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The Ultimate Guide to the Hamburg Christmas Markets

Ever since moving to Europe I have become obsessed with Christmas Markets, and as we know Germany is the queen of festive markets. So when we were invited back to Hamburg to experience the markets first hand through the Come to Hamburg project, we couldn’t say no. Most European cities have their own take on the markets but nothing compares to Germany. If you are looking for more information on the best Christmas Markets in Europe here is the ultimate list. And if you are planning to visit Hamburg at Christmas then read on.

The Hamburg Christmas markets are truly magical. You will find different stalls and themes throughout the city so of course we had to explore them all. Here is our guide to the best Christmas markets in Hamburg from the more popular Rathausmarkt to the slightly obscure Santa Pauli markets in the Reeperbahn.

If you are wondering if Hamburg is worth visiting here is an article to help you decide.

Getting Around

First things first, Hamburg is a big city so you will need a Hamburg Card to help you get around the city. That way you can explore the city by bus, train, and ferry. The good news is that all the Hamburg Christmas markets mentioned in our post are easily accessed via public transport.

Rathausmarkt Christmas Market

Rathausmarkt christmas market
Rathausmarkt christmas market in Hamburg

Located next to the incredibly picturesque Rathaus (Town Hall), the Rathausmarkt Christmas Markets are some of the busiest markets in Hamburg. If you can, try to visit in the day or during the week when it is less crowded. As soon as we arrived we made a beeline for the bratwurst stand, and then of course felt it was necessary to wash it all down with some gluhwein.

The atmosphere at these markets is very jovial and you will find stalls from over 80 traders as well. The fact that the markets are located right next to the Rathaus make them really atmospheric. You will also find rides for the kids, as well as several makeshift bars for the adults. Definitely take your time and enjoy the stalls with your gluhwein in hand.

Rathausmarkt christmas market
Rathausmarkt christmas market in Hamburg

Of course food is such a big part of the markets as well. Here we dined on bratwurst, fried potato cakes topped with cheese and ham, as well as some amazing traditional donuts.

Some of the food at the Hamburg Christmas Markets
Some of the food at the Hamburg Christmas Markets

Santa Pauli Markets

Santa Pauli the sexiest of the Christmas Markets in Hamburg

The Santa Pauli Markets are supposed to be the naughtiest Christmas markets in Hamburg. Located near the Reeperbahn we felt it was more of a light hearted take on the Christmas markets. You will still find your traditional market stalls, mixed with some more risque stalls. There is also a stripper tent that opens at around 6pm. I mean what could be more festive? And before you ask, yes it is heated, and no we didn’t go in.

The strip tent at the Santa Pauli- Hamburg Christmas Markets
Walking around Santa Pauli one of the best Christmas Markets to visit in Hamburg
Walking around Santa Pauli one of the best Christmas Markets to visit in Hamburg

In all honesty the markets weren’t too shocking. You can choose to go into the more risque areas, but this is separate to the rest of the markets.  There were even children here so obviously they aren’t too outrageous. Really these markets are designed to shock and entertain, so it is definitely worth a visit if you are after something a little different.

Hamburg Christmas Market mugs

Winterwald and markets around Monckebergstrasse

Pine forest at the Hamburg Christmas Markets
Pine forest at the Hamburg Christmas Markets

Dotted around the shopping area just up from the Rathaus you will find a lot of festive cheer. The markets here don’t get as busy as the Rathaus because there is more open space to walk around.

Christmas markets lining the streets of Hamburg
Christmas markets lining the streets of Hamburg

Here we feasted on waffles, fries, and some sort of stick with meat (I really wish I had of paid attention to what kind of animal it was).

Food at the Christmas Markets
Food at the Christmas Markets

The best thing about these markets though is the Winterwald, a small winter forest with gluhwein and hot chocolates with rum. For us, this was so magical. There are wood chippings on the floor and Christmas lights strung out all around.

Sipping mulled wine

Markets at Jungfernsteig Station

Christmas markets on Lake Binnenalster
Christmas markets on Lake Binnenalster

These markets are brightly lit and provide plenty of Christmas cheer with a view of Lake Binnenalster (with its very own Christmas tree). They are not as big as the markets mentioned above but do provide a nice respite from the crowds of the other markets.

Christmas markets on Lake Binnenalster
Christmas markets on Lake Binnenalster
Christmas markets on Lake Binnenalster
Christmas markets on Lake Binnenalster

Gansemarkt Ginger Bread Villiage

Hamburg's gingerbread village

This was a complete Hansel and Gretel moment for us as the huts in this market looked like you could eat them. It is a lovely atmosphere and a real visual treat.

Hamburg's gingerbread village
Hamburg’s gingerbread village
Hamburg's gingerbread village
Hamburg’s gingerbread village

Apart from the gluhwein, here we feasted on crepes and shashlik (a chicken skewer in curry sauce).

Hamburg's gingerbread village
Hamburg’s gingerbread village
Currywurst
Currywurst

Uberseeboulevard markets in Hafen City

Hamburg Christmas Markets at Hafen City
Hamburg Christmas Markets at Hafen City

Although the markets here are small and there isn’t a huge variety of food, what makes them different is the ice skating rink. Of course, being full of bratwurst and gluhwein, we watched the enthusiastic skaters from the comfort of the tented bar.

Hamburg Christmas Markets at Hafen City
Hamburg Christmas Markets at Hafen City

Bergedorf Christmas Markets

Bergedorf Christmas Markets in front of Bergedorf Castle
Bergedorf Christmas Markets in front of Bergedorf Castle

Out of all the Hamburg Christmas Markets these were without a doubt our favourite. We stayed at the Hotel Bergedorfer Hohe, so stumbled upon these markets by accident. We are so glad that we did. Located about a 20 minute subway ride from Hamburg city centre, these were the most authentic markets we visited.

Bergedorf Christmas Markets
Bergedorf Christmas Markets
Bergedorf Christmas Markets
Bergedorf Christmas Markets

The markets are located out the front of the Bergedorf Castle, and whilst they weren’t huge markets walking around here made us feel so christmassy. We absolutely recommend visiting if you have the time.

Bergedorf Christmas Markets
Bergedorf Christmas Markets

Winterdom

The rides at the Winter Dom
The rides at the Winter Dom

So this technically isn’t a Christmas Market per se but there were a lot of Christmas stalls and gingerbread stands so lets go with it. It is a bustling fairground open throughout most of the year. In November it gets its winter on in a big way. The atmosphere is fantastic and there are a lot of rides and rollercoasters you can hop on if you are looking for a thrill. Otherwise you can just sit back and relax in one of the many bars.

The rides at the Winter Dom
The rides at the Winter Dom
The food at the Winter Dom
The food at the Winter Dom

Tips

  • Don’t forget that you pay a deposit for your mugs whenever you order a drink at the markets. You then get the option to either return it and get your deposit back or keep the mug as a souvenir. The different markets tend to have different mugs as well, so if you are anything like us you will be carrying more mugs then luggage on your trip home.

So on that note cheers and enjoy the markets!

enjoying mulled wine at the Christmas markets in Hamburg
Enjoying mulled wine at the Christmas markets in Hamburg

Want even more Hamburg tips? We got you covered!

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20 Comments

  1. I must have looked at your pictures more than a couple of times! Such warmth in your pictures and oh yes, its been my dream too, and I am glad I am seeing it through you now. Such gorgeous marketplace makes you feel more festive, and about mugs, you bet 😛

  2. Wow, we were just talking about this very thing for next year. After seeing your photos which I keep looking at, your article may have made-up our minds. Thanks for all the tips on where to go.

  3. I’ve always wanted to visit a European Christmas market. In fact, I’m the one who ventures into any Christmas-themed store, Christimastime or not! I’ve always thought it would be so magical, especially with the addition of snow. However, I had no idea they added strip joints or other risque attractions. I would have been completely shocked to run into one of those! Please tell me they don’t ALL do that! Anyway, I enjoyed your photo tour, and I DO hope I can make it to one of the markets (or many!) someday.

    1. No it was just one random one in Hamburg near the Reeperbahn area that had that. I guess really it is for shock value. Not our cup of tea but the markets and mulled wine were lovely.

  4. These Christmas markets look pretty amazing! I’ve heard so much about the German markets, I must visit them one of these years. This year, however, I am visiting Austria and I am super excited about seeing my first ever Christmas market there. So excited!

  5. Though I have visited lots of German Christmas markets, I haven’t been to Hamburg yet. I just love all the little shops at the markets.

  6. I will be in Europe in January and everything I read keeps talking about Christmas markets! They look amazing and I guess next time I’ll just have to plan my trip for December!

    I especially love all the pictures of food on sticks! I love anything you can eat off a stick 🙂

  7. I didn’t know that Hamburg has so many Christmas Markets. Did I see Bratwurst with tomato ketchup in your hand? That’s not how you should eat it! It calls for hot mustard! You picked a good location to stay and find your favourite Christmas Market: Bergedorf is a nice suburb – it feels so removed from the city of Hamburg!

  8. I ADORE the Christmas markets in Germany! They just have such a warm, glorious atmosphere to them – and all that yummy food and drink makes it for me! It’s cool to hear about Winterdom: get me on that rollercoaster!

  9. Dang, I’ve just been to Hamburg in August and naturally missed out on the Christmas markets 😀 Your pictures look amazing and thank God I just had a mug of Glühwein earlier otherwise I would have wanted one now hehe 😀 As a true Bavarian though I have to admit that I think that the best Christmas markets are down South 😛

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