Wilkommen in Weihnachtsmarkt Dortmund! (Welcome to the Christmas markets in Dortmund!) Dortmund, while not one of the more popular tourist destinations in the country, is a vibrant city in the heart of the Ruhr region that transforms into a huge and magnificent winter wonderland during the Christmas season! The Christmas markets in Dortmund attract over 3.5 million visitors annually, making it one of the largest and most popular Christmas markets in Germany!
The Christmas markets in Dortmund are renowned for their enormous size, sprawling across several central squares – with big Christmas spirit and a colossal Christmas tree to match! Here’s everything you need to know to celebrate in this unique and vast market!
Dortmund Christmas Market Dates: November 21 – December 30, 2024
- Monday-Thursday: 11-9pm, Friday and Saturday 11-10pm, Sunday Noon-9pm
- Some food booths are open an extra hour, and many people just transfer to local pubs and eateries to keep the festivities going
- Closed November 24 and December 25
- For other special hours check the website
Location of the Christmas Markets in Dortmund
The largest of the Christmas markets in Dortmund centers around the rebuilt historic St. Reinoldi Church. This is the most famous because it includes the biggest living “Christmas tree” in Europe, and probably the world! We’ll get to more on that later. The markets can be found at Hansaplatz, Kleppingstraße, and Westenhellweg. Each offers a unique atmosphere and plenty of vendors.
The City of Dortmund
Dortmund started as a small settlement in the 8th century, and eventually flourished as a trading hub on the Rhine River. It became a major industrial powerhouse and Germany’s most important center for coal, steel, and beer. The first two made Dortmund a very strategic target during World War II, and in fact it was the Allies’ largest single target during the war. A full 98% of the buildings in the city center were destroyed, and today only about 30% of the buildings within the city limits date from pre-WWII.
But Dortmund has emerged from the rubble as an impressive modern metropolis which is also a college town with an artsy feel. Its industrial roots give the city a little grit, but it has managed to refurbish and preserve all the historical buildings that it could. So now, it’s a great mix of old and new, looking both to its past, and its future. Dortmund is a really cool city any time of year, but especially during Christmas market season!
Christmas Markets in Dortmund – A Feast for the Senses
Big Fun!
First off, Did I mention that Dortmund is BIG? The Christmas markets in Dortmund total almost 300 traditional wooden market stalls, each beautifully decorated in greenery lights, and sometimes moving figures! By comparison, some of the smaller European markets have about 50 stalls. These sprawling Christmas markets in Dortmund cover a lot of ground, so there’s a ton to see and do without being packed in to a small confined area.
I loved the feeling that it was never going to end! The tremendous size, and the fact that most of the people there seemed to be German were two novelties compared to the rest of my Christmas market experiences. Plus, Dortmund had a certain energy to it that I really liked. Everyone just seemed to really be having a great time, and it was contagious!
The Colossal Christmas Tree of Dortmund
The absolute star of the show is the annual presentation of the colossal live Christmas tree, standing an unbelievable 45 meters (147 feet) tall! How is this even possible? This giant Christmas tree is actually made up of more than 1,000 smaller live red spruce trees that are grown in Germany especially for this purpose!
The intricate and impressive construction project to weave the smaller trees into one humongous tree begins in October every year. One month, and countless hours of work later – Dortmund’s world-famous landmark rises again, ready to meet Christmas revelers!
It really is spectacular and it’s hard to get the full scale impression of it in photos, but day or night it’s a really fantastic sight. It is covered with about 48,000 lights and ornaments, and weighs in at a whopping 88,000 pounds (40,000kg)!
The first ginormous Christmas tree made its appearance in 1996, and it’s become such a crowd favorite I’m pretty sure it will be there as long as the market.
Light Sculptures
Sprinkled all throughout the market area are some really fantastic light sculptures. They tell stories of Dortmund’s history, and its present. You’ll see everything from the old horse-drawn beer wagon commemorating the golden age of Dortmund as the former beer capital of Europe, to Dortmund’s “Ruhrpott-flamingos” a tongue-in-cheek reference to pigeons which appear in the sculpture with very long legs, to an old sailing ship that recalls the city’s medieval trading past, and a nod to Dortmund’s current status as a soccer powerhouse.
There’s also a really cool Advent clock that marks the days until Christmas!
Food and Drink
You will not go hungry or thirsty at this market, that’s for sure! You’ll find all the Christmas market classics like bratwurst, pretzels, and kartoffelpuffer (fried potato pancakes also called ‘reibkuchen’ or ‘rosti’) in droves. But you’ll also find Westphalian grilled ham, and fish brötchen (fish sandwiches), among other interesting local specialties to try in the surrounding eateries.
What interesting local specialties you ask? Well, one is called mettbrötchen which translates loosely to meat roll. In Dortmund, it consists of a fabulous fresh-baked roll with caraway seeds and pretzel salt. On top is chopped onion, and in between is seasoned but raw ground pork. I know what you’re thinking, but in Germany meat is super tightly regulated and the raw ground pork cannot be served more than one day after it’s made. And yes, I ordered it and it wasn’t bad! I don’t know that I’d seek it out again, but I’m glad I did it at least once! When in Dortmund…
The sweets won’t disappoint either! Think warm gooey Nutella crepes, fresh hot roasted candied nuts in paper cones, miles of chocolate-covered fruits, and decadent but not-to-sweet German pastries.
You’ll also find all kinds of the Christmas market staple, Glühwein (hot mulled wine), both red and white. There’s even Glühgin – some kind of hot gin drink! I pledged to try it after I’d had something to eat, but sadly couldn’t find it again! Next time.
And Dortmund is definitely still a beer town, even at Christmas so be sure to try Their, Brinkhoffs, DAB, and Kronen – all brewed right in Dortmund.
The Christmas markets in Dortmund also have plenty of pop-up bars where you can rest and enjoy a beverage. There are also many year-round bars pubs around the market area – lovely spots to duck in from the chill for a sit-down meal or a glass of the incredible Dortmund Weihnachts likor (Christmas liqueur), which is strong and sweet and tasted like plums and cinnamon, and warms you right up. Put that on your must-do list! Perfection!
Shopping for Treasures
Another thing I really like about Dortmund is the shopping. There are lots of handmade products, traditional German gifts like the little smoking incense men, gorgeous ornaments, leather and knit goods, traditional wooden toys, marzipan, beeswax candles, jewelry, paper stars and other decor, hand-made baskets and brooms, Christmas villages and nativity scenes… basically if you can’t find it here you’re not going to find it anywhere.
My husband was super happy to find a long hand-knit winter hat with a pom-pom on the end. This is now called his elf hat, and he’s totally fine with that!
There are also plenty of soccer (football) souvenirs to buy, celebrating the local team that plays in the top tier of the German football league system! Those booths are easy to spot – just look for the yellow and black of Borussia Dortmund.
A fun German tradition believes there are lots of good luck charms for the new year – chimney sweeps, horseshoes, pigs, red toadstools, clover, and golden ladders. So you’ll often see lots of them put together, because a chimney sweep holding a golden ladder and a red toadstool next to a pot of clover must be super lucky!
Entertainment and Activities
Beyond shopping and dining, the Christmas markets in Dortmund offer lots of entertainment. There are live music performances that range from traditional choirs to modern bands. There are also plenty of activities for children including storytelling, puppet shows, carousel and ferris wheel rides, and a little village of fairy tale characters. Santa makes appearances too, of course!
If you get a chance, definitely ride the Ferris wheel! It’s over 100 years old and still cranking! I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to trust it at first, but I’m glad I did. You get a really lovely view of the market, and an up close lateral view of the gargoyles on the church!
Why Choose Dortmund?
😁 Friendly and Fun
It’s hard to describe the vibe in Dortmund but I really liked it. Cheerful, vibrant, ready to celebrate! If you are a lover of real full-on Christmas cheer with all the glühwein to go with it, this is the place for you.
⏳Old and New
The juxtaposition of the medieval and the modern is very interesting and gives Dortmund a unique character. A modern university, glass office buildings, moving pixelated visual art on screens, old sandstone churches, quaint dark wood pubs, fountains and parks – it all combines to something really interesting and memorable.
👍Huge but not crowded
If you want big but not overcrowded, then think about Dortmund. I went at a very busy time but didn’t ever feel claustrophobic. It’s a huge market, but Dortmund – the ninth largest city in Germany – can accommodate it. So you get all the advantages of the large size without the drawbacks.
🗓 Made to last
You could easily spend two full days or more exploring the city and the Christmas markets in Dortmund. If you’re on a whilrlwind Christmas market tour, this is a good spot to just take a breath and settle in for a couple days.
🛍 Great shopping
Again, the size of the market is your friend if you are looking to load up on gifts, souvenirs, or unique German household items, Christmas decor, crafts, or food. The quality of the items is very good as well.
🇩🇪 Less touristy
Even though a whopping 3.5 million people pass through the market, most of them are Germans so it never feels like you’re surrounded by Americans. Not that Americans are bad… I am one! But it felt a little special to be at a market where I wasn’t hearing English all over the place. That said, most people in Dortmund do speak English pretty well if you need it!
Nearby Sites to Explore
While the Christmas market is a major draw, Dortmund boasts a rich history and all kinds of interesting things to see and do.
Reinoldi Church
Explore the beautifully reconstructed Reinoldi Church, a symbol of the city’s resilience. If you find it open, this historic church offers a serene respite from the hustle bustle. Its towering spires and beautiful architecture are even more striking against the winter sky and surrounded by market stalls.
Westfalenpark
The zoo and the botanical garden won’t be at their best in winter, but the Fernsehturm (TV Tower) offers stunning panoramic views of the city, regardless of the season.
Zollern Colliery
Explore the Zollern Colliery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This industrial landmark offers a fascinating glimpse into Dortmund’s past. Tours are available and you will learn about the important role the colliery played in the history of Dortmund, and about the working conditions of the coal miners. Well worth a visit.
The Flying Rhinos of Dortmund
You may notice as you wander around Dortmund that you keep coming across winged rhinos! In 2005, Dortmund decided to add these whimsical rhinos to the cityscape… just because. They quickly became a quirky and memorable symbol of Dortmund attracting lots of attention, and how could they not! They were designed by various artists, and also served as a fundraiser for the Westphalian Philharmonic Orchestra. So don’t forget to get some good rhino photos! There are 100 of them, so you’re sure to find at least one!
Westfalen Stadium and Westfalen Park and the Football Museum
Consider taking a stadium tour to learn about its history, and the passionate fan football culture in Dortmund. Afterwards, enjoy a winter stroll through Westfalen Park.
Dortmund U-Tower
The Dortmund U-Tower (you can tell it immediately because of the giant illluminated U on top) contains the Museum Ostwall which focuses on contemporary art, and the building itself is a work of art as well!
Christmas Market Tips
Day to Night
Like all Christmas markets, you’ll want to see that magical transformation from day to night, when Dortmund changes from a modern city into a wonderland of light and old time tradition. The light sculptures really do dazzle, as does the Ferris wheel and all the decorated booths.
Money
Definitely bring Euros with you, since many booths will only accept cash. Understand the exchange rate so you’ll know what you’re spending and how much to bring. Germany uses the Euro which is usually worth slightly more than the dollar. Just Google “Dollar to Euro conversion” and the current exchange rate will pop up for you.
What to wear
Hats, mittens or gloves, a warm coat, and a scarf will serve you well, especially in the evening. Also, smartwool socks, and comfortable warm shoes or insulated walking boots are a must! You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so be sure your feet are warm and comfortable.
Check out this link for the current weather conditions in Dortmund. Know what to expect before you plan your time at the market.
Mug protocol
Glühwein and other hot drinks come in a cute ceramic mug, and the cost of the mug (usually a couple euros) will be included in your charge. If you want to return the mug when you’re done, they will refund you the cost that you paid. Or you can keep the mug as a souvenir if you like! Dortmund prides itself on its mugs which change every year. Mugs are a fun and inexpensive keepsake to collect. Having my coffee in a Christmas market mug always brings back great memories!
Getting to the Christmas Markets in Dortmund
For details on getting to the Christmas markets in Dortmund (or anywhere) this is a great website that allows you to plug in origin and destination and check out this website which gives you all the ways to get to Dortmund from wherever you are!
🚉 Dortmund By Train
It’s only a 13 minute walk from the train station to the center of Christmas market activity!
- From Frankfurt Main Station: 3 hours 15 minutes
- From Düsseldorf: 53 minutes
- From Cologne: 1 hour 10 minutes
- From Essen: 24 minutes
🚗 Dortmund By Car
- From Frankfurt: 2 hours 8 minutes
- From Düsseldorf: 49 minutes
- From Cologne: 1 hour 40 minutes
- From Essen: 30 minutes
🚌 Dortmund By Bus
You’ll want to get off at the stop at Steinstraße near the main train station, which is a 10-15 minute walk to the market.
- From Frankfurt: 3 hours 55 minutes
- From Düsseldorf: 1 hour
- From Cologne: 1 hour
- From Essen: 30 minutes
✈️ Closest Airports to Dortmund
Düsseldorf (DUS), Dortmund (DTM), and Cologne (CGN) are the closest airports.
See You at the Christmas markets in Dortmund!
Visiting the Christmas markets in Dortmund is a fun and festive experience that really captures the essence of the holiday season. I hope you get the opportunity to experience the Christmas markets in Dortmund for yourself, to see the tree, indulge in all the treats, and enjoy everything the city has to offer!
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