The Best Guide to Christmas in Hamburg: Where to Stay, What to Do & How to Enjoy the Christmas Markets 2025

If you’re thinking about spending Christmas in Germany and still on the fence, let me make this easy: the answer is yes, absolutely yes. Christmas in Germany is always a good idea, and Hamburg is one of the best places to experience it.

I might be biased (I did grow up in Germany after all), but I truly believe it’s one of the most magical countries to spend the holidays in. The decorations, the twinkling lights, the smell of mulled wine and roasted almonds at the markets, everything feels wonderfully authentic, rustic, and festive in the best possible way.

Since I know a lot of you are considering Germany for a holiday trip, I thought I’d put together this little guide to Christmas in Hamburg. It covers my favorite Christmas markets, festive things to do, and of course, the best areas and hotels to stay in during the holiday season.

Christmas in Hamburg – My Experience

Needless to say, I’ve spent quite a few Christmases in Germany, I grew up here after all, and I’ve seen more Christmas markets than I can count. So in that sense, I feel like I know what I’m talking about when it comes to German holiday traditions.

Last winter, after spending a lot of time overseas, I came back to Germany and did a little Christmas tour through the country: Munich, Berlin, Cologne, and of course, Hamburg. Out of all of them, Hamburg was easily one of my highlights. I already love the city any time of year, but visiting during Christmas just made it even more special.

I stayed at one of my favorite hotels in the city center, the beautiful Tortue Hamburg, which had gone all out with fairy lights and festive decorations which added to the Christmas spirit. From there, I did exactly what you’d expect, I visited as many Christmas markets as possible, ate way too much traditional German food and drank loads of beer and mulled wine.

The first night, we headed straight to the main Christmas market at the Rathausplatz (Town Hall Square). It’s set against the backdrop of Hamburg’s grand town hall and surrounded by historic buildings which felt authentic, atmospheric, and just magical.

But Hamburg being Hamburg, it also has a quirky side. We checked out the Christmas market in the red light district (yes, you read that right), and it was hilarious but in a good way. Loud, lively, cheeky, and very different from the traditional markets, more like a party with mulled wine, but honestly, I loved it.

When to Visit Hamburg & Tips for Planning

Best time to visit Hamburg: You might think any time in winter works, but that’s definitely not the case. January or February in Germany are just cold, grey, and no Christmas markets, so skip that. The magic really happens in the 4–5 weeks before Christmas Day, when the markets are open, the lights are on, and the whole city feels festive.

Book hotels early: Christmas season is one of the busiest times of year in Hamburg. Hotels get booked out quickly and prices climb fast. I always recommend reserving a place well in advance. If you’re not sure where to start, check out my guide on where to stay in Hamburg,  it’s packed with my favorite areas and hotel picks.

Pack smart: German winter weather isn’t exactly known for being kind. It’s usually cold, sometimes rainy, occasionally snowy, and almost always a little gloomy. My go-to packing list includes a waterproof coat or rain jacket, thermals, thick socks, and maybe even leggings under jeans. Trust me, nothing kills the Christmas market mood faster than shivering your way through the evening with frozen toes.

Get an eSIM: I switched to eSIMs years ago, and I’ll never go back. Being able to land in a new country and instantly connect to data is a total game-changer. I’ve been using Sim Local for my travels around Europe and Asia, and it’s been seamless. (You can sign up for Sim Local here and use my discount code GIRLONAZEBRA for a little bonus.)

Crowd tips: Christmas markets are magical, but they can also get very busy, especially in the evenings. If you’re traveling with kids or just prefer a more relaxed vibe, go right when they open around 4 pm. It’s quieter, stroller-friendly, and you still get to enjoy the atmosphere. Then, if you’re up for it, pop back around 7 pm to see everything lit up and buzzing with energy, it’s like two completely different experiences.

Where to Stay in Hamburg for Christmas

First things first, I already have a full guide on where to stay in Hamburg on this blog, which goes into all the neighborhoods and hotel options in detail. But since you’re here for Christmas, let’s keep it simple.

If I were visiting Hamburg in December, I’d definitely stay somewhere central, either in the Altstadt (Old Town) or Neustadt (New Town). Don’t let the name fool you: Neustadt is still centuries old (built in the 1700s) and just as historic as it gets. Both areas are beautifully decorated during the holidays, packed with Christmas markets, and lit up with festive lights.

Personally, I love being able to walk everywhere from my hotel. That way I can wander through the markets at night, have a few mugs of mulled wine (or five), snack my way through bratwurst and roasted almonds, and then just stroll back to my hotel without needing to figure out transport. It makes the whole experience so much more relaxed.

Here are a couple of my favorite hotels in Hamburg’s city center that I think are perfect for a Christmas trip:

Book Here: Tortue Hamburg Hotel

Book Here: Reichshof Hotel Hamburg

My Top Christmas Markets in Hamburg

Christmas Market at the Town Hall

If you only have time for one Christmas market in Hamburg, make it the one at Rathausplatz (the Town Hall). It’s right in the heart of the city, surrounded by grand old buildings and the Town Hall itself, which looks even more magical lit up at night. 

This is the classic “storybook” Christmas market with wooden stalls, twinkling lights, mulled wine, and all the traditional German food you could possibly want. I went here on my first night in Hamburg and it immediately set the tone for the trip, it just felt cozy and festive in the best possible way.

Christmas Market in St. Pauli

On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, there’s the St. Pauli Christmas market. This one is set right in the middle of Hamburg’s red-light district, and yes, it’s every bit as quirky as that sounds. 

Think less about delicate ornaments and twinkly lights, and more about a lively, party-like atmosphere with plenty of drinks and cheeky humor. I honestly thought it was hilarious (and surprisingly fun). It’s not the place for a romantic stroll under the fairy lights, but if you want something a little unusual and offbeat, this is definitely worth checking out.

Christmas Market at Spitalerstraße

Spitalerstraße is one of Hamburg’s main shopping streets, so the Christmas market here feels very different, it’s more modern and set up along the busy pedestrian zone. What I love about this one is how convenient it is: you can do a bit of Christmas shopping in the stores and then step right outside for a mug of mulled wine or a plate of roasted almonds. It’s less “rustic fairytale” and more “urban Christmas vibes,” but it adds a nice contrast to the other markets in the city.

Click here for the offical Hamburg Christmas Markets website with all locations and opening times.

Food in Hamburg – My Favorite Restaurants in Hamburg

Laufauf

Laufauf is hands down one of my favorite restaurants in Hamburg because it just feels so wonderfully authentic and unpretentious. I’m not a Hamburg local, so I won’t claim to know every insider spot, but I do know where to find good, hearty German food, and Laufauf is it. Think sausages, schnitzel, currywurst, pork knuckles, all the classics. The atmosphere is laid-back and cozy, the kind of place where locals tuck into big plates of comfort food.

My personal favorite dish here is Labskaus, a real Hamburg staple. It’s mashed potatoes mixed with beetroot and corned beef, served with a fried egg and pickled herring (rollmops). I know, it sounds like something your grandma invented when the fridge was empty, but I promise it’s delicious. Trust me on this one.

Click Here: Laufauf Restaurant

Feldstern

Feldstern was a new discovery for me on my last trip to Hamburg, and I was so pleasantly surprised by how much I loved it. The setting is super charming, it’s in an old brick building that feels rustic and cozy, almost like a hidden gem you’d stumble across by accident. The food is traditional German fare, similar in style to Laufauf, but with its own twist.

It’s located in Schanzenviertel, one of Hamburg’s liveliest neighborhoods full of bars and nightlife. Honestly, it’s worth heading there just to explore, and then ending the evening with dinner at Feldstern makes it even better.

Click Here: Feldstern Restaurant

Brücke 10

Seafood is part of Hamburg’s DNA, and I always make a point to indulge when I’m here. One of my favorite spots is Brücke 10, which is less of a fancy sit-down restaurant and more of a casual, seaside takeaway. It’s right by the harbor, so on a sunny day it’s one of the best places to grab a bite.

Here you can try Hamburg classics like Krabbenbrötchen (a bread roll stuffed with little North Sea shrimps), rollmops (pickled herring), or Fischfrikadellen (fish patties). It’s simple, fresh, and very “Hamburg.” Last time I went, I had fried fish with chips and garlic-herb mayo which reminded me a little of British fish and chips.

Click Here: Brücke 10

Things to Do in Hamburg + Activities in Hamburg

Hamburg Fish Market

One of my absolute favorite activities in Hamburg is going to the Hamburg fish market. It’s only open on Sunday mornings from 5:00–9:30 am, which sounds brutal, but trust me, it’s worth it. 

I love rolling up early, grabbing a strong coffee, and snacking on some seafood. Honestly, it’s also the best hangover cure you’ll ever find. The market is full of loud, energetic vendors (they literally shout their deals at you), endless food stalls, and the big auction hall where they even have live music. 

What makes it so unique is that for many locals, the fish market isn’t the start of their Sunday, it’s the end of their Saturday night out. People go drinking on the Reeperbahn, stay out until 5 am, and then stumble straight into the fish market before finally heading home. If you do that, you’ve officially done Hamburg like a local.

Visit the Speicherstadt

The Speicherstadt is one of Hamburg’s most beautiful areas and honestly one of my favorite spots in the city. This old red-brick warehouse district is filled with little canals, bridges, and gorgeous architecture. 

I always love going for a wander here, whether it’s snapping photos, grabbing a coffee at one of the cute cafés, or even hopping on a canal cruise. I’ve done this many times, and it’s always worth it. Plus, it’s right next to HafenCity, which is also a great modern area to check out.

Miniatur Wunderland

If you’re traveling to Hamburg with kids, Miniatur Wunderland should be at the top of your list, but don’t think it’s just for children. 

I went once and was honestly so impressed. It’s home to the world’s largest model railway, and they’ve recreated places like Venice, airports, and other cities in crazy detail. Some parts even move, which makes it even more fun to explore.

It’s quirky, fascinating, and one of those things you don’t expect to enjoy as much as you actually do.

Schanzenviertel and St. Pauli

Hamburg’s neighborhoods are what make the city so unique. While I personally think staying in the city center is the most convenient for sightseeing, you definitely need to venture out to the surrounding areas. 

St. Pauli is home to the infamous Reeperbahn, Hamburg’s red-light district, and it’s one of the liveliest areas to go for a night out. On the other hand, Schanzenviertel has a more alternative vibe, with loads of pubs, restaurants, and street life. Both are must-visits on any Hamburg itinerary, whether you’re after wild nightlife, casual beers, or just seeing a different side of the city.

FAQs About Hamburg at Christmas

Is Christmas in Hamburg worth it?

Absolutely! Christmas markets in Germany are magical, and Hamburg is no exception. The whole city gets covered in lights and festive decorations, and wandering through the markets with a mug of mulled wine is about as cozy as it gets.

Are there good Christmas Markets in Hamburg?

Yes, and lots of them. My personal favorite is the Christmas market at Rathausplatz (the Town Hall). It’s gorgeous, lively, and full of everything from mulled wine and festive food to handicrafts and little souvenirs.

Where should I go for Christmas dinner in Hamburg?

One of the best places for a proper Christmas dinner is Fischereihafen Restaurant, one of Hamburg’s top seafood spots. The food is excellent, and they’re usually open throughout the Christmas holidays. Just make sure you book a table as early as humanly possible, holiday reservations go fast.

What is the best place to stay in Hamburg for Christmas?

I recommend staying somewhere central so you can walk to most of the markets and main attractions. Both Neustadt (New Town, though still very historic) and Altstadt (Old Town) are perfect. For hotels, I really like Reichshof Hotel Hamburg and Tortue Hamburg. Both are stylish, well-located, and make the perfect base for Christmas in Hamburg.

Final Thoughts on Christmas in Hamburg

Germany in general is a fantastic place to visit at Christmas, I’ve spent winters hopping between cities to explore the different markets, and it never gets old. 

One year I even did a big road trip from Vienna through Salzburg and into Germany, and every stop along the way was just so beautiful and so Christmasy.

What I love about Hamburg is that it feels a little different. You get the traditional, rustic Christmas markets that are cozy and authentic, but then you also have the St. Pauli Christmas market, which is more lively, a little cheeky, and more about drinking and chatting than twinkly lights. It’s fun to do both, you get the best of both worlds.

I hope this little guide helps you plan your own winter trip and gives you a feel for what to expect. Christmas in Hamburg is festive, atmospheric, and honestly one of my favorite European winter experiences.

Check Out My Other Hamburg Travel Guides

Best Time to Visit Hamburg: When to Visit Hamburg

Is Hamburg Worth Visiting: My Honest Review

2 Days in Hamburg: My Perfect Weekend in Hamburg

Food in Hamburg: My Favorite Things to Eat + Restaurants

Things to Do in Hamburg: My Favorite Activities

Where to Stay in Hamburg: The Best Areas & Hotels

Christmas Markets in Hamburg: My Favorite Xmas Markets

Christmas in Hamburg: My Hamburg Christmas Guide