Hi guys, on my website, I already wrote an article about staying in Nuremberg for first-timers (I will put the links to it at the end of this article). In today’s article, I will help you to find the best places to stay in Nuremberg for Christmas Markets.
I will provide you with a list of what I believe are the best areas to stay in Nuremberg for Christmas Markets, along with a helpful map. I’ll also share where I stayed in Nuremberg and recommend some of the best hotels.
Nuremberg, Germany, is a city with a rich history and cultural significance. It’s located in the Bavaria region and is known for its medieval architecture, including the towering Nuremberg Castle.
The city was a prominent center during the Holy Roman Empire and later became associated with the Nazi regime due to the infamous Nuremberg Trials held after World War II. Today, Nuremberg is a vibrant city known for its Christmas market, historic sites, and modern industries.
The main Christmas Market is Nuremberg the Christkindlesmarkt, located at the Hauptmarkt, the square in front of the Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche) in central Old Town. It is held from Nov 29th to Dec 24th and from Nov 28 to 24th Dec.
In addition to the Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt, other Christmas markets include:
- the Original Regional Market, at Rathausplatz near St. Sebaldus Church.
- the Market of the Sister Cities (Markt der Partnerstädte), at the Rathausplatz.
- the Children’s Christmas Market (Kinderweihnacht), at Hans-Sachs-Platz.
- the Feuerzangenbowle Village near Fleischbrücke Bridge
The highlight of the market is the opening ceremony, where the Christkind (Christmas Angel) appears on the balcony of Frauenkirche and recites a prologue, officially declaring the market open. Throughout the market, you can enjoy live music performances, nativity scenes, and other cultural events.
You can try traditional German holiday treats like roasted chestnuts, sausages, Nuremberg gingerbread (Lebkuchen) and mulled wine (Glühwein), Nuremberg Rostbratwurst, and potato pancakes.
The market offers a variety of unique gifts and souvenirs. You can take your time to explore the different traditional wooden stalls and find something special to take home.
Nuremberg has excellent public transportation, making it easy to get around. You can consider using public transportation or walking, as parking can be limited and crowded during the Christmas season.
The city can get quite cold in December, so dress warmly with layers and don’t forget gloves, scarves, and a hat.
While you’re in Nuremberg, take some time to explore the city beyond the Christmas market. Visit the Nuremberg Castle, the historic Old Town (Altstadt), and the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds for a deeper understanding of the city’s history.
It can be crowded, especially on weekends and evenings closer to Christmas; so be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas and follow any safety guidelines in place.
Where to stay in Nuremberg for Christmas Markets?
The best areas to stay in Nuremberg for Christmas Markets are Old Town (Altstadt – St. Sebald), Altstadt – Sankt Lorenz, and near Nuremberg Central Station. Nuremberg is small, so you can easily explore the Christmas markets on foot and use public transportation, regardless of which area you choose to stay in.
In general, Old Town (Altstadt -St. Sebald) is the best area for the Christmas markets. It is the historic heart of the city, where the many Christmas markets are located including the Christkindlesmarkt. You’ll also be close to major sights like the castle, the church, and fountain.
You can consider staying in Altstadt – Sankt Lorenz and near the Central Station if you want convenient access to the transportation hub of the city. The Old Town and Christmas markets are only 10-15 mins walk away. Central Station offers trains to the airport, other cities in Germany and Europe.
The area around the station also hosts some of the best luxury hotels in the city. You’ll also close to some local attractions such as the Handwerkerhof Medieval shopping area, Germanisches Nationalmuseum, St. Lawrence Church, German Railway Museum, and the Opera House.
During my trip to Nuremberg, I stayed at the Melter Hotel & Apartments. It was a great mid-range hotel in central Nuremberg, within walking distance to the Christmas market and the Central Station. Many restaurants and bars nearby. My room was spacious and impeccably clean.
Below is a map of the popular areas in Nuremberg for Christmas Markets.
3 Best areas to stay in Nuremberg for Christmas Markets:
1. Old Town (Altstadt – St. Sebald)
Old Town is undoubtedly the best location to stay in Nuremberg for Christmas markets. It is the heart of the historic city center, where many of the Christmas markets are located. You’ll have easy access to the main market square with its Christkindlesmarkt, and other markets scattered throughout the Old Town.
The Hauptmarkt, where the famous Christkindlesmarkt takes place, is located in the heart of Old Town. Staying in this area means you’ll be just steps away from this iconic market, with its traditional wooden stalls, festive decorations, and delicious holiday treats.
Old Town is steeped in history, with its medieval buildings, cobblestone streets, and charming squares providing a picturesque backdrop for the Christmas festivities. Wandering through the narrow alleys adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations is an enchanting experience.
Beyond the Christmas markets, Old Town is also home to many of Nuremberg’s cultural attractions, including the Nuremberg Castle, the Albrecht Dürer House, and the Germanisches Nationalmuseum. Staying in this area allows you to easily explore these landmarks between visits to the markets.
Old Town boasts a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and taverns where you can warm up with hearty Bavarian cuisine or sip on mulled wine after a day of exploring the markets.
Best places to stay in Nuremberg Old Town for Christmas Markets:
Mid-range ($$): Karl August, popular 4-star hotel in central Old town of Nuremberg, great base for Christmas market and for sightseeing. Easy walk from all the markets, as well as important attractions such as the Imperial Castle, St. Sebald Church, Frauenkirche, and the beautiful fountains. It has an indoor swimming pool, excellent breakfast, family rooms, and a fitness center.
Budget ($): Hotel Agneshof Nürnberg, 3-star hotel conveniently located on the Hauptmarkt Market Square, where the main Christmas market is located. It has varied breakfast buffets, 24-hour front desk, and modern rooms with nice views of the old town’s streets. Lots of restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops nearby. Easy access to bus stops and train stations.
Budget ($): Sorat Hotel Saxx Nürnberg, great 3-star accommodation centrally situated on Hauptmarkt, easy access to the christmas markets and historic sights. Major sights nearby include the 14th century Schöner Brunnen fountain, Toy Museum, and the Knight’s Castle. It is only a 15 mins walk/short taxi ride from the Main Station where trains go to the easyCredit-Stadion, exhibition grounds, and the Airport.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN OLD TOWN2. Altstadt – Sankt Lorenz
Altstadt – Sankt Lorenz, a part of the Old Town, is a great base in Nuremberg for the Christmas market. This area is only a 5-10 mins walk to the markets depending on the locations of the hotels.
You’ll also be closer to the main train station compared to staying in Altstadt – St. Sebald. Local attractions in this area include the St. Lawrence Church and Germanisches Nationalmuseum.
Best places to stay in St Lorenz district for Christmas Markets:
Mid-range ($$): Adina Apartment Hotel Nuremberg, popular 4-star hotel located in the Sankt Lorenz district, within a short distance from the Central Train Station and the historic center where the major christmas markets are held. It has a fitness center, a pool, family rooms, and very good breakfast.
Mid-range ($$): Hotel VICTORIA Nürnberg, 3-star hotel in central Nuremberg, close to the Nuremberg Train Station and the Lorenzkirche Church. It is also within easy walking distance to major attractions such as the Hauptmarkt Square, where the Christkindlmarkt Christmas Market is held.
Budget ($): Avenue Hotel, 3-star hotel, conveniently located in a quiet area very close to the pedestrian area in the heart of the city’s historic quarter. You will be walking distance from major medieval sights such as the Kaiserburg castle, St. Lorenz church, Schöner Brunnen, and the market square. It has a wonderful breakfast, 24-hour front desk, and an elevator.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN OLD TOWN3. Nuremberg Central Station
Staying near Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) is convenient if you plan to arrive in Nuremberg by train. There are several hotels and accommodations near the Hauptbahnhof, making it easy to access both the station and the Christmas Market in the Old Town via public transportation or a short walk.
The Hauptbahnhof is a major transportation hub with connections to regional and national trains, as well as local trams, buses, and U-Bahn (subway) lines. This makes it easy to travel to and from the station to explore the Christmas Markets in the Old Town and other parts of Nuremberg.
Best places to stay near Nuremberg Central Station for Christmas Markets:
Luxury ($$$): Sheraton Carlton Nuernberg, popular 5-star hotel conveniently located only a few mins walk from the 19th-century Nuremberg Train Station. You will have easy access to the S-Bahn train for services to Nuremberg Trade Fair and Nuremberg Airport. Breakfast is amazing with many options.
Luxury ($$$): Park Plaza Nuremberg, 5-star hotel centrally located in front of the Nuremberg Main Station. Easy walk to the town center where you can find Christmas markets and historical attractions. Great base for those who want to stay close to the Christmas markets but not directly in the chaos.
Mid-range ($$): Leonardo Royal Hotel Nürnberg, popular 4-star accommodation near the main train station of Nuremberg. It has a fitness center, private parking, 24-hour front desk, and delicious breakfast. You can easily move around from this hotel. It is only a 10 minute walk to the Christmas market.
Budget ($): N9 Hotels, 3-star accommodation in a central location, within a short 10 mins walk from the train station and the Christmas markets in the old town. Also close to Opernhaus underground station, Germanisches Nationalmuseum and Verkehrsmuseum Nürnberg. Full of shops nearby.
MORE HOTEL DEALS NEAR CENTRAL STATIONIn conclusion, Old Town (Altstadt – St. Sebald), Altstadt – Sankt Lorenz, and near Nuremberg Central Station are the best places to stay in Nuremberg for Christmas markets. These areas offer a range of accommodation options, so you should be able to find something that suits your budget.
You can continue reading about Nuremberg and other destinations in Germany in these articles:
- Best places to stay in Nuremberg first time
- Best areas to stay in Berlin for Christmas Markets
- Best areas to stay in Frankfurt for Christmas Markets
- Best areas to stay in Munich for Christmas Markets
- Best places to stay in Cologne for Christmas Markets
I hope you enjoyed my article and find it informative and helpful. If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality travel guides.