Hamburg Christmas Markets and Parades

With the festive holiday season just around the corner, the city of Hamburg sees more than 30 glistening Christmas markets set up throughout its main squares! At the beautifully decorated huts, visitors can enjoy and indulge in everything from mulled wine and roasted chestnuts to traditional dishes and German beer in an enchanting winter atmosphere.

The biggest and most beautiful Christmas markets in Hamburg 

Hamburg’s city centre is dotted with Christmas markets, but the biggest one is located on Rathausmarkt square, by the city hall. Festive wooden stands offer everything you could want, including handmade toys, glassware and accessories.

Over in St. Pauli, home to the famous Reeperbahn, a lively nighttime Christmas market is set up, where visitors can enjoy a mug of Glühwein while browsing through some spicy gift ideas for Christmas presents.

Next to the more traditional Christmas stalls, a show stage features nightly live music and an open-air gallery. There is usually a special children’s programme on Sunday, suitable for the entire family. 

Get into the Christmas spirit at Hamburg’s Christmas markets

At the historic Speicherstadt, the HafenCity Christmas market in the Überseequartier offers visitors an old-fashioned winter atmosphere against the backdrop of modern architecture and ships. Enjoy the wide food and drink selection or try out the ice-skating rink! 

If you want to enjoy a fairy-like Christmas market, be sure to stop by the enchanting market at Bergedorf Castle, one of Hamburg’s last remaining castles. This local Christmas market is set up on the grounds and offers handmade gifts, sugary treats and handicraft workshops for children.

Christmas parades every Saturday in December

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Hamburg's city centre takes on a delightfully joyous spirit. For the four Saturdays in December, this merry countenance is expressed as the Hamburg Christmas parades. Twice a day, dancing angels, elves and reindeer parade through the city centre - accompanied by colourful floats, festive music and Santa Claus himself!

The Hamburg Christmas parades start from Mönckebergstrasse at 2pm and 5pm on the 2, 9, 16 and 23 of December.

Visiting Hamburg’s Christmas Markets

The markets have differing opening hours. Some start as early as November 11, and most are up and running by November 21. For the latest updates on all of Hamburg’s fantastical Christmas markets, directions on how to get to them via public transport, or dates, please visit Hamburg’s official tourism website. 

Video credit:  YouTube / Circus-Theater Roncalli