Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt

Germany’s most famous Christmas market, on the Hauptmarkt, with the Christkind’s opening prologue on Friday 27 Nov at 17:30. Daily 10:00 to 21:00, opening day until 22:00, Christmas Eve 10:00 to 14:00. The Sister Cities market runs until 23 Dec and the children’s market until 30 Dec. Hours as published by the organizer in October 2026; check the official site before you go.

Insider tips

The opening is the moment everyone waits for: on Friday 27 November at 17:30 the Christkind reads the prologue from the church balcony above the Hauptmarkt, and the square goes quiet to listen. It’s very popular, so come early if you want to see it. To actually browse the stalls, my tip is a weekday morning, right after the 10:00 opening. Look for the children’s Christmas market (Kinderweihnacht) and the Sister Cities market, where Nuremberg’s twin towns sell their own specialties. The Sister Cities market runs until 23 December, and the children’s market keeps going until 30 December. Before you leave, pick up some Nürnberger Lebkuchen, the local spiced gingerbread, and try Drei im Weggla (three little Nuremberg sausages in a roll).

Getting there

From Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof it’s about a 15- to 20-minute walk through the old town. Or take the U1 subway one stop to Lorenzkirche, which is less than 5 minutes from the market on foot. Buses 37, 46 and 47 stop at Rathaus, right by the square. Signs with the Christkindlesmarkt logo show the way. Driving into the center isn’t recommended in Advent.

Nearby markets

Nuremberg makes a great base. The Bamberg Christmas Market, the Würzburg Christmas Market and the Rothenburg Reiterlesmarkt are all easy day trips by regional train.

See every 2026 date in our guide to German Christmas markets, and plan the rest of your stay with our Nuremberg travel guide.