During the Advent season, Hattingen bathes its historic old town in a special sea of lights: the nostalgic Christmas market around the Old Town Hall Square makes the half-timbered town in the Ruhr Valley look like a winter fairy tale. More than 150 lovingly decorated stalls are lined up between the narrow streets, and the imposing St. George's Church - with its leaning spire the landmark of Hattingen - watches over everything.
The mixture of tradition and warmth is particularly unique: in addition to handicrafts and culinary classics, you will come across little treasures that can only be found at this market. One highlight is the Christmas bakery, where children can bake cookies while adults watch the craftsmen forge, turn or build nativity scenes. And then there's Mother Hulda, who regularly drops golden coins - in the form of sparkling glitter - over visitors from high above the town hall window.
This Christmas market thrives on its special nostalgia: between half-timbered houses, twinkling lights and fragrant delicacies, the Advent season here becomes an experience that awakens warmth and anticipation - just as one would wish for in childhood.
