What to expect when visiting the Santa Pauli Christmas Markets – the sexiest Christmas Markets in Germany

As the Christmas season draws in, it has us thinking about Christmas markets. And Germany is of course home to some of the best festive markets where you can sip on mulled wine, and feast on bratwurst. But it is also home to one of the more unusual Christmas markets to visit. Located in the Hamburg Reeperbahn, the Santa Pauli markets are coined as the sexiest Christmas Markets in Germany, and let’s face it, probably the world. So what can you expect from visiting the Christmas markets in the Reeperbahn? Well you will have to read on to find out.

About Hamburg’s red light district

Hamburg’s Reeperbahn or red light district, is located in St Pauli and is nicknamed the most sinful mile. As you walk around it is certainly easy to see why. But the Reeperbahn is also one of the best places in Hamburg for nightlife. Full of nightclubs, bars, and cafes, the Reeperbahn is popular with tourists and locals alike. And yes there are also a lot of strip clubs, brothels, and sex shows too. Street prostitution is legal particularly in Herbertstraße a street blocked by screens and a large sign confirming that minors and women are strictly prohibited. While the area is generally safe, the main streets are incredibly sleazy and dirty but if you take a wander past all of that you can find some really atmospheric cafes and bars.

Santa Pauli Christmas Markets

Considering that Christmas markets are such a big deal in Germany, it is no surprise that you will find some in the Reeperbahn. Named the Santa Pauli Christmas Markets, which is a play on the name of the district of St Pauli they really are one of the most unusual xmas markets we have ever visited. For starters the idea is to create one of the sexiest Christmas markets in Germany.

You can purchase your Christmas ornaments as well as your Christmas dildos all in the same place. We actually would have taken a photo except there was a giant sign at the dildo stand saying that you had to pay for a picture. All in all, the markets overall are pretty traditional and you will find most of the same stalls that you do at other Christmas Markets in Hamburg, they have just been adapted to fit their surroundings.

The Strip tent at the Reeperbahn Christmas Markets

The thing that really sets the Santa Pauli Christmas Markets apart from every other festive market has to be the strip tent. I mean what better way to celebrate the Christmas season than by visiting a tent full of topless waitresses and erotic shows? The strip tent is closed off and you do need to be over 18 to enter. I guess we should also add that the tent is heated, which was a concern of mine in the depths of winter.  Here you can pick out a spicier Christmas gift for your erm…loved one.

Other things to do

The Santa Pauli markets are a lot of fun. They are certainly a more naughty and jovial take on the traditional German market. You can sip mulled one at one of the stands, and there is a lot of food to feast on as well. The markets are open quite late and there is live music which goes with the lively vibe of the Reeperbahn. There is also a fortune teller just in case you want some insider information on the year ahead.

Getting to the Santa Pauli Christmas Markets

So now you know exactly what to expect you are probably wondering how to get to the Reeperbahn. The quickest and easiest way is to hop on the subway. If you are coming from the airport you need to get on the S1 line, and you will need to get off at the ‘Reeperbahn’ stop. There are also a number of buses that you can take. The best thing to do in to purchase a Hamburg Card which has you covered for travel on the subway and the buses.

When do they open

The Santa Pauli Markets open in late November and finish at the end of December. The exact dates vary from year to year so you are best having a look at the tourism Hamburg website for further information. Most markets are open till about 10pm during the week, but the Santa Pauli markets are open till 11pm. On weekends though the hours are extended to 1am. The markets are especially busy at weekends and the line to the strip tent gets pretty long too.

Should I visit Germany’s sexiest Christmas market?

If you are easily offended you might want to leave this one out. But if you come with an open mind the Santa Pauli Christmas Markets really are a lot of fun. Most of the “naughtiness” is hidden behind the strip tent, and if you are offended then you don’t have to enter. For us they were a must visit, and almost have to be seen to be believed. The best thing about them though is that they stay open till late so you can spend the night drinking mulled wine and listening to live music.

If you are wondering if Hamburg is worth visiting here is an article to help you decide.

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