Nuremberg Christmas Market

Lights marking Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt!

Our back yard covered in snow.
How do you like that Christmas tree?

One of the things Germany is best known for is their Christmas markets (aka Christkindlesmarkt). The most famous of these markets happens to be just 45 minutes away from us in Nuremberg!

After buying our first Christmas tree and decorating the apartment, we took the train into Nuremberg and scoped out the market on its opening weekend. Sprinkle in the snow that we've had all week and we were feeling the Christmas spirit.

Even the sidewalk musicians
(and their pets) were in the spirit

There were hundreds of quaint huts in the main city square. We saw fabulous glass ornaments, nutcrackers, and textiles along with plenty of brats, chocolate covered fruit, and of course, Glühwein. This was our first time trying the famous hot wine - it was delicious (somewhat like cider) and for only €2 you could keep the souvenir mug!
But that brings me to my main point - the Nuremberg Christmas market is so famous, and therefore touristy, that we estimate we were in the small city square with about 10,000 other Christmas shoppers (over two million people visit a year!). 

Bottom line: If you are serious about buying some Christmas items, this might not be the best market for you during the peak weekend hours. It was difficult to get close to the stands and see the items, plus there were lines for most food and Glühwein vendors. If you are looking for a wonderful Christmas atmosphere with Christmas bands, sidewalk musicians dressed in Santa costumes, and plenty of Christmas cheer, then it is worth the trip! Times are below either way you decide!

November 30th - December 24th

Monday - Thursday: 9:30 - 20:00

Friday & Saturday: 9:30 - 22:00

Sunday: 10:30 - 20:00

Christmas Eve: 9:30 - 14:00