What to do in Hamburg: 10 tips for the surprising port city
December 27, 2023
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Fancy an atmospheric winter break? Hamburg turns into a sparkling fairy tale in the weeks before Christmas. Steam from your mug of mulled wine, stalls full of crafts and a historic city center bathed in lights. Want to visit Hamburg's Christmas markets? In this article, we share our favorite Christmas markets in Hamburg, including helpful tips such as fine accommodations and dining addresses to warm up. The Christmas season in Hamburg is one you don't want to miss!
Visit the Christmas market in Hamburg
A city trip to Hamburg's Christmas markets is perfect between November 24 and December 23, 2025: the markets are open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The most famous Christmas markets are within walking distance of each other, think the traditional Rathausmarkt, St. Pauli on the Reeperbahn and the lights around the Binnenalster. In Hamburg you travel easily with public transport (HVV), a day ticket is often the cheapest and from Hamburg Hauptbahnhof you can walk straight to the first stalls.
Expect €4-6 for a mug of mulled wine (plus bekerpfand), bring plenty of cash and sample local favorites like Franzbröchten and Schmalzkuchen. Want to avoid the crowds? Go during the week or start as early as 3 p.m. and stay until after sunset for the magical evening atmosphere. One last handy tip: dress in layers!
Where can you find Christmas markets in Hamburg?
You will find a total of 30 Christmas markets this year in Hamburg, and logically, all in a different location in the city. What makes the Christmas markets in Hamburg so much fun to visit is that each Christmas market is unique. This is reflected particularly in the style of the Christmas market, but also in the Christmas decorations you can buy at the markets.
We unfortunately did not have enough time to visit all 30 Christmas markets in Hamburg, but of course we have collected our favorites for you. There are also a number of Christmas markets worth mentioning, so here are our top 5 Christmas markets in Hamburg.
1. Rathausmarkt Weihnachtsmarkt (in front of City Hall).
The largest and most beautiful Christmas market in Hamburg is undoubtedly the Christmas market on the square near the Rathaus. It is not only the Christmas market here that catches your attention, but also the imposing Rathaus itself. Together they create the perfect setting for an evening full of Christmas spirit. The Christmas market at the Rathaus is divided into two parts. There is one section to enjoy a delicious mulled wine and a tasty German snack, and in the other you can shop. In particular, you can buy handmade products and fun souvenirs at this Christmas market.
2. Weihnachtsmarkt am Gänsemarkt
The Christmas market at Gänsemarkt is a very cozy but absolutely atmospheric Christmas market. Especially the nice and beautifully decorated wooden houses caught our attention. This is the Christmas market in Hamburg where you can order and taste the traditional Christmas drink Feuerzangenbowle. It is a German variation on punch with rum and mulled wine!
3. Weihnachtsmarkt Winterzauber Jungfernstieg
Along the lake the Inner Alster you will find the Jungfernstieg Christmas market. A beautiful place for a Christmas market with fine views, especially since you can see a floating, illuminated Christmas tree glistening in the middle of the lake. The Christmas market can be recognized by the white tents and the local delicacies you can buy here such as sausages, roasted nuts and crepes. By the way, you can ideally combine a visit to this Christmas market with the Christmas market at the Rathaus.
Discover: The best Christmas Markets in Europe
Looking for even more inspiration for a weekend getaway in the Christmas spirit? Use our tips to discover the best Christmas markets in Europe.
4. Fleetinsel and Hafencity
In, in our opinion the most beautiful district of Hamburg, you will find two top Christmas markets. Due to the limited time we had, we unfortunately did not go here in the evening, but nevertheless we really want to tip you this one. Both Christmas markets have a unique setting in the maritime part of the city. A place where history and modern architecture come together.
5. Santa Pauli Weihnachtsmarkt
The St. Pauli district is the place in Hamburg where you will find the exuberant nightlife. There is a typical atmosphere that reminds us of the raucous character of Berlin. On the very famous Reeperbahn you will find the Christmas market. Because it only comes alive here in the evening, the Christmas market here is also only open in the evening. The Christmas market here would not fit the neighborhood if it were a traditional Christmas market, which is why there are some extras here and there with a nod to nightlife. For example, there are live music performances in the evening and an open-air art gallery.
A weekend in Hamburg during the Christmas season
If you have come all the way to Hamburg to visit the Christmas markets, you might as well make a nice city break out of it. After all, Hamburg has some great sights that are well worth exploring. How about the Elbphilharmonie and Speicherstadt? These are some highlights of Hamburg!
Baseler Court
Hamburg is a bustling port city and very much worth exploring. A nice and typically German hotel to stay at is the 4-star Hotel Baseler Hof. The hotel is within walking distance of our two favorite Christmas markets in Hamburg, namely the Christmas market at Gänsemarkt and the Christmas market at the Rathuis. The price per night varies between €100 and €150 per night.
Tips for visiting Hamburg during the Christmas period
For a complete listing of all Christmas markets including addresses and opening hours, please visit the Visit Hamburg website. Just keep in mind that when you celebrate Christmas in Hamburg (all over Germany in general) the Christmas markets are often closed on Dec. 24 and 25.
All German cities are in demand by tourists during the Christmas period. Not surprisingly, because who does not love those cozy Christmas atmospheres abroad? Therefore, if you want to plan a trip to Hamburg during the Christmas period, be sure to book on time. This applies to both a hotel stay and a ticket by train to Hamburg or return ticket Amsterdam - Hamburg.
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