Visiting Germany in winter? You must experience Nuremberg’s world-famous Christmas markets! After years of living in Germany, I finally visited – and they’re every bit as magical as I imagined. Streets glow with fairy lights, the smell of roasted almonds fills the air, buildings are adorned with colourful decorations and cheerful crowds sip steaming mugs of Glühwein.

Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is not only one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany (dating back to the 17th century) but also one of the most beloved – attracting more than a million visitors each year.

In this guide, you’ll discover:

• The best Christmas markets in Nuremberg
• What food and drinks to try
• What souvenirs to buy
• Plus useful tips for your visit

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Best Christmas Markets in Nuremberg

There are several markets scattered throughout the city, each with its own special atmosphere. Let’s start with the most famous…

Christkindlesmarkt – The Main Market

Location: Hauptmarkt (Main Square), near the Rathaus (Town Hall)

This is the heart of Nuremberg’s Christmas celebrations, with around 200 beautifully decorated stalls selling everything from handcrafted ornaments to gingerbread hearts. Vendors are handpicked to maintain a traditional, fairytale-like look, with candy-cane stripes and wooden huts glowing under festive lights.

Despite the crowds, it’s a safe, fun experience – and perfectly located near the city’s top attractions. You can easily combine a visit to the market with a sightseeing tour to the Rathaus and many of Nuremberg’s most important historical buildings.

Tip: Book a Nuremberg Christmas City Culinary Tour or Christmas Market History & Culinary Delights Tour to explore the markets with a local guide and learn about their centuries-old traditions.

Sister Cities Market 

Location: Just behind Christkindlesmarkt

Just round the corner of Christkindlesmarkt is Sister Cities Market, which is really different from other Christmas markets I’ve been to. There are 24 stands here, each representing one of Nuremberg’s sister cities – from Glasgow to Shenzhen. It’s one of the many ways Nuremberg is trying to develop its global network and community.

You can browse handmade crafts, taste international snacks, and pick up gifts from around the world, like Turkish sweets from Antalya or handmade pottery from Krakow.

Children’s Market

Location: Hans-Sachs-Platz

Perfect for families, this charming mini-market features rides like a carousel and a festive train. Parents can relax with a Glühwein while kids enjoy crafts, sweets, and the fairground lights.

Fürth Medieval market

Location: Fürth (15 mins by U-Bahn)

Though not strictly in Nuremberg, the Medieval Christmas Market in Fürth is easy to reach via U-Bahn (underground) and is well worth the detour. It offers something completely different – a blend of history, fantasy, and fun. Here you will find activities and entertainment to delight people of all ages; musicians, axe throwing competitions, jugglers, fire blowers and stilt walkers.

There are cosy fire pits to warm up by, Middle Eastern style chill-out tents and old timey drinks like mead (along with more modern ones). It reminded me of a bazaar mixed with a rave, with some Christmas magic sprinkled in for good measure. 

What to Eat and Drink at Nuremberg Christmas Markets

It wouldn’t be Christmas in Germany without the food! Here are the local specialities you shouldn’t miss:

Gluhwein (Mulled wine)

The must-have Christmas drink – red or white wine heated with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and citrus. Nuremberg also offers a blueberry version, unique to the region. Whichever kind you choose, it’s delicious and warms you to your bones – perfect for those chilly Nuremberg nights!

Feuerzangenbowle (Mulled Wine with Flaming Sugar)

A theatrical twist on Glühwein! A sugar loaf soaked in rum is set alight, dripping caramelised rum into the wine below. It gives the gluhwein a delicious caramel taste. Nuremberg even boasts the world’s largest Feuerzangenbowle cauldron, holding 9,000 litres, which takes 48 hours to warm up!

Other Warming Drinks

If you want a break from gluhwein, there are several other tasty Christmas drinks to warm you up. Try Eierlikör (German eggnog) topped with whipped cream, hot apple punch, Grog (rum and hot water), Jagertee (black tea mixed with rum), hot chocolate and alcoholic-free Kinderpunsch (spiced juice, seasoned like gluhwein). Many stalls now offer hot Aperol or spiced gin cocktails – a modern twist on tradition.

What is the Pfand?

Prices for drinks range from around €4.50 to €6, but you will also be charged an additional €2-3 more on top of the menu price. This is the Pfand, a deposit on the mug that you get back when you return it to the vendor. Often the mugs have the name and year of the Christmas market, along with pretty festive designs and patterns.

If you want to keep your mug as a souvenir, you can choose not to collect the pfand money back. I have a small collection of Christmas mugs saved from various markets. They also make wonderfully cheap gifts for loved ones at home.

Lebkuchen (Gingerbread)

Nuremberg is the birthplace of Lebkuchen, dating back to the 13th century. Lebkuchen are utterly addictive gingerbread biscuits synonymous with Christmas markets. The famous Elisenlebkuchen variety must contain at least 25% nuts and less than 10% flour to qualify as authentic.

Gebrannte Mandeln (Roasted almonds)

You won’t be able to resist the alluring scent of roasted almonds – just follow your nose! They come in a variety of flavours but my personal favourite is the classic type, roasted with brown sugar and cinnamon. 

Nürnberger Würstchen

It is universally known that Germans love sausages and locals are especially passionate about Nürnberger sausages. They’re small and thin (finger-sized really!) and commonly served in threes in a bread roll, known as “Drei im Weggla” (three in a bun).

You can also find different types of sausages, including some whopping ½ meter long sausages at various market stalls. These are usually served in a hotdog bun or with a small bread roll on the side (mostly to use as a mitt for holding the sausage while you eat it, as cutlery isn’t provided). Add your own mustard or ketchup from the pump at the side of the stalls, and make sure you grab lots of napkins.

Kartoffelpuffer (Potato Pancakes)

Similar to hashbrowns, kartoffelpuffer are made from shredded potatoes with white onion, dipped in flour and egg then deep-fried. These crispy delights can be served with different sauces: garlic sour cream, red berry compote or apple sauce. You might be sceptical about the combination of sweet and savoury, but it really works here! 

Champignonpfanne (Garlic Mushrooms)

A favourite for vegetarians or anyone who needs a break from stodgy food – sautéed mushrooms drenched in garlic sauce.

Raclette & Flammkuchen

Melty raclette cheese or crispy tarte flambée (flatbread with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon) – both delicious options for cheese lovers. 

What to Buy at Nuremberg’s Christmas Markets

The markets are the perfect place to pick up handcrafted souvenirs and Christmas gifts. Popular items include:

• Hand-painted baubles
• Intricately carved wooden ornaments and figurines
• Nativity sets
• Glassware, ceramics, and candles
• Wool scarves and hats
• Honey, tea, and spices
• Handmade jewellery
• Biscuit/cookie cutters
• Wooden toys
• Leather goods

Don’t miss Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village on Plobenhofstraße 4. This shop is the most festive, Christmassy shop imaginable. It’s open all year round and is absolutely bursting with glitzy, glittering Christmas ornaments and decorations. There are so many different styles to choose between and any ornament from Käthe Wohlfahrt would make a great gift or souvenir from your Nuremberg trip. 

Where to Stay in Nuremberg

You’ll find plenty of accommodation choices in Nuremberg, conveniently located within walking distance of the Hauptmarkt/Christkindlesmarkt. My family and I stayed at ibis Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof, a budget-friendly, modern hotel just a 3-minute walk from Nuremberg’s main train station and a short stroll from the Christmas markets. It’s a solid choice for travellers seeking value and convenience in the city centre.

If you’d like to stay somewhere else, here are some well-rated alternatives:

• B&B Hotel Nürnberg-City (£) – Modern, comfortable, and budget-friendly, this B&B is close to the train station and within easy walking distance of the Christmas markets. It’s a solid choice for travellers seeking value and convenience in the city centre.
• Living Hotel Nürnberg (££) – This aparthotel offers easy access to Nuremberg’s Old Town and Christmas markets. Its spacious rooms and studios feature kitchenettes, making it a comfortable, convenient choice for longer or self-catering stays.
• Melter Hotel & Apartments – a Neighborhood Hotel (£££) – If you’re looking for something fancier, this stylish hotel offers modern rooms and apartments just a few minutes’ walk from the Hauptmarkt.

Practical Tips for Visiting Nuremberg Christmas Market

• Dates: Late November to Christmas Eve (exact dates vary each year).
• Currency: Euro (€) — bring cash, as not all stalls accept cards.
• Transport: The U-Bahn and trams are efficient and run late during the market period.
• Language: Most vendors speak some English, but a friendly Danke schön! goes a long way.
• Internet: Stay connected with a Europe-wide eSIM. I have used Airalo many times and their SIMs are easy to use, affordable and perfect for uploading those festive photos!

Spending More Time in Nuremberg

Nuremberg is also home to fascinating museums, medieval architecture, and cosy cafes. You can easily spend a weekend here! For more ideas, read my Two-Day Nuremberg Itinerary.

If you’re planning a trip to Germany this winter, make sure Nuremberg’s Christmas markets are on your list! Whether you’re sipping Glühwein under twinkling lights or browsing handmade ornaments, it’s a festive experience you’ll never forget.

Ciao for now

Izzie, the Curious Sparrow