Nuremberg’s Christmas Market is one of the most visited in Germany and in Europe. It is also one of the oldest and it has hundreds of years of history. There are several markets around this town and they are usually open until the 23rd or 24th of December. To check the date and other information about Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt you can visit the official website here. A visit to Nuremberg can be easily combined with the other main city in Bavaria; Munich. Our base for this trip, in fact, was Munich and we visited Nuremberg only for a day using the train (you can also use a bus, however we were denied boarding without a car seat for our baby which obviously we did not carry with us). However you can do the other way round, base yourself in Nuremberg, which I honestly liked more as it was calmer, and travel to other places in Bavaria. You can also check out my guide to Munich’s Christmas Markets here. Below is my guide to Nuremberg’s Christmas markets and also other attractions you can visit in the city:
Medieval Christmas Market in Frauentorturm
If you arrive by train this is the first landmark you will most likely visit. This tower and the surrounding fortification are the main gate to the historical part of the city. Inside you will find some stalls forming part of the Medieval Christmas Market which sell Christmas wooden and handcrafted goods, and of course some Glühwein just in case you are already suffering from the cold.
Kinder Christkindlesmarkt in Hans-Sachs-Platz
This Christmas Market is entirely dedicated to the younger ones, with rides, dedicated foods, toys, activities etc. all for the kids. Of course even if you are visiting without kids, it is still worth visiting here. What is impressing in Nuremberg are the beauty of the stalls! They are not just wooden stalls, but true works of art with complex decorations on the roof.
Christkindlesmarkt in Hauptmarkt
This is the main square of the city and it is where the largest Christmas Market is held. There are hundreds of stalls in this square selling a variety of foods and Christmas decorations. Make sure to try the Nürnberg Rostbratwurst which is typical of the city. Apart from the good food, we really enjoyed Nuremberg because of the calmer atmosphere. The markets were less crowded than in Munich. The cherry on the cake was the continuous light snowfall that accompanied us as we wandered around the city! Simply the perfect Christmas getaway!
Sister cities and regional Christmas Markt in Rathausplatz
A smaller scale market is organised in the adjacent square with an international taste. There are several stalls from all over the world which sell different items here like wooden toys, jewellery, clothing and food items for sale. Nuremberg is an international city and this market celebrates the different nations that have left their mark here; from Scotland to China and Turkey.
Other places to visit in Nuremberg
Make sure to include a visit to the main attractions while you are in Nuremberg. A day is more than enough to visit both the Christmas Markets and the attractions below as they are all closely located within the historical centre. You can use the underground transport, however we opted to walk instead and managed to get to all these places.
- Lorenzkirche – this is an impressive medieval church in gothic style located along the Konigstrasse.
- Schöner Brunnen – you cannot miss this 14th century golden fountain located in the main market square next to the Town Hall.
- Museumbrücke and Maxbrücke – these bridges offer views over the islands that are located on the river Pegnitz as well as the Heilig-Geist-Spital. This was one of the largest hospitals of the Middle Ages
- Sebalduskirche – another gothic church located on Winklerstrasse.
- Weissgerbergasse – this is not considered as an attraction but I loved this quiet and picturesque street located right behind Sebalduskirche
- Nuremberg castle – located to the north of the main historical centre.
- Germanisches Nationalmuseum, Neues Museum and the German National Railways Museum are just some of the museums in the city.
