Christmas Market Fun In Hamburg, Germany

My initial impressions of the term “Rathaus” took some adjustment. Rathaus refers to German city halls, essentially serving as ‘homes’ for local government; however, in English, it always sounded akin to ‘Rat House’ to me. Consequently, I can’t help but conjure images of a small domicile designed for rats and mice (which, in my mind, invariably coexist), or perhaps a standard house housing oversized rodents – the latter being a decidedly more unsettling thought.

There is nothing ‘rat-like’ about the Rathaus Christmas market in Hamburg, and as charming as the Santa Pauli Christmas market was, Rathausmarkt commands attention as the premier Christmas market in Hamburg!

The market is expansive and showcases a dazzling Christmas tree that captures the festive spirit.

By this juncture, we were quite hungry and decided to sample the various food offerings at the Christmas stalls – it was a truly delightful experience!

Eventually, we made our way back to the Renaissance Hotel for dinner. The accommodation included a remarkable two-bedroom suite that was undoubtedly spacious, giving us a sense of grandeur. Throughout the stay, I couldn’t resist taking pictures as I enjoyed the grandeur of the suite.

The subsequent morning, I was reluctant to arise early — being in an exquisite suite naturally entails embracing the experience fully. We nearly missed breakfast, but eventually, we succumbed to the allure of the Christmas markets and returned to Rathausmarkt.

The Rathaus Christmas market extends into St. Michael’s Church, a magnificent baroque structure that is arguably the most renowned church in Hamburg and undoubtedly one of the most aesthetically pleasing.

As we delved into the charm of St. Michael’s, the biting cold and rain prompted us to seek refuge in a cozy café, Public Coffee Roasters, which was profoundly inviting.

This venue had been highly recommended, and the moment I took my first sip of coffee, I was grateful to have followed that advice. Moreover, the warmth provided a welcome relief from the elements.

In addition, there is a newly established shop, Winkel Sinkel, adjacent to the café. The establishment features an eclectic range of gadgets, trinkets, and decorative items for visitors to explore.

You can find everything from gin and tea to unique ornaments and houseplants within this one charming space. During our visit, we engaged in a delightful conversation with the owner, whose warmth and friendliness made our experience even more pleasant.

By the time we had explored the town and indulged in a gluhwein refill at the Christmas market, night had enveloped the city, and we were ready to head toward our dinner reservations at the Marriot!

We returned to the Renaissance Hotel, prepared for dinner, and just a brief two-minute stroll brought us to the Marriot for a delightful three-course meal featuring roasted goose as the highlight. This traditional dish is often enjoyed in this region during the holiday season. However, amidst the flavors of this memorable meal, I couldn’t quite recall if it was a local tradition or merely seasonal.

With our appetites satisfied, we retired to our suite at the Renaissance, knowing that it would be difficult to bid farewell to such splendid accommodations.

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