Christmas markets in Schleswig-Holstein: record visitors and high sales!

Christmas markets in Schleswig-Holstein: record visitors and high sales!

The Christmas markets in Schleswig-Holstein have achieved impressive results this year. With optimal weather and increased visitor numbers, the Advent season could be celebrated in all its glory. Loud NDR Sales were particularly high in the areas of sausage and mulled wine, while sales of handicrafts fell this year as many decorative items were purchased online. Marco Lange, President of the Schleswig-Holstein Showmen's Association, was positive about this season's sales.

Particularly worth mentioning is the third Saturday in Advent, which has gone down in history as the day with the highest sales since the introduction of the euro. The port city of Lübeck was the magnet with an estimated 2 million visitors, including guests from Denmark and Sweden. Kiel was also able to enjoy a slight increase of 1.3 million passers-by, which was recorded by a special laser scanner.

Famous Christmas markets at a glance

Schleswig-Holstein offers a variety of Christmas markets that combine a Christmas atmosphere with maritime flair. The markets in:

• Lübecker Weihnachtsmarkt am Rathaus
  – Termin: 24. November bis 30. Dezember 2025 (außer 24. und 25. Dezember)
  – Adresse: Markt/Breite Straße, 23552 Lübeck
  – Öffnungszeiten: Sonntag bis Donnerstag 11 bis 21 Uhr, Freitag und Samstag 11 bis 22 Uhr
• Grachtenweihnacht Friedrichstadt
  – Termin: 28. bis 30. November 2025
  – Adresse: Am Markt 18, 25840 Friedrichstadt
  – Öffnungszeiten: Freitag 14 bis 22 Uhr, Samstag 11 bis 22 Uhr, Sonntag 11 bis 17 Uhr
• Weihnachtsmarkt in Lichterglanz Heiligenhafen
  – Termin: 28. November bis 31. Dezember 2025 (geschlossen am 23. November)
  – Adresse: Markt, 23774 Heiligenhafen
  – Öffnungszeiten: Montag bis Sonntag 12 bis 20 Uhr, Dienstag Ruhetag
• Flensburg
  – Termin: 24. November bis 30. Dezember 2025 (Wintermarkt ab 17. November)
  – Adressen: Holm, Große Straße, Nordermarkt, Südermarkt, 24937 Flensburg
  – Öffnungszeiten: Montag bis Samstag 11 bis 22 Uhr, Sonntag 11 bis 20 Uhr

The Christmas markets in Schleswig-Holstein will remain open until December 30th, including the markets in Burg auf Fehmarn, Flensburg and Eckernförde. Some locations, such as Büsum, St. Peter-Ording, Wyk auf Föhr and Rendsburg, are even accessible until January 4th.

Positive mood and future prospects

What does the audience say? According to a survey by YouGov 61 percent of Germans plan to visit a Christmas market, with this particularly popular among 25 to 34 year olds - a full 73 percent are interested in visiting. In contrast, older generations, especially those over 55, show less enthusiasm for extended market visits.

However, the operators of the Christmas market stalls are faced with increasing costs. While prices for mulled wine remain stable, it remains to be seen how the situation will develop in the coming year. Despite the challenges, the positive mood prevails among visitors, who experience a festival full of festive anticipation and enjoyment.

In conclusion, it can be said that the Christmas markets in Schleswig-Holstein are not only an economic success, but also promote an important piece of culture and a sense of community - a good reason to look forward to the winter markets again next year!