Lübeck, Queen of the Hanseatic League, Exudes Charm at Christmastime:
Archway to the Lübeck Christmas market
With its historical attractions and medieval setting, Lübeck exudes charm at any time of the year. But at Christmas time, this “Queen of the Hanseatic League” is more than charming. Lübeck has some ten Christmas markets operating around the Historic Old Town. Decked out in Christmas lights, stars and beautifully decorated Christmas trees, the atmosphere is romantic and magical. Under this archway, you’re invited to have a kiss here.
You’re invited to have a kiss here.
Christmas Markets in Lübeck
Nearly all of Lübeck’s tourist attractions are in the Historic Old Town. As you explore the sights, it is easy to get side-tracked by the more than 200 Christmas market stalls on the Rathausmarkt next to the Town Hall, at St Mary’s Church, St Peter’s Church, the Heiliger-Geist Hospital and a few blocks away at the Maritimer Weihnachtsmarkt in Koberg Square.
Lübeck Christmas Market by the Obertrave
Not to be forgotten is the Winter Wonderland along the River Obertrave. The aroma of honey roasted almonds, mulled wine and grilled sausages fill the cold wintry air. Follow your nose and you’ll find these food stalls. There are many other market stalls selling Christmas treats, hand-made wooden toys, Christmas tree decorations and more.
Lübeck Weihnachtsmarkt
The pedestrian area of Breite Straße and the many side streets are full of shops and one of my favourite shops here is Niederegger who have their own Christmas bazaar. Lübeck is of course famous for its marzipan and Niederegger is one of the best known marzipan producers. This store is very busy during the year so expect it to be manic at Christmas time. The marzipan here is absolutely delicious and they come in all shapes and sizes. It is well worth waiting your turn in the long queue to stock up on your Niederegger supplies. The cashiers do work pretty swiftly though.
Niederegger Marzipan
You can also enjoy lunch or coffee and cake in their Cafe Niederegger upstairs. The cakes are delicious and it’s no wonder that the place is usually quite busy.
Visitors enjoying food and drinks
Lübeck Christmas Market Dates 2024
- Traditional Christmas market on the Markt and Breite Strasse (Nov 25 – Dec 30)
- Starlit Forest at Schrangen (Nov 25 – Dec 30; closed on Dec 24 & 25)
- Niederegger Weihnachtsbasar (Nov 25 – Dec 24)
- Lübsche Weihnacht Craft Market (Nov 23, 24 , 30 and Dec 1)
- Christmas Fairy tale Forest next to St. Mary’s Church is one that kids will love. 20 displays illustrate stories written by the Brothers Grimm (Nov 25 – Dec 30, closed on Dec 24 & 25)
- Maritime Christmas Market on the Koberg (Nov 25 – Dec 29, closed on Dec 24 & 25)
- Harbour Glow at Drehbrukenplatz is new and good for fish lovers (Nov 25 – Dec 29)
- Christmas Wonderland at the European Hansemuseum (Nov 25 – Dec 30)
- Historic Christmas Market at St Marien Churchyard (Nov 25 – Dec 23)
- Craftsmen’s Christmas market inside St. Peter’s Church (Nov 26 – Dec 15)
- Craftsmen’s Christmas market at the Hospital of the Holy Spirit (Nov 29 – Dec 8)
- Secret Santa Wonderland in St Jacob’s Churchyard (Nov 25 – Dec 30)
The markets are open daily, generally from 11 am, and they close between 9 to 10 pm.
Opening Times:
Sun – Thur 11:00 – 21:00 | Fri & Sat 11:00 – 22:00
Dec 24 & 25 – Closed
Dec 26 – 13:00 – 20:00
Dec. 30 – 11:00 – 18:00
Where to Stay
The Atlantic Hotel Lübeck is conveniently located in the heart of the Old Town Christmas Market area and the Sandstraße bus station is just 100 metres away. Other hotels on the banks of the River Trave and within easy walking distance to the Old Town include the Radisson Blu Senator Hotel located directly on the River Trave, the Park Inn by Radisson and the 3-star Ringhotel Jensen. For the complete list of Lubeck hotels, see Here.
How to Get There:
Lübeck is about 45 minutes north of Hamburg.
By Rail
It is easy to get to Lübeck by rail see www.bahn.de. Lübeck central station is 10 minutes walk to the Old Town or there are a number of buses that connect to the old Town.
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