11 Winter and Christmas Tips for the Hanover Region

During the Advent and pre-Christmas season, the Hanover region hosts many events—some lively, some quiet, some contemplative, some acrobatic—all of which are unique and create unforgettable moments.

Hannover Marketing und Tourismus GmbH (HMTG) has compiled 11 winter and Christmas tips for visiting the Hannover region. These are promoted, among other things, by approximately 400 large-format posters throughout northern Germany, which showcase a wide variety of events to inspire people to visit Hannover. The “Tips and Dates” insert, with a print run of 1.8 million copies, also highlights many other opportunities to explore the Hannover region.

© HMTG/Wyrwa

Tip 1: The 2019
Christmas Markets Starting in late November, the Christmas markets in the city and region of Hannover once again draw visitors out with their unmistakable Christmas scents of fir trees, candles, and—above all—Christmas cookies and mulled wine, to stoke the anticipation for Christmas and enjoy the holiday season. In Hanover’s Old Town, the “Wunschbrunnenwald” (Wishing Fountain Forest) spreads its magical atmosphere across approximately 400 square meters and awaits discovery. In the historic village, right on the banks of the Leine River, artisans such as silk weavers, blacksmiths, and brush makers are waiting to introduce visitors to their crafts, while jugglers, magicians, and mystical figures work their wonders. Traditionally, the Finnish Christmas Village is located on Ballhofplatz. Here, visitors can enjoy a true classic: the Christmas spirit really takes hold with delicious flambéed salmon and hot glögi, a berry mulled wine with a magical blend of spices.
Tip: The Christmas markets in the Hanover region and the nine historic cities of Lower Saxony also have plenty to offer. In Lüneburg, for example, the festive atmosphere is enhanced by illuminations on historic gables and buildings. Visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Goslar can experience a forest market right in the heart of the old town. November
25 – December 22, Hanover Old Town

Tip 2: City Walk: Hanover in Christmas Splendor
In 2019, fans of the pre-Christmas season can once again let a tour guide whisk them away to the romantic setting of the festively lit Old Town on the atmospheric “Hanover in Christmas Splendor” tour. Accompanied by Christmas music ringing out from all around and surrounded by the unmistakable Christmas scents of roasted almonds, lard cakes, and mulled wine, participants will explore the festively lit city center and Old Town—a perfect place to experience and savor the pre-Christmas spirit.
Fridays, November 29 – December 20

© Alexander Dacos

Tip 3: GOP Winter Variety Show: Inspiration
In step with the times, in tune with life: Here, the audience experiences the dynamic, powerful fusion of rhythm, physical artistry, and dance! A show that breaks boundaries, captivates, and makes the soul soar. *Impulse* delivers an unforgettable total experience of music, visuals, and movement. Brought to life by extraordinary dancers, acrobats, and instrumentalists. A young ensemble united by the joy of transcending genre boundaries and daring to try something new. The setting in the Orangery of the Herrenhausen Gardens is also spectacular: unusual scenarios created through projection and sound are sure to surprise. 
November 23 – January 12, 2020, Herrenhausen Gardens

Tip 4: GOP Children's Christmas Musical: The King's Son and the Juggler's Daughter
The young prince is simply bored at court. He dreams of wild adventures and of finally getting to know ordinary people. The only one who can help is his best friend, the king’s court jester. He takes the prince to see the small circus that’s currently performing in town. There, the prince sees the wild girl performing her stunts high up on the trapeze: a wonderful musical fairy tale where you even learn a thing or two about Beethoven along the way—or who actually knows that Beethoven didn’t like to bathe?
November 2 – January 5, 2020 GOP Georgspalast

Tip 5: Winter Zoo: Winter Wonderland at the Hannover Adventure Zoo
A winter wonderland right in the middle of the Adventure Zoo! Starting in late November, Meyers Hof transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland—a complete winter magic package for the whole family and everyone who wants to enjoy winding down after work! Featuring an open-air ice rink, a winter market with culinary delights, Santa Claus, a fairy-tale Advent calendar, children’s carousels, an ice disco, and many special events!
November 29 – February 4, 2020, Hannover Adventure Zoo

© Thomas M. Jauk/StagePicture

Tip 6: Hansel and Gretel
The well-known fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm is a grand opera: The siblings fall into the clutches of the seductive, evil Gingerbread Witch, but manage to free themselves and all the gingerbread children at the last moment through their own efforts. Once again this year, the 1964 production of *Hansel and Gretel* is on the program in Hanover, as is tradition. A full orchestra, well-known children’s songs, and the famous “Evening Blessing” are what make this performance—brought to life by the Staatstheater’s new ensemble and children’s choir—so popular.
November 15 – December 25, Hanover State Opera

Tip 7: Christmas Circus in Hanover
The Christmas Circus is entering its third season with the popular “Grand Prix of the Artists.” Every year, this festival for the whole family brings top-class Christmas circus entertainment: the artists, who have won awards at festivals from Monte Carlo to Moscow, must clear a very special hurdle, as the audience decides who is the best of the best between the big top and the ring floor. For the first time, there will be a performance on Christmas Eve—in the afternoon, while “waiting for the Christ Child.”
December 17–29, Schützenplatz, Hanover

© Adrian Schätz

Tip 8: Holiday on Ice
Magical sets, stunning costumes, spectacular choreography, and a passionate love story: that’s what lies behind Holiday on Ice’s new show. A thrilling adventure into other galaxies! The new production, “Supernova,” opens its doors in December to a mysterious world filled with breathtaking moments and a galactic ice show for the whole family.
December 12–15, TUI Arena

Tip 9: 2019 Winter Ball in the Kuppelsaal
Rumba, waltz, foxtrot—ball season is back! As a highlight to close out the year, the Susanne Bothe Dance School will showcase its talents with numerous show performances and a top-notch ensemble of artists. Among others, the school has secured the successful dance duo Denys Drozdyuk and Antonina Skobina from the U.S., known from the NBC television show *World of Dance*. The large Högl Dance & Fun Orchestra provides the essential dance music: diverse solo parts and the perfect rhythm create a spectacular sound.
December 7, Hannover Congress Centrum

Tip 10: Gala Night at the HCC
Dance enthusiasts can look forward to a glamorous blend of dance and entertainment, kicking off with the iconic opening performance “The Glorious Fifties.” Three-time reigning world champions in show dance and cabaret from the U.S., Shane & Shannon Jensen, will enchant the audience with a breathtaking show. Between performances, there will be dance sessions for guests.
December 14, Hannover Congress Centrum

Tip 11: Family Musical: The Snow Queen
The fascinating story of The Snow Queen—presented by a young, energetic eight-member ensemble—continues to enchant children, the young at heart, and fairy tale lovers alike. Catchy songs, witty dialogue, touching scenes, choreography you can join in on, and striking lighting design all come together in a straightforward, heartfelt production.
December 30, Theater am Aegi

You can find suitable activity packages—including overnight stays in Hanover—at: www.visit-hannover.com/erlebnispakete

You can find all the tips at: www.visit-hannover.com/weihnachten

You can find the top 10 Christmas events in the historic 9 + 2 cities of Lower Saxony at: www.9staedte.de