Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt
Probably the world's most famous Christmas market on Nuremberg's Hauptmarkt
About Christkindlesmarkt Nürnberg
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The most famous »little town of wood and cloth«
The Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt is probably Germany's most famous Christmas event. Around 168 wooden stalls with their typical red-and-white striped fabric roofs line up on the Hauptmarkt and the adjacent Rathausplatz in the middle of the historic old town of the independent city of Nuremberg (Bavaria, Middle Franconia region), operated by about 180 stallholders.
Tradition since the 17th century
The market's origins date back to the early 17th century; one of the earliest surviving mentions dates from 1628. This makes the Christkindlesmarkt one of the oldest Christmas markets ever. The Nuremberg Market Office, which organizes the market under the umbrella of »Nürnberger Märkte«, strictly guards its traditional character: highly technical toys and war toys are expressly not permitted, nor is garish lighting or loudspeaker music.
The Christkind and the Prologue
The centerpiece and trademark is the Nürnberger Christkind – a young Nuremberg woman in a golden robe with a long blonde curly wig and crown, elected for two years, who represents the market. At the opening, the Christkind speaks the festive prologue from the balcony of the Frauenkirche (»You gentlemen and ladies, who were once children…«) and declares the market open. In the 2025/2026 term, Nora Falk is the Christkind.
What makes the market special
Mainly traditional specialties and handicrafts are sold:
- Nuremberg gingerbread, fruit bread, and other baked goods and sweets
- Gilded angels, nativity scenes, and handmade Christmas tree decorations
- Candles, toys, and arts and crafts
- Mulled wine, roasted almonds, and Nuremberg sausages
More than just stalls
The market includes several independent areas and program items: the Kinderweihnacht (Children's Christmas) with a carousel and hands-on workshops, the Sternenhaus (Star House) with a cultural program for families, the Markt der Partnerstädte (Partner City Market), which presents international specialties from Nuremberg's partner cities, the Lichterzug der Nürnberger Kinder (Lantern Procession of Nuremberg Children), as well as daily rides on the historic mail coach through the old town.
Christkindlesmarkt Nürnberg — edition 2026
The Christkindlesmarkt 2026 opens from November 27 to December 24, 2026 on the Hauptmarkt and Rathausplatz. The opening is marked by the festive prologue of the Christkind on November 27 at 5:30 p.m. from the balcony of the Frauenkirche.
Around 168 stalls offer gingerbread, mulled wine, gilded angels, and handicrafts. In parallel, the Kinderweihnacht with its carousel and workshops, the Sternenhaus with its stage program, and the Partner City Market are taking place. Opening hours are daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., on Christmas Eve from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Programme Christkindlesmarkt Nürnberg 2026
Opening
- Fri, November 27, 2026, 5:30 p.m. — Festive prologue by the Christkind from the balcony of the Frauenkirche, followed by the market opening
During the entire market period (Nov 27–Dec 24, 2026)
- Daily 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m., Christmas Eve 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. — approx. 168 wooden stalls on Hauptmarkt and Rathausplatz
- Kinderweihnacht (Hans-Sachs-Platz) — historic carousel, steam Ferris wheel, hands-on bakery, and candle-making workshop
- Sternenhaus — daily changing cultural and hands-on program for families
- Partner City Market (Rathausplatz) — culinary and handicraft stalls from Nuremberg's international partner cities
- Daily rides on the historic mail coach through the old town
- Lantern Procession of Nuremberg Children — lantern parade through the old town to the Imperial Castle (date in December)
- Accompanying city tours and tower brass music from the Frauenkirche
The detailed event program with all individual dates will be published by Nürnberger Märkte on the official website.
Highlights Christkindlesmarkt Nürnberg 2026
Prices Christkindlesmarkt Nürnberg 2026
Practical information — Christkindlesmarkt Nürnberg
Getting there
The Hauptmarkt is centrally located in Nuremberg's old town. Arrive by train to Nuremberg Hauptbahnhof, then a short walk or continue by subway/bus. Bus line 36 stops directly at the Hauptmarkt; lines 46 and 47 use a temporary stop in Tetzelgasse due to construction. Arrival by car is recommended via the numerous old town parking garages, as the city center is very busy during the market period.
Opening hours
Daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., on Christmas Eve (December 24) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free.
Tip
Mornings and weekdays are significantly quieter than on Advent weekends. Mulled wine is traditionally served in a reusable mug deposit system.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Christkindlesmarkt Nürnberg al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Christkindlesmarkt Nürnberg
Hauptmarkt und Rathausplatz
Hauptmarkt, 90403 Nürnberg