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A Guide to the Hamburg Christmas Markets in 2023
A Guide to the Hamburg Christmas Markets in 2023
24 October 2023
Hamburg is Germany’s second largest city, which makes it a fantastic destination for a winter break. There’s plenty to see and do, but the most wonderful attractions of all are the Hamburg Chrismas markets, which you can access easily when you stay nearby at our 5-star boutique hotel in city centre.
Our guide will introduce you to the Hamburg Christmas markets 2023 that are not to be missed. Read on for information that can help you to plan your winter break.
Top 7 Hamburg Christmas Markets 2023:
The sheer number of Hamburg Christmas markets means you need to choose wisely when planning your winter break. We’ve made it easier for you by selecting the markets that are worthy of your time.
1. Roncalli Christmas Market (Rathausmarkt)
Roncalli Christmas Market or more commonly known as Rathausmarkt, is one of the most popular of Hamburg's Christmas markets in the central square of Hamburg.
The 80 or so market stalls are set out in this historic Christmas market, featuring handmade toys, cooking-related tools, and Christmas decorations. Food stalls sell all of the German Christmas Market items: bratwurst, Christmas sweets, hot chocolate, and, of course, glühwein (hot spiced wine).
During your visit to the market, keep an eye out for Santa Claus as he passes over in his sleigh at 16:00, 18:00 and 20:00. There’s also a vintage merry-go-round.
Dates: 27th of November – 23rd of December 2023
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm daily
Address: Rathausmarkt central square
2. Spitalerstraße Christmas Market
Unlike most typical Christmas markets, Spitalerstraße Christmas Market, also just known simply as the City Market, is spread along a single wide street in the Hamburg city centre. The market is an excellent choice for experiencing the enchanting lights in the evening.
The offerings of the food and drink stalls on the Spitalerstraße are very similar to Rathausmarkt. If you're in search of Christmas gifts, this market provides both the stalls and the surrounding stores for your shopping needs.
Dates: 23rd of November – 30th of December 2023 (closed from 24th to 26th December)
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm daily
Address: Spitalerstraße shopping district
3. St Petri Christmas Market
Despite its small size, St. Petri Christmas Market is a great place for families with small children. Located in a courtyard next to St. Petri Church, what sets it apart from other usual Hamburg Christmas markets are the charmingly old-fashioned dioramas designed for the youngest children.
They depict scenes from various classic fairy tales with moving dolls inside. It's surprising to see, not only for young children and & toddlers, but you will also find several adults staring in amazement!
Dates: 23rd of November – 30th of December 2023 (closed on 26th of November and the 24th & 25th of December)
Opening Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 10am – 6:30pm
Wednesday: 10am – 7pm
Saturday: 10am – 5pm & Sunday: 9am – 8pm
Address: Kreuslerstraße and Mönckebergstraße
4. Winterwald Hamburg
Winterwald Hamburg is a Christmas market that does best in terms of its spirit and creating a magical winter ambiance, even when the weather is mild, and snow is in short supply. There are plenty of Christmas trees around the market, fittingly reflected in the name Winterwald, which translates to Winter Forest.
For the most enchanting experience, this market is a must-visit after nightfall when it comes alive with a splendid display of lights. In the evening, it buzzes with visitors enjoying lively revelry, drinks, and festive merriment.
Dates: 23rd of November – 23rd of December 2023
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (food stalls open till 11pm) daily
Address: Gerhart-Hauptmann-Platz
5. Jungfernstieg Christmas Market
Jungfernsteig Christmas market, known as "Weisserzauber" in German, which translates to "white magic," stretches along the scenic Jungfernstieg Boulevard alongside Hamburg's Binnenalster lake. It’s one of the more popular Christmas markets in Hamburg, mostly because of its location.
With dozens of stalls in in enchanting white tents, this market’s a pretty magical sight. For an extra touch of enchantment, visitors can embark on short boat rides around the lake. Moreover, a grand Christmas tree graces a petite island—or perhaps it's a buoy—in the harbour, further enhancing the market's picturesque setting.
Dates: 23rd of November – 29th of December 2023 (closed from 24th to 26th December)
Opening Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 11am – 9pm
Sunday – Friday-Saturday: 11am – 10pm
Address: Gerhart-Hauptmann-Platz
6. Ottensen Christmas Market
Besides those Christmas markets in Hamburg’s city centre, the trendy neighbourhood of Ottensen has its own unique Christmas Market. Here you might find a more diverse range of items for sale. For instance, you can savour some exquisite empanadas during your visit.
So, if you're in the mood for something other than traditional German Christmas markets, this is the place to be.
Dates: 27th of November – 23rd of December 2023
Opening Hours: not yet published
Address: Ottenser Hauptstraße
7. Schloss Bergedorf
The Christmas market at Schloss Bergedorf is a bit further from the bustling Hamburg city centre. Schloss means “castle,” and this market is on the grounds of the charming Bergedorf Castle. This one is an excellent choice for families with young children, especially if you only have time for one market or prefer to avoid crowds and loud noise.
Here, you'll find a delightful wooden carousel without the loud piped music and plenty of the kinds of food that kids love. While the castle itself is less child-friendly, it's still worth a quick stroll so you can soak in the medieval charm of its courtyard, where the Christmas market cleverly incorporates a few stalls.
Dates: 27th of November – 30th of December 2023 (closed from 24th to 26th of December)
Opening Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday: 11am – 5pm
Address: Bergedorfer Schloßstraße
Other fabulous Christmas markets you might want to explore include the Bergedorf Christmas Market, the Blankenese Hamburg Christmas market, the Santa Pauli Christmas market with some elements that are for adults only, the WinterPride St Georg market, the Dog Christmas market (a must if you’re a pet owner), the maritime-flavoured markets at Speicherstadt and HafenCity, and the Scandinavian markets on Ditmar-Koel-Strasse.
Other Things To Do in Hamburg in Winter
When it comes to what to do in Hamburg in winter, there’s much more than Christmas markets on offer. Here are a few other attractions to whet your appetite for a winter break.
One of the best ways to see the city is to stroll along its streets with a guidebook or app in hand. You’ll find cosy cafes, restaurants that serve good quality food, and museums, galleries, monuments, and shops. If you’d rather not do it alone, join a walking or bus tour.
For seasonal sporty activity, head to one of the city’s many ice rinks. A few to consider are the EisArena Hamburg, Wandsbeker Winterzauber, and HafenCity Eisvergnügen. If you’re looking for more seasonal spirit, enjoy the sights and sounds of the city’s famous Christmas parades, which begin in front of Saturn on Mönckebergstrasse on the four Saturdays of December.
Last but not least, if you’re staying at Frasers Suites Hamburg during New Year’s Eve, join locals and tourists for the city’s vibrant festivities. Music, fireworks, and other entertainment are part of the spectacle.
Where to stay in Hamburg
Make your winter break all the more memorable by staying at Fraser Suites Hamburg, the 5-star boutique hotel in city centre. Our luxurious rooms and apartments are situated in one of the city's prime locations, ensuring a delightful experience while exploring the Hamburg Christmas markets.
Fraser Suites Hamburg offers outstanding amenities, including a fitness centre, an elegant bar, a restaurant, a sauna, and a laundry room, catering to both short and long stays in Hamburg for you and your family. Plus, the hotel is pet friendly, so there is no need to leave your furry friends behind. Contact Fraser Suites Hamburg today to find out about our winter break special offer and plan a trip you will not forget.
Planning a trip to Hamburg? Check out our travel guides!
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