Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt – Christmas market in Nuremberg

It is one of Germany’s most famous Christmas markets – the Nuremberg Christmas Market. I took a look around the market for you and captured my experiences in many colorful pictures.

Turbulent history of the Nuremberg Christmas Market

It is not clear exactly when the Christkindle took place for the first time. It is clear that the market, just like Nuremberg, has experienced an eventful history and is now firmly rooted in the Nuremberg tradition. In its origins, the Christ Child did not appear – the focus was on the children and that is why it was still known as Kindlesmarkt in the early 17th century.

What is really exciting is that the tradition of the opening ceremony with the Christ Child was originally introduced under the National Socialist regime in the 1930s as a way of cultivating an image, so to speak.

After the dark war years, the Christkindlesmarkt was reintroduced in 1948. The famous prologue, with which the Christ Child has since opened the market on the gallery of the Frauenkirche, has been changed several times in its wording, but still refers to the situation of 1948.

I wasn’t aware of how much tradition and history is associated with this Christmas market. So I was all the more excited to really dive into this pre-Christmas world. However, it is wrong to dive in, because first we got an overview of the main market square from exactly the place where the Christ Child stands at the opening ceremony.

Attention to detail at the Christmas market in Nuremberg

The Christkindlesmarkt is a veritable treasure trove of stories. Not only the history of their origins, but also the origin of the two Nuremberg figureheads – the Rauschgoldengel and the Zwetschgenmännle – is linked to colourfully decorated legends. The gold angel takes on the function of a high-quality Christmas product and is often used as the golden crowning glory of the Christmas tree. The plum man, on the other hand, is a common souvenir and lucky charm. Unfortunately, although the plum man is a popular photo subject today, it no longer sells rapidly. Whereby the traditional advertising slogan is very sympathetic:

If you’re looking for a moh that won’t annoy you, you’ll buy a plum

In addition, there is of course much more to discover at the many stands. A sparkle here, a shine there – oh, you could almost call it sensory overload ;)

Variety for young and old

In addition to the hustle and bustle on the main market, the other alleys of the old town also invite you to a journey of discovery. At the market of the twin cities, products from South Tyrol to Poland and Scotland can be purchased. The “tunnel stronghold” of Gera is located right next to Edinburgh. For the younger guests there is a special children’s area, where the carousel and Santa Claus (as well as the Christ Child) make their eyes sparkle.

Culinary temptations at the Nuremberg Christmas Market

Let’s be honest – a Christmas market without food and mulled wine would be deadly boring. This slightly sweet scent that floats through the alleys between the stalls makes my mouth water. We then also grab a lot and test our way through the local cuisine. 3 in the Weckla and gingerbread are part of the must-see program of a Nuremberg Christmas market visitor. For this reason alone, the long train ride (5.5 hours via Munich) to Nuremberg is worth it (and my family will experience a gingerbread present under the Christmas tree). Of course, the cold hands are warmed by the hot mulled wine cups. I definitely prefer the white, sweet mulled wine to the red one.

Good to know for the Christmas market in Nuremberg

This year’s Christmas market will take place from 29 November to 24 December (10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.). Especially on weekends, the market has to be shared with countless Christmas market tourists and it can get quite crowded between the stalls. If you want to stroll through the market in a relaxed way, you should aim for a morning during the week. Further information can be found on the website of the Nuremberg Christmas Market:

Note: I was invited by the Nuremberg Congress and Tourism Centre to a Christmas voyage of discovery. Thank you very much for this. Nevertheless, my readers can be sure that I always represent my own opinion and enthusiasm here.