Christmas Markets in Germany

The spirit of Christmas comes alive in Düsseldorf long before the holy night. As early as October, preparations begin to turn the center of the city into a magical holiday wonderland that fills the streets with enchanting light displays, nostalgic markets and savory regional treats. The citywide Christmas Markets provide the perfect excuse to do some holiday gift shopping in a fun, festive atmosphere.

Düsseldorf is the region's fashion capital and the famous shopping streets Königsalle and Schadowstraße and most everywhere in historic Altstadt or old town all become part of a city wide Christmas Market bustling with activity and glowing with thousands of tiny lights. This year, the festivities officially begin November 21st and last to December 23rd. Over 250 festively decorated huts throughout the city will create a romantic fairyland atmosphere where cinnamon cakes, gingerbread, waffles, hot chocolate and mulled wines are all beckoning to be enjoyed while live entertainment delights participants young and old.

While the entire city becomes a Christmas Market, each section of Düsseldorf takes special care in preparing unique details and individual events to mark on the calendar. Every city street and square is decorated to its own theme and together create a unique holiday experience.

Christmas Market at Markplatz
Markplatz stands in the cobblestone courtyard of the historic red brick Renaissance Hall. Here too is the city's landmark equestrian statue of Jan Wellern. This year the statue will preside over a special section of the city's celebration. Glassblowers, candle makers and art metal workers will be active throughout the month long festival creating one of a kind gifts and treasures. A hand-carved life-size crib from Bethlehem will be on display. The market huts here will complement the red brick of historic Renaissance Hall and the cobblestone streets to add extra ambiance.

Christmas Market at Flingerstraße
Near Markplatz, Flingerstraße promises to bring extra holiday cheer to the season. Here the market booths will be modeled after the city's historic town houses creating a miniature village lit up with holiday lights.

Christmas Market at Heinrich-Heine Platz
Here is the "little angels market" and home to the music pavilion with its art nouveau style. The market huts here are brimming angel figures and floral motives woven in cast iron. Food and drinks at this spot will be a mixture of old and new from steamed garden kale to Peruvian potatoes.

Christmas Market at Stadtbrückchen
With unique arts and crafts from all over the world, the market at Stadtbrückchen is the perfect spot to pick up a gift for anyone on your list. Crepes and punch available here make it a perfect meeting place to put down the bags and put the feet up for a bit.

Christmas Market at Schadowplatz
The traditional wooden market huts here will be decorated with fresh fir sprigs and this market will be a special place for kids with stage shows, nostalgic rides and children's activities. The Schadowplatz market is the most family friendly especially because of the Sternchen express, a miniature train that rides through a colorful miniature Christmas world and children are invited to partake in making a variety of handicrafts.

Christmas Market at Schadowstraße
Schadowstraße is Düsseldorf's year round market and shopping area but during the holidays the streets are decorated with Christmas cheer. Santa Claus statues, figures of Father Christmas, angels and reindeers are the backdrop to modern Christmas music and entertainment that sure to put anyone into the holiday spirit.

Ice Skating on the "Kö, Jazz Matinees and Christmas Cruises"
Legendary Königsallee offers special holiday fun with an outdoor ice skating arena that has become a city tradition. Sparkling ice, holiday music and of course mulled red wine help create special seasonal memories and a Jazz matinee every Sunday is a highlight throughout the festival. The other water attraction runs through the city and doesn't freeze, the Rhine River. Year round the Rhine bustles with freight ships, sport boats and cruise ships. During the holidays, cruises take on a special feeling steeped in seasonal dishes, music and decorations. The Christmas Cruises offer panoramic views of Düsseldorf's winter cityscape.

In addition to the seasonal happenings, Düsseldorf's year round attractions, museums, restaurants and breweries are open throughout the holiday season as is the Rhine Tower, Düsseldorf's "needle." At 230 meters high, the tower houses a restaurant and bar in its top with spectacular views. Just a 15 minute walk from Altstadt, the tower is well worth a visit and the perfect spot to end your holiday tour of Düsseldorf.