Welcome to a short trip to the Lübeck Christmas Market ! As Barbara's stand-in, I have another opportunity to try my hand at being a guest writer. If you're new here: I'm Jannik, 25 years old, and a student. Today, I want to talk about the most wonderful time of the year: Christmas. For me, it's primarily a family celebration and the time of year when everyone comes together, everyone has cleared some time, and we do something together. Going to the Christmas market for various treats or a mulled wine or two, for example.
7 towers – 7 tips
Let me show you the most beautiful, delicious, and interesting aspects of our wonderful Lübeck Christmas market, knowing full well that my selection is subjective and that, due to the current situation, we're experiencing a different kind of Christmas market this year. Please adhere to the currently applicable rules during your visit. And one big request: it's best to visit the market when it's not too crowded, namely during the week.
The arts and crafts market in St. Petri
Besides all the treats and delicacies that a Christmas market offers – we'll get to those later, I promise! – for me, a visit to a Christmas market means seeing lovingly decorated stalls and handcrafted items. A particularly beautiful craft market is held in St. Petri Church. This year marks its 25th anniversary! Until December 15th, you can stroll through the light-filled church and, amidst the aroma of apple punch and mulled wine, admire and purchase handmade fashion accessories, high-quality ceramics and woodwork, and other unique pieces. The exhibitors change on December 5th and 6th. The musical program also contributes to the festive atmosphere. Harp music, cello, and choral singing accompany the pre-Christmas browsing. Admission is €3; children under 12 go free.
My insider tip: St. Petri Church is expecting a visit from Lucia, the Queen of Light from the island of Gotland, on December 7th. Visby is Lübeck's twin city, so the Lucia visit is a cherished tradition.
Fairytale Forest & Historical Christmas Market
One of my favorite spots at the Christmas market is the Fairy Tale Forest . Nestled among green fir trees at the foot of St. Mary's Church, around twenty lovingly decorated huts depict scenes from the Brothers Grimm fairy tales. My most recent childhood memory of a Christmas market revolves around a stall in the Fairy Tale Forest dedicated to Hansel and Gretel. Perhaps that's why I love this place so much. Did you know that these handcrafted fairy tale figures have been a pre-Christmas fixture here for half a century? The person behind the market is Peter Belli . You can learn more about him in this post .
Right next door is another very special market, characterized by impressive handicrafts and countless red poinsettias that bathe the place in a magical, pre-Christmas glow: the historical market. Here, the vendors wear historical costumes, giving the market its medieval flair. I recommend enjoying the Advent atmosphere with a glass of mead. You can find more information about the historical Christmas market here.
UNICEF mail for Santa Claus
What the student loan office is to me, Santa Claus is to the little ones among us. You can get (almost) directly to him at the UNICEF stand in the Star Forest on the Schrangen. Wish lists can be dropped off at the Christmas post office until the second Sunday of Advent. But the stand offers even more: by buying greeting cards, you can help fulfill the wishes of disadvantaged children around the world. And that's ultimately what the Christmas season is all about: thinking of others.
Harbor Glow
This somewhat rustic-looking market area right by the Drehbrückenplatz (Swing Bridge Square) is still quite new. If traditional Christmas markets aren't your thing, the Hafenglühen (Harbor Glow) market, within sight of the museum harbor, is the place for you. Warm up with a sailor's punch from Fangfrisch. New this year are smoked fish and, of course, fish sandwiches. Various musical acts accompany the market activities every day. No need to know all the lyrics for karaoke! The verses are displayed, so you can sing along with gusto. The 2025 program will be available here
Christmas headquarters at the tourist information office
My next tip takes you to the Tourist Information Center at Holstentorplatz . This might surprise you. BUT: Christmas is truly at home here. It glitters and sparkles wherever you look: lavishly decorated Christmas trees, high-quality ornaments, ceramics, enchanting decorative items, and Christmas accessories for your home that are truly unique. You should allow yourself plenty of time to browse the diverse selection. The Café Schneckenhaus inside the Tourist Information Center will treat you to freshly baked cinnamon rolls. Perfect if you need a break from all the wonder!
Mulled wine & Mutzen (a type of German doughnut)
In my opinion, no visit to a market is complete without mulled wine. Whether it's children's punch or the kind with a shot of liquor, apple or elderflower punch, mead, dragon's blood, or Lumumba – as long as it warms your winter-cold fingers and tastes good, it's perfect. You can find particularly delicious mulled wine in a wide variety of styles at the Finnish Tallinn stalls, just to the left of the entrance to the Maritime Market at Koberg. Let their special mulled wine surprise you!
As a nourishing base for the warming alcohol, it's a good idea to snack on a few Mutzen (a type of German doughnut). For me, they're an absolute must at the Christmas market. They come in small and large portions, with powdered sugar or with the familiar hazelnut-nougat cream. My favorite, though, are the classic ones with powdered sugar – in the largest possible quantity, of course.
Roasted almonds
After raving about Mutzen (a type of German doughnut), mulled wine, and other treats, I simply must mention my absolute favorite snack: roasted almonds. In my opinion, the best ones are made by the Vespermann family . I can't put my love for roasted almonds into words, but perhaps this video will:
I hope I have been able to inspire you with the most beautiful aspects of our Christmas market, just as it has inspired me for almost 25 years.
I'm homesick! Always in December! Thank you for the lovely photos and stories!
Thank you! We can completely relate to that feeling. We ourselves enjoy this enchanting atmosphere every day, which can only be experienced during the Advent season. Warmest regards and hopefully see you soon!