Christmas magic in Northern Germany: discover markets and insider tips!

Christmas magic in Northern Germany: discover markets and insider tips!

The wind of the pre-Christmas season is blowing in northern Germany and the country is bathed in festive splendor. Today, November 30th, 2025, we look at the colorful hustle and bustle of the Christmas markets, which not only provide mulled wine and a homely atmosphere, but also offer many little insider tips. A special highlight is the Bullerbü farm in Hamburg-Steilshoop, which combines a Swedish atmosphere with red Swedish houses and natural play areas. Families can spend an unforgettable day here with story times, in the cookie bakery or with the Christmas pony. Operator Daniela Ehmke ensures that nothing is missing and that the farm invites you to experience it every day. You can find out more about this in the NDR program “Nordtour”, which was broadcast on November 29, 2025 and is running again today to take viewers into the magical winter world in northern Germany, which just screams for Christmas spirit.

Outside the four walls there are deeper insights into the cultural wealth. The rural women's association in the north is celebrating its 100th anniversary and is trying to recruit new faces among its 450,000 members. Creative ideas and tireless commitment help to keep the club alive in the future.

Christmas markets throughout Northern Germany

Away from cozy courtyards, the Christmas markets are not neglected. The metropolis of Lübeck is offering a festive market around the town hall from November 24th to December 30th, 2025. Here visitors can expect culinary delicacies and a beautiful backdrop of lights. The exact opening times are from Sunday to Thursday between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m. The market will only be closed on December 24th and 25th.

The Christmas market & Schlachte magic will be celebrated in Bremen from November 24th to December 23rd, 2025. The atmosphere on the market square and on the Weser promenade attracts with traditional crafts and local delicacies. The historic Christmas market in Hamburg, which also opens its doors between November 24th and December 23rd, is particularly popular. Here visitors can enjoy the winter atmosphere to the fullest.

The Christmas market in Kiel, which is taking place for the 52nd time this year, also promises a festive winter time. From November 20th to December 23rd, 2025, over 60 stalls on Holstenplatz and Asmus-Bremer-Platz will be offering punch and other specialties. Particularly striking is the large Christmas pyramid that adorns the market and brings joy to the little ones when Santa Claus distributes sweets.

And there are many other Christmas markets to explore, such as the market in Rostock or the Engelkemarkt in Emden, all of which invite you to a festival of conviviality and anticipation.

The cultural part of the Christmas anticipation

But it's not just the markets that are a reason to celebrate. Culture lovers will also get their money's worth! At the Schmidt Theater, “Schmitz Winterglitzer” delights with a humorous mix of comedy and artistry. Another tip for theater enthusiasts is the production of “Much Ado About Nothing” at the Schauspielhaus Kiel, which offers a fresh interpretation of Shakespeare's classic and opens up new dimensions of audience engagement.

The steam locomotive excursions in Geesthacht also promise a relaxing deceleration and invite you to experience the historical technology up close. The Winter Shipyard in Flensburg also offers a special craft market with a maritime flair that is entirely dedicated to crafts and creativity.

In Hanover, jewelry designer Greta Döring offers personal workshops and handmade design, a nice look back at the time of creative exchange, which is more in demand than ever after the Corona period. Bettina Bauer from Güstrow also sells her unique pieces of jewelry, which are directly inspired by nature, under her label “Provinzperle”.

For all those who like to be outdoors, Jan Tauer launched the “Walk & Talk” project in Rostock, which organizes walks to combat loneliness and make new acquaintances at the same time - an offer that is very popular at this time.

In summary: Northern Germany is not only shining in festive light these days, but also offers a whole range of cultural events, excursions and very special Christmas markets that light up hearts. Let yourself be carried away by the Christmas spirit and discover the diversity that this region has to offer.

See you at the markets!