Hamburg Christmas Markets: Tradition, Quirky Charm, and Holiday Magic
Hamburg during Christmas? YES PLEASE! The city is one of the most gorgeous places to be during the Holiday season. I was lucky enough to be invited to Hamburg by Come to Hamburg for a Press Trip focused on Hamburg’s various Christmas Markets and there was also a focus on local culture and art. While you may not have come with me, I am about to take you along on a journey through our weekend.
This invite was special because I lived here as a young child. My dad was stationed in Hamburg from 91-94 and taught at the Fuhrungsakedemie Der Bundeswehr. So being invited on this press trip meant the world to me!
If you are curious as to how this all came about for me, I networked my tush off at TBEX. If you haven’t read my blog on “Why Military Spouses Should Attend TBEX” you should head over to that blog and learn about how I connected with Come to Hamburg.
While this was a hosted press trip, I want you to know that the intent behind this is to showcase what Hamburg has to offer and Christmas Markets.
****My posts contain affiliate links. This is also a hosted trip, but please know some links are affiliate links. If you purchase through any of my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products and services that I use and believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for supporting my blog!**
Without further ado, let’s get started!
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Accommodations: Where to Stay in Hamburg
While I don’t think there is the best place to stay in Hamburg, I do think there are certain areas of Hamburg worth staying in to maximize your time. We were put up at Motel One am Michel, ideally located for easy access to the city’s Christmas markets and attractions. This was close to St. Michael’s Church, Reeperbahn and St. Pauli were only 600 meters away. We walked to many of the Hamburg Christmas Markets from here.
While this was a hosted stay, some of the things that I immediately noticed
What I loved: Quiet and comfy rooms, Close to the action and metro stops, friendly staff, and you could stow your luggage and explore the city a bit after check-out, it was family-friendly. Sustainable practices and even Green Key Certified.
What I didn’t love: Hard to find seating during breakfast as it was BUSY, packed elevators.
If this happens to be beyond your budget, why not check out this map of places to stay in Hamburg that suit your needs and budget? Select the dates, and number of travelers and play with a filter to find accommodations!
Budget-friendly:
St. George Hamburg area- Sustainability Certification by Third Party, Guests highlighted the cleanliness of the rooms and showers. The staff received praise for their friendliness. The location near the main station was convenient but some found the area less safe at night. Room comfort was mixed with some finding it cosy, while others noted limited space.
Mid
Hamburg Altstadt- Guests loved the central location and friendly staff at The Cloud One Hamburg-Kontorhaus. The bar was a popular spot, though breakfast received mixed reviews due to its cost. Room comfort was appreciated, but room size was often considered small. Value for money was a common concern.
Family Friendly
Black Suite 6 Luxus in Alsternähe
Featuring garden views, Black Suite 6 Luxus in Alsternähe provides accommodation with a garden and a terrace, around 3.9 km from Hamburg Dammtor Station. The property features city and inner courtyard views, and is 4.2 km from Inner Alster Lake. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and Hamburg Central Station is 3.7 km away. The spacious apartment is located on the ground floor and comes with 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with streaming services and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with a dishwasher, an oven, a washing machine, a microwave and a toaster. Towels and bed linen are provided in the apartment. The property has an outdoor dining area.
All the Christmas Markets I Visited in Hamburg
There is quite an array of Christmas Markets in Hamburg and you can’t go wrong with visiting many of these. I recently found out on this trip that Hamburg has over 18 different Christmas Markets scattered throughout the city. Talk about choice overload!
For our trip to Hamburg, I am only going to talk about the ones we visited, as these were some of the most popular.
Don’t forget that you can enjoy Christmas Markets in a sustainable way, read all about that here
Rathausmarkt Christmas Market
Dates: November 25 – December 23, 2024
Located in front of Hamburg’s City Hall, this traditional market offers handcrafted goods, festive foods, and the much-loved flying Santa, who narrates holiday stories while soaring above the market.
I loved how this market was set up in the iconic Rathausplatz. I noticed quite a few people turned their heads when Rathausplatz got brought up, thinking that they’d find rats there. However, if you know a lot about the German language it’s just simply means town hall.
Rathausmarket Christmas Market REALLY felt traditional and you can find all sorts of food here and an aisle filled with traditional toys.
We stopped here to grab a mug of Gluhwein and relax after a long day walking around Hamburg. We were also waiting for Santa to appear above us. I settled on a mug of WeiserGluwein. This seems to not hurt my stomach as much and to be honest it tastes like a pineapple gummy bear. Do with that information what you will.
A fascinating bit of knowledge is that the man who dresses up and flys across the sky, his real name is Rambo and he’s quite the lover of Christmas! You can catch Santa flying across the sky every day at 4 pm, 6 pm, and 8 pm. You’ll want to be ready for this as it can get crowded in the market when he appears. However, the crowd becomes quiet and all you can hear are the clicks of cameras and “Ooooh’s and “Ahhhhs”
- Must-Try: Schmalzkuchen (mini donuts) and GlĂ¼hwein.
- Pro Tip: Visit at dusk for the best holiday lights and photo ops. (I am so serious about this because it is BEAUTIFUL)
Jungfernstieg Christmas Market (WeiĂŸer Zauber)
Dates: November 25 – December 31, 2024
Set along the Binnenalster, this elegant market features white tents with sparkling lights. There’s a beautiful fir tree in the Alster lake that lights up at night. I wish I had taken more pictures of the Jungfernsteig Christmas Market, but I quite literally took pictures of the grill master at the Christmas Market. I was hungry.
We saw the Alster Lake steamboat making its rounds around the lake. It was a MAGICAL setting with the tree in the background. While I didn’t get a chance to do this, you can totally plan for this in the summer or winter in Hamburg. Check out the website here for the Alsterdampfer St.Georg Hamburg!
That being said I saw stalls selling dog treats and even a vendor selling, and I am not kidding, Witch brooms.
A can’t-miss is the Hamburg Christmas Parade which starts at MediaTech and makes it way down to the street in front of the Jungfernsteig Christmas Market. This happens every Saturday during the advent.
- Must-Try: Kaiserschmarren (pancakes) and bratwurst.
- Highlight: The Alster fir tree, beautifully illuminated on the water.
Santa Pauli Christmas Market
Dates: November 20 – December 23, 2024
Blending traditional holiday charm with St. Pauli’s edgy vibe, this market includes burlesque shows, live music, and a cheeky holiday atmosphere. Bring your patience with you because it gets packed when the Burlesque and Male Strip shows come on. YOU COULD HARDLY MOVE. That being said, the atmosphere is lively here and I would caution against bringing smaller children to this one as they might have some questions as to some of the items that are on sale.
- Must-Try: Personalized mulled wine at Santa’s pharmacy.
- Unique Feature: Adults-only entertainment options.
Marché de Noël (Bleichenhof)
Dates: November 22 – December 23, 2024
The Marche de Noel was one of my favorite Christmas Markets of the weekend as it was a chic and cozy market in the Stadthöfe ensemble, with fur-covered seating, stylish copper mulled wine cups, and beautifully decorated wooden stalls. You’ll find the Petit Noel and the Chez noel Christmas Market through the passages. Think of cozy warm furs lining benches, copper domes, and little greenhouses with bench seating. It was stunning.
The mugs were just as cute and sadly I didn’t keep the copper one.
- Must-Try: French-inspired pastries and mulled wine.
- Highlight: A stylish holiday vibe perfect for a relaxed evening.
Winter Pride St. George
Dates: November 25 – December 30, 2024
Hamburg’s LGBTQ+ Christmas market is warm, welcoming, and vibrant, offering festive drinks and a lively atmosphere.
- Must-Try: Festive cocktails and hearty street food.
- Highlight: A colorful celebration perfect for everyone.
Fleetinsel Christmas Market
Dates: November 25 – December 23, 2024
Located by the water, this intimate market is perfect for seafood lovers and those seeking a quieter holiday experience.
- Must-Try: Smoked fish sandwiches and warm GlĂ¼hwein.
Weihnachtsmarkt am Michel
Dates: Select days in December, check their Official website here —Weinachtsmarkt Am Michel
Near the iconic St. Michael’s Church, this traditional market offers local goods and a stunning Advent wreath inside the church. I loved the setting of this, alas we found out it was happening the weekend before.
However, GO INSIDE the church. This is one of the most remarkable examples of baroque architecture. I couldn’t believe how beautiful this was when we walked in. White walls, gold accents, and a stunning organ. It’s even more beautiful with the Christmas Tree. The Christmas tree had golden tinsel hanging from it and I couldn’t believe my eyes.
But perhaps my favorite bit was the large advent wreath hanging from the ceiling. I found out that the advent wreath was invented in Hamburg according to Hamburg Tourismus
“The inventor of this original Advent wreath was the founder and operator of the Rough House, Johann Hinrich Wichern. Wichern was a Hamburg-born theologian who devoted his life to helping, caring for and nurturing the sick, the weak and the needy.”
- Highlight: Combine your visit with a tour of one of Hamburg’s most important churches.
Other Activities to pair with your Christmas Market Adventures
- Ice Skating at EisArena: Glide under twinkling lights at one of Hamburg’s favorite seasonal attractions. Tickets are 9.50 Euro and you can even rent your own skates — EisArena
- Elbphilharmonie: Ride the world’s longest escalator and enjoy breathtaking views of the harbor. Tickets are 3.00 Euro and you can purchase them here — Elbphilharmonie
- Bucerius Kunst Forum: Explore the Blumen in Kunst und Kultur exhibit, running until January 19, 2025. However they have different exhibits at the forum and it’s well worth checking out. Check out their website here– Bucerius Kunst Forum
Tours You Can Take in Hamburg
What to Wear and Pack for the Hamburg Christmas Markets
Winter in Hamburg can be chilly and damp, so dress for the elements:
- Layer Up: Wear a thermal base layer, sweater, and a waterproof winter coat.
- Comfortable Shoes: Many markets are cobblestoned, so sturdy, warm boots are a must.
- Accessories: Bring gloves, a scarf, and a hat to stay cozy.
- Reusable Cup: Some markets offer discounts on drinks if you bring your own festive mug.
Getting Around: Navigating Hamburg with Ease
Hamburg’s efficient U-Bahn and S-Bahn systems make it easy to travel between Christmas markets and major attractions. With direct connections to St. Pauli, Jungfernstieg, and Holstenwall, you’ll have no trouble hopping from one festive stop to the next.
Hamburg Card
The Hamburg Card is a convenient tourist pass designed to make exploring Hamburg easier and more affordable. It provides unlimited access to public transportation (buses, trains, and ferries) within the Greater Hamburg Area, as well as discounts on a variety of attractions, tours, and dining options.
Key Features:
- Unlimited Public Transport: Includes the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, buses, and even harbor ferries.
- Discounts: Reduced entry fees for museums, exhibitions, and sightseeing tours.
- Group Options: Available for single travelers or groups of up to five people.
Pricing and Availability:
The card is available for durations ranging from 1 to 5 days, making it ideal for short visits or longer stays. It can be purchased online, at ticket machines, or tourist information centers in Hamburg.
The Hamburg Card is an excellent way to save money while enjoying the city’s extensive transportation network and many attractions.
Conclusion
I loved my time in Hamburg and would love to come back and explore a bit of Hamburg in the spring and summer. Hamburg is incredibly easy to get around and I loved the charm of the Christmas markets in Hamburg.
Any Questions? Feel free to connect with me on my Instagram Here
Want to read about my experience at the Hamburg Christmas Markets on Stars and Stripes?