A Christmas Wonderland for Children
Every holiday season, Hamburg鈥檚 M盲rchenschiffe (lit.: 鈥渇airytale ships鈥�) bring a special enchantment to the Binnenalster, delighting children and families with festive fun, storytelling and holiday treats. In 2025, these beloved ships return to the Jungfernstieg from 27 November to 23 December 2025, marking their 36th edition and promising magical moments for visitors young and old.
Decked out in sparkling holiday decorations, each fairytale ship offers a unique programme filled with magic, storytelling and hands-on activities. From captivating tales and face painting to reading corners and creative play, children have plenty to explore. The baking ships remain a favourite, where children aged four and up can create their own Christmas biscuits. Since 2024, local bakery Junge Die B盲ckerei has supported the tradition as the main partner for the baking ships. Each year, more than 10,000 young bakers prepare and decorate over 100,000 biscuits鈥攌eeping Hamburg鈥檚 festive baking tradition alive.
Baking Ships: Saselbek and Sielbek
The scent of freshly baked Christmas biscuits fills the air on the baking ships Saselbek and Sielbek. Here, children shape, bake and decorate their own treats using delicious dough and colourful toppings. After their baking session, each child receives a special apron and cap from Junge Die B盲ckerei to take home as a souvenir.
Baking times (daily):
9am, 10.30am, 12pm, 2pm, 3.30pm and 5pm
For children aged 4鈥�10
听
Theatre Ship: Bredenbek
The Theatre Ship Bredenbek offers a lively, interactive programme with daily changing themes. Each day invites children into a new festive world:
Mondays: The Alster mermaid Ilayda dives into Hamburg鈥檚 underwater realm.
Tuesdays: A journey into the land of fairies, mythical creatures, tales and mice.
Wednesdays: Workshop elf Knut rushes to get everything ready before Christmas Eve.
Thursdays: Christmas witch Adventa saves the holiday with her magical powers.
Fridays: A storyteller shares cheerful and exciting Advent tales.
Saturdays: Children travel with a young seagull to meet Father Christmas and discover holiday traditions around the world.
Sundays: Magician Paulo visits with a suitcase full of magical curiosities.
Opening hours:
Mondays to Fridays: 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 3pm, 4pm
Saturdays and Sundays: Hourly from 11am to 4pm
The last performance starts at 4pm.
Admission is free.
The Dream Ship: Amersbek
On the Dream Ship Amersbek, children can enter imaginative worlds free of charge. Skilled artists transform them into queens, lions or delicate flower fairies using skin-friendly Kryolan colours. A large play area invites young visitors to explore, create and drift into magical worlds.
Opening hours:
Mondays to Fridays: 10am鈥�1pm and 2pm鈥�6pm
Saturdays and Sundays: 11am鈥�6pm
Admission is free.
Caf茅 Ship: Susebek
While children enjoy the M盲rchenschiffe, parents can relax on the cosy Caf茅 Ship Susebek. With a view of the Alstertanne and the festive lights of the Jungfernstieg, visitors can unwind with coffee, cakes and seasonal treats鈥攁n ideal break between Christmas shopping and holiday adventures.
Opening hours:
Daily from 11am to 6pm
Additional Information 听
Opening Hours
27 November to 23 December 2025
Daily from 11am to 6pm (varies by ship鈥攕ee programme above)
Advance Ticket Sales for Baking Ships:
Saturday, 15 November 2025, from 9am to 2pm at Europa Passage (entrance via Ballindamm; follow the signs). Baking tickets cost 鈧�3.
Regular sale:
From 27 November 2025 at the M盲rchenschiffe office at the Alster pier
10am鈥�2pm and 3pm鈥�4pm, while supplies last. Tickets cannot be reserved or exchanged.
If tickets are sold out, a waiting list is maintained at the M盲rchenschiffe office.
Free Admission for Theatre and Dream Ships:
The Theatre Ship and Dream Ship are free for all visitors.
School and kindergarten groups are advised to book in advance:
For more details, visit the
