The 5 Best Christmas Markets in Hamburg Germany (And My Personal Favorite) 2025

One of my favorite things about living in Germany has always been the Christmas season, and more specifically, the Christmas markets in Germany. They’re festive, cozy, full of twinkly lights, and yes, I’ll admit it: a little bit magical.

I might be biased (I am German, after all), but Christmas markets have been part of my holiday tradition since I was a kid. These days I live abroad, but last December I came home for the holidays and did a little market-hopping tour through several cities, Hamburg included. It reminded me how much I love wandering through the stalls with a mug of Glühwein in hand, even if my toes are freezing.

Because I know a lot of you plan trips to Germany around Christmas, I decided to put together a few guides to help you choose the best Hamburg Christmas markets. In this post, I’ll share my picks for the best Christmas markets in Hamburg, when they’re open, what makes each special, and a few practical tips for enjoying Christmas in Hamburg like a local.

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The 5 Best Christmas Markets in Hamburg Germany (And My Personal Favorite) 2025

Christmas Markets in Hamburg – My Experience

Last Christmas I hopped on the train to Hamburg for a late-November weekend to visit friends and family and I’m so glad I did. Normally I love Hamburg in the summer (long evenings by the waterfront and lazy walks around the Alster Lake are hard to beat), but the city in December has a whole different charm.

Because I only had two full days this time, I couldn’t squeeze in every Christmas market, but I’ve been to Hamburg many times before, often during the Christmas season, so I’ve seen my fair share of Christmas Markets in Hamburg.

On this most recent trip, I started with what I consider the “main” Christmas market. There isn’t really an official one, but the Christmas market at Rathausplatz in front of Hamburg’s town hall feels like the city’s centerpiece.

It’s rustic, traditional, and incredibly atmospheric. The setting alone, with the stunning town hall as the backdrop makes it pretty special. I spent hours wandering the stalls, sipping mulled wine, snacking on roasted almonds, and eating up a bratwurst or two.

For something completely different, I also checked out Santa Pauli in St. Pauli, Hamburg’s red-light district. Let’s just say it’s the quirkiest Christmas market I’ve ever been to. Between the live music, neon-lit stalls, and even a strip show (yes, really), it’s more of a wild party than a cozy festive stroll, but still full of food, drinks, and a brilliant atmosphere. We went on a Saturday night and had an absolutely fantastic time there.

Everything You Need to Know About Christmas in Hamburg

Location matters: Where to stay in Hamburg for Christmas is something I always consider before a trip. Personally, I love being able to walk from my hotel to the Christmas markets and back. That’s why I always stay in Hamburg’s city center, either the old town or the new town. It makes life so much easier since you don’t have to rely on public transport. My two favorite hotels here are Tortue Hamburg and Reichshof Hotel Hamburg.

Opening times: Make sure to plan your trip around the right dates. Arriving in early November or January won’t work since most Christmas markets run from late November up until Christmas, roughly four to five weeks. A few exceptions exist, so always double-check before you go.

Book early: Christmas is one of the busiest times to visit Hamburg (and Germany in general). Hotels, trains, and flights fill up fast, so book early to avoid higher prices or sold-out options.

Getting around: Hamburg has excellent public transport, but I always pick a central place to stay so I can walk to most markets. Only when I head to Schanzenviertel or St. Pauli do I take the train or tram; otherwise, walking is the best way to enjoy the city’s festive atmosphere.

Try the food: The Christmas markets are a food lover’s paradise. My must-tries include Reibeplätzchen with Apfelmus (hashbrowns in apple sauce), roasted almonds, grilled salmon, and bratwurst (go for the Thuringer sausage, it’s my favorite). Hamburg’s port-city roots also mean plenty of seafood and local delicacies; personally, I’m obsessed with Labskaus and always make time to try it.

Bring cash: Many vendors at the markets only accept cash, so I always carry at least €50. A mulled wine is around €5, and a sausage in a bun is usually about the same, trust me, you’ll need it.

My Top Hamburg Christmas Markets

1. Christmas Market at the Rathausplatz (Town Hall)

Opening Dates: 25.11.25 – 23.12.25
Click Here: Website

The main Christmas market in Hamburg, and also my personal favorite, is the Rathausplatz Christmas market, right in front of the stunning town hall in Hamburg Old Town.

It’s iconic, beautiful, and full of charm. The market feels rustic and authentic, with cute, uniquely designed stalls. I especially appreciate this because some markets (like the one at Cologne Cathedral in Cologne Germany) have stalls that all look the same but this one keeps that handcrafted, traditional feel which makes it feel way more authentic to me.

The highlights here are definitely the big Santa Claus flying over the entrance gate and the Toy Alley, a whole row of vendors selling handcrafted toys, perfect if you’re visiting with kids.

I visited one evening on my most recent trip and had a fantastic time. The market was busy and lively but never overwhelming. The weather was a typical German winter drizzle, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying plenty of mulled wine, bratwurst, and Reibeplätzchen. Luckily, many vendors have covered seating areas, which is perfect for rainy days.

All in all, this market is hands-down my top recommendation for Christmas in Hamburg, 10/10 from me.

2. Santa Pauli Christmas Market Hamburg

Opening Dates: 11.11.25 – 23.11.25
Click Here: Website

Santa Pauli is Hamburg’s famous Christmas market in St. Pauli, right on the Reeperbahn, the city’s iconic red-light district. Before I get into this, a quick note: Hamburg is a massive port city, and the waterfront, sailors, seafood, and yes, the red-light district too, are all part of the city’s identity. Locals embrace it, and it’s definitely not frowned upon, similar to the red-light district in Amsterdam.

With that out of the way, I loved Santa Pauli. It’s not really family-friendly I guess, I visited on a Saturday night with friends, but it’s a brilliant mix of traditional Christmas market and full-on party. There’s a stage with live music, and yes, even a strip show featuring both male and female dancers.

I went to Rathausplatz on Friday night and Santa Pauli on Saturday, and the difference was huge. Santa Pauli is lively, playful, and more like a festive fair than a quaint market. People are eating, drinking, chatting, and dancing, it’s chaotic in the best way. It’s less romantic and rustic than other markets, but that’s exactly why I loved it. I would definitely go again.

3. Hamburg Christmas Market on Spitalerstrasse

Opening Dates: 21.11.25 – 28.12.25
Click Here: Website

The Christmas market on Spitalerstraße was super convenient for me since it was just a short walk from my hotel. It has a more modern vibe compared to other markets, probably because it’s right on Hamburg’s main shopping street.

I loved that I could combine Christmas market fun with some holiday shopping. I’d wander into a few shops, grab a quick mulled wine, and keep exploring the stalls, it felt like the perfect festive shopping experience.

The market itself isn’t quite as iconic as Rathausplatz or Santa Pauli, but when you pair it with the shopping aspect, it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.

4. Christmas Market at the Gansemarkt

Opening Dates: 18.11.25 – 23.12.25
Click Here: Website

One of my favorite Christmas markets in Hamburg is actually the Gänsemarkt Christmas market mostly because it’s so quirky and fun. I didn’t make it there on my most recent trip, but I’ve been before, and the market is consistent year to year, so I know it will be just as charming next time.

The market has a playful design: all the stalls are styled like gingerbread houses. Earlier, I mentioned that I don’t love markets where every stall looks identical, this one is the opposite. It’s adorable, festive, and full of personality.

When I visited, the market had all the usual Christmas treats: gingerbread, sausages, roasted almonds, mulled wine, and more. It’s not the biggest market in Hamburg, but it’s cozy, cute, and perfect for a relaxed stroll.

The highlight here is the market’s namesake: Gänsemarkt means “Geese Market,” from back when geese were sold here. Today, there’s a giant illuminated goose that flaps its wings once every hour. It’s weirdly quirky and always makes me smile.

5. Jungfernstieg Christmas Market

Opening Dates: 18.11.25 – 23.12.25
Click Here: Website

Another unique Christmas market I want to highlight is the Jungfernstieg market, located right by Alster Lake in the heart of Hamburg. If you followed my advice and are staying somewhere in the city center, this market should be just around the corner from your hotel.

I visited early in the day, around 4 PM when it opened, and it was wonderfully quiet, no shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, which I always appreciate. Being right by the water adds a lovely atmosphere to the stroll.

Two of my highlights here are the over-100-year-old Ferris wheel, still in perfect operation, and the floating Christmas tree, a massive tree perched on a pontoon in the middle of the lake.

FAQs About Hamburg Christmas Markets

What is the best Christmas market in Hamburg?

I personally think the market at Rathausplatz (the town hall) is the best. It’s the prettiest and coziest in my opinion. In terms of food vendors and souvenirs, many markets are fairly similar, but the Rathausplatz market just has that extra charm in my opinion.

Is Christmas in Hamburg worth it?

Absolutely! Christmas in Germany is always magical, but Hamburg in December is a great pick, the festive atmosphere, food, and Christmas markets make it really special.

Best place to stay in Hamburg for Christmas?

I’ve stayed in Hamburg many times over the holidays and always pick a central location, either Neustadt or Altstadt. My go-to hotel is often the Reichshof Hotel Hamburg. Staying central makes it so easy to walk to the markets.

Best time to visit Hamburg?

If you’re coming for Christmas, definitely plan your trip for the four to five weeks leading up to December 24th. Outside of that window, the markets aren’t open, so it’s less worth it.

Final Thoughts on Christmas Markets Hamburg

Hamburg has plenty of Christmas markets, and while I haven’t been to all of them, the ones I visited were fantastic and so much fun. Food definitely adds to why I love the Hamburg Christmas markets so much, from bratwurst and sausages in a bun to garlic mushrooms, roasted almonds, and regional specialties, there’s always something delicious to try.

Because Hamburg is a port city, many markets also feature seafood stalls, which I love. A classic Fischbrötchen on a chilly evening? Yes, please. Even during Christmas, you can enjoy that local touch, which I think makes Hamburg’s markets stand out.

I hope this little guide helps you get a feel for the best Christmas markets in Hamburg and plan your next trip. Enjoy the festive magic!