The Historic Christmas Market
One of Hamburg’s best known and biggest Christmas markets is the historic Christmas market on Rathausmarkt square. The annual motto here is „Art not Commerce“. Against the backdrop of Hamburg’s City Hall (Rathaus), and alongside the popular Rathaus mulled wine are hand-crafted wood carvings and other lovingly created handicraft items, toys and unusual gift ideas. This Christmas market opens its doors from the end of November until shortly before Christmas and is just a 15 minute walk from our hotel in the centre. The highlight: Every day, Father Christmas flies over the historic Christmas market in his sleigh and tells the story of Rudolf the Reindeer! Plus there’s a Christmas parade every Saturday in Advent.
The „Coolest“ Christmas Market
Hamburg is known for its colourful, extravagant party scene on Reeperbahn street. In keeping with the mood on this popular party street, this year it will once again play host to the local cult Christmas market of „Santa Pauli“, starting in the middle of November. In addition to conventional Christmas stands, Spielbudenplatz square is a treasure trove of souvenirs with frivolous accessories. Even when the temperature plummets, there’s always a hot programme of entertainment here with live music and variety acts.
The Maritime Christmas Market
The Christmas market on Fleetinsel in the heart of the HafenCity district is a truly special experience. Its location on the Alsterfleet canal and its proximity to the port gives this Christmas market a maritime flair. The architecture of the Wilhelminian-style buildings and the view across the shimmering water even bring a touch of romance to the event. There’s also plenty on offer for kids, such as the carousel and the classic sailing boats on display. The Christmas market on Fleetinsel is open from the end of November until just before Christmas.
The Colourful Christmas Market
The Christmas market in Ottensen is definitely well worth a visit. On the border between the Ottensen and Altona districts, right next to Altona station, the Ottensen Christmas market is a colourful blend of culinary offerings and crafts from all over the world. The main focus here is on its rich and varied family entertainment. From Christmas storytelling to hands-on baking, handicraft experiences and a puppet theatre, there’s something for everyone here. This great market is also open from the end of November until just before Christmas itself.
The Magical Winter Market
Glowing tents, the reflection of lights in Binnenalster lake, bowls of punch and a big wheel – all these and more can be found from the end of November at the ‘Weisserzauber’ winter market on Jungfernstieg boulevard. White pagoda tents transform Hamburg’s amazing boulevard into a sparkling sea of lights. The historic big wheel, which offers a fantastic overview of the magical illuminations, is a particular hit with kids. This market remains open from the end of November to the end of December.
The Traditional Christmas Market
Just a stone’s throw from our hotel Scandic Hamburg Emporio is the Christmas market on Gansemarkt square. Gingerbread-style huts transform Gansemarkt into a small, homely fairy-tale village. This is the place to go for all the traditional classics including Schmalzkuchen (cakes), Spanferkel (suckling pig) and various types of hot punch.
Close to the water but nice and dry
Our hotel, Scandic Hamburg Emporio is located not far from famous Binnenalster lake on Jungfernstieg boulevard. The design of our hotel is based on the theme of ‘Water’. In our H2O kitchen bar lounge, choose between selected seasonal dishes or see out the day over a drink in our hotel bar. For Scandinavian Christmas classics, try out our traditional ‘Julbord’ Christmas Buffet on certain days.