CHRISTMAS MARKETS
From traditional to colourful and flamboyant
Hamburg's Christmas markets offer something for everyone.
Not only was the advent wreath invented in Hamburg, the city also has a long history of Christmas markets. The first of these markets was held around 100 years ago. Today, the city traditionally transforms into a sparkling, glittering paradise for those who love the Christmas spirit from around mid-November.
Festive illuminations, the sound of Christmas carols and the irresistible aromas of vanilla, baked apples and cinnamon are just as much a part of the fun as the hot mulled wine enjoyed with family, friends or colleagues. After all, a stroll through the winter market is a firm pre-Christmas ritual for many Hamburg companies.
Flying Santa at City Hall
Probably the most famous Christmas market in the city takes place around the magnificent Hamburg City Hall. The highlights here are the speciality food alley with its unusual delicacies, the nostalgic carousel and the toy alley with Santa Claus flying over the heads of the visitors. The Christmas market is organised by Roncalli, and the famous circus is not only responsible for the unique atmosphere, but also for the motto ‘art instead of commerce’.
Not always G-rated: Santa Pauli
Hamburg’s most outrageous Christmas market usually starts as early as mid-November: Santa Pauli. A striptease forest and plenty of hot witches then take over the area around Spielbudenplatz. Drinks like ‘curb swallow’ are just as much a part of it as stalls selling not-quite-G-rated gifts.
White tents and twinkling lights on the Jungfernstieg
The area around the Jungfernstieg is transformed into a festive setting in the run-up to Christmas, when the ‘Weißerzauber’ opens. In keeping with the elegant ambience of the surrounding shops, this Christmas market has a sophisticated look, with white marquees and twinkling lights.
Gingerbread charm at the Gänsemarkt
If you are right in the city centre, you can also make a detour to Gänsemarkt. The stalls there are designed like gingerbread houses and give the market a special charm.
Half-timbered huts on Gerhard-Hauptmann-Platz
The nostalgic Christmas market on Gerhard-Hauptmann-Platz is also worth a visit. The lovingly designed half-timbered huts are a real eye-catcher. This year there is also something new to discover: the winter forest. Various atmospheric forest areas with benches invite you to linger.
Another highlight: the Christmas parade
On the four Saturdays in Advent, there is also a Christmas parade in the centre of Hamburg with ice princesses, elves, angels and gnomes, and of course Santa Claus. He makes his way through the city in style in a decorated Unimog from the red double-decker fleet.