Scandinavian Christmas in Hamburg: A celebration of cosiness!
Experience the Scandinavian Advent season in Hamburg: markets, hygge, traditional delicacies and festive activities!

Scandinavian Christmas in Hamburg: A celebration of cosiness!
Advent has once again arrived in the lively Hanseatic city of Hamburg, and coziness is at the top of the agenda. Strong Scandinavian influences are evident during the festive season, such as prism reported. Traditions from Denmark etc. are very important here, which is particularly noticeable in the popular district of Altona, where Danish culture is alive. Hygge – the Danish attitude to life – can be found in numerous cafés and shops that invite you to linger with their Scandinavian design.
An absolute highlight of the North German pre-Christmas period are the traditional Christmas markets. The Scandinavian Christmas markets, which take place on the two weekends before the first Advent, are particularly popular. The Nordic Seamen's Churches on Ditmar-Koel-Straße are turning into a focal point for everyone who appreciates Scandinavian delicacies and handcrafted gift ideas. Between November 14 and 23, 2025, the markets will be open daily, with strolling and feasting possible on Friday and Saturday afternoons from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Traditions and delicacies
The markets offer a wide range of products from the Nordic countries: a large selection of Advent decorations and delicious food from Sweden, Finland, Norway and Denmark are of course not to be missed. Visitors can look forward to handmade textiles and artistic decorations. The organizers, including the Finnish, Norwegian and Danish Seamen's Churches as well as the Swedish Gustav Adolf Church, ensure that everyone finds something to delight the heart.
But that's not all! The traditional St. Lucia Festival, which gave a boost to Swedish culture, is also being celebrated this year. An impressive program with choral singing and lights draws visitors to the Gustav Adolf Church, where the first concerts will take place on December 4th and 9th, 2025. But be careful: the tickets are in high demand here, and adults have to expect an entrance fee of 25 euros - children up to 14 years pay 12 euros.
Christmas magic in the city
Throughout the city, Hamburg shows off its best side at Christmas time. Winter paddling on the Alster is another experience the city has to offer during this cold season. Stand-up paddlers enjoy the calm Alster in a frosty minus two degrees and then warm themselves with a cup of tea. Families can also find a cozy retreat at Hof Bullerbü, where a Swedish atmosphere meets child-friendliness.
Not to forget: The famous Santa Claus, who is making a name for himself on bus line 3 during this time. Carefully decorated, it brings a dose of festive atmosphere to the streets of Hamburg. Verena Felder offers interesting workshops for everyone who would like to make the right Advent wreath.
After a long day at the markets, the Röperhof in Othmarschen invites you to indulge with regional and seasonal delicacies. A good atmosphere is created here to linger, which guarantees sociable evenings. And for anyone who just wants to relax, the Hamam Wilhelmsburg, the first in northern Germany, is the perfect solution to escape the winter weather for a while.
With all of these offers, Hamburg turns into a true winter wonderland. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and let yourself be enchanted by Nordic culture. Further information about the Scandinavian Christmas markets and their offers can be found at hamburg.de and hamburg-magazin.de. Enjoy the Advent season to the fullest and immerse yourself in the unique traditions that Hamburg has to offer.