Weihnachtsstadt Dortmund
Visitors can explore more than 250 stalls across ten city squares offering handicrafts, decorations, toys, and regional foods such as Westphalian grilled ham. The market's centerpiece is a colossal 45-meter Christmas tree topped with a four-meter angel. Guests can stroll along the illuminated light art trail, enjoy puppet shows and magic performances, or collect the annual commemorative mulled wine mug.
What to Expect
Home to a 45-meter Christmas tree with 138,000 LED lights.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
City Center
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Dortmunder Weihnachtsstadt
Food & Drink
Stalls serve dishes such as bratwurst and Westphalian grilled ham, sweets including roasted almonds and crêpes, and drinks including mulled wine; many stalls mark vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and christmas-market shoppers
Vibe
Festive and lively
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Admission is free.
- Hours: Mon–Thu: 11am–9pm; Fri–Sat: 11am–10pm; Sun: noon–9pm. Special hours: Dec 24, 11am–2pm (only some stalls open); Dec 26, noon–9pm; Dec 27–28, 11am–9pm each day; Dec 29, noon–9pm; Dec 30, 11am–9pm. Mulled-wine and snack stalls may stay open about one hour longer. Tree light show: from 5pm; the FAQ says it lasts about two minutes and repeats hourly into the evening.
- Parking: The page recommends free Park & Ride facilities for up to 24 hours when using public transport. Near the city centre, use the parking guidance system and parking garages. Park & Ride facilities are next to public-transport stops.
Tips & Advice
- Leave the car at a Park & Ride lot and ride public transport in, since parking there is free for up to 24 hours with a transit ticket.
- Get your mulled wine in the annual mug, which has a new design every year and is a collector's item.
- Look for the symbols at the stalls if you need vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free food, since many stalls mark them.
- Stay for a last drink after the stalls close, because the mulled-wine and snack stalls stay open about an hour longer than the rest of the market.
- Don't plan a big Christmas Eve visit, as only some stalls open on December 24 and the market is closed on Christmas Day.
Special Events & Promotions
- Foundation-stone celebration for the giant tree on Hansaplatz on Tuesday, October 20, with the season's first mulled wine and bratwurst; all proceeds go to the JuKi-Haus in Dortmund.
- Livestream of the official opening.
- Ringhotel Drees 'Weihnachtsmarkt-Arrangement' hotel package, with a voucher for your first mulled wine and a Christmas mug waiting in your room.
- Only some stalls open on December 24, with shortened hours.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there for kids?
There's baking and crafts, magic and puppet theater, visits from Santa, a scavenger hunt and more.
Are there vegan or gluten-free options?
Yes. Many stalls use symbols to mark vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free food.
What's the light show at the big tree?
The 45-meter tree on Hansaplatz has about 138,000 LEDs. Its light show lasts about two minutes and repeats through the evening.
Where can I park?
The Park & Ride lots at Hauptfriedhof, Westfalenpark (lot D1), Hafen and Schulte-Rödding are free for up to 24 hours if you ride public transport. Closer in, the city's parking guidance system points you to garages.
Is there a special Christmas beer?
Yes. Hövels brews a Weihnachtsstadtbier just for the market, served only at the Go Gärtchen by Petrikirche. You can also take some home in a traditional Brausiphon.
More Christmas Events Near Dortmund
More Christmas Events near Dortmund
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.