It is 11 o´clock and across the Glühwein stalls there are already a big crowd. The sun is shining from a clear blue sky and I could not ask for a better weekend to head for Hamburg´s Christmas markets. Visit Hamburg in collaboration with NordicTB have invited me to join in on a weekend of Christmas market fun. And I do love my Christmas markets.

Germany is proud to call the birth of Christmas markets theirs and each year the big cities put on a big display of Christmas fun. Hamburg no different. With a total of 15 Christmas market you can find one for every tast.

I walk the Spitalerstrasse towards Gerhart-hauptmann-Platz where I find the “Winter forest” Still this early on a Friday morning there are a good crowd. I hear many Scandinavian around the stalls and I can see why they come here. It is super cozy. I get an instant Christmas feeling. Just behind the main train station these to Christmas market´s are easy to find and in a short walking distance. Before you know it you can actually cross off two markets from you list.

Santa Pauli Christmas market

The dusk is closing in and we head towards the famous red light district of Hamburg, Reeperbahn. Perfectly situated just above the local police station you find in my opinion Hamburgs best Christmas market. Despite the location and the fact that this might be the sexiest Christmas market all hot and bothered on so much more than mulled wine. The live music and the wonderful fireplace lounge up on the winter deck made me fall. I loved the vibe and the loud music made me want to stay around for a very long time.

St. Petri-Kirche

This one is another one of my favourite. Just beside Hamburg´s oldest still existing church. You find this little cozy Christmas market. A place for families to gather and a little less crowded then the big Rathausmarket. Full of delicious food. How about fire roasted salmon? The Hamburg´ers do love their fish. And all over town you will find some very interesting fish burger/sandwiches. This one in particular look so good though.

The white market – Junfernstieg

White magic at the Jungfernstieg are the slogan for this Christmas market. As many Christmas markets closes down around Christmas eve this one actually stays open into new year and they also have a big firework here on the night of New Year´s Eve. A good reason to come back.

Fleetinsel

Follow the signs that take you through Hamburg´s high street shopping area Neuer Wall. At the end we found surprisingly yet another white covered Christmas market, the Fleetinsel. In peaceful surroundings and close to the water I can really say I like the quiet atmosphere this market had. Unfortunately I had not enough time to walk around as I was chasing the sunset for the perfect photo op. But what I saw and experienced was enough to recommend it to any body wanting to keep away from the big herds of tourist.

Rathausmarkt

Last but not least… the historic Christmas market, Rathausmarkt. A huge market and very crowded too.. At least if you come here on a Saturday afternoon. But make sure you come here to experience father Christmas flying over you. Three times a day 4pm, 6pm and 8pm.

The toy street are a place for making you Christmas purchase, if you are looking for something special. Do you need some time away from the crowds? escape into the beautiful Town hall for some minutes to find you inner peace again. Before heading out into the cold and fun christmas season.

This is only half of all of Hamburg´s Christmas market. I did a few more and I do recommend that you do too. And there are a few I did not have time to visit unfortunately.  But then that only wants me to come back again for next year´s season. Hamburg have so much to offer, not only the Christmas markets. A short ride from Norway makes this perfect for the holiday season and a weekend getaway.

This will be my last Christmas market for the year. And what a finish. It sure helped me slow down and enjoy the season. Taking some time off the stressful time at work and just enjoy. And therefor Just because I am to bad at shooting video just yet (I know, It has to be a resolution for next year)

I say A very merry christmas from Travellingmunk!

The post #HolyHamburg #ChristmasInHamburg is brought to you in collaboration with Visit Hamburg and NordicTB. Text and photos are as always my own.