Christmas markets in castles and palaces

The Advent market at Raesfeld moated castle is a festive gem in the Münsterland region that transports visitors to the romantic world of bygone times. Surrounded by moats and magnificent parkland, the historic castle glows in a warm light and invites you to daydream.

Festively decorated stalls line the old walls and quaint courtyards. Artisans, regional specialities and lovingly designed gift ideas create an incomparable Advent atmosphere. The scent of spicy mulled wine, freshly baked biscuits and fir trees fills the crisp winter air.

Especially in the evening, when the lights reflect in the water and the castle appears enchanted, a visit to the Advent market at Raesfeld moated castle is an unforgettable experience full of Christmas anticipation.

The Christmas market at Paffendorf Castle is a true winter wonderland in the centre of the Rhine-Erft district. As soon as you pass through the historic gate, you are enveloped by a magic that touches all the senses. The majestic backdrop of the castle shines in a festive glow of lights and is reflected in the glittering moat - a sight that warms the heart and soul.

Lovingly decorated stalls are lined up between the enchanted trees and ancient walls. From artistically designed woodwork to handmade jewellery and culinary delicacies: There is so much to discover here. The scent of roasted almonds, fresh mulled wine and fir branches fills the air and attracts visitors from near and far.

It is particularly magical for the little guests when they meet Father Christmas and can make their wishes directly. A small carousel turns merrily and fills the castle grounds with shining children's eyes and hearty laughter.

The Christmas market at Paffendorf Castle is more than just a market - it is a place where the anticipation of the festive season comes alive and every visit becomes an unforgettable experience.

The St Nicholas market at Hugenpoet Castle in Essen-Kettwig is an atmospheric insider tip during Advent, creating a magical atmosphere with its picturesque setting around the moated castle. The magnificent castle, surrounded by tranquil moats and old trees, shines in a festive glow of lights and becomes a fairytale stage for the contemplative market.

In the winding courtyards and along the castle avenue, carefully selected stalls present lovingly crafted unique items, from handmade jewellery and Christmas decorations to culinary delicacies from the region. The scent of mulled wine, cinnamon and freshly baked waffles wafts through the cold winter air and invites you to enjoy and linger.

As evening falls and the castle glows in soft light, the St Nicholas Market at Hugenpoet Castle becomes a place of winter contemplation. The impressive backdrop of the moated castle and the special selection of handcrafted treasures make this market an unforgettable experience and a perfect place to experience the magic of the pre-Christmas period.

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 in Paderborn Castle Park creates a unique winter idyll that transports visitors into an atmospheric, almost enchanted world. The magnificent Neuhaus Castle rises majestically above the festively decorated park, whose old trees and walkways glow in warm light and emphasise the historical charm of this place.

Lovingly decorated market stalls are lined up between the illuminated treetops and along the winding park paths. The scenery is characterised by the soft glow of lights and the delicate scent of winter delicacies. Here you will find handicrafts, Christmas decorations and fine specialities, which really come into their own in the wintry flair of the park.

As dusk falls and the castle glows in the distance in soft light, the Christmas market is transformed into a true oasis of contemplation. The castle park in Paderborn thus becomes a magical place where history and Christmas atmosphere go hand in hand and make the visit a special experience.

The Christmas market at Lüntenbeck Castle is a small, enchanting insider tip in Wuppertal that spreads a special Christmas atmosphere with its historic backdrop. The time-honoured castle with its half-timbered walls and winding courtyards shines in the soft light of countless lanterns and fairy lights and draws visitors into a world full of nostalgia.

The cosy courtyards and along the castle walls are lined with artistically designed stalls selling unique handmade items, arts and crafts and lovingly crafted Christmas gifts. The crackling of the fire baskets and the smell of mulled wine and roasted almonds mingle in the winter air and lend the market a warm atmosphere.

Especially at dusk, when the castle glows mysteriously in the soft light and the old walls tell stories from times long past, the Christmas market at Lüntenbeck Castle becomes a place of tranquillity and Christmas anticipation - a gem that enchants its visitors anew every year.

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.

Art is a speciality of this place, of that there is no doubt: on the one hand, Schloss Moyland becomes a popular stage for fine unique pieces at the arts and crafts market in December: ceramics, jewellery, paper art and design pieces can be found between the castle walls and moats, a beautiful backdrop for browsing and marvelling.

On the other hand, art continues at Museum Schloss Moyland. You can explore the world's largest Joseph Beuys collection and visit exciting temporary exhibitions. A day for art fans that combines crafts, museums and a castle atmosphere - café break included.

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.

All kinds of eye-catchers await in front of the baroque façade of this palace during Advent. At the unique Christmas market at Bensberg Castle, selected manufacturers and design labels showcase their best pieces, this year for the 25th time. But the view is just as worth seeing: on a clear day, the view stretches far across the Cologne bay all the way to the cathedral.

In the castle courtyard itself, the motto is "Unique instead of monotonous", meaning that a curated concept store mile offers a wide selection of special gifts beyond the usual. This also applies to indulgence: in addition to delicacies at the Christmas market, the castle itself also offers sophisticated culinary delights. The grand hotel located inside is known for its top-class cuisine and excellent standards.