Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt | Opening Hours & Parking

The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of the most famous Christmas markets in Germany and transforms the old town around the main market into a glowing backdrop of red-and-white striped stalls, traditional handicrafts, the scent of gingerbread, and choral sounds. In 2025, the market will take place from November 28 to December 24 – daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, on Christmas Eve until 2:00 PM. It is traditionally opened by the prologue of the Nuremberg Christkind from the gallery of the Frauenkirche. In addition to the main market, the children's Christmas at Hans-Sachs-Platz, the partner city market at Rathausplatz, and the famous Feuerzangenbowle at Fleischbrücke enhance the experience. For a relaxed arrival, the numerous public transport connections and Park+Ride offers are recommended; a digital stall plan and official brochures help with orientation on site. Those seeking an authentic Christmas atmosphere, clear orientation, and proven traditions will find all the essential information for a successful visit here – from the opening time to opening hours and parking to mulled wine prices, cup deposits, children's programs, and photo tips.

Opening Hours 2025, Opening & Program Highlights

The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt 2025 begins on Friday, November 28, and ends on Wednesday, December 24. The stalls are open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM during this period; on the last day, Christmas Eve, it will close at 2:00 PM. The festive opening takes place on November 28 at 5:30 PM: The Nuremberg Christkind delivers its famous prologue from the gallery of the Frauenkirche – a moment when thousands of visitors traditionally gather in the main market. The office of the Christkind is awarded in a two-year cycle; in 2025/26, Nora Falk will wear the gold-white robe with crown as Christkind. During the Advent season, the Christkind is regularly present at the market, visits the children's Christmas, and hosts fairy tale hours. The accompanying program is intentionally atmospheric: performances by choirs and ensembles take place several times a day on the podium in front of the Frauenkirche, filling the square with Christmas sounds. In addition to the main market, it is worth looking at the connected “Christmas City”: The partner city market at Rathausplatz – featuring specialties and gift ideas from Nuremberg's international partner cities – also opens on November 28 but closes already on December 23. The children's Christmas at Hans-Sachs-Platz offers nostalgic rides, interactive stalls, and family-friendly offers until December 30. A special winter experience is the Nuremberg Feuerzangenbowle at Fleischbrücke, which lasts until December 31, including a New Year's Eve celebration. Those planning their visit should note the different end dates: main market until December 24, partner cities until December 23, children's Christmas until December 30, Feuerzangenbowle until December 31. This allows for optimal scheduling of the individual program – from the prologue to the stage program to family offers and a festive conclusion between the years.

Directions, Public Transport & Parking: How to Relaxedly Get to the Main Market

Nuremberg is easily accessible from all directions – by train, plane, car, or coach. The main train station is located on the edge of the old town; it takes about 15 to 20 minutes on foot to reach the main market. On-site, public transport is recommended: The bus lines 36 (stop Hauptmarkt) as well as 37, 46, and 47 (stop Rathaus/Tetzelgasse) are particularly convenient. Experience shows that the service is increased on Advent weekends, leading to frequent connections to the old town. Those arriving by car should use the designated Park+Ride spaces due to the high demand and switch to the subway, tram, or bus. Proven P+R locations include Wegfeld, Langwasser Süd, Bauernfeindstraße, Reichelsdorf, Mögeldorf, Laufamholz, Katzwang, Fischbach, and Eibach; the parking duration is usually limited to 48 hours. For those who still want to park close to the city center, there are several parking garages within walking distance, including the parking garage Hauptmarkt (Augustinerstraße 4, 90403 Nuremberg) near the action or the underground garage Augustinerhof about a four-minute walk away. Alternatively, it is worth looking at temporarily available downtown parking spaces that may be additionally opened during the Advent season. For coaches: line buses go to the Central Bus Station (ZOB), from there it is about a 15 to 20-minute walk to the market. For organized bus trips, the Congress and Tourism Center provides separate information, boarding and alighting points, and directions. Those moving around the old town benefit from short distances: the main market, the children's Christmas at Hans-Sachs-Platz, the partner city market at Rathausplatz, and the Feuerzangenbowle at Fleischbrücke are all close together. Tip for travel planning: The combination of P+R and day tickets in the VGN (e.g., day ticket solo or plus) is usually the most stress-free and cost-effective option, especially on Advent weekends. Considering visitor numbers, it is advisable to avoid peak times in the early evening or on Saturdays and instead come in the morning or during the week.

Mulled Wine, Prices & the Cup 2025: Enjoyment with a System

For many, the first mulled wine at the main market marks the start of the Nuremberg Advent season. Each stall sets its own prices; experience and media overviews show that in 2025, large markets typically charge around 4.50 to 5.00 euros per cup – depending on variety, size, and vendor. In Nuremberg, this level is considered “normal” according to common comparison reports. The reusable cup system is particularly practical: disposable cups are not allowed at the Christkindlesmarkt, and drinks are served in deposit cups featuring a Nuremberg motif. Behind the Frauenkirche, there is a washing station for cups, allowing the cups to quickly circulate again – good for hygiene and the environment. In addition to classic red mulled wine, there are winemaker mulled wines, non-alcoholic punches, and Franconian specialties such as Feuerzangenbowle in a separate area at Fleischbrücke. The Nuremberg Feuerzangenbowle operates specially crafted large kettles – considered the largest in the world – and is open from November 28 to December 31, with extended evening hours on weekends and on New Year's Eve until “open end.” Those looking for regional products will find them at “Original Regional,” where mulled wine, fine spirits, teas, and honey from the Nuremberg metropolitan region are offered. As a nice extra, there is the “Christkindlesmarkt-Taler,” an official currency worth 5 euros, which can be redeemed at all stalls in the main market, at the partner city market, at the children's Christmas, and at “Original Regional” – a charming gift idea or a practical way to invite family and friends for a hot drink. For a small hunger in between, the Nuremberg bratwurst in a bun (“Drei im Weggla”) is a must; price indications vary by stall, and in 2025, they are expected to largely remain at last year's level according to local advance information. Tip: Those who try several stalls will discover fine differences in spices, bread types, and recipes. Thus, the culinary tour becomes a small discovery tour even for connoisseurs.

Christkind, Traditions & History: What Makes the Market Unique

The centerpiece of the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is the Christkind – the symbol figure of the city during Christmas time. It traditionally opens the market on the Friday before the first Advent with the festive prologue from the Frauenkirche. In 2025/26, the Nuremberg Christkind is Nora Falk. During the market, it can be experienced several times a week: it invites children to fairy tale hours in the Sternenhaus in the Heilig-Geist-Haus on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM, visits the children's Christmas from Tuesday to Friday (2:30 PM to 3:00 PM), and greets afterwards from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the main market. These fixed time slots are particularly interesting for families and photo fans. The market itself is traditionally shaped: the red-and-white striped fabric roofs of the stalls, handcrafted Christmas decorations, gold angels, Zwetschgenmännla, nativity scenes, candles, and toys dominate the offerings. A jury annually awards the most beautiful stalls – a quality feature that visibly honors craftsmanship and design. Regarding history: The market is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany; the often-cited first mention around 1628 is viewed more differentiated since recent research by the Nuremberg City Archive and the German National Museum, as indications of a later dating are discussed. However, this does not change the atmosphere and significance of the market: it is a cultural showcase of the city, attracts international guests, and forms a diverse structure with the children's Christmas, partner city market, and the Sternenhaus. Musically, children's and brass choirs as well as singers provide festive sounds several times a day on the podium in front of the Frauenkirche. Those seeking the magic of traditional rituals – from the prologue to small encounters with the Christkind – will find here the essence of the Nuremberg Advent.

Stall Plan, Children's Christmas & Partner City Market: Orientation and Offers

To ensure that the visit is efficient and relaxed, a digital stall plan and brochures are available for download. The stall plan shows the location of the stalls around the main market and leads through a vendor search to products, categories, or specific stall numbers – practical if you are specifically looking for Zwetschgenmännla, gingerbread, nativity figures, or organic offers. The children's Christmas at Hans-Sachs-Platz is aimed at families: nostalgic carousel, steam train, multi-level carousel, and interactive stalls like candle workshop or Christmas bakery provide varied experiences. A highlight for children is the visit of the Christkind, which allows free rides at certain times. The partner city market at Rathausplatz brings international diversity to the “Christmas City”: stalls from partner cities like Glasgow, Verona, Nice, or Atlanta present local specialties and gift ideas – an inspiring detour for all who want to experience global Christmas cultures alongside Franconian tradition. Away from the main market, “Original Regional” nestles against the choir of the Sebalduskirche: four stalls offer products from Franconia and the Upper Palatinate – from mulled wine to fine spirits to honey and soaps. Those who prefer to plan ahead can download the stage program and information brochure alongside the stall plan; this quickly reveals when choirs perform, which routes are suitable for a tour, and where organic vendors can be found. Practical tip: First, take a round through the main market, then plan for children's fun at Hans-Sachs-Platz, and conclude the evening at the Feuerzangenbowle. The paths between the areas are short, making it easy to implement even with children.

Address, Photos & Accommodation Tips: Make the Most of Your Visit

The address of the Christkindlesmarkt is: Hauptmarkt, 90403 Nuremberg. Those navigating can orient themselves to “Hauptmarkt/Frauenkirche”; the children's Christmas is located at Hans-Sachs-Platz, the partner city market at Rathausplatz, and the Feuerzangenbowle “Between the Meat Benches” at Fleischbrücke. For photos, early daylight shortly after opening or the blue hour is recommended, when the lights particularly beautifully illuminate the facades of the Frauenkirche and the stall roofs. The podium in front of the Frauenkirche is ideal for stage settings; discreet side positions avoid backlight while still capturing the atmosphere. For detail shots, handcrafted decorations, gold angels, and Zwetschgenmännla are suitable. Those wishing to photograph the Christkind have good chances during the regular afternoon appointments – respectful distance and consideration for children take priority. For a longer stay, the location is practical: from the main market, attractions such as Sebalduskirche, Rathaus, and Burg can be easily reached on foot. Hotels in the old town are reachable within minutes; those arriving by train can reach many establishments on foot or by a short public transport ride from the main station. During peak times in the Advent season, advance reservations are recommended. Another logistical tip: cash is still common at the market, but card payment is possible in many places. Additionally, the “Christkindlesmarkt-Taler” worth 5 euros can be used as a means of payment – practical for gifting or for groups. For barrier-free paths, it is worth looking at the accesses between Hauptmarkt, Rathausplatz, and Hans-Sachs-Platz; the old town is paved, so sturdy shoes are advisable. Public toilets can be found in the Rathaus (Hauptmarkt 18, access via Rathausplatz) and at Obstmarkt behind the Frauenkirche; for family visits, the children's Christmas with its manageable paths and offers is a good starting point. Those extending their visit beyond Christmas Eve can experience the children's Christmas until December 30 and the Feuerzangenbowle until December 31 – a relaxed way to conclude the festive days in a winter atmosphere.

Sources:

• Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt – Official Website
• The Nuremberg Christkind – Official Information
• Opening & Prologue – Official Information
• Arrival, Public Transport & Notes – Official Information
• Tourism Nuremberg – Overview of Christkindlesmarkt
• Tourism Nuremberg – Stall Plan & Vendor Search
• City of Nuremberg – Christkindlesmarkt (Info, Times, Christkind)
• Download Center – Brochure, Stall Plan, Stage Program
• Parking Garage Hauptmarkt – Address & Rates
• Nuremberg Nachrichten – Arrival & P+R Tips, Public Transport
• Nuremberg Feuerzangenbowle – Official Page
• Christkindlesmarkt.de – The Largest Feuerzangenbowle in the World
• CHIP – Overview of Mulled Wine Prices 2025