Christmas markets in castles and palaces

The Broicher Schlossweihnacht in Mülheim an der Ruhr brings a special atmosphere to the time-honoured castle during Advent. As soon as you step through the gate, it becomes quieter, almost festive. The old walls glow in warm light and the gentle crackling of fire baskets accompanies the scent of cinnamon, roasted almonds and mulled wine in the cold air.

Here you will find lovingly decorated stalls where artisans display their work, regional delicacies can be sampled and little treasures for Christmas can be discovered among the fir branches. The castle courtyard is particularly beautiful, where children can whisper their wishes to Father Christmas.

In the evening, when dusk falls over the castle, the market becomes a very special place. The mixture of old walls, lights and the anticipation of Christmas makes Broich Castle Christmas a tranquil, almost magical experience.

The Christmas market at Benrath Palace in Düsseldorf enchants visitors with its unique setting. The baroque palace, with its pale pink walls and majestic wings, shines in a warm sea of lights and forms the glamorous setting for the Advent hustle and bustle. Nestled in the extensive castle park and surrounded by historic buildings, the market creates an unrivalled atmosphere that makes the castle itself the main attraction.

In the courtyards and along the castle walls, small, festively decorated stalls invite you to stroll around. Between the gentle sounds of Christmas music and the soft glow of the lights, the historic ambience unfolds in all its splendour. The sight of the sparkling palace in the dark, reflected in the water, makes the Christmas market at Benrath Palace an experience that evokes the spirit of times gone by and adds a magical touch to every visit.

The Christmas market fun in Siegen is particularly big this time: to celebrate the city's 800th anniversary, the market will be open over the holidays until 29 December. The grand finale is a big New Year's Eve party with a laser show on 31 December on Unterer Schlossplatz, a special highlight in Siegen's anniversary year.

Two special eye-catchers invite you to do laps in very different ways: A historic, listed Ferris wheel towers above the Lower Castle Square, while an ice rink with around 300 square metres of real ice awaits skating fans in the middle of the market.

Benkhausen Castle in Espelkamp traditionally invites visitors to its "Winter Castle Fun" on the fourth weekend in Advent. Around 50 festively decorated stalls offer a diverse selection of handmade Christmas gifts, decorations and culinary specialities. The castle grounds are lit up with atmospheric lighting, while live music and children's activities provide entertainment. A special highlight is the history society's miniature railway set up in the manor house, which will not only make children's eyes light up.

There is also a programme for the ears, with various musical performances planned. For example, Anna-Sophie Dück, who is at home in the region and recently appeared on the casting show "Deutschland sucht den Superstar", has been invited to perform.

When the venerable walls of Satzvey Castle are cloaked in golden light and the scent of roasted almonds, herbs and hot mead wafts out of the gates, a journey into another time begins: the medieval Christmas market transforms the moated castle into a living winter fairy tale.

Instead of classic rows of stalls, you can expect artfully designed market stalls where craftspeople show off their skills right before your eyes - from blacksmiths' fires to glass blowing. Jugglers, minstrels and minstrels create a festive atmosphere with music and stories that will immediately draw you into the world of past centuries. Between knights' armour, colourful robes and the mysterious glow of torches, a unique atmosphere is created that enchants children and adults alike.

A special highlight is the encounter with St Nicholas, who arrives here in medieval style, accompanied by angels and mythical creatures. This is accompanied by hearty food and warming drinks that go far beyond mulled wine and bratwurst and emphasise the historical character of the market.

Those who celebrate Advent at Satzvey Castle experience Christmas in its most original form: magical, handmade and full of stories.

The enchanting Grünewald Castle is located in the Bergisches Land, in Solingen-Gräfrath. A villa with an English landscape garden that is the backdrop for numerous festivals throughout the year. At Christmas time, the Grünewald Advent Dream is particularly romantic: crackling fire baskets and blazing torches against the backdrop of the historic manor house create a warm and cosy atmosphere. It's worth taking your time and strolling leisurely through the extensive grounds. The listed courtyard is always the centre of attention. The centrepiece of this market.

Advent in the Eifel region becomes a fairytale at the moat and in the castle courtyard: At the romantic Christmas market at Merode Castle near Düren, fairy lights, lanterns and open fires glow, while selected handicrafts and fine food and drink add to the atmosphere. It was recently voted one of the twelve most outstanding Christmas markets in Europe for its tradition, quality and sustainability: The European Excellent Christmas Market Association (EECMA) has honoured the market at the Renaissance moated castle with this award. Even the Christ Child is enchanted - and comes by every day.