topped with cranberry sauce. You can also order them with apple sauce and various other toppings.
Christmas Market Attractions
After eating up a storm, I spent an hour walking around, visiting the different stalls and chatting to the owners and other visitors.
You’ll find lots of cute, typically German products and Christmas decorations that you can take home to decorate your house with or get as gifts.
Plum People
I adored these ‘plum people’ made from dried plums and dressed in traditional clothing. This is a very classic Bavarian Christmas gift.
I love the story of how one (non-European) visitor took them home and ate them and then wrote to the tourist board saying they didn’t taste that great! Hint: These are not edible.
Carriage Ride
Another fun option while at the markets in Nuremberg is to take a horse and carriage ride, where you get to see the Christmas markets and some of the city’s famous sights.
This is a very touristy experience, and it’s a little expensive, but I liked it nonetheless. I particularly loved going by the Beautiful Fountain located in the market’s centre. It’s quite an exceptional landmark.
Christkindlesmarkt Information
For more information on visiting the Christmas markets in Nuremberg, including all the latest events and experiences, visit the official site of the Christkindlesmarkt. The event is run by the city and tourist office, which are very helpful if you need assistance.
Nuremberg at Christmas
Nuremberg is a great city if you love Christmas markets, half-timbered houses and World War II history. There is a lot to see and to be honest, I liked it more than I thought I would.
Here’s my overview of what it was like on a solo visit and my list of things to do in Nuremberg.
It’s one of the more traditional cities in Germany, and I think this is partially why it has such a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
I only had 2 days in Nuremberg, and while that was enough to see the Christmas markets, I would have liked to have stayed longer to see more of the city.
There are many interesting museums and other things to do in Nuremberg, especially with regard to the Third Reich and WWII.
Crowds in the Old Town
The Christmas markets get mixed reviews concerning overcrowding, particularly on the weekends.
This can be easily overcome by visiting at the opening times during the week, which is what I did and found it fine, and I’m very crowd averse.
If you find it too busy, there is another smaller market with international stalls from destinations that change yearly.
In the past, stalls from Romania, Italy, Montenegro, the United States and elsewhere might be of interest. There is also a dedicated children’s market, which is great for those travelling with family. The Christmas markets are very family-friendly.
For more Christmas destinations in Germany, Dresden Christmas Market is one of the best and most beautiful. It’s my favourite and I highly recommend visiting.
But I also have a huge guide to the best European Christmas markets that will give you plenty of ideas on where to go in 2023.
Sustainable Travel Tips
Here’s a quick guide on how to experience Nuremberg and Germany responsibly this Christmas:
Stay at Eco-friendly Accommodations: Nuremberg is home to numerous hotels championing sustainability by using renewable energy sources and implementing green practices. When booking, look for places highlighting their commitment to the environment. A responsible choice reduces your carbon footprint and encourages the local industry to maintain these standards.
Reduce Food Waste at Markets: The allure of Nuremberg’s Christmas market treats is undeniable. However, to combat food waste, order sensibly. Savour the flavours of smaller portions, and if you’re uncertain about finishing something, share it with a travel companion.
Ethical Shopping Choices: While the array of artisan crafts and gifts is tempting, adopt a mindful approach to shopping. Consider the longevity and use of a product before purchasing. Opt for handcrafted, locally-made souvenirs that support artisans and ensure you’re buying something unique to Nuremberg.
Sustainable Diets: Embrace local and seasonal delicacies, like the Nürnberger Lebkuchen. Consuming regional foods reduces carbon emissions linked to long-haul transport. Local produce is often fresher and gives you a genuine taste of Nuremberg’s culinary heritage.
Eco-conscious Transport Choices: Nuremberg boasts an efficient public transport system, including trams and buses. Opt for these over taxis or rented cars. Better yet, the city’s compact nature makes walking an excellent way to explore, benefiting both the environment and your health.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels in Nuremberg, Germany. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.