Far away from the hustle and bustle of Hamburg’s festive season, there are the smaller temporary Christmas fairs and markets, enticing visitors with a charming, warming and cosy atmosphere. On only a few days or weekends in Advent, you can shop arts-and-crafts gifts, take part in music performances, or indulge in hearty and sweet delicacies. These particular markets are worth stopping by – for much more than just a mug of mulled wine.
Christmas Market at St. Michael’s Church
This traditional Christmas market around the iconic St. Michael’s church was first established over 100 years ago – making it the oldest Christmas market in Hamburg. Fittingly, there are more than 100 exhibitors around the yard and even in the crypt, offering hand-crafted goods and gifts, fashion and jewellery. Anyone seeking a unique present will surely find what they are looking for.
For those depleted by shopping, food and drink stalls with waffles, bratwurst and mulled wine offer plenty of treats for replenishing strength. Additionally, the Café der Generationen (lit.: ‘generations café’) has coffee and cakes on display in a homely and festive atmosphere.
The Christmas market at St. Michael’s has fun and games for young and old alike. There is a diverse entertainment programme for children, which includes activities such as making Christmas presents, singing Christmas carols, or listening to tales and stories to set the mood for the festive season.
Location
St. Michael’s Church
Englische Planke 1
20459 Hamburg
Admission: free
Marktplatz der Manufakturen
Every year for one Advent weekend the Marktplatz der Manufakturen in the HafenCity neighbourhood invites visitors to stop by at their winter market. Brimming with handmade festive artifacts and decorative elements, more than 50 creative minds from Hamburg and the metropolitan region showcase their talents and their unique handcrafted products.
Location
Marktplatz der Manufakturen
Versmannstraße 42
20457 Hamburg
Admission: free
Museumsdorf Volksdorf Winter Market
The smell of candy apples, cinnamon rolls, mulled wine and roasted almonds welcomes visitors at the entrance. Many colourful stalls offer Christmas gifts and other handcrafted products. There are games for children, handicraft workshops, a warm and cosy tent with lilac berry punch and so much more. The carousel invites children to take a ride and you can hear fairy tales read aloud from the stable.
And what would a family Christmas market be without pets and livestock? During a tour of the open-air museum, visitors may give the animals a feeding while being fed themselves with interesting stories. What’s more, you can also pick their own Christmas tree, and for a small fee, you can then have the tree delivered by horse-drawn carriage.
Location
Museumsdorf Volksdorf
Im Alten Dorfe 46 – 48
22359 Hamburg
Admission: Adults €7, persons under 21 free.
Members are free if they bring their members’ pass (online booking fees may apply).
Sierich's Winter Wonderland
During the festive season, Hamburg’s beloved Stadtpark city park turns into a winter wonderland for young and old. Visitors are invited to taste their way through roast sausages, soups, sweets, and a host of hot drinks. Transparent roofs and plenty of seating with blankets as well as radiant heaters ensure that all visitors feel warm and comfortable.
As a particular highlight, Father Christmas stops by every Sunday between 3 and 4 p.m.
Location
Sierichs Biergarten im Stadtpark
Südring 5b
22303 Hamburg
Admission: free
Christmas Market on Cap San Diego
On one special day each holiday season everyone is invited to enjoy a festive Christmas market on the winter deck aboard the Cap San Diego, with a stunning view of the harbour, St. Michael’s church and the Elbphilharmonie concert hall.
Father Christmas will be on deck between 12 a.m. and 3 p.m. to give his presents away to the children.
On the winter deck there will be market stalls with festive decorations serving sweet and savoury delicacies and warming drinks, such as the homemade Capt'n mulled wine, Kaiserschmarren pancakes with dusted sugar and much more.
Location
Cap San Diego
Überseebrücke
20459 Hamburg
Admission: free
Adventsmesse at Koppel 66
This Advent fair takes place on all four weekends of the holiday season andis well-known for its unique selection of one-of-a-kind arts and crafts. Whether woodwork, pottery, jewellery, clothing, or photography, visitors are sure to find the perfect Christmas gift among all the handmade products.
Location
Koppel 66
Lange Reihe 75
20099 Hamburg
Admission: Adults €3, children under 14 free
Sustainable Christmas Market at the Museum of Work
The Christmas market at the Museum of Work in Barmbek puts a unique focus on ecological sustainability. Vendors offer a wide variety of organic products and services – from handmade Christmas decorations to tips and advice on a sustainable and organic holiday feast.
Visitors are welcome to immerse themselves in traditional arts and crafts workshops, indulge in organic delicacies, or just enjoy the festive atmosphere at a Christmas market that puts protecting the environment first. As an extra special treat, the entire museum is open to all visitors of the Christmas market.
Location
Museum der Arbeit
Wiesendamm 3
22305 Hamburg
Admission: Adults €5 Euro, children free
Arts&Crafts Market at the Kiekeberg Museum
On two Advent weekends each holiday season, regional arts and crafts artisans at Kiekeberg open-air museum showcase their creative output. From handmade clothing and decorative woodworking to blacksmithing and aromatic soaps – no visitor will have to leave the market without a creative, handmade and regional Christmas gift or decoration for a festive and joyful holiday season.
Location
Freilichtmuseum am Kiekeberg
Am Kiekeberg 1
21224 Rosengarten
Admission: Adults €10, children free
Winter Bazaar at Hanseatische Materialverwaltung
picture: © 2015 Tillmann Engel
Apart from the creative scenery, a selection of handicraft stalls, tempting delicacies, and the best mulled wine in the city lure visitors – and the charming and often surprising event programme will make them stay.
Location
Stockmeyerstraße 41-43
20457 Hamburg
Admission: €5
Goldbekhaus Christmas Market
One weekend of the holiday season, the yard of Goldbekhaus in Winterhude turns into a cute and cosy Christmas market, where more than 30 professional craftspeople display their wares to visitors. Here, you can enjoy the festive atmosphere with tasty food and drink, explore regional arts and crafts, and find special Christmas gifts for your loved ones.
There is also a varied event programme from puppet theatre and raffles to Christmas tree sales and tinkering workshops for children.
Location
Goldbekhaus
Moorfuhrtweg 9
22301 Hamburg
Admission: free (workshop may charge extra fees)
