Hotels near Historic Christmas Market on the Rathausmarkt

The Historic Christmas Market on the Rathausmarkt is the most famous Hamburg Christmas market, set in front of the neo-Renaissance City Hall. The 2026 market runs from 23 November to 23 December, open daily from 11am to 9pm. Organised by Roncalli, it has a strong focus on traditional crafts and sustainability, and the city says it draws nearly three million visitors a year.

The highlight is the flying Father Christmas, who soars across the market on a sleigh pulled by reindeer on a wire high above the stalls, telling a Christmas story as he goes. The market also has a historic carousel and its own organic Rathausmarkt mulled wine.

Stalls sell wooden toys, glass decorations and North German treats such as Franzbrötchen, alongside roasted almonds and gingerbread.

Pro Tip: Check the daily times of the flying Father Christmas at the market and arrive a few minutes early for a good view. Visit on a weekday afternoon to avoid the busiest evening crowds.