Wine made from hornet fermentation, live music, and winter mini-golf
November in Hamburg's Streets Brings a Slice of Holiday Cheer
The scent of Speculaas cookies and the glow of festive storefronts start whispering a season's greeting, and for some, like the legendary American singer Andy Williams, it's the most wonderful time of the year. However, opinions vary on when the festive spirit should truly take hold – for some, it's early November, while others argue it should wait.
Starting from early November, Hamburg gets smothered in holiday magic. A cavalcade of Christmas markets, light shows, and concerts await you in the coming weeks. If you can't wait for the festive vibe, you could head to the Wandsbeker Winterzauber. This Christmas market in the east of the city opens its gates to visitors as early as the 1st of November.
A Jolly Holiday Show at the Pulverfass Cabaret
Throughout the year, the Pulverfass Cabaret plays host to diverse shows, including a Halloween special. For this year, they've prepared the "Pulverfass Christmas Show - Out on the Christmas market late at half past one!", which promises a delightful mix of comedy, cabaret, and stimulating entertainment.
- Dates: 1st November - 29th December
- Location: Reeperbahn 147 (St. Pauli)
- Tickets: Prices range between 36 and 79 Euro
Santa Pauli
The Santa Pauli Christmas market combines holiday traditions with local flair. Apart from the usual mulled wine, vegetarian, and non-vegetarian specialties, every Monday, you can purchase the so-called "Einhornmull" at the Gluhweinapotheke. Live music and strip shows are also featured.
- Dates: 11th November - 23rd December
- Location: Spielbudenplatz (St. Pauli)
- Admission: Free
A Colorful Escape: Blumen im Winter
The exhibition "Flowers Forever. Flowers in Art and Culture" at the Bucerius Kunst Forum offers a vibrant break from winter's grayness. Those tired of the dark season can feast their eyes on paintings, photographs, sculptures, or even the original wedding bouquet of Empress Sissi.
- Dates: Until 19th January
- Location: Alter Wall 12 (HafenCity & Speicherstadt)
- Tickets: 12 Euro (Students pay 6 Euro)
The Christgrindelmarket in the Univiertel
Compared to other Christmas markets in Hamburg, the Christgrindelmarket in the Univiertel is relatively small but offers a diverse cultural mix. In addition to a variety of delicious food choices, live music, seating areas for lounging, and a large Christmas tree sale starting from the 7th of December, you'll find an ample selection of gifts.
- Dates: 15th November - 22nd December
- Location: Allende-Platz (Rotherbaum)
- Admission: Free
Winter Pride - Hamburg's Queer Christmas Market
With sweet treats, jovial company, various music acts, and a welcoming atmosphere, Hamburg's queer Christmas market ensures a warm and inclusive holiday season. In 2023, DJ Pauli, DJane Denise L', and DJ Alpakabuddy spun tunes to create a great mood. The lineup for this year is yet to be announced.
- Dates: 16th November - 22nd December
- Location: Lange Reihe 4 (St. Georg)
- Admission: Free
A Sparkling Wonderland on the Jungfernstieg
The Jungfernstieg Christmas market offers a dazzling light display, numerous craft vendors, and a scenic view of the Binnenalster. Apart from mulled wine and punch variations, there are several food stalls and even the historic Ferris wheel, dating from 1899.
- Dates: 18th November - 23rd December
- Location: Jungfernstieg (Neustadt)
- Admission: Free
Christmas Market in the Hafencity
Sporty types should pay a visit to the Hafencity Christmas market. Here, you can play winter mini-golf and take a spin on the Eisstockbahn (ice curling lane).
- Dates: 18th November - 29th December
- Location: Überseeboulevard (HafenCity)
- Admission: Free
Other Christmas markets, like the one near Hamburg City Hall, on Spitalerstrasse, on the Gänsemarkt, and many more, open at a later date in November or early December.
Written by Lara Kitzinger
Lara Kitzinger (born 1999) dreams of living in New York, but only for a short while. Her ultimate goal is to settle by the North Sea, in Sankt Peter-Ording. There, she'd like to found a local newspaper. Her first experiences in journalism came from writing for the "Pinneberger Tageblatt." During a report on the best cafés in the district, she didn't receive a single slice of cake. No problem – Lara bakes her own. She studied Communication and Media Management at the Fernuni IST, in her spare time writing for Netzwelt.de on films and series. At home in Buchholz, she has a Holsteiner mare. With her, Lara plans to ride along the beach in St. Peter-Ording to work. Nickname: lak* Lara KitzingerOur Website/A Day at the Elite School of Sports* Lara KitzingerOur Website/Artificial Intelligence in the Alten Land* Lara KitzingerOur Website/These Games Will Blow Your Mind in 2025* Lara KitzingerOur Website/Ice Swimming for a Good Cause
- The Pulverfass Cabaret hosts the "Pulverfass Christmas Show - Out on the Christmas market late at half past one!", offering a delightful mix of comedy, cabaret, and entertainment from the 1st of November to the 29th of December.
- The Santa Pauli Christmas market, located at Spielbudenplatz (St. Pauli), combines holiday traditions with local flair and features live music, strip shows, and a unique "Einhornmull" every Monday, while admission is free.
- For those seeking a vibrant escape from winter's grayness, the Bucerius Kunst Forum exhibition "Flowers Forever. Flowers in Art and Culture" showcases paintings, photographs, sculptures, and historical artifacts until the 19th of January.
- At the Christgrindelmarket in the Univiertel, visitors can enjoy live music, seating areas for lounging, a large Christmas tree sale starting from the 7th of December, and diverse food options from the 15th of November to the 22nd of December, all in a relatively small but culturally rich setting.
