Nuremberg’s most iconic Christmas market in Germany has officially opened, welcoming visitors to experience the festive atmosphere and reinforcing security measures to ensure a safe celebration of the nearly four-century-old Christmas tradition. The market will continue until Christmas Eve on December 24th.
As night fell on November 28th, the lights shimmered in Nuremberg’s Old Town Square, where crowds of people gathered for the opening ceremony. The melodious Christmas carols sung by the children’s choir echoed through the market, adding to the festive ambiance of the event.
Atop two tall Christmas trees, a golden-haired girl portraying the Christkind stood on the balcony of the Frauenkirche, reciting a 17th-century opening verse: “You men and women who once were children…”. This was a significant ritual of the opening ceremony. The Christkind is not merely a performer but an embodiment of blessings, chosen by the citizens every two years, carrying the responsibility to “awaken the child’s heart”.
With the performance concluded, the pleasing sound of bells signaled that people could enjoy shopping and indulge in the market’s signature hot mulled wine and traditional Nuremberg grilled sausages.
The brightly lit stalls displayed a variety of exquisite handmade Christmas decorations and traditional prune people figurines (Zwetschgenmandl), along with heart-shaped gingerbreads inscribed with words of blessings, adding warmth and a sense of storytelling to the market.
Following a deadly attack at the Magdeburg Christmas market in Germany last year, causing six fatalities and 344 injuries, authorities have heightened security measures around the market this year, with increased barrier placements and patrols.
Nuremberg’s Christmas market has been a vital part of the local festive tradition since 1628. Four centuries later, this market, touted as Europe’s largest and oldest, continues to welcome visitors from around the world in the most classic way, illuminating the cold winter with the warm Christmas lights.