A wander through Hamburg's Christmas markets

November is drawing to a close, the days are becoming shorter again, and slowly but surely everyone is getting into a festive mood. Of course, this time of year we cannot miss out on the Christmas markets, and there are plenty in Hamburg to choose from. Gift ideas with a difference can be found well on into the night in Hamburg's most frivolous Christmas market – Santa Pauli – on the Reeperbahn. If you're looking for something a little quieter and cosier then you're best to visit the traditional Christmas markets, such as the one on the Rathausmarkt with its arts, crafts and carvings. One particular highlight here is Father Christmas, who hovers above the Christmas market with his sledge every day at 4.00pm, 6.00pm and 8.00pm.

Here we have put together a summary of all the Christmas markets in central Hamburg for you:

Jungfernstieg:
26.11.-31.12.2012, daily11.00 a.m. - 09.00 p.m. (24. + 25.2012. closed)

Petri-Church
26.11.-30.12.2012, daily 11.00 a.m. -9.00 p.m. (25. + 26.2012. closed)

Spitalerstraße:
26.11.-30.12.2012, daily 11.00 a.m. - 9.00 p.m. (25. + 26.2012. closed)

Gerhart-Hauptmann-Platz:
26.11.-30.12.2012, daily 11.00 a.m. - 9.00 p.m. (25. + 26.2012. closed)

Gänsemarkt:
26.11.-23.12.2012, daily 11.00 a.m. - 9.00 p.m.

Rathausmarkt:
26.11.-23.12.2012, daily 11.00 a.m. - 9.00 p.m., Friday & Saturday til 10.00 p.m.

Fleetinsel:
26.11.-23.12.2012, daily noon - 9.00 p.m.

HafenCity at the Überseequartier
26.11.-23.12.2012, daily noon - 8.00 p.m.

Santa Pauli:
22.11.-23.12.2012, Monday-Thursday 5.00 p.m. - 11.00 p.m., Friday 5.00 p.m. - 1.00 a.m., Saturday 1.00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m., Sunday 1.00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.