Sex and Christmas – how does that fit together?
Traditional handicrafts and sex toys –
you can find both at Hamburg's Christmas markets.
Where exactly and why – that's what I'll show you today!
Oh, and there will also be a flying Santa Claus!
Like in many larger cities, there are several
Christmas markets here in Hamburg.
But only one specialises in sensuality and frivolity.
Introducing Santa Pauli: Hamburg's hottest Christmas market.
I'm on the Reeperbahn, the nightlife strip in the St. Pauli district.
This is Germany's most famous red-light district,
with nightclubs, bars, and discos.
The Reeperbahn is also known as "the most sinful street in the world".
To make sense of this "special" Christmas market, I take a stroll
around with Michel Bestek, one of the organizers.
So Santa Pauli market, I mean, does the location
has something to do with this special theme?
Of course, I mean we are in the red light district
of Hamburg, St. Pauli.
You might have heard about the Reeperbahn,
it's right next to us.
And all this influences our Christmas market a lot.
That's what the people want to see here
and that's what the people get.
As you can see, there are offers here that go far beyond
traditional Christmas gifts, gingerbread, and mulled wine!
All right, well, I've still got some Christmas shopping to do.
Maybe you can tell me a little bit about what is on offer here
at the Santa Pauli Christmas market.
So St. Pauli Christmas market is a little special.
Of course we do have all the normal Christmas market stuff
but we also have some more special things,
like toys but not for the kids more for the adult people.
I can imagine, yes! Especially with what's going on behind you here!
Sex toys in every shape and size.
But the Reeperbahn in St. Pauli is not only a "sinner's street",
it's also a place for pop culture. Every year bands and musical talents
perform at the Reeperbahnfestival.
That's why, instead of Christmas carols, the Santa Pauli Christmas market
mainly features pop music – and on weekends, even a strip show.
But not today, unfortunately.
Lastly, Michel takes me to the Winterdeck, Santa Pauli's outdoor bar.
Alright, so what are we drinking?
So I have the normal Glühwein and you have the Berry Berry Lady.
I mean this is not a classic name for a drink.
Do you have some themed names for the drinks here?
Good that you are asking.
We have some funny like more sexy names for the drinks,
like the "Bordsteinschwalbe."
Yeah. Can you translate?
It's a nice word for hooker on the streets.
Alright, a lady of the night.
A lady of the night, yeah.
Well, cheers to that! - Cheers.
Finally, something to warm me up.
How do YOU get in the mood for Christmas?
Do you enjoy things a little...out there?
Like the things on offer here at Santa Pauli?
Or is your vibe more traditional?
If so, you re in luck. Things are about to get super cute and kitschy with Santa Claus!
Now I'm going to explore the opposite experience.
The historic Christmas market in front of the Hamburg City Hall.
It's happening, Santa Claus is coming to town here in Hamburg!
He's about the fly over the square in his sleigh!
Here's a fun fact: the historic Christmas market isn't actually that historic.
It's only been around since 2000 – just as long as the flying Santa Claus.
And he comes here because this Christmas market was created
by the Roncalli circus company.
Which is why Santa Claus appears as a high-wire artist!
If you want to see him as well, he takes off three times a day,
at 4 p.m., 6 p.m., and 8 p.m.
Okay guys, I tried my best to get an interview with Santa Claus,
but his people told me that it was no use.
Santa Claus doesn't give interviews. I mean, fair enough, he's gotta
keep the magic illusion alive somehow, right?
The Christmas market in front of the Hamburg
City Hall is really pretty traditional.
All market stalls have the same design and are made of wood.
A blacksmith makes horseshoes that are supposed to bring good luck.
And the market has handicrafts and products from the region –
like these fishing shirts typical of Hamburg.
Or colorful scarves and shawls.
But my favorite is this old fashioned carousel. It's truly oldschool.
In 1927, when it debuted, it was actually pulled by horses.
Not so typical of Hamburg, but very typical of Christmas in Germany
is the stand of the Käthe Wohlfahrt.
Perhaps the best-known retailer of Christmas items,
it is known far beyond Germany.
Originally from Rothenburg ob der Tauber, it has been at the historic market
in Hamburg since the beginning.
So the traditional Christmas market also has lots to offer!
And if you look closely, it's not so conservative either.
That reminds me of some of the things that we saw at the Santa Pauli market!
So. Traditional or spicy?
Handmade crafts or... sex toys?
I mean... it's good to have the option, right?!
Maybe it depends on the day?
But I'm very intrigued to hear your opinion!
Let us know in the comments! Merry Christmas!