Locals Guide to Hamburg’s Christmas Markets - Favourite Local Christmas Markets in Hamburg
Hamburg’s Christmas Markets Local Favourites
Before moving to Germany, I had no idea that Christmas Markets existed. Wow, was I in for a nice surprise during my first Christmas in Germany. Now 6 years later, they are still just as exciting every Christmas. The Hot Mulled Wine (Glühwein), Cozy little huts, sparkling lights, endless treats and yummy food get me every time. Nothing else really compares to Authentic German Christmas Markets, and Hamburg’s are so enchanting! However, there are many Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Markets) that are flooded with tourists because they are the most famous in Hamburg. These markets are definitely worth-seeing and are fun to visit, but there are many lesser-known Christmas Markets in Hamburg which are smaller, but cozy with all the essentials and charm. What are the most coziest Christmas Markets in Hamburg? My choices are below!
The Cutest Weihnachtsmarkt / Christmas Markets in Hamburg - Locals Guide
Weihnachtsmarkte Apostelkirche
Weihnachtsmarkte Apostelkirche
The Christmas Markets at Apostelskirche has all the of the Eimsbüttel charm. In the middle of a quiet neighbourhood, placed on the terrace of the church, are little huts centred around a fire-pit. You can find vegan food, Bio-Glühwein (Mulled wine), Apple Punch from Altes Land (Apple farms around Hamburg) and local hand-made crafts. They even have an evening program with Jazz Music and Children’s Choirs. You can easily reach the Apostel Church Christmas Markets by bus number 4 or walk from Osterstrasse (10 min).
Fleetinsel Weinachtsmarkte
Hamburg is known for its canals and bridges, and the Christmas Market Fleetinsel is just behind Rödingsmarkt (U3), placed in a little terrace with views of Hamburg’s ‘Fleetinsel’. Fleetinsel is known in Hamburg for its culture with artisans restaurants, galleries and book stores. This little Hamburg Christmas market is cozy with its pretty views and red & white huts. The food and drink here are very traditional, you can get my favourite Potato Pancakes (Kartoffel Puffer) or Grünkohl (Kale fried with sausages and potatoes. They also have a heated area to get away from the cold.
Weihnachtsmarkt Ottensen
The Christmas Market in Ottensen starts at the Altona Central Station and stretches to Ottensen. Cute little Christmasy Huts line the street, and here you can find everything. Most special is the Danish style Mulled Wine ‘Glogg’, which you can’t find at any other Christmas Market In Hamburg. Altona/Ottensen used to be part of Denmark, so you have a bit more of a nordic feel at the Christmas Market in Ottensen. There is also great local artisan shopping, perfect for gifts.
Weihnachtsmarkte St Markus
Weihnachtsmarkte St Markus
kartoffelpuffer my favourite Christmas Market Dish
Directly on Eppendorfer Weg in Hoheluft, this mini Christmas Market at St. Markus is cozy and charming, with a few wooden huts, and trees lit up with pink lights and sparkling fixtures. The ground is lined with hay, which makes it all the cozier. There are also little huts where you can sit, with Christmasy decor. At this Hoheluft Christmas Market, you can enjoy Bio-Gluhwein (Organic Mulled Wine), or even the delicious Schmalzkuchen covered in powdered sugar.
Weihnachtsmarkt Spitalerstrasse
Glühwein at Weihnachtsmarkt Spitalerstrasse
The Christmas Market at Spitallerstrasse is still a very popular Christmas Market in Hamburg, but I find it one of the coziest and loveliest in central Hamburg. Directly at Monkbergestrasse U3 Train Stop, this cute Christmas Market is nuzzled between Karstadt and Hamburger Perle. It does get quite busy, but you can find the delicious smoked salmon, dutch Poffertjes (little pancakes), great shopping from local artisans, blueberry mulled wine, rum-soaked cherries, and even fish sandwiches. Weihnachtsmarkt Spitalerstrasse has a homey little center, where there are comfortable places to sit and enjoy your hot drinks surrounded by trees. It’s a little forest inside the city. Definitely worth a visit!
Of course, above these five Christmas markets in Hamburg, there are many other off-the-beaten-track Christmas Markets like Weihnachtsmarkt Sternchanze, Winter Garten at Rindermarkt Halle, Winter Pride in St George, the LGBTQ Christmas Market, or Santa Pauli, the raunchy/sexy Christmas market in the Reeperbahn (with even a stripper Santa).
Luckily the Christmas Markets are open for at least a month, so it gives you plenty of time to check them all out in Hamburg, and make sure to plan an extra day if you are just coming for a visit.
What are your favourite Christmas Markets in Hamburg and in Germany? Comment below!
All the best,
Hannah Teslin
