Dortmund Christmas Market 2023 at Hansaplatz

Dortmund should be on your list if you’re looking for a winter getaway that combines Christmas festivities with a vibrant city atmosphere.

Known for its industrial heritage and love of soccer, Dortmund is also home to one of Germany’s largest and most impressive Christmas markets, drawing visitors from all over Europe.

In this article, I’ll guide you through the sights, sounds, and tastes of the Dortmund Christmas Market and help you make the most of your winter trip to this fascinating city.

You’ll experience a magical Christmas atmosphere in Dortmund that’s hard to beat. The city’s famous Christmas market is the heart of the festivities, offering a huge selection of food, drink, and gifts.

From the twinkling lights and festive music to the delicious smells of bratwurst and mulled wine, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a winter wonderland in Dortmund.

Dortmund Christmas Market 2023

There’s something for everyone at the Christmas market in Dortmund, from the impressive 45-meter-high Christmas tree in Hansaplatz to the medieval-themed market in the historical town centre.

Be sure to try the local specialities, such as reibekuchen (potato pancakes) and glühwein (mulled wine), and check out the crafts and gifts on offer.

Kids will love the carousel and Santa’s grotto, while adults can enjoy live music and entertainment in the evenings. With so much to see and do, the Dortmund Christmas Market offers a full day of experiences.

Dates and Location

Dortmund Christmas Market dates: Likely dates: 16th November to 30 December 2023.
Location: Hansaplatz, Dortmund.
Opening times: Mondays to Thursdays: 11am to 9pm. Fridays and Saturdays: 11am to 10pm. Sundays: 12pm to 9pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Christmas lights: Yes, switch on date: 16th November.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: Yes, at Hansaplatz, Dortmund City Centre.
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: Dortmund is home to the largest Christmas tree in the world, made from 1000 Norway spruce trees from Germany’s Sauerland forests. The tree is decorated with 48,000 fairy lights and topped with a Christmas angel.
Recommended tour: Don’t miss this incredibly unique exhibition in Dortmund.
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 Christmas market.

Hotels near Dortmund Christmas Market

Consider the City West district to stay close to Dortmund’s Christmas market.

These areas are a short walk from the market and offer plenty of accommodation options, shops, restaurants and attractions to enjoy.

I suggest staying at Coffee Fellows Hotel as it’s in a great location in the City West district and is located just across the road from the Christmas market at Hansaplatz.

This is just one of many hotels near Dortmund Christmas Market. Read the full guide for more options.

Location of Dortmund Christmas Market

City and Christmas Tours

A city tour of Dortmund is a wonderful way to discover the city’s rich history and culture. With its charming old town, stunning architecture, and colourful facades, Dortmund is a city that has a lot to offer.

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

If you continue on to do a regular city tour, you’ll likely visit the city’s most iconic landmarks and attractions, including the magnificent Reinoldikirche, the beautiful Florianturm and the historic Westfalenpark.

Christmas in Dortmund

Check out this video to get a glimpse of the festive atmosphere, delicious food and drinks and beautiful Christmas decorations at the Dortmund Christmas Market.

Discover the best Christmas markets in Germany with my comprehensive guide. Get insider tips on local traditions, food, and drink to make the most of your visit.

Christmas Specialties in Dortmund

Here are some traditional Christmas foods you can try in Dortmund or Germany, including some vegetarian options:

• Bratwurst: A type of sausage made from pork, beef, or veal that is grilled or fried and served with mustard and bread. Vegetarian options made from soy or seitan are also available.
• Lebkuchen: A type of gingerbread cookie that is flavoured with honey, cinnamon and other spices. They are often decorated with icing and served with a hot drink.
• Stollen: A type of fruit bread that is filled with raisins, candied fruit and nuts and dusted with powdered sugar. It’s often eaten as a breakfast treat or dessert. Although originally from Dresden, you can find it here in Dortmund.
• 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 are potato pancakes that 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: A sweet and sour red cabbage dish that is often served as a side dish with meat or potatoes. It’s flavoured with vinegar, sugar and spices.

These traditional Christmas foods are a great way to experience the flavours and customs of Dortmund and Germany during the festive season.

At the Christmas market in Dortmund, you can find a variety of delicious street foods, including traditional German favourites like bratwurst sausages and potato pancakes (kartoffelpuffer).

Other popular options include roasted almonds, crepes and grilled cheese sandwiches. For those with a sweet tooth, there are plenty of treats like gingerbread cookies (lebkuchen), candied apples and hot chocolate with whipped cream.

You can also find vegetarian options like vegetable skewers and mushroom dishes.

Medieval Christmas Market Fredenbaum

The Medieval Christmas Market Fredenbaum in Dortmund, Germany, is a unique and enchanting market that celebrates the festive season with a historical twist.

Set in the atmospheric Fredenbaum Park, the market features vendors dressed in medieval costumes, selling traditional handicrafts, food, and drinks.

Visitors can enjoy live music and performances, try their hand at archery, and even take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage.

The Medieval Christmas Market is a must-see for anyone looking for a truly authentic and fun Christmas market experience.

Medieval Christmas Market Fredenbaum dates: Likely dates: Weekends only from 22nd November until Christmas Eve, 24th December 2023.
Opening times: 11am to 7:30pm.
Location: Fredenbaumpark, Lindenhorster Str. 6, Dortmund, Germany.

Location of Medieval Christmas Market Fredenbaum

Plan your trip to Dortmund with ease using the helpful website, which offers information on attractions, accommodations, events, and more.

Sustainable Christmas Tips

Many of us are increasingly concerned about climate change and sustainability. Here are a few tips on how we can travel more responsibly in Dortmund at Christmas.

• 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: When you visit the Christmas market, bring a reusable shopping bag or backpack to carry your purchases. This helps reduce the amount of plastic bags that end up in landfills.
• Limit food waste: Try to only buy or cook what you need and donate any excess food to local charities or food banks. Also, look for restaurants and food vendors prioritising sustainable sourcing and reducing food waste.
• 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.

By incorporating these sustainable practices into your Christmas in Dortmund, you can help reduce your environmental impact and support local businesses and communities.

FAQ

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Dortmund, Germany. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.