Overview
- Across Bavaria and North Rhine–Westphalia, Christmas markets kicked off around the first Advent weekend, with family-focused programs from Märchenstraßen to craft workshops and Nikolaus visits.
- NRW venues add novelty draws this year, including a ‘flying’ Santa in Bochum, a helicopter landing for Nikolaus in Essen-Steele, a revived queer-focused Heavenue Cologne, and a historic fairground organ in Essen.
- Gelsenkirchen-Buer’s Adventsmarkt grows in size and programming, while two Rotary clubs again run a Glühwein hut with proceeds directed to local shelters for homeless people.
- Schloss Merode’s ‘Romantischer Weihnachtsmarkt’ touts awards including a 2025 ‘excellent Christmas market in Europe’ designation and emphasizes regional craft and LED lighting with minimal plastic.
- Several offerings extend past December 24, such as Winterland Augsburg (to Dec 30), Aichach’s Christkindlmarkt (to Dec 29) and Neusäß’s Märchenspaziergang (to Jan 6), while Austria’s Mattersburg reconsolidates its market at a central site after last year’s dispersed format.