Rostock Christmas Market 2024: A Baltic Getaway

Rostock’s medieval architecture, lively cultural scene, and busy harbour in Warnemünde make it a scenic winter destination. They city’s Weihnachtsmarkt is one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets.

This guide covers dates, opening times, locations, and local specialities.

Rostock Christmas Market – Largest in Northern Germany

Dates and Location – Confirmed

Rostock dates: 25th November to 22nd December 2024 (confirmed). Verify the schedule here.
Location: Neuer Markt.
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 11am to 8pm
Friday and Saturday: 11am to 9:30pm.
Sunday: 11:30am to 8pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free.
Lights: Switch-on, opening date: 25th November (unconfirmed).
Children’s Activities: Yes, Santa, rides, activities and a carousel.
Ice skating: Yes, at Neuer Markt.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Proximity to the eautiful Baltic Sea coast.
Recommended tour: City walk with a local.
Food specialities: Rostocker Rauchwurst, smoked sausage, Dresden Stollen, baked bananas, Swedish glögg, Finish honey.
Where to stay: Radisson Blu Hotel is a highly-rated hotel 5-minutes from Neuer Markt.

Convenient Hotels

The city centre is a convenient choice for accommodation in Rostock because it is near the festive activities at Neuer Markt. But you could consider staying in Warnemuende if you want to be near the sea.

I suggest staying at the Radisson Blu Hotel. It’s in a great location in the city centre, a 5-minute walk to the main event.

Read our German Christmas Markets List for practical tips and recommendations to help with your trip planning this winter.

Event Location

What to Expect

The winter market in Rostock is renowned as one of the oldest in Northern Germany. Its roots date back to the 15th century.

It began as a central gathering of stalls where locals could prepare for the harsh winter and impending celebrations.

This custom, benefiting both tradespeople and residents, has carried on from generation to generation, shaping Rostock’s Christmas market that we see today.

The market spreads across various locations in the heart of Rostock’s historic old town, from Neuer Markt to the Universitätsplatz.

Regional Specialties

• Kale with Pinkel sausage: The city of Rostock and Northern Germany, in general, hold high regard for this hearty dish. It consists of cooked, finely chopped kale seasoned with a mix of spices and served with Pinkel sausage, a type of grained sausage commonly found in Northern Germany. Even if you’re a vegetarian, don’t worry – the kale alone, sans sausage, is a warming and nutrient-rich treat during the winter months.
• Rostocker Rauchwurst: This smoked sausage is particular to Rostock. It’s a well-loved part of the local cuisine. It’s made of pork, beef, and sometimes veal, seasoned with a mix of spices before being smoked over beechwood. Paired with some fresh bread, it makes for a hearty meal.
• Marzipan: Although more associated with Lübeck, marzipan is still a favourite sweet treat across Northern Germany. Made primarily from sugar or honey and almond meal, marzipan is often shaped into cute figures or coated with chocolate.
• Labskaus: Originally a seafarer’s dish, Labskaus has found a place in the culinary traditions of Northern Germany. The dish combines mashed potatoes, beetroot, pickled gherkins, and usually corned beef, all cooked together. For a vegetarian twist, simply omit the meat – the earthy flavours of the root vegetables still come together beautifully.
• Holsteiner Teller: This is a plate of assorted cold cuts and cheeses from the region, providing a delightful variety of flavours and textures. Accompanied by fresh local bread, it’s an opportunity to taste a range of local produce in one sitting.
• Herring in various forms: The proximity to the sea means that fish are heavily featured in the local cuisine. For Christmas, you might find herring served in various ways – smoked, pickled, or in a creamy sauce.
• Rote Grütze: Rounding off your gastronomic adventure, Rote Grütze is a classic dessert hailing from this region. It’s a sweet-sour pudding made from a mix of red berries and usually served with a dollop of cream or vanilla sauce on top, a light and refreshing finish to a meal.

At the Food Stalls

• Bratwurst: As quintessential as it gets when it comes to German street food, Bratwurst is a type of German sausage made from pork, beef, or veal. It’s grilled on a charcoal grill, often served in a bun with a dollop of mustard or ketchup.
• Lebkuchen: While exploring the bustling stalls, you’ll inevitably be drawn in by Lebkuchen’s sweet, spicy aroma. These traditional German cookies resemble gingerbread, combining honey, nuts and a mix of spices.
• Stollen: This classic German cake is rich, filled with dried fruit, nuts and often marzipan and dusted with icing sugar.
• Glögg: A version of mulled wine popular in Nordic countries. The warming drink is made from red wine heated with spices like cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon, and it’s typically sweetened with sugar. In Rostock, it’s often served with a shot of rum to add a little extra heat.
• Fischbrötchen: Being close to the sea, Rostock offers fresh fish dishes like Fischbrötchen, a fish sandwich. It typically includes pickled herring or another type of local fish, raw onions, pickles and remoulade sauce in a fresh roll.
• Flammkuchen: Resembling a thin-crust pizza, Flammkuchen is an Alsace speciality you might find in Rostock. Traditionally, it’s topped with crème fraîche, thinly sliced onions, and lardons. Vegetarian variations might feature cheese, vegetables or even sweet versions with apples and cinnamon.
• Schmalzkuchen: The name may not sound appealing, but Schmalzkuchen, or ‘lard cakes’, are popular. These are small, deep-fried doughnuts, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside and dusted with powdered sugar. They’re usually served in a paper cone.

What to Buy

• Maritime Crafts: Rostock and Warnemünde are well-known for their maritime heritage, and that reflects in the local crafts. Beautifully crafted ship models intricately carved nautical-themed decorations, and other sea-inspired items make for unique and thoughtful gifts.
• Amber Jewellery: Amber is a common sight in northern Germany, known as the ‘Gold of the Baltic’. You can find elegantly designed amber jewellery ranging from necklaces and bracelets to rings and earrings, each piece unique due to the nature of this fascinating fossilised resin.
• Local Ceramics: With a tradition that goes back centuries, ceramics from northern Germany are indeed distinctive. Various stalls sell ceramic items, from functional kitchenware to decorative ornaments, each reflecting the region’s craftsmanship.
• Handmade Ornaments: There’s always room for one more ornament on the tree. They vary from intricately painted glass baubles to wood-carved figures and even delicately crafted straw decorations.
• Traditional Toys: Traditional wooden toys, like beautifully painted nutcrackers and charming pull-along animals, are amongst the favourites.
• Mulled Wine Mugs: Mulled wine often comes in collectable mugs. Each market or city typically has its unique design each year, making these mugs a fantastic memento of your visit.

Sustainability Tips

• Use Public Transportation and Bike Sharing: To lower your carbon footprint, use Rostock’s efficient public transport system when exploring the city. Rostock and Warnemünde also have an excellent bike-sharing system called Stadtrad Rostock, which can provide a fun and eco-friendly way to get around.
• Choose Renewable Energy Accommodations: When selecting a place to stay, consider choosing accommodations that use renewable energy sources.
• Reduce Food Waste: Be mindful of the food you purchase. Try to only buy what you can finish to avoid waste. If you have leftovers, consider sharing them or ensure they are properly composted.
• Ethical Consumption: When shopping, try to support local artisans and businesses. Buying locally made goods supports the local economy and reduces the carbon footprint associated with shipping goods from abroad.
• Sustainable Diets: Consider trying some vegetarian or vegan food options when eating out. Reducing meat consumption is one way to contribute to a more sustainable food system. Many stalls now offer many plant-based alternatives.

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.