Nuremberg Lantern Procession
Lichterzug der Nürnberger Schulkinder49°27′ N 11°05′ EProcessionDec 10, 2026Seasonal
Nuremberg's Lichterzug sends about 1,000 schoolchildren with home-made lanterns from the Fleischbrücke up to the Kaiserburg on Thursday 10 December 2026, and it suits families and anyone who likes a local custom with no ticket. The trade-off is timing: it is one evening only, and the 2026 start time is still to come.
Nuremberg's schoolchildren have walked this route with lanterns since 1948, and 2026 brings the 76th procession. In 2025 the Christkind led about 1,000 children from the Fleischbrücke over the Hauptmarkt, past the Rathaus and St. Sebald, and up to the castle. The children come from Nuremberg's state schools and make their lanterns themselves.
The walk ends below the Kaiserburg. At the sandstone rocks of the Ölberg, pupils from one of the city's middle schools act out the Christmas story in living tableaux with carols around them. Stay for the nativity play at the top if you can find a place to stand.
Worth knowing
- Line the route near the Hauptmarkt if you have small children and skip the climb to the castle.
- Check christkindlesmarkt.de in late November for the 2026 start time.
Quick answers about Nuremberg Lantern Procession
When is the Nuremberg Lichterzug in 2026?
The Nuremberg Lichterzug, the lantern procession of the city's schoolchildren, takes place on Thursday 10 December 2026. The Christkindlesmarkt's site confirms the date; in 2025 the children gathered at 17:45.
Where does the Nuremberg lantern procession go?
The Nuremberg lantern procession runs from the Fleischbrücke over the Hauptmarkt, past the Rathaus and St. Sebald, up to the Kaiserburg. It ends with a nativity play at the castle.
What are the opening hours of Nuremberg Lantern Procession?
Nuremberg Lantern Procession is open in 2025 the children gathered at 17:45 at the Fleischbrücke. The 2026 time isn't published yet.