Lübeck Christmas Market
The celebration begins with a family worship service at St. Mary's before a procession heads toward the Holstentor for a traditional countdown to turn on the city's Christmas lights. The procession then continues to St Petri's Church to watch St Nicholas abseil down the tower, followed by the opening of the craft market. Across the Old Town, visitors can see illuminated trees, bridges, harbour ships, and pine garlands decorated with oversized figures.
What to Expect
Features a festive procession and St Nicholas abseiling down a church tower.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Around the Town Hall
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Lübeck und Travemünde Marketing GmbH
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and visitors who enjoy festive city traditions
Vibe
Festive and magical
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Family worship at 4.30 pm; St Nicholas abseils down the tower at around 5.40 pm.
- Parking: Car parks ring the Old Town island, and a guidance system shows free spaces. They fill quickly before Christmas.
Tips & Advice
- Start at St. Mary's for the family service if you want to walk with the procession to the Holstentor and on to St Petri's Church.
- Leave the car outside the Old Town and walk or take the bus in, because parking spaces quickly run out in the weeks before Christmas.
- Stay after the countdown to watch St Nicholas abseil down St Petri's tower, as the craft market opens straight afterwards.
- Look up as you walk the Old Town, where pine garlands hang over the streets with oversized locomotives, angels and gnomes.
- Dress warmly, because you'll spend the evening outdoors following the procession through the Old Town in late November.
Special Events & Promotions
- St Nicholas abseils down the tower of St Petri's Church after the lights go on.
- The craft market opens once the switch-on procession is over.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at the switch-on?
It starts with a family service at St. Mary's. A procession then goes to the Holstentor, where a traditional countdown switches on the lights. It moves on to St Petri's Church, where St Nicholas abseils down the tower, and then the craft market opens.
What lights will I see?
Lit trees, houses and bridges, and the ships at the Museum Harbour. Pine garlands hang over the Old Town streets, decorated with oversized figures like locomotives, angels and gnomes.
Where does the big Christmas tree come from?
It's a pine from Kotka, Lübeck's Finnish partner town, and it arrives by ship every year.
Where should I park?
Use the car parks outside the Old Town island. The parking guidance system takes you to free spaces, but they run out quickly before Christmas.
Can I get there by public transport?
Yes. The Old Town is a 15–20 minute walk from the main station and the ZOB bus station. Almost every bus line goes onto the Old Town island.
More Christmas Events Near Lübeck
More Christmas Events near Luebeck
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.