Porta Westfalica Christmas Market
Visitors can wander through festive market stalls, enjoy treats like roasted almonds, and explore a fairytale forest featuring animatronic figures. The grounds offer a covered ice rink with skate rentals, a curling lane, and dynamic fire shows alongside baroque fireworks. Family-friendly character appearances and a visit from St. Nicholas bring additional entertainment to the grounds.
What to Expect
Features a covered ice rink, fairytale forest animatronics, and quiet fireworks.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Porta-Weihnachtsmarkt-Team
Food & Drink
Market stalls offer roasted almonds.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and family-focused
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Rink and Eisstockbahn (open with the market): Monday–Thursday 12.00–21.00; Friday–Saturday 12.00–22.00; Sunday 13.00–20.00. Nikolaus visit: December 6 from 16:00. Listed character appearances: from 15:00 on November 25, December 6, December 13 and December 16.
- Parking: The market is on the parking areas of Porta Möbel.
Tips & Advice
- Leave your own snacks and drinks at home, because bringing food and beverages onto the market grounds is not allowed.
- Visit on a Wednesday for family day, when participating businesses offer reduced prices, but don't plan on using vouchers that day.
- Pick November 29 or December 20 if you want to see fireworks, as those are the two dates of the plastic-free, noise-reduced shows.
- Get the printed 2026 programme flyer, available in many shops from early November, to see the full line-up of appearances and shows.
- Wear warm gloves for the covered ice rink, where you can rent skates, and try the ice-stock lane that opens daily with the market.
Special Events & Promotions
- Magic fireworks on November 29 and a big Christmas fireworks display on December 20.
- St. Nicholas visits on December 6 and hands out sweets to the kids.
- Family day every Wednesday, with reduced prices at participating businesses (vouchers not valid that day).
- Character appearances: Anna & Olaf on November 25 and December 13, the Grinch on December 6, and the Winter Fairy & Princess on December 16.
- School classes can book the covered ice rink with skate rental in the mornings by phone, WhatsApp or email.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the market good for kids?
Yes, it's aimed at the whole family. The fairytale forest has animatronic figures, characters visit on set days, and St. Nicholas hands out sweets to children.
Can I go ice skating?
Yes. There's a covered ice rink with skate rental, plus an ice-stock lane. Both are open every day with the market.
What happens on Wednesdays?
Wednesday is family day. Participating businesses offer reduced prices to families, but vouchers can't be used that day.
Can I bring my own food and drink?
No. Bringing your own food and drinks onto the market grounds isn't allowed, and visitors must follow the security staff's instructions.
What are the fireworks like?
There are two baroque fireworks shows. Both are plastic-free, noise-reduced and CO2-neutral.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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