Weihnachtsmarkt Spitalerstraße

Hamburg's Busiest Advent Mile

Spitalerstraße connects the main train station and the Rathausmarkt and is one of Germany's highest-grossing shopping streets. From mid-November, this stretch is transformed annually into a long Christmas market, which, together with the market at Gerhart-Hauptmann-Platz, forms the largest Advent area in Hamburg's city center. In the Hamburg-Mitte district, the market is considered the most popular meeting point after work – those coming from their professional lives transition into Advent here.

The 20-Meter Christmas Tree

The landmark of the market is the traditional Christmas tree, about 20 meters high, illuminated by 14,000 real wax candles. On several Advent weekends, staff light the candles individually with long poles – a ritual you won't find anywhere else in Germany in this form, and which many Hamburgers remember from childhood.

Crafts by Hamburg Designers

The selection of stalls clearly distinguishes Spitalerstraße from the large tourist markets in other cities. Hamburg designers and local artisans dominate the assortment: handmade jewelry, wooden toys, scarves, hats, glass art, and festive stationery. Those looking for a gift for under the Christmas tree that isn't mass-produced will quickly find it here.

Hanseatic Atmosphere

The stalls echo Hamburg's brick and office architecture, combining dark wood with copper-colored lighting. The result is an atmosphere that hovers between tradition and urban modernity – very Hanseatic, accented with modern lighting technology. Numerous seating areas invite visitors to linger, and the dense arrangement of stall heaters makes even cold evenings bearable.

Culinary Delights, Classic and New

Roasted almonds, mulled wine, bratwurst – the classics are, of course, not missing. More modern offerings complement the assortment: flambéed salmon from a wood-fired oven, crêpes with homemade sauces, baked apples, cinnamon stars. Mulled wine is also available with a shot or as a non-alcoholic version upon request.