What will the Advent markets be like in Nuremberg this year? Program and important information in one place

The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas Markets in the world. The market started back in the 17th century. The first evidence of a Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt comes from a wooden box.

The market survived many centuries but by the end of the 19th century was nowhere near as popular as it once had been. It was not until the 1930s and the promotion of Nuremberg as a major historic jewel by the Nazi regime that it once more increased in significance.

The markets were not held during the Second World War but were restarted in 1948. Nowadays the market welcomes more than 2 million visitors a year from around the world, with thousands of spectators for the official opening by Christkind.

Featuring more than 180 wooden stalls selling quality gifts, it’s also one of the biggest. If this is your first time visiting Germany for the Christmas markets, this is the place to start with.

Nuremberg Advent Markets

Nuremberg’s Christmas markets are widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in all of Europe.

The first concrete evidence of the existence of a Christmas market in Nuremberg dates back to 1628 . From this year, a decorated wooden box was found with the inscription: “Sent to Regina Susanna Harßdörfferin by Miss Susanna Eleonora Erbsin on the occasion of the Christmas market in 1628”. Nowadays, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is a popular event with hundreds of vendors and thousands of visitors.

Dates and Program

The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt will open its doors on November 29, 2024, and continue until December 24, 2024. The market will be open daily, inviting you to immerse yourself in its festive atmosphere from 10 am to 9 pm.

While the complete program is still being finalized, here’s a sneak peek at the festive delights awaiting you:

• Opening Ceremony: The market kicks off with a grand opening ceremony featuring the iconic Christkind (a young woman dressed as an angel) reciting a traditional prologue from the balcony of the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady).
• Children’s Christmas Market: A dedicated area filled with rides, workshops, and activities designed to delight the little ones.
• Traditional Crafts and Gifts: Browse through stalls overflowing with handcrafted ornaments, wooden toys, Nuremberg gingerbread, and other unique souvenirs, perfect for finding one-of-a-kind presents for your loved ones back home.
• Culinary Delights: Indulge in Nuremberg specialties like Rostbratwürste (grilled sausages), Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and Zwetschgenmännle (prune men figurines). Warm up with a cup of Glühwein (mulled wine) or hot chocolate.
• Live Music and Performances: Enjoy carol singing, traditional Bavarian music, and other live entertainment throughout the market, adding to the festive atmosphere.

What to Expect

The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt offers an authentic and immersive German Christmas experience:

• Enchanting Atmosphere: The market’s setting in the historic Hauptmarkt square, surrounded by medieval architecture, creates a truly magical ambiance.
• Rich Traditions: Experience the heart of German Christmas traditions, from the iconic Christkind to the unique culinary specialties and handcrafted gifts.
• Family-Friendly Fun: With a dedicated children’s market and various activities, the Christkindlesmarkt is a perfect destination for families seeking a memorable Christmas experience.

Beyond the Market: Exploring Nuremberg

While the market is the main attraction, Nuremberg has much more to offer:

• Nuremberg Castle: Explore this imposing medieval fortress, a symbol of the city’s rich history.
• Albrecht Dürer’s House: Visit the former home of the renowned artist and get a glimpse into his life and work.
• Germanisches National Museum: Discover German art and culture at this comprehensive museum.
• Toy Museum: Delight in the whimsical world of toys from centuries past at this charming museum.

Christkindlesmarkt – largest and oldest Christmas market

Located on the city’s main square, Hauptmarkt, Christkindlesmarkt is the place to start with. This is not only the largest but also the best Christmas market in Nuremberg.

180 wooden stalls with white and red roofs occupy the medieval square in front of the Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche).

You’ll find tons of quality ornaments as well as a lot of characteristic German decorations. Nutcrackers, smokers–figurines, prune men and Christmas pyramids are among the popular ones.

When and where will it all take place?

Location: On Hauptmarkt

Dates: November 29th – December 24th, 2024.

Hours: Grand opening with a prologue on December 1st, at 05:30 PM, Daily from 10:00 AM to 09:00 PM
Christmas Eve – from 10:00 AM to 02:00 PM

The program of the Nuremberg Christmas market

The Christmas markets in Nuremberg are held in the historic center of the city on the Main Square. In the wooden stalls, you will find traditional, often handmade, Christmas decorations and sweet treats, such as gingerbread, Spekulatius almond cookies, and of course, mulled wine.

One of the symbols of Nuremberg Christmas is the Christkind – a young lady with a golden crown and golden hair.

The idea that Christkind brings children their Christmas gifts goes back to the protestant reformer, Martin Luther (1483-1546). In Luther’s time, it was traditional to give children gifts on December 6th, St. Nicolas’s Day. To turn away from the Catholic veneration of saints and saint’s days, Luther laid gift-giving in his household on Christmas Eve.

He told his children that the “Holy Christ” had brought their presents. This tradition quickly took hold in Lutheran families. In Nuremberg, it was already common by the end of the 16^th century.

Through the years, this fictional gift-giver took on form. It was most likely the medieval German tradition of Christmas plays, with an Angel of the Annunciation as the main character, which gave the Christmas Angel its earthly appearance. As angels of all sorts began to be depicted as female and not only male, the Christkind also took on a feminine appearance. That is why today a young woman is chosen to play the part of the Nuremberg Christkind.

You can meet the Christkind during the opening of the market, or from December 5th to December 22nd, from Tuesday to Friday, at 2.30 PM, at the Children’s market.

In addition to this character, children will also appreciate several attractions, such as the Children’s Christmas market in the nearby square, the Star House, carousels, or the Nuremberg Children’s Light Parade.

Adult visitors will be delighted by the selection of Christmas decorations, blown glass products, golden angels, wooden nutcrackers, nativity scenes, natural soaps, and colorful stars. We also have to mention handmade ceramics or glass jewelry.

The Advent fair in Norinberk also offers several delicacies that you won’t find anywhere else. So you have to try not only the original Nuremberg gingerbread Elisenlebkuchen but also the Nuremberg Rostbratwurst sausages, which are usually served “Drei im Weggla”, three in a crispy bun.

And finally, you can see what the Christmas market in Nuremberg looks like through camera shots:

NUREMBERG CHRISTMAS MARKETS 2023