Winter magic in Hamburg: Christmas markets, cuisine and traditions!

Winter magic in Hamburg: Christmas markets, cuisine and traditions!

On December 6th, 2025, the northern German region will be all about winter magic. The popular program “Nordtour” shows fascinating landscapes, original types and delicious culinary specialties that make the heart of every Northern Germany lover beat faster. Loud NDR The show will air this Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., with a repeat on Sunday early morning.

A highlight of the program is the winter magic in the Hamburg-Winterhude city park, which takes visitors to a Christmas wonderland around the Walter country house. Alpine huts and curling await participants here, and Christmas treats tempt you to feast and enjoy. But that's not all that Northern Germany has to offer these days!

Christmas markets in Northern Germany

During Advent, Christmas markets are springing up. The Kiel Christmas market in 2025 will take place for the 52nd time and will be held at Holstenplatz and Asmus-Bremer-Platz. Until December 23rd you can enjoy punch, smoked salmon, apricot dumplings and Christmas stollen at around 60 wooden stalls. The big hit is the approximately twelve meter high Christmas pyramid that adorns Asmus-Bremer-Platz. Special holidays such as Advent Sundays treat the little ones with sweets from Santa Claus - a tradition that brings great joy every year Merian highlights.

Another notable location is the Christmas Place of Hearts in Aabenraa, Denmark. The Christmas market is held here in a historical atmosphere around 1850 and invites you to visit and experience the traditional Christmas magic up close. Anyone who wants to experience the tradition of ironing trees in Hiddensee will also get their money's worth - the art of designing Christmas trees with willow branches has been celebrating its comeback in recent years.

Fun Christmas activities

Not only the markets but also the events in the region are worth visiting: organic Christmas trees are grown in the Harz Mountains that grow without pesticides. The Fischer family impressively shows how sustainable practices are practiced when harvesting and processing Christmas trees. Further up in the Harz, Christian Lindner ensures enjoyment in the highest gin distillery in northern Germany, where not only gin is produced, but also regular tastings are offered.

For those who want to do handicrafts, a spinning course is on the program in Breklum, which provides insights into the production of knitting wool. And anyone who would like to experience the traditional crab puling in Norddeich has the opportunity to experience this ancient craft live, while pensioners freshly process the crabs in the factory.

Nostalgia and culinary delights in Hamburg

But Hamburg has even more to offer: The OmaLiebe Lunch Club in Eimsbüttel brings back nostalgic memories. Chefs between the ages of 60 and 86 will pamper guests with traditional dishes until December 18th. In this little culinary journey through time, not only the culinary delights come into play, but also the stories that each dish brings with it.

Winter in northern Germany can be enjoyed wonderfully - whether at one of the markets, with culinary experiences or with winter activities. Northern Germany has magic in every corner during Advent!