Bad Salzufler Weihnachtstraum

30th Anniversary — Bad Salzufler Weihnachtstraum

In 2026, the Bad Salzufler Weihnachtstraum celebrates its 30th anniversary — three decades of Christmas magic in one of East Westphalia's most beautiful old towns. From November 23rd to December 30th, 2026, the historic Old Town of Bad Salzuflen transforms into a six-week Christmas market with 68 festively decorated wooden huts. The venues are the squares around Schliepsteiner Tor, Lange Straße, Steege, and Salzhof.

What makes the Weihnachtstraum special

The Bad Salzufler Weihnachtstraum is one of North Rhine-Westphalia's most beautiful Christmas markets — and for good reason: the half-timbered Old Town with its historic houses, brine springs, and graduation towers provides the ideal backdrop. The Bad Salzuflen Business Association, as the organizer, has lovingly nurtured this event for three decades, adding new accents each year.

68 Stalls in Four Areas

The 68 wooden huts are spread across four areas of the Old Town:

• Schliepsteiner Tor — the southern entrance to the Old Town with the first stalls
• Lange Straße — the central shopping street with the highest concentration of stalls
• Steege — the square with the nostalgic Ferris wheel and a children's carousel
• Salzhof — the venerable square by the old salt works with additional stalls and program items

Highlights of the 2026 Anniversary Edition

For its 30th anniversary, the Business Association has planned special highlights:

• Nostalgic Ferris wheel on the Steege with panoramic views over the Old Town
• Two children's carousels located throughout the festival grounds
• Illuminated sailing ships over the Salze — a new light installation for 2026, transforming the town's stream into a sea of light
• Woodcarving demonstrations with Werner Korzen — the renowned wood sculptor works before the visitors' eyes
• Live ornament decoration with Christmas motifs — artisans decorate Christmas tree baubles live

Opening Hours and Special Dates

The market is open daily, with special arrangements over the holidays:

• Monday to Saturday — 12:00 PM to 9:30 PM
• Sunday — 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• Christmas Eve (December 24th) — 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• Christmas Day (December 25th) — closed
• Boxing Day (December 26th) — open from 12:00 PM

Sundays with open shops: December 7th and December 28th, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM each day.

Bad Salzuflen — Lippe Spa Town

Bad Salzuflen is a spa town in the Lippe district of East Westphalia with around 55,000 inhabitants. The town is famous for its salt brine springs and the Gradierwerk (graduation tower) — one of the largest facilities of its kind in Germany. The historic town center with its half-timbered houses and salt works history provides the perfect backdrop for the Christmas market. If you're planning a weekend trip: combine the Weihnachtstraum with a visit to the Vital-Resort, a walk along the Gradierwerk, or a stroll through the Bali Therme.