Germany
The Christkindlesmarkt is the world's most famous Christmas market, set in Nuremberg's medieval main square and dating back to the mid-1600s.
Famous for
The Christkindlesmarkt — the archetype of the German Christmas market, dating to the 1600s.
If there's one market that defines the German Christmas, it's Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt. Set in the Hauptmarkt under the Church of Our Lady, its red-and-white striped stalls have sold Lebkuchen, Zwetschgenmännle (prune men), and Rauschgoldengel (gold-leaf angels) since 1628. The market opens with the Christkind (a golden-crowned young woman) reciting the prologue from the church balcony. It's the eastern anchor of most Danube Christmas sailings, which often start or end here.
Dates: Late Nov – Dec 24
Vibe: Archetypal and time-honored — the market every other German market is measured against.
Local tip
Try the Drei im Weckla — three Nürnberger Rostbratwürste in a roll — from a stall for under €5. It's the local fast food.
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