The Historical Christmas Market takes place in Hamburg’s Altstadt (Old Town) right in front of the Hamburg Rathaus (City Hall). It features over 80 rustic stalls and booths where artisans from all over the country sell their handicrafts. Of course, there are food stalls offering traditional German dishes and Christmas treats such as Bratwurst (a type of German sausage), gingerbread, roasted nuts and chestnuts, and special Glühwein (German mulled wine). All stalls are arranged into three alleys: Naschgasse (sweets, candies and other treats), Handwerksgasse (handicrafts), and Spielzeuggasse (children’s toys).
As far as entertainment is concerned, the market offers plenty of events and activities for kids and adults which attract almost 3 million visitors from Germany and abroad every year. Guests enjoy beautiful Christmas decorations and fairy lights, special performances by Circus Roncalli, live music, fairground rides, games and contests, and other attractions.
The Hamburg Christmas Market features historical attractions from the Roncalli Circus Museum, including a traditional carousel for children. The flying Santa Claus visits the market every day at 4 pm, 5 pm and 8 pm. One of the highlights of the Hamburg Christmas market is the traditional Christmas parade. It is held every Saturday during Advent. A colorful procession featuring decorated floats, reindeer, Christmas elves and Santa Clauses parades through the city center three times a day.
The Hamburg Christmas market in Rathausmarkt is one of the largest and loveliest Christmas markets in Germany. However, the rest of the city’s markets are worth checking out too. Other Christmas markets in the inner city take place in Spitalerstraße, Gerhart-Hauptmann-Platz, Jungfernstieg, Gänsemarkt, and in front of St. Peter’s Church.
