Hanover Christmas Market 2024 Confirmed Dates at Marktkirche

Known for its stunning royal gardens, historic landmarks, and vibrant arts scene, Hanover also shines during the winter with the Hanover Christmas Market.

Read on for the confirmed 2024 dates, opening times, and local specialties.

Hanover Christmas Market

Dates – Confirmed

Hanover Christmas Market dates: 25th November to 22nd December 2024 (confirmed).

Update: Dates were announced in March. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.

Source: Dates are obtained directly from the tourist office, available here.

Plan Your Visit

Location and Times

Location: Marktkirche.
Opening times: 11am to 9pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.

Travel and Accommodation

Recommended tour: Guided Old Town walking tour.
Public transport: U-bahn: Markthalle/Landtag.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion. Parkhaus Altstadt is nearby.
Where to stay: Concorde Hotel is a popular hotel, located across from Marktkirche.

Amenities and Attractions

Admission: Free.
Christmas lights: On daily from 4pm to 10pm.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: Not at the Christmas market, but you can skate at Der Skate Club.
For children: Children’s Ferris wheel, Christmas bakery at Marktbrunnen, puppet theatre at the Old Town Hall, and visits with Santa.

Dietary Options

Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Specialities: Schmalzkuchen, grünkohl, marzipan treats, hot mead, local baked goods, handcrafted chocolates.

Accessibility

Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.

Convenient Hotels

Staying in the city centre provides the most convenient access to events and attractions. For a comfortable stay in this area, I recommend the Concord Hotel.

Recommended Tours

This guided walking tour is highly recommended for a comprehensive view of the city. Not only will you traverse the Old Town’s winding streets, but you’ll also find yourself outside the grand Leineschloss and the state-of-the-art Hanover Opera Theatre.

Read our German Christmas Markets List for more festive destinations across the country.

Market Location

Wrapped up your Christmas visit? We’d love to hear about your experience. Share your story and tag photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets on social media.

What to Expect

With over 110 stalls, the market stretches from Marktkirche in the historic Old Town to the lively Ernst-August-Platz. Many wooden toys and gifts come from the Erzgebirge and South Tyrol regions.

You can explore the Finnish Christmas Village in Ballhofplatz, where you’ll find reindeer sausages and hot berry wine, or visit the Wishing Well Forest at Holzmarkt, adorned with over 50 decorated fir trees.

The medieval village at the Leine Palace courtyard features handcrafted goods and performances, offering a glimpse into the past.

Regional Specialties

• Schmalzkuchen: Small, fried dough pastries that are often dusted with powdered sugar. They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
• Grünkohl mit Bregenwurst: A hearty dish consisting of kale cooked with spices and served with a special sausage.
• Bratwurst: Traditional German sausages grilled to perfection. While found throughout Germany, the ones in Hanover have a distinct flavour.
• Lübecker Marzipan: Originating from Lübeck, this almond paste treat is shaped into various figures and often coated in chocolate.
• Heisser Met: Also known as hot mead, this alcoholic drink made from honey is served warm.
• Stollen: A dense, fruit-filled bread often dusted with powdered sugar.
• Reibekuchen: Grated potato pancakes that are crisply fried, often served with apple sauce.
• Lebkuchen: Gingerbread cookies that come in various shapes and sizes.
• Kartoffelpuffer: Another potato-based snack, these are thin potato pancakes.

Interesting Gift Stalls

• Lower Saxon Crafts: Hanover, being in Lower Saxony, has stalls showcasing regional makers. You’ll find crafted wooden toys, lacework, and other handcrafted items.
• Schützenfest Merchandise: A nod to the world’s largest marksmen’s festival held in Hanover, various items like pins, miniatures, and shirts are available.
• Hand-blown Glass Ornaments: A range of designs, from intricate landscapes to simple, elegant patterns.
• Wooden Nutcrackers: The intricately designed nutcrackers in Hanover often feature unique designs, including those of historical and local significance.
• Herbal Sachets: Filled with aromatic herbs, these sachets are perfect for warding off moths or freshening up a wardrobe.
• Local Gin: Hanover and its surrounding regions have started producing distinctive gins bottled in decorative bottles.
• Linens: Look for tablecloths adorned with winter motifs or hand-stitched Christmas stockings.
• Hand-carved Incense Burners: Often shaped like little cottages or figures, these burners release scented smoke when used.

Sustainable Travel Tips

• Eco-Friendly Hotels: Several hotels in Hanover prioritise sustainability by using renewable energy. When booking, check their environmental policies or ask about their energy sources to ensure you support eco-conscious businesses.
• Mindful Consumption: When shopping or dining in Hanover, buy only what you need to reduce waste. This approach not only saves money but also minimises leftover food and unused items.
• Ethical Shopping: Support local artisans by choosing handcrafted gifts and souvenirs over mass-produced items. This helps sustain the local economy and promotes environmentally friendly production practices.
• Sustainable Eating: Opt for vegetarian or plant-based meals at local eateries. Many vendors use locally sourced ingredients, which supports regional farmers and reduces the environmental impact of your meal.
• Green Transport: To get around the city, Use Hanover’s public transport system, including the U-bahn and buses. Walking or cycling are also eco-friendly options, especially in busy areas.

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

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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.