Dortmund Christmas Market 2024 & 45 Metre Tree at Hansaplatz

Dortmund is home to one of Germany’s largest and most impressive winter markets and is known for its huge decorated tree with the angel at its top.

Read on for the confirmed Christmas market dates and details of the popular Winterlights event.

Dortmund Christmas Market 2024 and the Decorated Tree

Dates and Location – Confirmed

Dortmund dates: 21st November to 30th December 2024 (confirmed). Verify the schedule here.
Location: Hansaplatz.
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 11am to 9pm.
Friday and Saturday: 11am to 10pm.
Sunday: 12pm to 9pm.
Snack stalls close 1 hour later.
24th November: Closed.
Christmas Day: Closed.
27th to 30th December: 11am to 9pm.
Admission: Free.
Lights: No switch-on date announced.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: Yes.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, but limited.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: The largest decorated tree in the world, made from 1000 Norway spruce trees from Germany’s Sauerland forests. It is covered in 48,000 fairy lights and is topped with an angel.
Recommended tour: Don’t miss this incredibly unique exhibition.
Food specialities: Glühwein (mulled wine), glühbier (mulled beer), reibekuchen (potato fritters), Dortmunder Salzkuchen (Saltcake).
Where to stay: Coffee Fellows Hotel is located just 1-minute from the event.

Convenient Hotels

Consider staying in the City West district, which is a short walk from the market and has plenty of accommodation options, shops, restaurants, and other tourist attractions.

The Coffee Fellows Hotel is a good option here, and it’s right across the road from Hansaplatz.

Read my guide to hotels in Dortmund if you’re looking for somewhere else to stay.

Interesting Tours

I recommend starting with a visit to see the Phoenix des Lumières exhibition in the city centre.

Then take a regular city tour, where you’ll likely visit the Reinoldikirche, Florianturm and Westfalenpark.

Discover more places to go with our German Christmas Markets List. Get insider tips on local traditions, foods and drinks to make the most of your visit.

Event Location

Other Events

Winterlights

Winterlights dates: 21st November 2024 to 5th January 2025 (confirmed). Verify the schedule here.
Location: Fredenbaumpark At Wischlingen in 2024.
Opening times: 11am to 7:30pm.

What to Expect

The winter market has something for everyone, from the impressive 45-meter-high Christmas tree in Hansaplatz to the medieval-themed market.

Try the local specialities, such as reibekuchen (potato pancakes) and glühwein (mulled wine), and check out the crafts and gifts.

Kids will love the carousel, while adults can enjoy live music and evening entertainment.

Food Specialties

• Bratwurst: A typical German grilled sausage served in a bun.
• Lebkuchen: A type of gingerbread cookie that is flavoured with honey, cinnamon and other spices.
• Stollen: A type of fruit bread filled with raisins, candied fruit and nuts and dusted with powdered sugar.
• Marzipan: A sweet confection made from ground almonds and sugar. It’s often shaped into small fruits, animals, or other figures and given as a gift.
• Kartoffelpuffer: Also known locally as reibekuchen, these potato pancakes are fried until crispy and served with apple sauce or sour cream. These are not always vegetarian; ask before you buy.
• Spätzle: A soft egg noodle often served with gravy, mushrooms, or cheese. Vegetarian options with spinach or cheese are also available.
• Rotkohl: Sweet and sour red cabbage dish with meat or potatoes.

Sustainability Tips

• Choose eco-friendly accommodation: Look for hotels or apartments that use renewable energy, such as solar or wind power, or have implemented energy-saving measures.
• Use public transport: Dortmund has a great public transport system, including buses, trams and trains. Instead of driving or taking a taxi, opt for public transport to reduce your carbon footprint.
• Bring your own reusable shopping bag. This will help reduce the number of plastic bags that end up in landfills.
• Limit food waste: Buy or cook only what you need and donate any excess food to local charities or food banks.
• Choose sustainable gifts: Instead of buying mass-produced, disposable gifts, consider supporting local artisans and businesses that create handmade, sustainable items. Alternatively, give the gift of an experience, such as tickets to a concert or a cooking class.
• Opt for vegetarian or vegan meals: Reducing your consumption of meat and dairy products can significantly impact the environment. Look for restaurants and food stalls offering vegetarian or vegan options.

Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.

—

Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.