We traditionally welcome travellers in the run-up to Christmas with our sparkling "Alstertanne". Anyone arriving in Hamburg by train will recognise it immediately: Every year it shines in the middle of the Inner Alster lake. For over 20 years, this Christmas tree has stood in the centre of the festively decorated city and shows its most beautiful side during a walk or a boat trip around the Alster. Right next door is the "White Magic" Christmas market on Jungfernstieg.

It is the anniversary season of world-famous ballet director John Neumeier and a very special opportunity to experience his choreography of the fairytale ballet "The Nutcracker" at the Staatsoper. The production is a Christmas classic. The music by Peter Tchaikovsky and especially the famous "Nutcracker Suite" evoke childhood memories and Christmas feelings - an extraordinary and festive experience in the pre-Christmas season. Performances: 21, 22, 26, 29, 31 December.

Snacking, trying new things and making them on your own: All this is especially fun in the run-up to Christmas! In the chocolate workshop of the "CHOCOVERSUM by HACHEZ", visitors choose their favourite ingredients for their own handmade chocolate bar. In this way, they create their very own taste experience - for example as a gift.

The Christmas Oratorio by Johann Sebastian Bach is one of the most popular classical works during Christmas time. In the run-up to Christmas, the oratorio is also performed in the magnificent baroque church of St. Michaelis. Two concerts will take place here on the weekend before Christmas - on 17 and 18 December, the choir of St. Michael's Church will present the entire oratorio in two parts.

"The village is a tribute to Christmas and a mark of respect for Father Christmas, whose achievements are far too often underestimated," report the model makers from Miniatur Wunderland. The Christmas village is located on a high plateau on the edge of the Rocky Mountains and is festively decorated with colourful lights all year round for those who can't get enough of Christmas.

Watching Cinderella together is a firm part of Christmas traditions in many families. The Winterhuder Fährhaus comedy has turned the story upside down for its modern production this year, but still sticks to the familiar features of the classic: peas are sorted, the tower clock strikes midnight and, of course, a shoe is lost.

The opera fairy tale "Hansel and Gretel", now 50 years old, is the oldest production in the repertoire of the State Opera. For many, this production is associated with their first visit to the opera - a tradition that continues in many families. The opera fairy tale awakens memories and enchants both young and old. Performances: 27 November, 6 and 11 December.

Stroll through the Hanseatic city's most beautiful Christmas markets with mulled wine in one hand and roasted almonds in the other! The historic Christmas market between the town hall and the Alster lake offers a very special experience: here you will find a variety of handmade gift ideas, delicious gingerbread as well as  wood-carved figures. Let yourself be enchanted by the festive and cosy Christmas atmosphere - and best of all - Father Christmas flies over the town hall market in his sleigh.

"Då i vårt mörka hus, stiger med tända ljus, Sankta Lucia, Sankta Lucia," sings the Lucia Choir in the main church of St. Peter's, ushering in the Christmas season with their singing on 13 December. It is said that the candlelight streams through the house and drives out the darkness. And so the Queen of Lights Lucia enters the church together with the choir and floods the room with light and festive spirit. For many Hamburg residents and visitors, the Swedish Lucia concert full of joy and brightness in December is a firm tradition at the beginning of the dark season.

A contemplative and cosy walk in Hagenbeck Zoo is a very special insider tip in winter: did you know that the keepers say that the animals there are particularly active in winter? Hagenbeck's Arctic Sea invites you on an exciting journey to the most remote places in the world: you will meet walruses, polar bears, penguins and many other animals from Antarctica and the North Pole.