Schwahlmarkt Christmas Market
Artisans from Schleswig-Holstein and Denmark showcase handmade creations, including ceramics, textiles, woodwork, glassware, and jewelry, within the medieval cloister of the cathedral. Guests can sample coffee, cake, and punch in the inner courtyard, browse an antiquarian book selection, and inspect submissions in the gingerbread house contest. Storytelling sessions and community advent singing also take place inside the cathedral.
What to Expect
Artisanal Christmas market held under medieval cathedral cloister vaults.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Schleswig Cathedral area
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirchengemeinde Schleswig
Food & Drink
The courtyard serves coffee, cake, punch, and other treats.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Craft shoppers and visitors who enjoy historic settings
Vibe
Artisanal and atmospheric
Energy Level
Low
Budget
€
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Admission: 2,00 Euro.
- Hours: Saturday/Sunday 12–18 Uhr; Monday–Friday 14–18 Uhr. Opening: December 5 at 12 Uhr.
- Parking: Bus- und PKW-Parkplätze an der Wiesenstraße, entlang der Plessenstraße (nicht im verkehrsberuhigten Bereich) und auf der Parkfläche des temporären Alten ZOB; train to Schleswig station and onward by bus to Alter ZOB.
- Accessibility: A sign-language interpreter is at the opening on December 5.
Tips & Advice
- Head for the cathedral's tower portal when you arrive, because it is the only way into the Schwahlmarkt in the cloister.
- Plan your visit around the daily reading in the Hohen Chor, because each one is followed by Advent and Christmas carols that everyone sings together.
- Look at which days your favourite makers are there, because several sell only Saturday to Wednesday and others only Thursday to Sunday.
- Children up to 15 get in free, and a season ticket is sold if you want to come back several times during the market.
- Bring your Wikingertaler if you have any, because the market accepts them for admission and at the exhibitors' stalls.
Special Events & Promotions
- The opening on December 5 includes Bishop Nora Steen and Mayor Jonas Kähler, with a sign-language interpreter. It is followed by the unveiling of the new Christmas crib and a saxophone concert by the meerKLANG quartet.
- Guided climbs to the cathedral bells on December 5 and 13, for an extra fee on top of admission.
- A free children's tour, "Auf dem Weg zur Krippe", on December 12 for children aged 5 to 10 with an adult. No registration needed.
- Advent singing with the children's, youth and adult choirs and the brass choir on December 13.
- The gingerbread house contest runs during the market, and visitors vote for the winner.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of crafts are for sale?
Artisans from Schleswig-Holstein and Denmark sell handmade work under the cloister's medieval vaults. You will find jewellery, ceramics, hand weaving, glass art, Tiffany glass, wooden toys, felt work, soaps, leather goods, recycled candles, amber jewellery, Ukrainian handwork and North Frisian treats. Some makers are there only Saturday to Wednesday, and others only Thursday to Sunday.
Where is the food and drink?
Coffee, cake, punch and other treats are served in the inner courtyard of the Schwahl.
How do I get into the market?
The only way into the Schwahlmarkt is through the cathedral's tower portal.
How does the gingerbread house contest work?
The contest looks for the most beautiful gingerbread house. Entries go on display in the Schwahl, and visitors vote on the winner. To enter, contact the church office (Kirchenbüro) for details.
Where can I park?
There is bus and car parking on Wiesenstraße and along Plessenstraße, but not in the traffic-calmed zone. There is also parking on the temporary Alter ZOB lot. By public transport, take the train to Schleswig station and then a bus to the Alter ZOB stop.
More Christmas Events Near Schleswig
More Christmas Events near Schleswig
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.