What is a Christkindlmarket?
A Christkindlmarket is a traditional German Christmas market filled with lights, music, handcrafted gifts, and festive food and drink. Each winter, these markets transform town squares into storybook villages brimming with holiday magic. While the tradition began in the Late Middle Ages, today you’ll find Christkindlmarkets all over the world — including dozens across the United States.
A short history of Christmas Markets
The origins of the Christmas market go back to the 14th century, when people gathered to stock up on food for winter. Over time, local artisans began selling wooden toys and hand-carved gifts, and the atmosphere slowly shifted from practical to joyful and celebratory.
By the 17th century, Christmas markets had become cherished cultural events. Spices, nuts, and baked goods — including early versions of Lebkuchen — were sold alongside toys and candles. Music and decorations transformed cold winter evenings into warm communal experiences.
Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt: The heart of it all
The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is the most famous Christmas market in Germany. Located in the city’s historic Old Town, it dates back to at least 1628, making it one of the oldest continuously running holiday markets in Europe.
What makes it so special?
- Nearly 200 vendors offering traditional goods
- Glorious aromas of roasted almonds, mulled wine, and Nuremberg Lebkuchen
- Handcrafted Christmas ornaments and Zwetschgenmännla (figures made of dried fruit)
- The Christkind, a young woman dressed in gold robes and a crown, opens the market each year from the balcony of the Church of Our Lady
A Feast for the Senses
Walking through the Nuremberg market is like stepping into a fairytale:
- Rows of striped red-and-white booths under glowing lights
- Fresh gingerbread in glass cases, waiting to be gifted (or eaten on the spot)
- Holiday choirs, brass bands, and traditional treats like bratwurst and fruit bread
- A hand-built nativity scene with life-sized wooden figures in traditional Franconian dress
The world comes to Nuremberg: International Market of sister cities
Just steps away from the main market, the Sister Cities Market brings global holiday cheer. Here, you’ll find:
- Shortbread from Scotland
- Mulled wine from Switzerland
- Beaded jewelry from China
- Hand-painted masks from Venice
- And goods from over 20 countries including Cuba, Greece, Nicaragua, and the United States
It’s a celebration of friendship and cultural exchange — and a perfect place to discover rare global holiday treasures.
The Kinderweihnacht: A Christmas Wonderland for Kids
Christmas is magical for children, and Nuremberg’s Kinderweihnacht makes it even more special. Located on Hans-Sachs-Platz, this child-friendly market includes:
- A vintage carousel and mini steam train
- A Christmas bakery and candle workshop
- Craft stations for painting, engraving, and letter-writing
- A visit to the Nikolaus House, where children receive small gifts and answers to their questions
This charming village lets kids take part in the holiday spirit, hands-on.
Experience the Tradition — Anywhere
While the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is unique, its spirit lives on in every Christkindlmarket — even those across the U.S. From Chicago to Philadelphia to Denver, American cities host their own versions of the German holiday fair, complete with German gingerbread, mulled wine, and handcrafted goods.
And if you can’t make it to a market in person? Lebkuchen-Schmidt brings the taste of Nuremberg right to your door.
Shop authentic Nuremberg Lebkuchen online — just like you'd find at the Christkindlmarket.
