29 November – 24 December 2019
Christmas markets, one of Germany´s most enjoyable traditions springs up all over the country.
From North to South, each and every one is different, in fact you could make an entire Germany tour with the sole purpose of visiting Christmas markets and learn about German culture and traditions.
– because it is a unique mix of history, tradition, art and, of course, food.
The location
“Christkindlesmarket”, as it is called in German, is erected on the Hauptmarket and surrounding places, overlooked by such imposing sites as the Schöner Brunnen. Neptunrunnen and the Frauenkirche.
They are all illuminated at night and creating the right Christmas atmosphere.
The origins go back at least to 1628 as documented by a wooden box with an inscription mentioning the Christmas market.
To this day the box is kept in a museum in Nuremnberg.
The event is opened by an angel: the Christkind.
She is elected every two years and the requirements are: to be from Nuremberg, between 16 and 19 years old, having no fear of heights and, knowing her opening speech by heart.
No teleprompter in these traditional surroundings.
Little town of cloth and wood
The market´s nickname is: little town of cloth and wood, which comes from the fact that all stalls are made from wood and covered with red and white striped canvas.
Nuremberg is famous for many things: one of the best preserved and restored historic town centers in Germany.
Gutenberg´s 15th century invention of the print press, toys and the famous Franken cuisine to mention just a few.
Rostbratwürst, Bavarian beer and Glühwein
As soon as you approach the Hauptmarkt at Christkindlestime, you are assailed by the delicious scent of one of Nuremberg specialties: sizzling Rostbratwurst.
The spicy sausages are no longer than your middle finger, so you have to eat a lot of them.
Often they are served with horseradish instead of mustard, which makes then even spicier.
Those with a sweet tooth may want to sample Nuremberger Marzipan in all forms and shapes or Nuremberger Lebkuchen, the world famous ginger bread.
And then there are the Zwetschgenmämmla, figures made from dried plums and, of course, edible.
The ensuing thirst is quenched with Bavarian beer or the even present mulled wine, called Glühwein.
There is of course even an alcohol free version.
When: 29 November – 24 December 2019
Opening Ceremony: 5:30 p.m. 29 November
Open Every day 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Nuremberg, Germany
Official Website: christkindlesmarkt.de
Hotels: Hotels in Nuremberg
It’s over 150 places to stay here.
From five star hotels to bed and breakfast guesthouses.
So you will easily find something that suits your style and wallet.
Angels is a leading theme of the Christmas market.
Art is represented in the form of beautiful hand make Rauschgoldengel.
Some of them are quite expensive but they are a unique souvenir.
You can hear the Angel give her opening speech on 28. November at 5.30 p.m. and start enjoy this wonderful Christmas Market.
Nuremberg is partnered with cities of many countries. Among them Turkey, Spain and USA.
They all have stalls at the Christmas market, so if all the local specialties are not enough for you, pop over for a paella if you must.
