Christmas city Dortmund

Every year, Dortmund's Christmas market attracts visitors from near and far to celebrate the festive season with mulled wine and sweet treats such as roasted almonds. Over 250 stalls and a varied programme of events await discovery.

Christmas city in Dortmund – Advent magic at hundreds of stalls

The Christmas market in Dortmund, which has also been known as ‘Dortmunder Weihnachtsstadt’ (Christmas city Dortmund) since 2019, is not only one of the largest Christmas markets in the Ruhr area, but also one of the largest in Europe. Whether you are travelling with family, friends or alone, there is something for everyone at the more than 250 stalls: from delicious food and drinks to beautiful handicrafts. If you are still looking for a special Christmas present, you are sure to find it at the colourfully decorated stalls.

The impressive Christmas tree that adorns Dortmund's Christmas market every year measures around 45 metres. © Adobe Stock, ines39

Dortmund's impressive Christmas tree

A special highlight, landmark and centrepiece of the Dortmund Christmas market is the 45-metre-high Christmas tree, crowned by a four-metre-high angel. The largest Christmas tree in the world, as the people of Dortmund proudly call it, is traditionally lit after Remembrance Sunday and shines over the entire Christmas city with around 138,000 LED lights.

It is not a single conifer, but around 1,700 red spruces, which are arranged into this impressive Christmas tree in a process lasting several weeks. Every day from 5 p.m., there is an hourly light show lasting around two minutes, continuing into the evening.

From mulled wine to potato pancakes – specialities at the Dortmund Christmas market

Visitors will find all kinds of delicacies at the numerous stalls in Dortmund's Christmas City, from hot chocolate and fruity, spicy mulled wine (with a shot of schnapps on request) to sweet stollen and roasted almonds to hearty dishes – there is something for every taste.  

In addition to the culinary Christmas market classics, regional specialities such as Dortmund potato pancakes and Westphalian grilled ham are a must.

Enjoy the delicacies at the Dortmund Christmas market. © Adobe Stock, franz12

A colourful programme of events for young and old alike

In addition to its craft and culinary highlights, Dortmund Christmas Market also attracts visitors with a varied programme of events. From changing show programmes to puppet theatre, there is entertainment for all ages and tastes.  

A special highlight for the youngest visitors every year is the Christmas village. Here, they can bake and do crafts together. The Christmas village mascot Siegi, Father Christmas and his angels, and even the BVB mascot EMMA are also regular visitors.

Opening hours

20 November to 30 December 2025

  • Monday to Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Sunday: 12 noon to 9 p.m.

Different opening hours:

  • 23 November (Remembrance Sunday): closed
  • 24 December (Christmas Eve): 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (only some stalls open)
  • 25 December (Christmas Day): closed
  • 26 and 27. December: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • 28 December: 12 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • 29 and 30. December: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.