The Top 10 Highlights of the Christmas Markets

© Mathias Schneider

Hannover is currently collaborating with the “9 Cities+2” partnership to promote these special Christmas and winter experiences in neighboring European countries. Marketing efforts include editorial features—for example, in travel magazines in the UK and Switzerland—online advertising, newsletters, and a joint online Christmas market campaign with the German National Tourist Board in Scandinavia. Locally as well, for example at travel fairs and industry workshops in Amsterdam, Brussels, Stockholm, Wrocław, and Poznań, the partners are promoting visits to the centrally located Christmas markets and highlights of the Advent season. Blogger and press trips from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Scandinavia round out the activities.

Hans Christian Nolte, Managing Director of Hannover Marketing und Tourismus GmbH, commented on the campaign: “For several years now, the 9 Städte+2 city partnership has been promoting our highlights individually in these Northern European markets. A steady increase in international visitors, particularly from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark, confirms the success of these marketing efforts.”

Hannover, Braunschweig, Celle, Göttingen, Goslar, Hamelin, Hildesheim, Lüneburg, and Wolfenbüttel: The Christmas markets in Lower Saxony’s historic cities are among the most beautiful in northern Germany. From late November through the New Year, and in some cases even into early January, idyllic half-timbered architecture, Gothic brick gables, and opulent Baroque facades provide a festive backdrop for the markets.
Tip: Centrally located in Hannover, the events and Christmas markets are also easily accessible by public transportation.

© HMTG / Gerhardts

The Top 10 Highlights of the Christmas Markets in Lower Saxony's Historic Cities:
In Hanover’s Old Town, the “Wishing Well Forest” spreads its magical atmosphere across approximately 400 square meters, waiting to be discovered. 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 fill the air with wonder. Traditionally, the Finnish Christmas Village is located on Ballhofplatz. Here, visitors can enjoy a true classic: the Christmas spirit comes alive with delicious flambéed salmon and hot glögi, a berry mulled wine with a magical blend of spices.

The festive atmosphere in Lüneburg is enhanced by special illuminations of the historic gables and buildings. The downtown churches of St. Michaelis, St. Johannis, and St. Nicolai, as well as the historic town hall, are highlighted with various lighting displays. On the first weekend of Advent, Celle’s Old Town offers a truly spectacular Christmas spectacle with a light parade. “Rudi the Singing Moose” promises fun and entertainment at the Christmas market in the old university town of Göttingen. Visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Goslar will experience a forest market right in the heart of the old town: 60 large, festively lit conifers on fragrant forest soil create a romantic Harz atmosphere. A highlight of the Advent season in Wolfenbüttel are six Advent-themed courtyards, almost hidden away behind narrow half-timbered alleys. Courtyard concerts, tastings, and much more offer plenty of variety during the Advent season. A must-see—not just for children—is the branch of the Himmelsthür Christmas Post Office, Germany’s oldest Christmas post office, located in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Hildesheim. 

© Goslar Marketing GmbH / Photographer: Stefan Sobotta

The Braunschweig Christmas market opens in late November around St. Blasii Cathedral and Dankwarderrode Castle, a historic site that has welcomed visitors since 1505. In the historic moat, festive lighting traces the original course of the Oker River, highlighting both the atmospherically decorated area and four covered Christmas market rafts. From late November through early January, the Autostadt in Wolfsburg undergoes an impressive transformation: Against the backdrop of the four chimneys of the Volkswagen power plant, illuminated like Advent candles, the automotive theme park becomes a 28-hectare winter wonderland of ice, snow, and sparkling lights—complete with its own winter market. The highlight is a 6,000-square-meter ice rink with a huge snow play area for children.

Custom-designed huts and the giant pyramid are decked out in festive decorations in Hamelin. Visitors can look forward to artisans, mulled wine stands, the Christmas bakery, the Lütje ice rink, carousels, and all sorts of treats.

© HMTG

9 Cities + 2 in Lower Saxony

Official website: Here you will find an overview of the 9+2 cities in Lower Saxony.

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