Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is a trademark

There are thousands of Christmas markets in Germany but only one of them has its own internet domain (christkindlesmarkt.de) and its name is a protected trademark. It is the Christmas market in Nuremberg – Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt.

As we have mentioned in one of our posts before, the tradition of Christmas gifts started with Martin Luther in the 16th C. The oldest written record about the market in Nuremberg is on a wood board from 1628. First, it had taken place in the city center but in 1933 it was moved to the Main Market Square (Hauptmarkt).
You can reach the market from the railway or bus station just by walking through the old Renaissance town. At the beginning of your walk, you will see the tower Frauentor.

Christkind

Since 1933 visitors are welcomed by a live Jesus child – Christkind. Originally, the child was performed by a professional actress but since 1969 a young woman is chosen every two years by an election process. All candidates have to attend a casting as if at beauty contests. They must be between 16 and 19 years old, at least 160 cm tall and not be afraid of heights as the opening of the Christmas market takes place on the balcony at the Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche). Many appearances in different media both in Germany and abroad would belong to her duties during the whole year.

The Market of the Sister Cities

Right next to the Christmas Market, you will find the Market of the Sister Cities where 23 sister cities from all over the world sell their specialties, among them Nice, Verona, Venice, Prague, Santiago de Cuba etc.

Although critics say that this is just a feast of tipple and gluttony you should not miss any titbits which are waiting here for you. While you can eat typical grilled white sausages (Weisse Bratwürstchen) only as long as your finger all year around, mulled wine and gingerbread are typical for this Christmas time. If it is not enough for you, then you can try long sausages in a baguette, crispy pork shoulder or fried Franconian carp.
If you are a real gourmet you may prefer to order one of the thematic culinary walks which are also organized here.

The Children Christmas Market

The Children Christmas Market with a nostalgic merry-go-round and much more takes place on a small square called Hans Sachs Platz. On the roof of every stall, there is a figure from a fairy tale.

I have visited the Christkindlesmarkt several times already. If you are a fan of these things as well then you should definitely visit it at least once!

Apart from the Christmas market, there are also other places worth seeing: the unique Emperor’ castle (Kaiserburg) and Toy Museum. Not far from the city, there is the Playmobil Fun Park.

You can also visit monuments that are connected with the sad German history – The Nuremberg Palace of Justice with the courtroom of Nuremberg Trials and the rest of Zeppelinfeld – the Nazi party rally grounds.

I am sure you will not regret a trip to Bavaria!

The Christmas Market is open daily from 10.00 – 21.00, on December 24 from 10.00 – 14.00.

 

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Text: © Copyright Róbert, Travelpotpourri
Fotos: © Copyright Róbert, Travelpotpourri

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