Wondering if the Nuremberg Christmas market is really the best in Germany? If you are planning a Christmas market trip to Germany, you have likely Googled “which German Christmas market is the best”…in which case, you’ve probably seen countless websites mention Nuremberg. But why is it so good? What makes it so special? If we haven’t met, I’m Gina, and I have had a constant love affair with European Christmas markets since 2022. In this blog post, I will tell you about my experience at the Nuremberg Christmas market, what makes it special, and why I think it’s absolutely worth visiting.
I’ll be honest with you: I had no idea Nuremberg even existed until I started researching what the best Christmas market in Germany was. Countless websites mentioned Nuremberg as the best and the one you must visit. The more I researched, I even saw where some people called it the best in the world.
Well! That settles it then. If someone tells me something is the best in the world, you can guarantee that I’m going to go see it. Safe to say, the bar was set! I gathered my hat, scarf, coat, and high expectations and started planning. Spoiler alert: my only regret is that I didn’t stay longer. Keep scrolling to read why the Nuremberg Christmas market is 100% worth it, along with the opening dates & hours, the best time to go, and how to plan your trip.
Intro to the Nuremberg Christmas Markets
What Are the 2025 Dates for the Nuremberg Christmas Market?
This year, the Nuremberg Christmas markets are open from November 28, 2025 through December 24, 2025. The hours of operation for most stalls are 10:00am to 9:00pm, except on Christmas Eve, the markets will close at 2:00pm.
Where is the Main Christmas Market in Nuremberg Located?
The main Christmas market is in Hauptmarkt, the central square in Nuremberg’s old town. If you take the Deutsche Bahn train into the city, it’s only about a 10 minute walk from the station. There will also be smaller markets down some of the side streets.
Things to See and Try at the
Nuremberg Christmas Markets
- The Nuremberger – The famous Nuremberg sandwich made up of 3 mini bratwurst sausage links on a sandwich roll.
- Lebkuchen – Nuremberg is especially famous for its lebkuchen, aka gingerbread.
- Candies and chocolate truffles with more unique flavors than ones I saw at the other markets.
- Spekulatius almond cookies – shortcrust cookies typically spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cardamom, and white pepper
- Feuerzangenbowle – A red wine and rum punch with a special and unique flavor
- Traditional market gifts and stalls – Nutcrackers, wooden toys, gingerbread, chocolates, ornaments…they are all what you envision when you think Christmas in Germany.
Why are the Nuremberg Christmas Markets the Best in Germany?
The Nuremberg Christmas markets are world famous because they are among the most traditional Christmas markets in Germany. Nicknamed “the little city of wood and cloth,” you are sure to find unique handmade gifts, ornaments, and toys in Nuremberg.
TBH, I knew I was going to love the markets, but I was not expecting to fall in love with the atmosphere of the city as a whole. There was just something so…magical about it. So pure, and happy. Despite how crowded it was, no one was rushing around to get anywhere or to see anything. Everyone just seemed to go slowly…to take it all in.
A lot of the things that were sold at the market stalls were handmade by the employees that were working there, and you could tell they were so proud of what they created. Not that the other employees at the other markets weren’t proud, but I just felt it was different here.
It didn’t take me long to realize that it was different because they knew. They knew how special this market was, and they knew it was their job to keep it that way. I immediately understood what people meant when they said this market was “more traditional.” While the things being sold at the markets I went to in other German cities were somewhat similar, this market provided more customary German toys, mini Christmas villages, and unique ornaments. In fact, I would advise seeing Christmas markets in multiple German cities so you can see and understand the difference.
- Pro Tip: I felt like a lot of the souvenirs were more expensive here than at some of the other markets. I suppose that’s the price you pay for tradition…
Things To See at the Nuremberg Christmas Market
You already know to see the market stalls and the vendors, so I’ll highlight some other standouts:
The Frauenkirche
Once I got into the central square, the first thing I saw was Frauenkirche, the ornate Gothic church towering over the city. Many German Christmas markets have stunning buildings like this as their backdrop, but Frauenkirche stood out as exceptionally unique in terms of its architecture. I thought it was gorgeous and the perfect Christmas backdrop for the markets.
The Schöner Brunnen
Near the Frauenkirche is the Schöner Brunnen, which literally translates into “beautiful fountain.” The Schöner Brunnen has the shape of a Gothic spire and is made of forty tiers adorned with meticulously crafted stone statues of biblical scenes, church figures, philosophers, and secular leaders. As you can see, there is a fence surrounding it, making it difficult to see up close. However, the fence does more than just keep people away. There are 2 small rings embedded into it known as Ehekarussell, which supposedly brings good luck and even fulfills wishes when you turn them.
As for me, I’m not going to tell you what I wished for, but I will tell you that so far it hasn’t come true. SO – I don’t know. Maybe wish upon a star instead 😉.
- Fun Fact: There was originally only one ring, but it got so worn out over the years from people turning it that there are now 2. The golden ring is new, and the black iron ring is the original.
The Famous Food
Nuremberg is famous for the Nuremberger, a sandwich with 3 mini bratwurst sausage links on a roll. I got one, and I’m going to be so honest with you: The sausages were good, but my bun was hard. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad I tried it. But I’m also gonna tell you I stopped at ALEX, a nearby restaurant, and got more food later.
Another food Nuremberg is famous for is their lebkuchen, aka gingerbread. This tastes different than gingerbread in America. Growing up, my mom made the best gingerbread during the holidays, so I’m partial to hers. I’m sorry. It’s just a childhood staple for me. But I didn’t dislike it here. I would encourage you to try some in Nuremberg and compare!
I know what you’re thinking: “Gina…if you didn’t like the food, why would you tell me to try it?!” Because it’s part of what the market is famous for…and because YOU might like it, of course!
Exploring the Main Christmas Market in Nuremberg
The main market is located at Hauptmarkt where the Frauenkirche is. It’s called the “Christkindlesmarkt,” or Christ Child’s Market. This market is based around the idea that the Christkind brings the children their gifts on Christmas morning. These days, a local girl between the ages of 16-19 gets chosen each year to play the Christkind, and must fulfill her Christmas market duties for 2 years – including giving the Prologue that opens the market!
On Hans-Sachs-Platz there’s a Christmas City just for children, where kids can bake cookies, paint glass, write their Christmas wish list for the Christkind or take a ride on the carousel or Ferris wheel. There’s also the Sister Cities market, located on Rathausplatz (north of the main market), where vendors from different cities come and set up their Christmas stalls. Proceeds from all hand-made Christmas decorations go to charitable organizations in these cities.
Planning Your Trip to the Nuremberg Christmas Markets
To get to Nuremberg, you can fly into the Nuremberg airport, although it is not a major one and may not have the best flights depending on where you’re coming from. I often recommend people fly into Munich and take the train to Nuremberg, since it’s only an hour away. This way, you can see the Christmas markets in TWO epic German cities. Win-win!
When Is The Best Time to Visit The Nuremberg Christmas Markets?
There really isn’t a bad time to visit the Nuremberg Christmas markets, although keep in mind, the markets will be the most crowded on weekends, evenings, opening day, and Christmas Eve.
As luck would have it, the day I planned to go to Nuremberg just happened to be the opening day of the city’s Christmas market AND a Friday. Probably not the best idea to experience something world famous this way. There were times that it was so crowded I could barely move. I’m talking New-York-City-at-Christmastime crowded. You’re probably sitting there asking yourself, “what was she thinking?” and, well…I wasn’t. That’s the only answer I have.
I know. I KNOW. But listen…once you got into the rows of markets, the crowds dissipated, and it was much easier to walk through. It was getting to the rows of market stalls that was the hard part.
So…Are The Nuremberg Christmas Markets Really The Best in Germany?
Despite the crowds, the chaos, and the hard bun on my Nuremberger sandwich, I still loved the Nuremberg Christmas markets. They reminded me of my childhood, when everything was truly magical. I got that same excited feeling I got every year as a little kid, but the adult me also knew how incredibly blessed I was to even be here. If you have the chance, you should absolutely come experience these markets for yourself and take in one of the oldest traditions in German history.
If I’m being completely honest with you, my favorite German Christmas markets that I’ve seen so far are the ones in Cologne (and if you want to know why, read Are The Christmas Markets in Cologne, Germany Worth Visiting?). But I can absolutely see why some people consider Nuremberg’s to be the best. If you want to compare some other markets, check out my post about comparing some of Germany’s best Christmas market cities here.
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Good Morning I found your post very informative. I am planning a trip to the markets this year I am 66 and will be traveling alone. I live in South Africa where we do not get the extremely cold weather.what are the essential items that will keep me warm and able to enjoy the trip also don’t want to slip on the ice or snow. Thanks for you help
Verity van Wyk
Hi Verity! I would make sure to take some really warm snow boots, a hat, gloves, scarf, and a long coat. If you don’t have a longer coat, you can buy one in Europe…that’s what I did this past year! It kept my entire body really warm. I hope you have a great trip! -Gina