Hannover in the Magic of Christmas (December 2, 2014)

In the heart of the festively lit Old Town, a forest of 50 tall fir trees rises up. Their resinous scent fills the half-timbered streets all around, and beneath their green branches, rustic forest huts invite visitors to enjoy hot cocoa or mulled wine. Just around the corner, the “Finnish Christmas Village” beckons with a real Lapp tent and Finnish specialties: salmon is grilled over an open fire, and glögg warms guests from the inside out. A historic Christmas village takes visitors on a journey back in time to the Middle Ages. Here, artisans showcase their work and invite visitors to try their hand at felting or blacksmithing in a “craftsmen’s alley.” But even in front of the main train station, the air is filled with the scent of baked apples, lard cakes, and gingerbread. Hot mulled wine or children’s punch steams in colorful cups, and a rustic glow creates a festive atmosphere on the otherwise bustling station forecourt.

© HMTG/ Christian Wyrwa

“The numerous Christmas markets in the Region Hannover have plenty to offer the whole family,” says Hans Christian Nolte, Managing Director of Hannover Marketing und Tourismus GmbH (HMTG). Visitors can get into the festive spirit in a variety of ways in the historic Old Town, in front of the main train station, along Hannover’s Lister Meile, and in the region’s many family-friendly small towns. For children, the offerings range from puppet shows and a Ferris wheel to a Christmas bakery.

Exploring the Winter Zoo and Autostadt

Through mid-February, the Hannover Adventure Zoo will once again serve as a winter wonderland for the whole family. An outdoor ice rink, toboggan runs, a winter market featuring culinary delights, arts and crafts, and regional specialties, as well as an ice skating school, guarantee fun and excitement.

A visit to the Winter Zoo can be easily combined with a trip to the Autostadt in Wolfsburg. There, at the winter market, lovingly decorated wooden huts invite you to browse. A special highlight is the frozen lagoon, where international figure skaters captivate the audience with a colorful ice show.

Curtain up for the winter variety show

Until January 25, the Orangerie will serve as the venue for the enchanting Winter Variety Show. With a dreamlike world full of poetry, acrobatic feats, and moments of surprise, the Winter Variety Show continues its 11-year success story with “plüfoli.” Some of you may recognize the performers from this year’s Winter Variety Show, as it features a reunion with the audience favorites from “la folie,” which was performed in 2007. It’s well worth being there when the show’s creator, Anthony Venisse, and his sister Amélie Venisse whisk the audience away into the cheerful, whimsical world of “plüfoli.” And the little ones? They’ll be enchanted by the GOP Children’s Christmas Musical “Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella” by Christian Berg!

A Christmas straight out of a fairy tale

This Holiday Region is worth a visit during Advent—and not just for its charming Christmas markets! As the days grow shorter and lights begin to twinkle everywhere, a particularly festive atmosphere takes hold at Marienburg Castle. Through December 7, the estate transforms into a true winter wonderland, filled with music and the scent of roasted almonds. Young visitors can look forward to numerous activities for crafting and marveling around a lovingly decorated tree in the courtyard, a story time—and even a visit from St. Nicholas. Meanwhile, adults can take a guided tour of the castle’s royal chambers or enjoy the winter menu in the festively decorated castle restaurant, accompanied by the sounds of Christmas.

Illuminating Hannover

On this atmospheric guided tour, which takes place every Friday at 4 p.m. during the pre-Christmas season, Hannover’s festively lit Old Town reveals its romantic side. The air is filled with the scent of Christmas treats, festive music plays, and many lovingly decorated fir trees complete the rustic atmosphere. To let the Christmas magic linger a little longer, all participants are offered hot punch at the Christmas market after the tour—and of course, there’s children’s punch for the little ones.

Christmas Shopping

Hannover’s city center, with its numerous shopping arcades and specialty stores, is the ideal starting point for an extended shopping spree. Christmas shopping here—as well as in the neighborhood centers, such as List or Linden—is pure pleasure. For those who want to combine their shopping trip and Christmas market stroll with an overnight stay in Hannover at a 4-star hotel, a 3-course meal, an atmospheric bike-taxi ride through the festively decorated city, and other extras, the “Christmas Shopping” experience package is just the thing.

This and other accommodation packages, which include many extras such as local transit tickets, city maps, dinner, or spa treatments, can be booked at www.hannover.de/erlebnispakete and www.visit-hannover.com. You’ll also find contact information for the accommodation service there; their staff will be happy to help you find a suitable hotel or guesthouse. You can find all information about the Christmas markets in the Hannover region at www.hannover.de/weihnachtsmaerkte.

Images and text for editorial use are available at www.hannover.de/presse_hmtg in the photo download section (under “Fall/Winter”).

Media Contact:
Julia Sellner | Hannover Marketing und Tourismus GmbH
Phone: 0511 123490-13 | Email: presse@hannover-marketing.de