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Nuremberg Christmas Market 2026

Celebrate Christmas at one of the world's oldest and most famous Christmas Markets.

  • Event Dates

    From: Friday, November 27, 2026
    To: Thursday, December 24, 2026

  • Key Highlights

    • Gingerbread
    • Prun People
    • Käthe Wohlfahrt
    • Children's Market
    • handmade Santas
    • Christkindlesmarkt
    • Nutcracker figurines
    • Christmas decorations
    • international delicacies
    • The Sisters Cities' Market

Nuremberg Christmas Market 2026

Celebrate Christmas at one of the world's oldest and most famous Christmas Markets in Nuremberg, the little city of wood and cloth.

The Markets

  • Next Edition: Friday, November 27th November, 2026 to Thursday, December 24th December, 2026.
  • Enjoy one of the most spectacular European Christmas Market experiences at Nuremberg, home to more than 700 years of Christmas tradition.
  • Taste the delicious original Nuremberg Bratwurst (Nurembergers), a world-famous local dish, just perfect for eating on the go, each one as long as your finger, sold as Drei im Weckla (three in a bun),
  • Try a glass of Feuerzangenbowle, a gluhwein with a twist, complete with a rum-soaked ice cube set on fire.
  • The market features traditional, handmade Christmas decorations and sweet treats such as gingerbread, known as Lebkuchen and Spekulatius almond cookies.
  • Nuremberg's Main Market Square opens daily from 10 am until 9 pm.
  • The Christkindlesmarkt has three different markets, each with a slightly different focus.
  • Stay in the heart of the old town at the “Fabulous” Hotel Victoria located at the entrance to the Old City with spacious rooms and delicious breakfast options.

Christkindlesmarkt

  • Located in the Hauptmarkt, the city's main square. A series of long rows of stalls with candy-striped awnings, stretch along the medieval square to the Frauenkirche, the city's iconic 14th-century church.
  • The market features traditional German Christmas decorations, including the broadest range of Nutcracker figurines, handmade Santas and Smoking figurines.
  • Unique to Nuremberg is the Zwetschgenmannle, or prune people, with over 350 different fruit-and-nut prune man figures ranging from musicians to chimney sweeps.

The Sisters Cities' Market

  • On the Rathausplatz north of the Main Market Square, the Sister Cities' Market brings international flair each year to the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt.
  • Vendors sell traditional items from cities around the world twinned with  Nuremberg.
  • Cities include Antalya (Turkey), Atlanta (USA), Kharkiv (Ukraine), Glasgow (Scotland), Kavala (Greece), Krakow (Poland), Nice (France), Prague (Czech Republic), San Carlos (Nicaragua), Shenzhen (China) and Skopje (North Macedonia).
  • The market also sells international delicacies, including Scottish whiskey cake, Atlanta apple cider drinks and gluhwein with an international twist.
  • Stay close to all the main markets at the Royal Hotel Nürnberg featuring large rooms with beautiful city views and high-end amenities.

Children's Market

  • A special Children's Market on Hans-Sachs-Plat features a beautiful Ferris Wheel. The market is a 3-minute walk from the Hauptmarkt.

Opening Ceremony

  • Friday, November 27th, 2026 – Nuremberg's Christkind opens the Christkindlesmarkt each year on Friday before the first Sunday in Advent in a colourful display of pageantry.
  • The Christkind, with her white and golden dress, long blond curls and golden crown, has been the symbol of the Christmas Market for many decades.
  • During Advent, the Christkind is the most important representative of the city and the Christmas Market.
  • Note; You may notice many dragged-up Christkinds during the weekends. It has become a tradition to impersonate the Christkind, with some far more convincing than others.

Other Christmas Traditions

  • Visit Käthe Wohlfahrt, the most famous Christmas store in Germany, open year-round selling a beautiful range of ornaments, decorations and smoking figurines.
  • Take a stagecoach tour of the old town and explore the best of the city in under 15 minutes.
  • Tour the Imperial Castle, a city symbol for over 1,000 years.
  • Explore the nativity scene at the Frauenkirche, the impressive cathedral in Hauptmarkt square.

Gay Nuremberg

Nuremberg has a small but vibrant gay scene with festive events and parties held throughout December. The most popular include:

  • Bar 59 – Tiny, gay-oriented hangout offering beer & cocktails in a comfortable, intimate atmosphere.
  • Bert's Bar – Cozy meeting place for young and old in Südstadt with a range of beers and special theme nights.
  • Cafe Bar Cartoon – Burgers & pasta, plus Bavarian beers & an extensive cocktail menu, at an easygoing bistro/bar.
  • Savoy Bar – Popular meeting place and long-running gay bar in the heart of the old town.
  • Große Liebe @ Haus 33 – Heroes of the Night queer sound and techno floor at the Haus 33 Club.
  • Pink monkeys Club @ Haus 33 – Host several pop-up theme nights, cruise parties and gay events in Nuremberg.

Recommended Hotels in Nuremberg

Here are the Hotels we recommend that keep you close to all the action

Le Méridien Grand Hotel,    Hotel VICTORIA,    Park Plaza,    Melter Hotel & Apartments.

Gay Map of Nuremberg

Melter, 41, Königstraße, Altstadt, St. Lorenz, Nuremberg,  Germany

Situated in the city centre, 400 m from Nuremberg's Old Town, Melter Hotel & Apartments - a Neighborhood Hotel boasts air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi throughout the property. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant and fitness room.

All rooms have a flat-screen TV. Some units include a seating area for your convenience. Every room comes with a private bathroom fitted with a shower. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hairdryer.

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Le Méridien Grand Hotel Nürnberg, 1-3, Bahnhofstraße, Marienvorstadt, Tafelhof, Nuremberg, Bavaria, 90402, Germany

The rooms of Le Meridien Grand Hotel Nürnberg have views over the courtyard, train station or historic quarter.

Relaxation is offered by the Grand Hotel Nürnberg’s sauna. Guests will also find a gym on site.

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Park Plaza Hotels, 5, Bahnhofstraße, Marienvorstadt, Tafelhof, Nuremberg, Bavaria, 90402, Germany

Newly opened in June 2016 and bringing a fresh energy to the vibrant Bavarian city, the striking Albrecht Dürer and Martin Behaim-inspired hotel has opened in an enviable location in the former home of the Bavarian-American Hotel.

Offering 177 bedrooms, Park Plaza Nuremberg also features a fitness centre, seven meeting rooms, a hotel bar, a signature restaurant and is perfectly located for both business and leisure destinations in and around Nuremberg.

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Victoria, 80, Königstraße, Altstadt, St. Lorenz, Nuremberg, Bavaria, 90402, Germany

this 4-star hotel in the Old Town district offers rich breakfast buffets and Wi-Fi access.

Hotel VICTORIA Nürnberg has colourful, individually decorated, non-smoking rooms with satellite TV, a work desk, and a minibar.

Guests at the Victoria can easily walk to attractions including the Hauptmarkt Market Square, home to the Christkindlmarkt Christmas Market.

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Address: An d. Sparkasse 6, 90402 Nürnberg, Germany

  • Café Bar Cartoon in Nuremberg is a cozy, gay spot in the Old Town with retro decor and a relaxed vibe.
  • Known for friendly staff, good cocktails, local beer, and homemade food, it draws a mixed, inclusive crowd.
  • Weekend nights feature music and a basement dance space. A top pick for casual drinks and queer-friendly energy.
  • Open: Tuesday to Thursday 4pmm-12am
    Friday & Saturday 12pm-3am, Sunday 12am-12pm
    Monday closed

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Address: Hallplatz 31, 90402 Nürnberg, Germany

  • La Bas Bar in Nuremberg is a cozy, gay pub with a traditional vibe, serving hearty Franconian food and local beers.
  • It’s known for warm hospitality, a relaxed crowd, and a charming seasonal beer garden.
  • It’s a welcoming spot for locals and visitors alike.
  • Can get crowded, but full of character.
  • Open: Daily 11am-5am

Website

Address: Bogenstraße 45, 90459 Nürnberg, Germany

  • Savoy Bar is Nuremberg’s oldest gay bar, offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere with classic decor and friendly service.
  • Located near the main station, it’s known for affordable drinks, themed nights, and a loyal, mostly mature crowd.
  • Small in size but big on charm, it’s ideal for relaxed, social evenings.
  • Open:Sunday, Monday & Thursday 7pm-1am
    Friday & Saturday 7pm-3am
    Tuesday & Wednesday closed

    Website

Address: Klaragasse 26, 90402 Nürnberg, Germany

  • Einfachso Pilsbar is a cozy, gay bar in Nuremberg’s Old Town with a relaxed, rustic vibe and a small outdoor terrace.
  • Known for friendly staff, affordable drinks, and a mixed, welcoming crowd.
  • It stays open late and offers casual entertainment like jukebox nights. 
  • Open:Thursday, Friday & Saturday 2pmm-5am
    Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 4pm-2am,
    Sunday 2pm-2am

Website

Address: Engelhardsgasse 33, 90402 Nürnberg, Germany

  • Haus 33 is a queer-friendly techno club in Nuremberg with multiple floors, strong DJ lineups, and a high-energy atmosphere.
  • Known for events like Große Liebe and Pinkmonkeys, it draws a diverse crowd for house and techno nights.
  • Drinks are cash-only.
  • A top choice for queer nightlife with serious music and visuals.
  • Open:Thursday 11pm-5am
    Friday & Saturday 10pmm-5am

    Website

Address: 59, Johannesgasse, Altstadt, St. Lorenz, Nuremberg

  • Bar59 is a small, gay-owned bar in Nuremberg’s Old Town known for its friendly staff, cozy atmosphere, and inclusive crowd.
  • It offers affordable drinks, free Wi-Fi, and themed party nights with a fun music mix.
  • Fills up quickly on weekends, making it a lively spot for relaxed queer nightlife.
  • Open: Open Friday & Saturday 7pm-2am

Website

Address: Pfeifergasse 2A, 90402 Nürnberg, Germany

  • Pigalle Schlagerbar is a quirky, LGBTQ+ bar in Nuremberg’s center, known for its retro Schlager music theme and cozy vibe.
  • It offers friendly service, good drinks, and regular karaoke or themed nights.
  • The small space fills up quickly, making it great for lively, intimate evenings.
  • Open:Thursday & Friday 7pm-1am
    Saturday 8pmm-2am

    Facebook

Address: Hallpl. 29, 90402 Nürnberg, Germany

  • Sputnik Lounge is a small, gay bar in central Nuremberg with a cozy terrace and retro interior.
  • It serves as a relaxed café by day and a lively music lounge on weekends.
  • Known for its inclusive vibe, good drinks, and occasional DJs, it's ideal for casual evenings or intimate nights out.
  • Open: Thursday, Friday & Saturday 8pmm-5am

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Recommended Hotels in Nuremberg

Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Nuremberg that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars

Le Méridien Grand
5 Star, Luxury

Le Méridien Grand Hotel Nürnberg
Booking.com
  • 5 minute walk to the gay bars
  • 5 Minute walk to the Christmas Market
  • Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
  • Exceptional fitness centre
  • WiFi is free of charge

Hotel VICTORIA
4 Star Luxury

Booking.com
  • 4 minute walk to the gay bars
  • 5 minute walk to the Christmas Market
  • Located in the historic old town
  • Wi-Fi access free of charge
  • 24-hour front desk

Park Plaza Hotel
4 Star, Great Value

Park Plaza Nuremberg
Booking.com
  • 5 minute walk to the gay bars
  • 6 minute walk to the Christmas Market
  • Fitness centre and Sauna
  • WiFi is free of charge
  • 24-hour front desk

Melter Hotel & Aparts
4 Star, Readers Choice

Booking.com
  • 1 minute walk to the gay bars
  • 3 Minute walk to the Christmas market
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Air conditioning in all rooms
  • Very good fitness centre

Video Guide to Christmas in Nuremberg

A guide to the best of the Christmas Markets

Hotel VICTORIA Nuremberg

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