Mines, castles, wild animals: Beautiful Christmas markets on the 3rd Advent | NDR.de – Guide

As of: December 12, 2024 3:48 p.m

Away from the big cities with their Christmas markets, many places in northern Germany also have small, unusual markets. Some are only open on the 3rd weekend of Advent. A selection.

Underground, in the zoo, in the monastery or in the castle: many small and sometimes unusual markets only open for a few days and offer a very special atmosphere. A selection of beautiful Christmas markets in Northern Germany that are open on the third weekend of Advent from December 13th to 15th, 2024.

Christmas underground in the mine on Rammelsberg

Regional handicrafts, culinary delights, a Secret Santa workshop and a varied stage and entertainment program: the “Christmas Rammelsberg” offers all of this. What’s special: Parts of the market are located underground in the old tunnels of the historic Rammelsberg mine, which is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The program includes reading hours with Santa Claus, casting tin figures and a tombola. Alpacas are waiting for visitors on the premises. Important: Direct arrival by car is not possible. A free shuttle bus runs every 20 minutes from the Osterfeld car park.

Bergtal 19, 38640 Goslar
Opening hours: Sat+Sun 11 a.m. to 6 p.m
Admission: adults 8 euros, children 4 euros

Christmas with the animals at Ströhen Zoo

At the “Discoverer’s Christmas” in Ströhen Zoo near Diepholz, elephants stroll in a daily parade between around 30 handicraft stalls, being petted and fed. Children can have their face painted and look forward to a visit from Santa Claus. When purchasing a ticket, visitors receive a free ticket for the big raffle.

Tierparkstraße 43, 49419 Wagenfeld-Ströhen
Opening hours: Thu+Fri 4 p.m.-8 p.m., Sat+Sun 2 p.m.-8 p.m
Admission from 4 p.m.: adults 8 euros, children up to 15 years 4 euros, free entry for children on Thursdays

Star market in Otterndorf

The old town of the North Sea resort shines with lights and there are beautiful things to give away in the Christmas-decorated huts. The program for children includes crafts, face painting, pony rides and baking bread. There will be a tractor star ride to the market on Saturdays and Sundays from 5:30 p.m.

Kirchplatz, 21762 Otterndorf
Opening hours: Fri 3 p.m. – 10 p.m., Sat 2 p.m. – 10 p.m., Sun 12 p.m. – 8 p.m
admission free

“Lüttje Greetmer Christmas market” in Greetsiel

Guests can buy handicrafts and culinary delights at the decorated stalls on the market square. On Sunday, Santa Claus arrives in the fishing boat in the harbor of Greetsiel and – accompanied by torch bearers – visits the market to give the children goodies.

At the market square
26736 Greetsiel
Opening hours: Sat+Sun 1 p.m. to 7 p.m
admission free

Lichterwald and rock ‘n’ roll in Salzgitter

During Advent, a forest of lights shines in front of the festively illuminated Salder Castle, and in the castle courtyard, open Advent singing and a “Rock ‘n’ Roll & Christmas Concert” (Sat 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.) create a great atmosphere. The program also includes Christmas crafts and a craft market with ceramics, jewelry and textiles in the sheepfold. Children can meet Santa Claus and listen to fairy tales in the castle vaults.

Museumstr. 34, 38229 Salzgitter-Salder
Opening times: Sunday evening 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. (craft market until 8 p.m.), Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m
admission free

Glückstadt star magic

In the wooden huts decorated for Christmas, exhibitors offer handicrafts, baked goods and confectionery and Christmas gift ideas. On Sunday evening, Elsa, the Ice Queen, will be a guest at the Glückstadt market and Santa Claus has also announced his visit. The Christmas music program includes Santa George with his guitar and a trombone choir.

Marktplatz, 25348 Glückstadt
Opening hours: Fri 2 p.m. – 8 p.m., Sat 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sun 11 a.m. – 6 p.m
admission free

Election market in Schleswig

The traditional Schwahlmarkt takes place under the medieval vaults of Schleswig Cathedral. In the cloister, regional artisans offer beautiful, handmade and regional items. There are also readings, Advent singing together, Christmas trombone music and a gingerbread baking competition.

St. Peter’s Cathedral, 24837 Schleswig
Opening hours: Sat+Sun 12 p.m.-6 p.m., Mon-Fri 2 p.m.-6 p.m
Admission: 2 euros (children and young people free)

Christmas atmosphere in Rühn Monastery

The Advent market in Rühn between Rostock and Schwerin offers a contemplative Christmas atmosphere behind historic monastery walls. Around 60 artisans and traders offer pottery, jewelry, wooden toys and many culinary specialties. Children can listen to the stories of a storyteller and sing along to Christmas carols in the monastery church.

Klosterhof 1, 18246 Rühn
Opening times: Sunday evening and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m
Admission: 2.50 euros, children up to 12 years free

Christmas on the Müritz

A varied program awaits visitors of all ages in Waren an der Müritz around the large Christmas tree – from puppet theater and crafts to singing together and an after-work party. A special attraction is the traditional goose raffle, where 110 geese are waiting for the winner.

New market, 17192 goods
Opening hours: Thursday from 5 p.m., Fri+Sat from 2 p.m
admission free

Heavenly things in Binz on Rügen

Angels, Light & Sea is the motto of the Christmas market in the Baltic Sea resort of Binz on Rügen. The spa park is festively decorated, regional traders sell their goods in small houses, and there is live music on the stage. Children can look forward to puppet shows, a games and craft meeting and visits from Santa Claus.

Kurpark, 18609 Ostseebad Binz
Opening hours: Thursday 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., Friday/Saturday 2 p.m. – 10 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. – 8 p.m
admission free

Ludwigslust Castle Christmas

At the Christmas-decorated huts and stands on the castle square, visitors can find gift ideas, handicrafts and delicacies, and there is a carousel spinning for the children. The program also includes puppet shows, family tours of the castle and a raffle. A special highlight is the traditional Christmas concert in the castle church on Saturday at 3 p.m. (advance sales at the Ludwigslust information office, Tel. 03874/52 62 51). The finale on both days is a fire show (5:30 p.m.).

Schlossfreiheit 1, 19288 Ludwigslust
Opening hours: Sat+Sun 2 p.m. – 6 p.m

Manufactory market in Grammentin

Rustic huts, campfires and live music: “Advent Dream” opens in the small village of Grammentin near Lake Kummerow. Regional specialties, game meat from our own hunt and hand-made meat are offered. Children can get creative at a stand and listen to Christmas stories.

Dorfstraße 77, 17153 Grammentin
Opening times: Sat+Sun from 10 a.m
admission free