Discover one of the largest and prettiest Christmas markets in all of Germany - the Weihnachtsstadt in Dortmund. Featuring more than 250 wooden stalls, this magical winter village spans the entire city centre and is guaranteed to have something for everyone in the family, young and old.
The biggest Christmas market in Germany
The holiday spirit is immediately apparent to anyone who arrives by public transport, as the main station opens directly onto a brightly illuminated gate that leads to the Christmas market. Passing through the gate, you are immediately immersed in the Christmas experience typical of North Rhine-Westphalia, which includes plenty of smiles all around, eyes aglow in the lovely lights and gorgeous handmade gifts aplenty.
All of the wooden stalls are artfully decorated and offer visitors everything they could ever want from a Christmas market, from handmade decorations to unique gifts and regional specialities like Westphalian grilled ham. Of course, there will be plenty of piping hot Glühwein on offer, but if that’s not your mug of poison, then why not sample the new Dortmunder Weihnachtsstadt, a beer brewed specially for the occasion?
A true Christmas experience in Dortmund
The most magical part of the event is at the centre of the Christmas city in Dortmund: the largest Christmas tree in the world. Found on Hansaplatz, the grand tree is made of more than 1.700 spruces and features over 45.000 lights. A varied entertainment programme on Alter Markt will keep the mood high, while the fantastic medieval Christmas market in Fredenbaumpark offers lovely themed and handmade gifts for all.
Don’t miss out on seeing the winter lights at the Westfalenpark, where numerous light sculptures turn Dortmund’s biggest park into a magical world of festive cheer during the Christmas market season!
Dortmund Christmas market opening hours
The market is open for six weeks, but times do vary depending on the day:
- Mondays to Thursdays: 11am-9pm
- Fridays and Saturdays: 11am-10pm
- Sundays: 12pm-9pm
Additionally, there are a few days when it either isn't open or the opening hours are altered:
- Sunday, November 24: Closed
- Tuesday, December 24th: 11am-2pm (not all stands open)
- Wednesday, December 25th: Closed
- Thursday, December 26th: 12pm-9pm
- Friday, December 27th to Monday, December 30th: 11am-9pm
Attending Dortmund’s Christmas market
It’s clear there is plenty of Christmas glamour to be found across Dortmund. Attracting more than 3,5 million visitors each year, this is one of the busiest Christmas markets in Germany, so plan your visit accordingly and be prepared for all types of weather!