Adventsmarkt am Wasserschloss Raesfeld

Advent Magic at the Renaissance Castle

When people in the Münsterland region talk about a "special Advent market," the name Wasserschloss Raesfeld is almost always mentioned. The 17th-century Renaissance complex with its striking 52.5-meter-high tower offers a backdrop that no other Advent market in NRW can match. For four days on the 2nd Advent weekend, around 80 exhibitors present their wares in the historic ambiance of the castle square, inner courtyard, and castle meadow.

Over 80 Exhibitors — Focus on Arts and Crafts

Unlike large commercial Christmas markets, Raesfeld clearly focuses on arts and crafts and original products: cribs, jewelry, paintings, wood and leather goods, textile design, ceramics. The exhibitors come from all over the Münsterland region, neighboring the Netherlands, and sometimes from other federal states. A new cooperation in 2025 with the Akademie des Handwerks (Academy of Crafts) brought open workshops to the market — visitors can experience craft demonstrations and even participate themselves.

St. Nicholas Procession with Torch-Bearing Firefighters

The emotional highlight is the St. Nicholas procession on Thursday evening: starting at Raesfeld Town Hall at 5:00 PM, accompanied by many children with lanterns, the Schlossmusikanten (Castle Musicians), and a torch procession by the fire department. The procession leads to the Advent market at the castle, where traditionally Stutenkerle (sweet yeast pastries) are distributed to the children — the sweet yeast pastry for St. Nicholas Day.

Culinary Delights and Atmosphere

At the stalls, you'll find Münsterland's Christmas culinary specialties: game roasts and poultry dishes from local farms, pastries, and mulled wine from the region. Children receive gifts from the Adventsengel (Advent Angel). Fire eaters and other performers appear at various stations. Live music (brass quintets, choirs, Advent bands) accompanies the market.

Wasserschloss Raesfeld — A Piece of Münsterland History

The castle was built in the 17th century by Count Alexander II von Velen and is one of Westphalia's most important moated castles. Today, it is home to the Akademie des Handwerks zu Schloss Raesfeld — hence the natural connection of the Advent market with crafts. The 52.5-meter-high tower is visible from afar and is illuminated during the Advent season.

Raesfeld — Münsterland Community on the Lower Rhine

Raesfeld is located in the Borken district at the transition between the Münsterland and Lower Rhine regions. The community of around 11,000 inhabitants has developed around the castle as a tourist center. Those who wish to combine the Advent market with an overnight stay will find accommodation options in the Schloss-Tiergarten (Castle Zoo) and surrounding farms.