The Nuremberg Christkind as ambassador of Christmas

While the present Christkind in Nuremberg has more than 170 appointments during Christmas time at the Christkindlesmarkt and charitable institutions, the previous Christkind is still on active service. Because she is even known as far away as the USA! “Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, people of all ages . . . ” With this famous prologue in English, Nelli Lunkenheimer, the Nuremberg Christkind for 2023 and 2024, officially opened the Christmas markets in the U.S. cities of Philadelphia and Baltimore. Nelli traveled throughout the United States as an ambassador for the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt.

Hanna Quitterer

On Saturday, November 29, 2025, Nelli Lunkenheimer opened the “Christmas Village” organized by German American Marketing Inc. in Baltimore. The market, featuring German Christmas traditions, is being held for the twelfth time and is a popular gathering place in the city of 650,000 residents in the state of Maryland. Nuremberg’s Christmas ambassador arrived at the market by boat and took a tour of the harbor basin, accompanied by the Ravens Brass Band. The band played “Silent Night” as the boat docked at the pier under the watchful eyes of countless onlookers. Together with Gingy, the gingerbread man mascot, and the band, the Christ Child walked to the “Christmas Village” festival tent.

In front of hundreds of visitors, she opened the market with the English version of her prologue. Afterward, Nelli Lunkenheimer left her mark on the market’s “Make-A-Wish Wall”—where guests can write down their wishes for the future—and wished for good health for everyone. Later, children and adults alike had the opportunity to meet the Christ Child at the market and take souvenir photos.

The 19-year-old experienced more wonderful moments on Sunday, November 30, when she also opened the “Christmas Village” in Philadelphia with the English prologue. The Christmas Village has grown steadily in recent years: well over 100 stalls are spread across several areas around City Hall. In addition to the wide variety of culinary offerings and locally made handicrafts, this 18th edition features another new addition: The Christkind, together with Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, unveiled the oversized, illuminated Christmas pyramid with a bar.

Nelli Lunkenheimer was delighted with her trip to the United States: “It’s great to meet so many friendly people here—and to be able to introduce them to our Christmas tradition from Nuremberg!”