Fairytale markets with the romance of half-timbered houses

The Soest Christmas market, set in a picturesque old town with charming half-timbered houses and a magnificent church, is a real gem. The historic backdrop of the old town and the imposing sandstone churches make a stroll through the market an unforgettable experience.

The ‘Soest Old Town’ complex, with its green sandstone architecture – unique in the world – forms the backdrop to the Christmas market. Whilst countless stars create an indescribable night sky over the entire market square with its pretty half-timbered houses, and also add an extra touch of splendour to the Cathedral Square next to the impressive Romanesque tower of St Patrokli, elsewhere, the tower of St Petri and the historic town hall provide a striking backdrop for the Christmas market. On the romantic Vreithof, the stalls wind their way along rows of quaint, invitingly illuminated half-timbered houses.

Every day, the Christmas angel hands out sweets to the children, whilst in the evening hours the tower trumpeter plays familiar melodies. At the weekend, children can speak to Father Christmas on the phone, and from the second weekend of Advent onwards, visitors can marvel at the Westphalian Nativity Scene in St Patrokli.

Anyone strolling through the Christmas market in Monschau will experience a Christmas fairy tale: half-timbered cottages with tiny windows, crooked beams and historic alleyways frame the stalls and carousels at the foot of Monschau Castle. Local artisans, whose traditional products complete this enchanting scene, ensure a range of goods that emphasises quality and genuine craftsmanship – from Monschau mustard to handmade wood carvings.

Particularly in the evening, when dusk falls and the half-timbered houses glow in the warm light of fairy lights and lanterns, time seems to pass more slowly here, maximising the pleasure of a leisurely stroll. There are also lovely gifts to be found in the many shops and boutiques of this little town in the Eifel. For the little ones, a ‘Wichtelpfad’ (Secret Santa trail) winds its way right through the town, and there’s a historic carousel in the market square. By the way: every Saturday, St Nicholas drops by and hands out small gifts. And there’s music to enjoy at the weekend too: Advent concerts by the local music societies and the festive choral music of the Turmbläser brass band on the market square take place every Saturday and Sunday as darkness falls.
 

The Blotschenmarkt in Mettmann is something of an insider’s tip, yet during the festive season it draws visitors into the winding alleyways of the old town, which glows with a warm radiance of lights during Advent. The market stalls nestle close against the walls of the old houses, and instead of glitzy excess, there are handmade trinkets and regional crafts to discover here. Traditional ‘Blotschen’ – the typical wooden clogs that give the market its name – can also be found amongst the regional offerings. Gifts from the Neandertal valley and a wide range of arts and crafts are also on display.  

For the little ones, Father Christmas visits the market to take their wishes. And children also play a big part in the decorations: 40 Christmas trees, individually decorated by school classes, give the market a very special, personal touch.

Romance and tranquillity are the order of the day during the Christmas season in Hattingen’s historic town centre. A particular highlight is the daily appearance of ‘Frau Holle’, who, high up in one of the half-timbered windows, lets snow drift down, making children’s eyes light up. The scent of freshly baked biscuits and hot apple punch wafts through the alleyways, and time and again you’ll come across little fire pits where you can warm yourself and strike up a conversation. Vendors offer handmade products and artfully crafted gifts – from wooden figurines and nativity scene figures to candles and ceramics. 

When dusk falls over the old town in the evening and the crooked half-timbered houses glow in the warm light, the Nostalgic Christmas Market in Hattingen becomes a place of contemplation, allowing you to forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

The Christmas market at the LWL Open-Air Museum Hagen is an experience straight out of another era. Set amongst historic half-timbered houses and old workshops, nestled within the museum’s wintry landscape, a festive atmosphere unfolds here that captivates not with glittering splendour, but with traditional craftsmanship and a cosy, homely feel. The museum grounds are brought to life by soft lighting and the steam rising from the smithies and bakeries, lending the market an authentic, almost magical charm.

What makes this Christmas market so special is the setting: the old buildings, mills and workshops are not merely decoration, but offer visitors a vivid insight into the crafts of days gone by. In the historic workshops, blacksmiths, bakers and glassblowers demonstrate their art, and you can experience first-hand how people used to work and craft their goods. This focus on craftsmanship runs through the entire market and sets it apart from others – here, it’s less about consumption and more about discovering and experiencing traditional craftsmanship.

The Wiedenbrück Christmas Market is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the Teutoburg Forest region. So it’s no wonder that a real star of the run-up to Christmas is a regular guest here: The Nuremberg Christkind visits the old town every year, when Wiedenbrück’s market square – lined with historic half-timbered houses – has once again been transformed into an idyllic city of lights. St Nicholas and the Wiedenbrück Angel are also always among the visitors.
 

A total of around 40 stalls are set up at the Christkindlmarkt during the weeks of Advent, offering plenty of gift ideas and toys for the Christmas wish list. These include decorative Advent ornaments, Christmas trees and a wide variety of treats and delicacies. A vintage carousel for young and old, a large Christmas pyramid and an entertainment programme also ensure there’s plenty to keep visitors entertained. 

During Advent, Warendorf’s historic market square is transformed into an enchanting little Christmas wood. Over 200 festively decorated fir trees and the magnificent gabled houses of the old town create a truly atmospheric experience.

At the heart of the little Christmas wood, visitors will find a craft market with lovingly designed stalls offering unique handmade items and festive decorations. The special atmosphere is enhanced by the nightly performances of night watchmen and tower trumpeters, who fill the alleyways with nostalgic sounds.

On Warendorf Winter Sunday, the second Sunday of Advent, the local shops open their doors.

During Advent, the historic old town of Bad Münstereifel is aglow with festive splendour. 

Over 50 lovingly decorated stalls offer unique handmade items, Christmas decorations and culinary delights, set against the picturesque backdrop of half-timbered houses along the River Erft. The scent of freshly baked Printen and hot mulled wine fills the alleyways of the historic town centre, which is entirely listed as a conservation area. Traditional music adds an extra touch to the contemplative atmosphere.

The Christmas market is particularly enjoyable every year on the second Sunday of Advent, as this is when the ‘Long Night’ takes place, during which the Christmas market remains open until 10 pm and delights visitors with atmospheric lighting and special events.