What will the Advent markets be like in Dortmund? Program and important information in one place

Planning a trip to Europe this holiday season?

Christmas Markets in Dortmund should top your list.

Known for one of the world’s largest Christmas markets, the city turns into a holiday wonderland each December, with thousands of lights, festive foods, and Europe’s tallest Christmas tree.

Read on to see why Dortmund’s markets are a must-visit and what to expect in the heart of Germany’s holiday traditions.

A Brief History of Christmas Markets in Dortmund

Dortmund’s Christmas markets are among Germany’s largest and oldest, dating back to medieval times. Initially, German markets were hubs for merchants and craftsmen, but by the 19th century, they evolved into festive holiday markets. Today, Dortmund’s tradition includes nearly 300 stalls and events spread across the city center.

Christmas Markets in Dortmund

Dortmund’s main Christmas market is the city’s most iconic. Dortmunder Weihnachtsstadt has been a popular part of the city’s festive calendar for more than 125 years. This fair started as a simple one-day affair with a few stalls, but it has grown in popularity and size over the years. In the 1960s, a carousel was installed on the Alter Markt, and the number of stalls increased to several dozen, and in the mid-1980s, to 200 stalls.

In 1996, the famous Christmas tree was erected, or rather assembled, for the first time in Dortmund, cementing the city’s status as a popular Advent destination in Germany.

After a major rebranding initiative in 2019, the Dortmund Christmas Market is now known as “Christmas City Dortmund/Dortmunder Weihnachtsstadt,” a change reflecting the festive activities now available all around the city center.

Dortmund is conveniently located close to many other great Christmas market destinations in Germany, such as Essen, Duisburg, and Düsseldorf, which can all be reached in less than an hour.

Dortmunder Weihnachtsstadt (Christmas City Dortmund)

With nearly 300 stands featuring arts and crafts, Christmas decorations, unique toys, and much more, Dortmund’s Christmas City offers a wide array of items that captivate during the Advent season. No visit would be complete without indulging in the specialty drinks and mulled wine served in the annual collectible mug, which features a different design each year.

As the main attraction, the Dortmunder Weihnachtsmarkt is known for its massive Christmas tree—at over 148 feet tall, it’s the largest Christmas tree in Europe! Decorated with thousands of lights and ornaments, it’s a must-see.

The Dortmund Christmas Market delights its visitors with hearty dishes like bratwurst, Westphalian grilled ham, and sweet treats such as roasted almonds and crêpes. The Christmas town features stalls and entertainment that cater to the whole family.

When and where will everything take place?

Dortmund Christmas Markets Program

With over 300 stalls featuring arts and crafts, Christmas decorations, unique toys, and a variety of other items, the Dortmund Christmas market truly has something to excite everyone this Advent season.

Of course, what would a visit to the market be without enjoying a cup of mulled wine from the commemorative anniversary mug? The mug features a different design each year, making it a highly sought-after collector’s item.

When it comes to culinary delights, options include hearty specialties like sausage and Westphalian grilled ham, as well as sweet treats such as roasted almonds, pretzels, gingerbread, and more.

The Different Sections of the Dortmund Christmas Market

Although there isn’t a single “Dortmund Christmas market address” due to the various sections, the good news is that all markets are within a short walking distance of each other and conveniently close to the Dortmund train station.

Here are the key spots you won’t want to miss:

Hansaplatz Christmas Market

Setting and Highlights: Located in the Hansamarkt area of Dortmund, this market is known for its cozy feel, smaller crowds, and unique crafts.

What to Do:

• Artisan Goods: Find unique handmade items, including pottery, knitted scarves, and holiday decorations.
• Local Treats: Try special holiday sweets like gingerbread and Schmalzkuchen (mini donuts sprinkled with powdered sugar).
• Live Performances: Enjoy traditional German Christmas music and carolers who stroll through the market, adding to the warm and festive ambiance.

The biggest Christmas tree in the world!

The tree stands at 148 feet tall, and 48,000 lights brighten the tree, reflecting on happy faces. 1,700 beautiful spruce trees cover the Christmas tree with needles. Bright, large decorations bring joy to the eyes. The Christmas tree looks like a fairy tale, and its 13-foot-tall angel on top shines.

Official opening of the Christmas City Dortmund with switching on of the lights on the Christmas tree

05.30 PM Start of the live stream
06:00 PM Switching on the lighting

This is definitely one of the busiest parts of the market (after all, everyone is here to see the tree!), so prepare yourself for crowds!

Alter Markt

In particular, this section of the Dortmund Christmas Market is more food-focused than the others, with plenty of options featuring holiday classics like grilled mushrooms, roasted nuts, fries, and more. Additionally, you can find a variety of fresh produce here.

If you’re into live music, this is the spot to enjoy a stage with musical performances throughout the season. For younger visitors, a charming Christmas village will be set up where they can recite poems to Santa, sing carols, make Christmas decorations, and bake gingerbread cookies.

Reinoldi Kirchplatz

This Christmas Market, set against the picturesque backdrop of Reinoldikirche, is a magical destination you won’t want to miss. Right next to the church, you’ll find long strings of glowing lights that create a particularly enchanting atmosphere in the square. Although the market can get quite crowded, it has a cozy vibe that feels incredibly romantic, especially if you don’t mind sharing this experience with a few hundred fellow visitors.

Across from the Reinoldikirche, various food stalls offer traditional German dishes, ranging from sausages (Wurst) and French crepes to famous German fries (Pommes), churros, brat potatoes (Bratkartoffeln), pretzels (Brezel), and roasted nuts.

Good to know – you can easily walk over to the large Ferris wheel from this location.

Christmas Market at Kleppingstraße and Westenhellweg in Dortmund

Dortmund’s main streets, Kleppingstraße and Westenhellweg, are lined with chalet-style shops decorated with LED lights and tiny Santas. Most stalls sell fresh foods like fried fish, boiled potatoes with sauces, breads, decorations, jewelry, and toys. The market is family-friendly, with rides like a carousel and Ferris wheel offering city views. Musicians play for the crowds, and food stalls line the busy fashion street.

Nearby at Kampstraße Station, another market offers food stalls and standing tables for chatting. A rotating Christmas pyramid displays angels and candles, and kids can enjoy nightly puppet shows. Visitors can also join a one-hour walking tour to explore the market’s 100-year history.

A video from last year can also give you a better idea of ​​what it looks like on the markets.

🇩🇪 Dortmund, Germany's Best Christmas Market in 2023🎄4K HDR Walking Tour✨

Light Art in the Christmas City

This season, Dortmund has unveiled exciting new light installations. As you explore, take a trip through its rich history and, in addition, check out some fascinating features about the city and its surroundings. Along the way, walk through Dortmund’s old and new parts while enjoying traditional stories, funny stereotypes, colorful art, as well as interactive modern light displays.

Eight new light installations represent various eras in Dortmund’s history. From the days of the Hanseatic League to the vibrant modern city we see today, these installations showcase the city’s transformation.

Here are several light installations that will brighten Dortmund this year, including during the Christmas markets:

• The journey starts at the illuminated gate above St. Catherine’s Staircase, greeting visitors from the main train station.

• Near the newly constructed Basecamp building, a sculpture honors the main station that helped spur Dortmund’s industrial rise in the 1860s: a locomotive likened to the Polar Express of Christmas City.

• In Netanya Square, there is a beer carriage featuring barrels of a Dortmund beer brand, reminiscent of the golden era of the former beer capital of Europe.

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Must-See Highlights This Holiday Season in Dortmund

Aside from the Christmas markets, Dortmund offers plenty of interesting spots to explore, especially during the holiday season. Here are a few must-visit places to make the most of your trip to this charming German city.

Dortmund U-Tower

A true cultural landmark, the Dortmund U-Tower is a former brewery transformed into a modern art and cultural center. During the holidays, it features festive light displays, making it an ideal backdrop for photos.

Westfalenpark

A popular green space in Dortmund, Westfalenpark is transformed into a winter wonderland during the holidays, complete with seasonal light displays and cozy walking paths. The park also has observation towers that provide beautiful views of the city’s holiday lights.

Florianturm
One of the city’s dominants is also the Dortmund TV tower. Visitors have access to a viewing platform at a height of 141 meters, from which they can enjoy an incredible 360° view of the entire city. If you only have one day to spend in Dortmund, this is definitely a great way to get an overview and enjoy the wonderful panorama.

Conclusion

Dortmund’s Christmas markets offer a unique and memorable experience, combining traditional German holiday culture with modern entertainment.

From the towering Christmas tree at the main Dortmunder Weihnachtsmarkt to the cozy and creative stalls at Reinoldi Kirchplatz, there’s a festive corner of the city for everyone to enjoy. Plus, with nearby attractions like the Westfalenpark and the Dortmund U-Tower, your holiday season visit will be filled with a mix of festive fun and local culture.

So, if you’re looking to make the most of the holiday season, consider Dortmund a top destination—a German city that truly knows how to celebrate Christmas!