Full of festive cheer, Hamburg has so many incredible Christmas markets, ranging from the cosy traditional to the unique and alternative. There’s something for everyone and even the biggest grinch will be hard-pressed leaving the city not in a festive mood. Here’s my guide to all you need to know about the best Christmas markets in Hamburg!
Table of contents
Visiting German Christmas markets has to be on of the top things to do during winter. From gingerbread villages to a winter forest in the city and even an adults-only Christmas market, there’s a huge variety to explore in Hamburg. Check out this post for all you need to know about Christmas in Hamburg.
Christmas Markets in Hamburg 2024: Your Ultimate Guide + Map
What you need to know
- How many Christmas markets does Hamburg have? Hamburg has over 25 Christmas markets spread throughout the city.
- What time do Hamburg Christmas markets open? Each market will have its own opening hours but many typically open at 11 am. I recommend visiting when it gets dark for the full experience!
- What are the Hamburg Christmas market dates? Again, each market has it’s own opening dates. The majority run from the end of November (around the 25th) to the 23rd of December but be sure to check in advance!
Hamburg Christmas market map
How to use this map: Click on the markers for more information about each destination. To save this map to your Google Maps, click the star in the top left corner.
Roncalli Christmas Market / Rathausmarkt – City Hall Christmas Market
The biggest of the Christmas markets in Hamburg city centre set against the backdrop of the extravagant Town Hall, Rathausmarkt is a picture-perfect festive village. Filled to the brim with holiday treats and handmade gifts, this market epitomizes a classic German Christmas market experience. Make sure to visit at 4, 6, and 8 PM daily to see Santa flying above the market in his sleigh! Some of Rathausmarkt’s other highlights include a carousel, live music performances, and a toy train running along a line connecting numerous toy stalls.
St Petri Christmas Market
A cosy Christmas market located around Hamburg’s oldest church, the St Petri Christmas Market is one of the most magical Christmas markets in Hamburg. The area is filled with fir trees, festive scenes and plenty of tempting stalls. A large nativity scene is popular with all ages as well as several scenes from fairytales. . In addition to the traditional food and gift stalls, there are plenty of toy stalls to keep young children entertained.
Spitalerstraße Christmas Market
Filled with light displays and decorations, the Spitalerstraße Christmas Market illuminated the city over the festive period. Situated along a bustling shopping street, it has become one of the busiest Christmas markets in Hamburg and an ideal spot for finding last-minute gifts. Unlike the traditional wooden stalls, the market pays homage to Hamburg’s identity with small brick buildings instead.
Winterwald in Hamburg- Winter forest
When Winterwald takes over, the busy shopping streets of Hamburg transform into a winter wonderland filled with fir and pine trees. This market is surrounded by trees with stalls and shops also being decorated and lined with branches giving the illusion of a winter forest. Winterwald offers all the classic food, gifts, and decoration stalls, delivered in a unique forest ambience. To truly experience the magic of Winterwald, make sure to visit after dark. The trees and stalls light up, creating a magical atmosphere, perfect for getting in the festive spirit.
Weißerzauber auf dem Jungfernstieg – White Magic on the Jungfernstieg
Set on the banks of the Binnenalster Lake and true to its name, the Jungfernstieg Christmas Market leaves traditional wooden huts in place for white stalls and beautiful light displays. It offers perfect views of the grand Christmas tree floating in the middle of the lake and you can even take a ride on the Ferris wheel for even more spectacular views of the city! With its serene light displays this has become one of the prettiest Christmas markets in Hamburg.
Santa Pauli
Set on the Reeperbahn, the epicentre of Hamburg’s nightlife and appropriately nicknamed the Mile of Sin, Santa Pauli Christmas market is undoubtedly one of the most unique Christmas markets in Hamburg. This market offers an alternative take on traditional holiday festivities, making it a spot to avoid if you’re with the family. Alongside food stalls, you’ll find an 18+ pine forest, adult gift stalls, strip shows, and even drag performances. If you’re looking for a festive party atmosphere, Santa Pauli is the place to be this holiday season.
Wintergarten St. Pauli
Quite different from Santa Pauli, Wintergarten St. Pauli offers a more classic food market experience, serving as a gathering spot within the neighbourhood. There are plenty of food stalls serving different street food and the highlight has to be the large curling rink. Unlike traditional Christmas markets, you won’t find gift stalls here, but its relaxed vibe still makes it well worth checking out!
God Jul Scandinavian Christmas Markets
Don’t miss the Scandinavian Christmas markets, which take place in November rather than December. Held at the Nordic Seamen’s Churches of Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland on Ditmar-Koel-Straße, these markets offer a different experience. All the food, drink, gifts and decorations here are of course Scandinavian making them some of the most unique Christmas markets in Hamburg. Swap your usual mulled wine for a warming Glogg and enjoy a Nordic start to the holiday season!
Gänsemarkt
Adorned with stalls resembling gingerbread houses, Gänsemarkt is another one of the prettiest Christmas markets in Hamburg. Surrounding a statue of the German poet Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, the market pays homage to him with decorations featuring his likeness and lines from his poetry. Gänsemarkt is also renowned for Feuerzangenbowle, a unique and tasty Christmas drink, different from the traditional mulled wine.
Fleetinsel Christmas Market – Fleet Island Christmas Market
Tapping into Hamburg’s maritime charm, the Fleetinsel Christmas Market is a hidden gem nestled between the Alster and Elbe Rivers. This smaller market offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling crowds, featuring old ships docked along the river decorated with lights alongside plenty of spots to enjoy a drink by the water. Its smaller size and waterfront location make it one of the most relaxing Christmas markets in Hamburg.
Hamburg Winter DOM
Despite being more of a funfair than a traditional Christmas market there’s no way I couldn’t include the Hamburg DOM. Held three times a year, the Dom transforms Hamburg’s Heiligengeistfeld with all kinds of rides from rollercoasters to carousels and even log flumes. But even if rides aren’t your thing, the Dom is worth a visit just for the food. With over 60 food stalls and bars, it’s a haven for foodies offering anything you could want to warm you up on a cold evening!
More Christmas markets
Looking for more of the best Christmas markets in Hamburg? Here are some other great recommendations:
Michel Christmas Market
Located at St Michaels Church and the oldest of the Christmas markets in Hamburg is the Michel Market. If you’re looking for a gift you’re sure to find it here as it features around 100 vendors located throughout the church and even down in the crypt at this historic Christmas market.
Hafencity Christmas market
Though it’s one of the smaller Christmas markets in Hamburg, the Hafencity market is still full of charm. Its highlight has to be the winter-themed adventure golf course which is free for those under 18!
Winter Pride Christmas Market
The Winter Pride Christmas market is a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy the festive celebrations. Alongside the usual array of food and drink stalls, this market features live DJ performances every Friday and Saturday evening!
Summary
Hamburg really embraces the holiday season over winter. The streets are full of festive cheer, it’s hard to turn a corner without running into another Christmas market. With so many to choose from you certainly won’t be left with nothing to do if you travel to Hamburg over Christmas!
