Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere in the city, which is famous as the home of one of the oldest and of the largest Christmas markets in Germany. During your extended holiday in Nuremberg, you can enjoy fragrant mulled wine, sparkling Christmas lights and carol concerts by candlelight to put you in the festive spirit. From grand Christmas markets to delicious German Lebkuchen gingerbread, this charming city has plenty of things to add to your Christmas itinerary.
Day 1
Morning: Discover the atmospheric Old Town
Start your vacation with a leisurely walking tour of the picturesque Nuremberg Old Town, where fabulous views await you around every corner. Stroll through the narrow cobbled streets, admire the wooden houses with sweet facades, and then explore the medieval city walls and castle. Nearby you will find the Albrecht Durer‘s house, the former residence of a famous German artist, which is opened annually during the Christmas market. Afterwards, visit the Nürnberg Toy Museum, pop into Käthe Wohlfahrt (Plobenhofstraße 4) to purchase luxurious Christmas tree decorations from Germany’s most famous Christmas shop, and be sure to stop by Lebkuchen Schmidt (Plobenhofstraße 6), which has been selling the city’s signature gingerbread for centuries since the 17th century.
Head to Nuremberg’s central square, home to the huge Christkindlesmarkt, which opens daily at noon, when crowds of visitors gather to watch the mechanical clock of the Frauenkirche perform its daily song-and-dance tradition. Spend the rest of the day picking out gifts at the market’s traditional wooden stalls with red and white roofs. Look out for a variety of handmade gifts, local delicacies and holiday decorations from some of Germany’s most talented artisans, including zwetschgenmännle – little figures made of prunes and wire that come in ever-inventive costumes. The market spills over into the nearby Rathausplatz and other squares, so give yourself plenty of time to explore.
The old town is especially charming at night, so stay here to enjoy the festive atmosphere. Warm yourself up with mulled wine while strolling the streets of the city, and keep the mug as a souvenir – the designs change every year. Enjoy the glittering Schöner Brunnen fountain in the main square (Hauptmarkt), then walk to the Pegnitz river, where the promenade is lit up with festive illuminations. Also, don’t forget to keep an eye out for Christkind, the blond “angel of Christmas” who holds a place of honor in Nuremberg folklore. Every year, a real “Christkind” takes part in the opening ceremony of the Christmas market.
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
From December 1 to 24, 2023, Nuremberg’s incomparable Christkindlesmarkt blossoms, mesmerizing its visitors with the tantalizing aromas of gingerbread, mulled wine, and fried sausage wafting through the air.
Hotels near Christkindlesmarkt:
Hotel Victoria Nürnberg, Just 100 meters from Nuremberg Train Station and 500 meters from the Lorentzkirche, this 4-star hotel is within easy walking distance of attractions including the Market Square, home to the Christkindlmarkt. A rich breakfast buffet, homemade pastries, ice cream and light snacks can be ordered in the Tuscan café with a summer terrace or in the conservatory.
Hotel Agneshof Nürnberg, The 3-star hotel is located in a quiet lane, just a 5-minute walk from the Market Square. Hotel Agneshof Nürnberg is located in a quiet lane. A buffet breakfast is available. The Agnesbar offers a wide selection of drinks, including Franconian wines and Nuremberg beers.
Ibis Nürnberg Altstadt, a budget hotel next to the Main Station and a 10-minute walk from the Old Town, offering simple but clean and comfortable rooms. A good option for those looking for affordable housing. Breakfast for an additional fee.
Five Reasons Hotel & Hostel, located in the city center, only a 5-minute walk from the main train station, about 10 min. walking distance from the fair. This is a modern, fully renovated hostel with a 24-hour reception. Five Reasons Hostel and Hotel offers private and shared (dormitory) rooms with shared bathrooms.Guests can prepare their own meals in the shared kitchen. The lounge bar on the first floor sells snacks and drinks.
Day 2
Morning: Explore the history of Nuremberg
Take a break from the festivities and start your second day with a sightseeing tour of Nuremberg’s historic sites. Just south of the Old Town, you’ll find the Nazi Party meeting places, which provide fascinating information about World War II history. Choose a guided tour to learn more about the infamous Nazi rallies in Nuremberg, see the half-completed Congress Hall and other Third Reich buildings, and visit the Documentation Center. Then continue to the Nuremberg Palace of Justice, where the infamous Nuremberg Trials took place, and deepen your knowledge of history.
Get back into the festive spirit with a visit to Nuremberg’s two alternative Christmas markets. Family fun awaits at the Children’s Market at Hans-Sachs-Platz, where kids can take part in a range of hands-on activities, from crafts to making holiday treats. Even without children, it is worth a visit to admire the traditional carousel, ferris wheel and miniature steam railway. Adjacent to the main market is the Twin Cities Market, with themed stalls from more than a dozen of Nuremberg’s “sister cities,” giving the celebration an international flavor. Here you can buy Scottish shortbread, carved wooden angels from the Czech Republic, sweet Provencal lavender honey or Ukrainian handicrafts.
Feasting on seasonal food is the best way to end any Christmas holiday, and nowhere better than in Bavaria, which offers hearty winter cuisine. Try all the city’s festive dishes, starting with the classic Rostbratwurst (traditional finger-sized pork sausages, also known as Nürnberger), with mustard or sauerkraut. Flamkuchen (crust pizza), Gebrannte Mandeln (roasted almonds) and the ubiquitous Lebkuchen (gingerbread) are also worth trying. Don’t forget to drink seasonal mulled wine. Choose the Gerstacker glühwein, unique to Nuremberg, which is made with blueberries
Day 3
Morning: Go on a festive day trip
End your Christmas trip in Nuremberg with a trip to of the charming city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This beautifully preserved medieval town was the inspiration for the Brothers Grimm and Walt Disney’s Pinocchio fairy tales, and it becomes even more magical during the holiday season. The best views are from the walls of the old town, so climb up to walk along the defensive walls and gaze at the gabled houses and maze of cobbled streets decked out in festive decorations.
You can go by train yourself, it will take 1.5 hours with transfers.
We advise you to book a safe, individual tour at Rothenburg an der Tauber. You will receive a full escort, a transfer, an interesting excursion and will be brought back to Nuremberg, where you will be able to continue the celebration without wasting time.
Stay in Rothenburg to visit the open-air Christmas market with brass band concerts and carolers performed around the Market Square. Crafts and decorations for the Christmas tree are some of the most popular items, but a particular hit is the local specialty schneballen – sugar-covered snowballs. Choose flavors like cinnamon, chocolate or pistachio, or choose a box of different options and try them all because it’s Christmas. Other festive stops include the Christmas shop Käthe Wohlfahrt, where you’ll find the German Christmas Museum.
Back in Nuremberg, you will have time to shop for last minute gifts or have dinner before the trip ends. But to truly complete your holiday trip, hop aboard a horse-drawn stagecoach for one last tour of Old Town. These festively decorated yellow carriages are an integral part of the Christmas season in Nuremberg. Nestled inside under a warm blanket (and perhaps with one last glass of mulled wine to add to the mood), you can enjoy the twinkling Christmas lights illuminating the cobblestones – a magical way to end your festive journey.
Where to stay
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