Christmas

Hannover Christmas Market

Hannover’s Christmas market is expected to get locals and visitors from around the world into the holiday spirit from November 23 to December 22, 2026.

What makes the Christmas market in Hannover's Old Town so special?

The Christmas market in downtown Hanover is the largest in the capital of Lower Saxony. It begins at the World Exhibition Square and stretches from there along Grupenstraße and past the Marktkirche to the banks of the Leine River, and from there to Ballhofplatz. At each location, a variety of attractions—ranging from a traditional market to a medieval market and even a Finnish village—offer a diverse array of experiences. Activities for children are a staple of the market. They range from a puppet theater to a large carousel and a small Ferris wheel. In 2025, the Christmas market comprised a total of 188 stalls, divided into:

Traditional market: 125 units
Finnish village: 6 units
Wishing well forest: 2 units
Historic market: 45 units
In addition: 3 carousels and offers from local residents

Finnish village and medieval market

During the Christmas season, Ballhofplatz is transformed into a Finnish Christmas village featuring a real Lappish tent. Finnish specialties and handicrafts are available there.

Visitors to the Christmas market chat against the backdrop of the Finnish village with tipi and wooden huts — Browsing and tasting in the Finnish Christmas Village

A walking tour takes visitors through a historic Christmas village, where numerous stalls bring medieval town life to life in all its tranquility. The village stretches from the Historical Museum along Burgstraße, Roßmühle, Klostergang, and Pferdestraße, as well as the area between the Adult Education Center and the Leine River. Craft demonstrations and a variety of activities in a “Crafts Alley” are designed to encourage visitors to participate. In addition, music, juggling, and a variety show are offered every day, along with fire shows at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Wishing well forest

During the Christmas market, 50 fir trees stand on an area of approximately 400 square meters at the Holzmarkt in front of the Leibnizhaus. In the middle of the trees is the Oskar Winter fountain, with the "wishing ring" attached to its wrought-iron grille. According to legend, wishes come true when this ring is turned. Two forest huts in the wishing well forest are sure to fulfill your culinary wishes.

Fun for the little ones

Activities for children are a staple of the event. They range from puppet shows to a large carousel and a small Ferris wheel. These dates were valid for 2025 and can be used as a guide for planning in 2026.

Storyteller: daily 15:30 and 16:30
Punch and Judy show: daily 4, 5 and 6 pm
Santa Claus at the Christmas market: daily 5:30 pm
Christmas bakery: daily 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. (cost contribution: 3 euros)
3 carousels for young & old

Half an hour before the event closes, the night watch rings in the end of the day.