World · Europe · 4 hrs ago
Germany’s first Christmas markets open weeks before Advent
Christmas markets have opened early in several German cities, weeks before the first Advent Sunday.
The markets mentioned include Bayreuth in Bavaria, Hamburg, Essen and Berlin.
Bayreuth’s Winterdorf opened on 15 October, while venues in Hamburg and Berlin opened in late October.
Essen’s Steeler Christmas market drew a large crowd during its opening weekend, which marked its 50th anniversary.
The markets offer seasonal food and hot drinks, with attractions such as skating, rides and live entertainment at some venues.
The early openings give visitors a chance to enjoy Christmas events before Advent, while the markets have different schedules and attractions.
More seasonal markets are also due to open, including Hamburg’s Santa Pauli on 9 November.
Germany’s first Christmas markets of the year have opened weeks before Advent.
The Bayreuth Winterdorf opened on 15 October, described as the first German Christmas market to open this year.
Hamburg’s Winterdeck welcomed visitors from 21 October, while markets in Essen, Hamburg’s Wandsbek district and Berlin opened later in October.
The Steeler Christmas market in Essen drew a large crowd during its opening weekend, which marked its 50th anniversary.
Hamburg’s Winterzauber features a 240-square-metre ice rink, and Berlin’s Lichtenberger Winterzeit includes amusement rides.
- Who
- Organisers of Christmas markets in several German cities.
- What
- The first Christmas markets of the year have opened weeks before Advent.
- When
- The Bayreuth Winterdorf opened on 15 October 2026; other markets opened later in October.
- Where
- Bayreuth, Hamburg, Essen and Berlin.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Bayreuth Winterdorf opened in Bayreuth.
Hamburg’s Winterdeck began welcoming visitors at Spielbudenplatz.
Winterzauber opened in Hamburg’s Wandsbek district, and Lichtenberger Winterzeit opened in Berlin.
Essen’s Steeler Christmas market opened with a festival marking its 50th anniversary and drew a large crowd.
The Santa Pauli Christmas market is scheduled to open in Hamburg.
- Bayreuth Winterdorf opening
- 15 October 2026
- Bayreuth Winterdorf size
- 480 square metres
- Hamburg Winterdeck opening
- 21 October
- Essen Steeler market anniversary
- 50th
- Wandsbek Winterzauber ice rink
- 240 square metres