Nuremberg Christmas Market: What to Really See and Do

monkeysandmountains.com /nuremberg-christmas-market-germany

The Nuremberg Christ mas Market is Germanys most f amous and one of it s most t radit ional market s.
That also means its a popular attraction, drawing in over 2 million visitors from Germany, Europe, and even Japan! I went to the Nuremberg Christmas Market for the first time last year. I thought it was nice, but overcrowded (avoid going on a weekend if possible). I went again this year and really enjoyed it, in large part because I went with locals who showed it to me through their eyes and I really enjoyed it!

Heres What To Really See and Do at the Nuremberg Christmas Market: Visit the International Christmas Market
Besides the regular market theres also an international one with 14 of Nurembergs sister cities. Cities are represented from Nicaragua, Cz ech Republic, Italy, and from all over the world. My favorite was the Cuba stand where we were treated to an impromptu salsa demonstration! Any guesses which city/country this wooden booth belonged to?

Atlanta, U.S.A!

Meet Christkind

Me h a n g i n g o u t wi th th e Ch r i s tki n d .

Christkind was the traditional giver of gifts. Not surprisingly children love meeting the Christkind. I had the opportunity to meet her as well and she was lovely. Maybe well even be BFFs. Then again, she might be kinda busy at this time of the year. The Christkind first appeared at the Nuremberg Christmas Market in the 1930s. She now appears at other markets throughout Germany as well. Children can visit her every afternoon at Hans Sachs Platz at 2.30 (arriving on the main market square at 3 oclock).

Meet the Prune People (Z wetschgenmnnle)

Th e fa m o u s P r u n e P e o p l e , wh i ch yo u ca n i n Nu r e m b e r g .

The Prune People are some of Nurembergs most famous residents and can be found going about their daily life. Locals have a saying If you want someone in your life who doesnt cause you any trouble, get a prune person! Good advice! Prune people are for sale at many vendors.

Childrens Christmas Market

Ch i l d r e n d e co r a ti n g g i n g e r b r e a d co o ki e s .

This is one of only a few in Germany. Even as an adult I loved it. There are rides including an old- fashioned carousel and its even interactive! Children can make candles or decorate Nurembergs famous gingerbread cookies!

Eat What is Quite Possibly the Worlds Best Gingerbread

Nuremberg has a long- standing history with gingerbread. You can read about it at A Medieval Treat from Nuremberg. Its such an interesting story that I wrote a whole post on it.

Nativity Scene Exhibit

Na ti vi ty s ce n e e xh i b i t

On the way to the Childrens Christmas Market is a nativity scene exhibit on the left side, hiding behind the wooden stalls. Many people miss it, but its worth a quick look. I loved this one with all the animal figurines.

Take in a Concert
All the churches have frequent concerts during the Christmas market and theres a stage set up in front of the Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche) where school choirs and big bands perform.

Drink f rom the Worlds Largest Feuerz angenbowle

Feuerz angenbowle, according to Wikipedia, is a traditional German alcoholic drink for which a rum-soaked sugarloaf is set on fire and drips into mulled wine. All I know is that it is some seriously strong stuff! Ill stick to my mulled wine!

Tour Nuremberg in a Stage Coach

This was so much fun and surprisingly comfortable! The stage coat is a 1939 replica that takes guests through Nurembergs cobble stone streets. I felt like I was stepping back in time even without a lady in waiting waiting for me. Tours last about 10 minutes and leave from across from the fountain in the main square. Learning more about the history of the Nuremberg Christmas Market really brought it to life for me and made it meaningful, much more so than when I walked around clueless last year. And besides, its not everyday that I get to be BFFs with Christkindeven if it is only in my imagination. Visit the official Christkindlmarkt in Nuremberg for further info. You may find that visiting just one market is not enough (Im a bit of a fanatic myself), in that case check out the Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market and My Favorite

Christmas Markets in Munich. Thank you to Nuremberg tourism for their tour. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.

About Laurel
Laurel Robbins is a free- spirited adventurer, award- winning travel blogger at Monkeys and Mountains Adventure Travel Blog. Many hats, one travel obsessed Canadian in Germany.