Nuremberg offers many fun and exciting events throughout the year. From medieval knight tournaments to Old Town festivals, Christmas markets and even sausage celebrations, there’s always something fun going on here.
Old Town Festival
This annual autumn festival is a big one on the Nuremberg event calendar. Over one million guests descend upon the city for the Altstadtfest, or Old Town Festival each September. If you’re lucky enough to be in the city at this time, you can expect to see over 60 events like fisherman jousting, plays, folk shows and jazz concerts.
Christmas Market
The German Tourist Office declared this Nuremberg event as the “Number One Christmas City.” The Christmas Market in Nuremberg offers almost 200 booths full of gingerbread, bratwurst, mulled wine and beautiful German handicrafts.
About two million visitors flock to the city during Advent to participate in this celebrated market and get in the Christmas spirit. That alone speaks volumes, doesn’t it?
Blue Night
This annual Nuremberg event takes place every May. The city’s cultural buildings — museums and churches mostly — invite visitors to come check out their illuminated exhibits for Blue Night. There are musical performances to accompany the blue light show from twilight to dawn.
About 120,000 guests come and see the displays each year.
Classic Open Air
This tradition began with Nuremberg’s 950th anniversary when the first Classic Open Air festival was held. These outdoor classical music concerts take place at Luitpoldhain park twice during the summer months. Over 50,000 music lovers take advantage of this free concert and picnic, making it a wildly popular summertime event.
Nürnberger Bratwurstdorf (Nuremberg Sausage Village)
What more quintessential German event can there be? The Nuremberg Sausage Village occurs every year as a way for the city to playfully celebrate this most delicious German dish.
Tucher Spectaculum (Tucher Knight Games)
For those seeking to discover Nuremberg’s history, come in August to attend the Tucher Knight Games. This large medieval fair features — of course — knight tournaments. You’ll also see entertainers dressed in costume as traveling minstrels, witches, merchants, handmaidens and other assorted medieval characters.
