Hamburg, Germany is a major port city in northern Germany. It is crossed by several canals and contains large areas of parkland. Its Inner Alster lake is dotted by boats and surrounded by cafés. It is home to well-known landmarks like St. Michael’s Church.

The city is lovely to visit any time of year, but it really lights up during the holiday season. This is, in part, due to the many markets that take place when Christmas is near. They fill the city with a sense of nostalgia, and they are great places to find unique gifts.

If you plan on visiting Hamburg at Christmastime, here are some markets you won’t want to miss.

Saint Pauli

St. Pauli is advertised as Hamburg’s hottest Christmas Market. The adults only pine forest offers strip shows and live music that is erotic in nature. Guests can enter the tent to sip on mulled wine and browse spicey gift ideas for their significant others.

However, the market isn’t only for adults looking to for a sensual thrill. There are also plenty of traditional stalls as well as a nightly music program and an open-air gallery. The market even hosts child-oriented activities on Sundays.

Due to the market’s nature, it is open late nights and visitors can come by until 1AM on Fridays and Saturdays.

Bergedorf Christmas Market

This market happens at the enchanting Bergedorf Castle which dates back to the 14th century. Stalls are set up on the castle ground. Guests can stroll through while sipping mulled wine to check out the handmade gifts. They can munch on the holiday treats being served as they gather around the fire.

Children can participate in handicraft workshops and all visitors can enjoy the live bands that perform Christmas selections on the weekends.

Blankenese Christmas Market

Blankenese is a charming Hamburg neighborhood full of fisherman’s houses and lush villas that tower high above the river Elbe. It is thought to have a Mediterranean vibe.

The area makes the perfect backdrop for a Christmas market. Guests can purchase a variety of treats including crepes, sausages and Tuscan specialties like juicy burgers and roasted apples and almonds. The Gluhwein Lounge is set up in the center and makes for a great way to warm up from the cold.

It is also the site of an ice-skating rink and a historic carousel.

City Christmas Market

If you walk towards City Hall from the Hamburg Central train station, you will come across a variety of stalls set up on Spitalerstrabe near Gerhard Hauptmann Platz Square. Shoppers will find a variety of baked goods as well as mulled wine and hot chocolate. Many stalls will be selling unique gift items that will help you cross names off your list.

Jungfernstieg Xmas Market

This market takes place along Jungfernsteig Blvd at Inner Alster lake. The white star topped stalls provide a terrific holiday look which is further enhanced by the backdrop of the lake. Vendors sell a variety of items including hot drinks, roasted almonds and baked goods.

Dog Christmas Market

This one if perfect for dog owners who love their pooches. Guests can visit to buy presents that are perfect for their furry companions including toys, treats and clothing.

Winter Pride Xmas Market

The neighborhood of St. George is known for its diverse culture, so it makes the perfect setting for the Winter Pride Xmas Market. The market is set up at the top of the neighborhoods’ main street, Lange Reihe. It’s a smaller market, but it has a terrific atmosphere.

A giant, sparkly reindeer sets the scene for the wood chip covered stalls that sell a variety of gods including mulled wine, hot chocolate and various snacks. There’s also a stage set up that features a fun entertainment program that keeps spirits bright.

Gansemarkt Christmas Market

This market takes place in the cozy environment of Gansemarkt Square. It’s a terrific place to get a cup of Feuerzangenbowle, a traditional Christmas drink made by lighting a rum soaked sugarloaf in the fire and letting it drip into mulled wine. And not only is Gansemarkt a fun place to shop, it donates part of its revenue to a worthy cause.

Maritime Christmas Market

The Maritime Christmas Market consists of two small markets. One is the Fleetinsel Christmas market which is located in historic Speicherstadt, just a short walk from St. Michael’s church. It sits on an ‘island’ between the Alster and Elbe rivers making for a cozy maritime vibe where you can sip mulled wine, snack on tasty delicacies and enjoy the view of nearby historic ships.

After viewing that market, head over to HafenCity Christmas Market in Uberseequartier which provides a modern architecture meets old fashioned winter vibe. There are plenty of food, drink and gift stalls set up and the nearby ice-skating rink adds to the fun.

Ottensen Christmas Market

This market is located on a cozy shopping street behind Altona station. Its pedestrian zone is transformed into a winter wonderland with 40 red and white booths set up selling everything from handmade goods to international foods.

As an added bonus, the Grobe Bergstrabe Christmas market is located on the other side of Altona station and offers lively entertainment as well as a variety of stalls.

If you are thinking of taking a trip to Hamburg, Christmas is the time to do it. Markets fill the city with a lively vibe that makes the season special. Which of these will you be visiting first when you stop by?

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