Rostock Christmas Market 2023: A Baltic Getaway

Winter transforms Rostock into a picturesque scene reminiscent of a classic Christmas postcard. You’ll find yourself charmed by the well-preserved medieval architecture, the vibrant cultural scene and the bustling maritime harbour at Warnemuende.

Most importantly, Rostock hosts the enchanting Weihnachtsmarkt, one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, drawing visitors from around the globe.

In this guide, I’ll delve into all the details about the Rostock Christmas Market 2023 – from the dates and opening times to locations and highlighting the finest Christmas stalls and regional delicacies.

Christmas in Rostock embodies the essence of a traditional German festive season. The city is adorned with Christmas lights and exudes a warm atmosphere. While its medieval buildings, streets and harbourfront undergo a winter transformation, gaining a particular charm under a dusting of snow.

Rostock Christmas Market 2023

The Christmas market in Rostock is renowned as one of the oldest in Northern Germany, with its roots traced 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.

Dates and Location

Rostock Christmas Market dates: 27th November to 22nd December 2023.
Location: Neuer Markt.
Opening times: Monday to Thursday: 11am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday: 11 am to 9:30pm. Sunday: 11:30am to 8pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Christmas lights: Yes, opening date: 27th November 2023.
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: Historical charm with festive rides and activities; unique handmade crafts; a celebration rooted in age-old tradition.
Recommended tour: City walk with a local.
Specialities: Rostocker Rauchwurst, smoked sausage, Dresden Stollen, baked bananas, Swedish glögg, Finish honey.
Where to stay: Radisson Blu Hotel Rostock is a highly-rated hotel 5-minutes from the Christmas market.

Hotels near Rostock Christmas Market

The city centre makes an optimal choice for accommodation in Rostock because of its proximity to the festive activities at Neuer Markt. With a mix of historic landmarks and modern amenities, the area facilitates easy access to the city’s attractions.

I suggest staying at Radisson Blu Hotel Rostock as it’s in a great location in the city centre and is a 5-minute walk to the Christmas market.

Location of Rostock Christmas Market

Christmas in Rostock

This video provides a visual exploration of Rostock Christmas Market. As you watch, you’ll see the varied stalls, historical setting and festive atmosphere that defines this market.

My guide to the best German Christmas Markets 2023 provides practical tips and recommendations to help with your trip planning this winter.

Christmas Specialties in Rostock

Kale with Pinkel sausage: The city of Rostock and Northern Germany, in general, hold high regard for this hearty dish, especially during the frosty Christmas season. 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 during the festive season. Made primarily from sugar or honey and almond meal, marzipan is often shaped into cute figures or coated with chocolate, making it an ideal sweet nibble while exploring the Christmas market in Rostock.

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 features heavily in the local cuisine. For Christmas, you might find herring served in a variety of ways – smoked, pickled, or in a creamy sauce. Paired with a hearty potato side, it’s a taste of Rostock’s maritime heritage.

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.

Food at the Christmas Market

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 to perfection on a charcoal grill, often served in a bun with a dollop of mustard or ketchup.

Lebkuchen: While exploring the bustling stalls of Rostock and Warnemuende Christmas markets, you’ll inevitably be drawn in by Lebkuchen’s sweet, spicy aroma. These traditional German Christmas cookies resemble gingerbread, combining honey, nuts and a mix of spices for a mouthful of festive cheer.

Stollen: A loaf of Stollen on a Christmas market stall is an unmistakable sight. This classic German Christmas 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 beverage 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 delightful fish sandwich. It typically includes pickled herring or another type of local fish, raw onions, pickles and remoulade sauce in a fresh roll. It’s a great quick snack, offering a taste of the Baltic Sea.

Flammkuchen: Resembling a thin-crust pizza, Flammkuchen is an Alsace speciality you might find at the Rostock Christmas market. 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 a Christmas market delicacy not to be missed. 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, perfect for munching on the go.

What to Buy

Maritime Crafts: Rostock and Warnemünde are well-known for their maritime heritage, and that reflects in the local crafts you can find at the Christmas market. 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 at the Christmas market in Rostock sell a range of ceramic items, from functional kitchenware to decorative ornaments, each reflecting the region’s craftsmanship.

Handmade Christmas Ornaments: There’s always room for one more ornament on the Christmas tree, and the handmade ones available at Rostock and Warnemünde Christmas markets are truly special. They vary from intricately painted glass baubles to wood-carved figures and even delicately crafted straw decorations.

Traditional German Toys: Toys bring out the child in everyone, and the ones you’ll find here are no exception. Traditional wooden toys, like beautifully painted nutcrackers and charming pull-along animals, are amongst the favourites.

Lebkuchen: Even though this is a food item, Lebkuchen, a traditional German baked Christmas treat similar to gingerbread, is often beautifully packaged and makes a wonderful gift. Available in a range of shapes and sizes, they are decorated with almonds, glazed sugar or chocolate.

Christmas Stollen: Another delicious gift idea, Christmas Stollen, is a fruit bread filled with dried fruit and often marzipan, covered with sugar, melted butter, and powdered sugar. It’s a traditional German Christmas treat from Dresden and comes in beautiful gift boxes, ready to be given to your loved ones.

Mulled Wine Mugs: Mulled wine is a staple of German Christmas markets and 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.

The City of Rostock can be a helpful resource for planning a trip to the city. It provides information about the city’s attractions, events and transportation options.

Sustainable Christmas Tips

Many of us are increasingly concerned about climate change and sustainability. Here are some specific ways that you can be more sustainable this Christmas in Rostock:

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 at the Christmas markets. 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 at the Christmas markets, 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 at the Christmas markets. Reducing meat consumption is one way to contribute to a more sustainable food system. Many stalls now offer delicious plant-based alternatives.

Educate Yourself on Local Environmental Issues: Take some time to learn about the environmental issues affecting Rostock and Warnemünde. The Rostock Zoo, for instance, is a fun place to visit and provides valuable information on the local fauna and their conservation.

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 Rostock, Germany. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.