Osteroder Weihnachtsmarkt
Set against the historic timber-framed facades of the old town, visitors can browse stalls serving regional specialties, Harz sausages, potato pancakes, and sweet treats. A two-story Glühhütte serves hot mulled wine and snacks, while an on-site curling rink invites friendly competition. Family activities include carousel rides, children's face painting, visits to Santa Claus, and an evening living advent calendar.
What to Expect
Historic town-square market featuring a two-story mulled wine lodge and curling.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Old Town
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Tourismus und Marketing Osterode am Harz e.V. (vtm)
Food & Drink
Stalls offer Harz sausages, bratwurst, pizza, Turkish specialties, potato pancakes, crêpes, waffles, roasted nuts, and hot and cold drinks including mulled wine.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Festive and cozy
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Daily from 11:00; Monday–Thursday until at least 20:00; Friday–Sunday until at least 22:00; Thursday, 24 December, until 15:00. The page also gives an alternate summary: Monday–Sunday from 11:00, closing no earlier than 20:00 and no later than 22:00.
- Parking: Free parking is listed at Bleichestelle (10 minutes on foot), Netto (free with a parking disc for 1 hour; 1 minute on foot), and Lindenberghalle (free with a parking disc for 1 hour; 4 minutes on foot). Paid parking is listed at Badegarten (7 minutes on foot), Kornmagazin (2 minutes on foot), and Ratswaage (1 minute on foot).
- Accessibility: Designed to be low-barrier with accessible flush toilets, wheelchair-friendly cable ramps, and no wood bark mulch.
Tips & Advice
- If you're a group of four or more, reserve free seats on the Glühhütte's upper floor ahead of time, though you can't reserve during events there.
- Bring something for the deposit if you want to use the ice-stock lane, because the stones are handed out at the Glühhütte.
- Bring the kids on a weekend afternoon so they can hand their wish list to Santa in his hut or drop it in his mailbox.
- Be at the old post office building in the evening during December, when the VTM window opens and sponsors toss small gifts to the children.
- Park for free at Bleichestelle and walk about ten minutes, because the Netto and Lindenberghalle lots only allow one hour with a parking disc.
Special Events & Promotions
- Stadtwette on Sunday, December 20: if at least 500 people sing together, the mayor has to take on a task in a Santa costume
- Homecoming Party in the Glühhütte after the Stadtwette on December 20, with DJ Jay-P; free entry
- Rockharz WarmUp Party on Saturday, December 5, with DJ Averell playing rock classics and 90s hits; free entry
- Children's disco with the Zappeltier show on St. Nicholas Day, December 6
- Free guided town walks on Advent Sundays, starting at the Christmas tree on the Marktplatz
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there for kids?
There's a children's carousel, and face painting with Farbakadabra every Sunday. Santa is in his hut on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, where kids can hand in a wish list or drop it in his mailbox. Every evening in December the VTM window opens on the old post office building, and sponsors toss out small gifts or put on something special for children.
What food is there?
There are Harz sausages and bratwurst, pizza and calzone, pan dishes and fries, Turkish specialties, potato pancakes, shashlik and vegetable pans, and camembert with baked potatoes. You'll also find Leberkäse, crêpes, Schmalzkuchen, waffles, roasted nuts and cotton candy. The two-story Glühhütte serves Glühwein and snacks.
Can we reserve a table in the Glühhütte?
Yes. Groups of four or more can reserve seats on the upper floor for free, except during events. Companies and larger groups can also ask to book their Christmas party there.
How does the ice-stock lane work?
The ice-stock lane is open for everyone for the whole market. You get the stones at the Glühhütte by leaving a deposit. Local company teams also compete in the OHA-FirmenCup, which has its final on December 20.
Where are the toilets and baby-changing facilities?
There are toilets and an accessible toilet at the Adventskalender at Kornmarkt 13, and there's a changing table in the accessible toilet. Ask in the Glühhütte to get in. There's also a public toilet at the corner of Marientorstraße and Am Posthof.
More Christmas Events Near Osterode am Harz
More Christmas Events near Braunlage
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.