Nuremberg Christmas Market - Overview:
The old center of Nuremberg, Bavaria, with its imperial castle towering majestically over the city is certainly worth a visit any time of year. But starting in November, the famous Nuremberg Christmas market turns the city into a magical winter wonderland.
The Nuremberg Christmas Market, which dates back to the 16th century, takes place on the cobble-stoned Market Square in the heart of the Old Town and is part of our series The Best Christmas Markets in Germany.
"Little Town of Wood and Cloth":
Nuremberg's open-air Christmas market features 180 wooden huts festooned with red and white cloth, lights and fresh garlands; the locals fondly call their Christmas market "our little town of wood and cloth".
A traditional and unique atmosphere is guaranteed at the Nuremberg Christmas market – the organizers of the fair keep a watchful eye on the tasteful decoration of each hut, and plastic fir garlands, taped Christmas music, and the like are not allowed here.
What to Buy:
The Nuremberg Christmas market is famous for its Nuremberg Bratwursts, small charcoal-grilled sausages, and its "Lebkuchen", gingerbread cookies. Keep an eye out for the famous little figurines made out of dried plums, the signature souvenir from the Nuremberg Christmas Market.
Events:
The highlight of the Nuremberg Christmas Market is its opening celebration, when the Christmas Angel, played by a local girl, reads out a prologue from the balcony of the Nuremberg Cathedral.
There is also a Christmas market just for kids, featuring a steam train, nostalgic carousels, and many hands-on workshops.
A magical moment for young and old is the lantern procession, where over 1500 Nuremberg kids join in a lantern parade up to the Nuremberg castle on the hill./p]
Dates:
- November 30 - December 24, 2012
- Opening Celebration: Friday, November 30, 5.30 p.m.
- Lantern Procession: beginning of December, starting at Fleischbruecke, 6:15 p.m.
Opening Hours:
- Mon-Thu, 09:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Fri-Sat, 09:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Sunday, 10:30 – 8:00 p.m.
- December 24th, 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
