17 Best Christmas Markets In Hamburg, Germany
Christmas Markets in Hamburg, Germany are magical! We highlight the top 17 and include what you’ll see, dates, hours, and how to get there.
17 Best Christmas Markets In Hamburg
Germany is known for its castles, pretty towns, and, of course, its Christmas Markets. We made it a personal mission to visit as many Christmas Markets in Hamburg as we could while we were in town house sitting. We’ve done all the research, so you don’t have to!
Some of the markets close before Christmas, but many stay open until December 30th. Three are open primarily in November; you’ll find those at the end of the list with an “*” in the heading. All have delicious food and drinks, and all are a lot of fun.
Pro Tip: If you’re traveling on a budget, check out these free things to do in Hamburg!
Rathausmarkt City Hall Christmas Market
Address: Rathausmarkt, 20095 Hamburg
Dates: 21 November – 23 December
Hours: Sunday to Thursday 11 AM to 9 PM, Friday to Saturday 11 AM to 10 PM
How to get there: U3 to Rathaus, U1/2/3 to Jungfernstieg
Probably the most well-known Christmas Market in Hamburg takes place in front of the city’s town hall. The Rathausmarkt Christmas Market is loved by both locals and tourists. It’s estimated that the market welcomes almost three million visitors a year, so be ready for crowds!
There are over 80 stalls at the Rathausmarkt Christmas Market. You’ll find a whole row dedicated to toys, as well as stalls with traditional Christmas ornaments and handmade crafts. Be sure to visit on an empty stomach, because you’ll find traditional foods as well as international treats. The market also has a historic horse carousel from 1927.
And to complete the magical experience, there’s Santa! Yes, you can see Santa Claus fly overhead in his sleigh every evening at 4, 6, and 8 PM. He tells the story of Rudolf the red-nosed reindeer.
Santa Pauli Christmas Market
Address: Spielbudenpl. 21-22, 20359 Hamburg
Dates: 14 November – 23 December
Hours: Monday to Wednesday 4 PM to 11 PM, Thursday 4 PM to midnight, Friday and Saturday 1 PM to 1 AM, Sunday 1 PM to 11 PM
How to get there: Bus lines 16, 111, and 112 to Davidstraße, U3 to St. Pauli, S1/2/3 to Reeperbahn
This is Hamburg’s sexiest Christmas Market! It is located inside Spielbudenplatz in Hamburg’s St. Pauli neighborhood. St. Pauli is known for its Red Light district, bars, clubs, and cabarets. Keep that in mind when you’re going to and from the Christmas Market.
The Santa Pauli Christmas Market is an adult-only Christmas market, although they have a child-friendly version on Sundays. It’s adult-only because you will see some erotic art and accessories, phallic-shaped chocolates and treats, and you may even see a strip show. Along with all that, you’ll also find traditional Christmas stalls. You can get decorations, jewelry, and plenty of food and drinks.
Fleetinsel Christmas Market
Address: Michaelisbrücke 1, 20459 Hamburg
Dates: 21 November – 30 December
Hours: Daily from 12 PM to 9 PM
How to get there: S1/2/3/21 to Stadthausbrücke, U3 to Rödingsmarkt
The Fleetinsel Christmas Market sits along the water on an “island” between the Alster and Elbe rivers. With more of a maritime feel, you’ll see two vintage sailboats docked next to the market. There is also a carousel for the kids. This isn’t a large market, but it’s close to many Hamburg attractions making it a good place to stop and warm up with mulled wine.
Gänsemarkt Christmas Market
Address: Gänsemarkt 38, 20354 Hamburg
Dates: 17 November – 24 December
Hours: Daily from 11 AM to 9 PM (food stalls remain open until 11 PM), Reduced hours 24 December until 2 PM
How to get there: U2 to Gänsemarkt
This is one of the most adorable Christmas Markets in Hamburg. You walk in through a beautifully decorated gate (that looks like gingerbread) and inside you’ll find that all of the stalls are made to look like gingerbread houses!
The stalls all circle around a statue of the famous poet Gotthold Ephraim Lessing and a small carousel. Visitors will find plenty of food and drink options. However, a specialty at this Christmas Market is Feuerzangenbowle. This is a traditional Christmas drink made by lighting a rum-soaked sugarloaf on fire and letting it drip into mulled wine. You won’t see anything being lit on fire (we were sad about it too), but we do recommend trying it. We thought it was delicious!
Jungfernstieg Christmas Market
Address: Jungfernstieg, 20354 Hamburg
Dates: 17 November – 29 December, Closed 20 November and 24 & 25 December
Hours: Daily from 11 AM to 9 PM
How to get there: U1/2/4 or S1/2/3 to Jungfernstieg, U3 to Rathaus
Known by locals as the “White Christmas Market”, Jungfernstieg is one of the most unique Christmas Markets in Hamburg. Instead of finding the usual wooden stalls, visitors will find beautifully lit white pagoda tents. Jungfernstieg is also located along the inner Alster lake. You’ll have nice views of the water and the Alster Christmas Tree which floats on a pontoon in the lake.
As you walk through the market, you’ll find plenty of handmade items like gloves, hats, and scarves. You’ll also find toys, jewelry, porcelain, and Christmas decorations. Of course, there will be mulled wine and traditional treats like roasted almonds, waffles, bratwurst, and cinnamon rolls.
Jungfernstieg also boasts having a historic Ferris wheel from 1926. If you want some great views of the market and the lake, definitely consider going for a ride.
St. Petri Christmas Market
Address: b. d. Petrikirche 2, 20095 Hamburg
Dates: 17 November – 30 December, Closed 20 November & 25 December
Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 9 PM (food stalls remain open until 11 PM), Reduced hours 24 December until 2 PM
How to get there: U3 to Rathaus
Located in front of the incredible St. Petri Church is the St. Petri Christmas Market. Due to its location, it’s one of the most popular Christmas Markets in Hamburg. As you walk around, you feel like you’re in a forest, thanks to the 250 real fir trees placed throughout the market. This market is known for its Dutch treats like Poffertjes (mini pancakes). But there are also traditional hot drinks and dishes.
Kids will especially like this Christmas Market. There is a large toy train that winds its way around the trees and many of the stalls sell high-quality toys. There are also hands-on activities that take place on the weekends.
Gerhard-Hauptmann-Platz Christmas Market
Address: Gerhart-Hauptmann-Platz, 20095 Hamburg
Dates: 17 November – 30 December, Closed 20 November & 25 December
Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 9 PM (food stalls remain open until 11 PM), Reduced hours 24 December until 2 PM
How to get there: U3 to Mönckebergstraße
The Gerhard-Hauptmann-Platz Christmas Market is tucked away. It almost feels like you’ve stumbled upon a secret little forest. There are trees surrounding the market and the floor is covered in woodchips so you get the impression of walking through a forest.
The wooden stalls offer classic treats like mulled wine and baked apples. There are also crafts, clothing, and jewelry. You’ll also find a carousel and a life-size nativity scene.
Spitalerstraße Christmas Market
Address: Spitalerstraße, between Mönckebergstraße and Steintorwall
Dates: 17 November – 30 December, Closed 20 November & 25 December
Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 9 PM (food stalls remain open until 11 PM), Reduced hours 24 December until 2 PM
How to get there: All buses and S/U trains to Hamburg Central Station, U3 to Mönckebergstraße
Set along the pedestrian shopping street of Spitalerstraße, for which it is named, is one of the best Christmas Markets in Hamburg. The Spitalerstraße Christmas Market pays tribute to the architecture of Hamburg’s warehouse district, so you’ll notice that all of the stalls look like they’re made of brick. As you walk along the street, also notice all of the elaborately decorated storefront windows.
This market is a shopper’s dream. You’ll find dolls, jewelry, crystals or wooden toys, winter clothing, and more. Many local artists have stalls at the market too, so you’ll find paintings, carvings, and other unique items.
Winter Pride St. Georg Christmas Market
Address: Lange Reihe 2, 20099 Hamburg
Dates: 21 November – 30 December, Closed 24 & 25 December
Hours: Sunday to Thursday 12 PM to 10 PM, Friday and Saturday 12 PM to midnight
How to get there: All buses, S/U trains to Hamburg Central Station
This is Hamburg’s only queer Christmas Market. You can find it in the heart of Hamburg’s fashionable St. Georg district on its main street Lange Reihe. This market isn’t big, but it is fun. On Friday and Saturday nights, top DJs play live after 7 PM. You’ll also find the usual drinks and foods here.
HafenCity Christmas Market
Address: Marktplatz, Überseeboulevard 4-10, 20457 Hamburg
Dates: 21 November – 30 December, Closed 24 & 25 December
Hours: Daily from 12 PM to 8 PM
How to get there: U4 to Überseequartier
Located in Hamburg’s newest and trendiest district is the HafenCity Christmas Market. You’ll find traditional market tents surrounded by modern skyscrapers. A unique feature of this market is the “winter golf” course. It’s free for kids and teenagers up to 18 years old. There is also plenty to eat, with traditional food stalls and nearby food trucks that offer international dishes.
Ottensen Christmas Market
Address: Ottenser Hauptstraße 10, 22765 Hamburg
Dates: November 21 to December 23
Hours: Monday to Wednesday 11 AM to 9 PM, Thursday to Saturday 11 AM to 10 PM, Sunday 12 PM to 8 PM
How to get there: S1/3 to Hamburg-Altona
The Ottensen Christmas Market is one of the best Christmas Markets in Hamburg because it is considered one of the most authentic markets. It stretches from the Altona train station along Ottenser Hauptstraße, a pedestrian zone next to the Mercado shopping center.
Red and white stalls sell handmade ceramics, luminous stars, and holiday decorations. The market is also known for its international cuisine. Along with traditional bratwurst, you’ll also find Venezuelan arepas, Syrian falafels, and stalls that offer vegan dishes.
Wintergarten St. Pauli
Address: Neuer Kamp 31, 20359 Hamburg
Dates: November 17 to December 23
Hours: Monday to Friday 3 PM to 10 PM, Saturday 12 PM to 10 PM, Sunday 3 PM – 8 PM
How to get there: U3 to Feldstraße
Not to be confused with the Santa Pauli Christmas Market, the Wintergarten St. Pauli Christmas Market sits in front of the Rindermarkthalle shopping mall. This market is best enjoyed in the evenings. Because it’s outside of the city center, you won’t find many tourists here. It’s an after-work crowd and there are only food and drink stalls.
What makes this market special, however, is its area for curling. There is no ice – it’s more like the surface of an air hockey table. It’s fun to see the curlers get all worked up.
Make sure to stop into the Rindermarkthalle shopping mall too. There are shops, bakeries, cafes, and a few grocery stores.
Harburg Christmas Market
Address: Harburger Rathausplatz, 21073 Hamburg
Dates: 17 November to 29 December, Closed December 24th and 25th
Hours: Monday to Saturday 11 AM to 9:30 PM, Sunday 1 PM to 9:30 PM
How to get there: S3 or S31 to Harburg Rathaus
Less than 20 minutes south of Hamburg is the borough of Harburg. Here you’ll find the Harburg Christmas Market, sitting just in front of the Harburg town hall. This cute market focuses a lot on children, so you’ll find a carousel, a small train, and scheduled arts and crafts times.
The grown-ups will appreciate the mulled wine and traditional market treats. We recommend heading to the Langos stall. Langos are originally from Hungary and are a deep-fried flat bread that you put toppings on. We had ours with sour cream, garlic, and cheese.
Bergedorf Christmas Market
Address: Bergedorfer Schloßstraße 4, 21029 Hamburg
Dates: 21 November – 30 December, Closed 25 & 26 December
Hours: Daily from 11 AM to 9 PM, Reduced hours 24 December until 1 PM
How to get there: S2 or S21 to Hamburg-Bergedorf
The Bergedorf Christmas Market is in the small town of Bergedorf, about 30 minutes southeast of Hamburg. The market sits on the grounds of Hamburg’s last remaining castle, Schloss Bergedorf. This unique location is what makes the Bergedorf Christmas Market one of the best Christmas Markets in Hamburg.
The original castle was built in the 14th century and what remains is now a museum. Having the castle in the backdrop as you walk around the Christmas Market is truly special.
At the market, you’ll find traditional mulled wine and bratwurst, but you’ll also find Scandinavian treats like Köttbullar (Swedish meatballs). There are also many Nordic specialties and crafts from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. For the kids, there is an area called Villa Kunterbunt, named after Astrid Lindgren’s Pippi Longstocking books.
The town of Bergedorf itself is also very nice and has its own small Christmas Market. We suggest making a day of it. The pedestrian street Sachsentor has many shops and is a great place to wander. We also recommend stopping at St. Petri and Pauli Church. It’s small, but once inside it will take your breath away.
*Winter Dome
Address: Heiligengeistfeld, 20359 Hamburg
Dates: November 4 to December 4
Hours: Monday to Thursday 3 PM yo 11 PM, Friday to Saturday 3 PM to 12:30 AM, Sunday 2 PM to 11 PM
How to get there: U2 to Messehallen, U3 to Feldstraße or St. Pauli
Located inside North Germany’s biggest fairground, you’ll find Winter Dome. There are over 250 attractions, including a 55-meter-high Ferris wheel, roller coasters, and bumper cars. There are also plenty of snacks and sweets. If you can, visit on a Friday – there are fireworks!
Address: Ditmar-Koel-Strasse, 20459 Hamburg
Dates: November 11 to 13, November 18 to 20
Hours: Friday to Saturday 12 PM to 7 PM, Sunday 12 PM to 6 PM
How to get there: U3, S1, S2 or S3 to Landungsbrücken
As a port city, Hamburg has had a special relationship with the Scandinavian countries for centuries. On Ditmar-Koel-Strasse, the four Nordic countries of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland have established seamen’s churches. These churches get together every November and have a Scandinavian Christmas Market.
At the market, you’ll find northern textiles like wool sweaters and Scandinavian specialties like elk meat, licorice, cranberry vodka, and glogg, the Scandinavian version of mulled wine.
*Michel Christmas Market
Address: Engl. Planke 1, 20459 Hamburg
Dates: November 25 to 27
Hours: Friday 3 PM to 7 PM, Saturday to Sunday 11 AM to 7 PM
How to get there: S1 or S3 to Stadthausbrücke, U3 to Baumwall
The oldest Christmas Market in Hamburg! The market at St. Michael’s Church opened for the first time in 1922 and now has over 100 stalls. The stalls are on the church square, in the parish hall, and even in the crypt below the church. You’ll find crafts, jewelry, clothes, and plenty of warm drinks and delicious food.
Final Thoughts On Hamburg Christmas Markets
There is also the possibility that you will run into smaller neighborhood markets, but these are the biggest and most well-known Christmas Markets in Hamburg. We know you’ll have a great time, no matter which market you visit.
Like this post? Pin it for later!
