Bredstedter Christmas Market

Bredstedt — Market Town in the North Frisian Geest Land

Bredstedt is a market town in the district of Nordfriesland in the state of Schleswig-Holstein, about 25 kilometers north of Husum. With just under 5,000 inhabitants, Bredstedt is one of the most important municipalities in the Amt Mittleres Nordfriesland and a central service center for the surrounding region. The historic market square — also known as Fiede-Kay-Platz in local Bredstedt dialect — with the iconic Schweinebrunnen is the spatial heart of the municipality and the main backdrop for the annual Christmas market.

The Schweinebrunnen — A Bredstedt Landmark

The Schweinebrunnen is Bredstedt's iconic sculpture: a fountain with bronze pigs symbolizing the community's agricultural tradition (Bredstedt was historically an important market for the region's pig and livestock trade). During the Christmas market, the fountain is festively decorated with fir branches and fairy lights — the central meeting point for Bredstedt residents and their guests.

The HGV as Organizer with Association Support

The organizer is the HGV Bredstedt (Handels- und Gewerbeverein - Trade and Business Association) — the association of local shops and businesses. In proven Bredstedt tradition, however, the market is not managed by the HGV alone, but together with:

• BTSV (Bredstedter Turn- und Sportverein) — provides helpers and operates individual stalls
• Bredstedt Volunteer Fire Brigade — Bratwurst stand and safety support
• Bredstedter Spielmannszug — provides the musical opening and performs on Advent weekends

Festive Opening with the Spielmannszug

The market opening each year is a ceremonial moment: Mayor Christian Schmidt, HGV Chairman Karsten Werner, and Pastor Peter Schuchardt jointly welcome the residents of Bredstedt and their guests — followed by the Bredstedter Spielmannszug, which musically opens the market with drums and flutes.

Stall Offerings: Bratwurst, Mulled Wine, and Market Town Charm

The stall assortment is deliberately traditional North German, not over-commercialized:

• Bratwurst, Currywurst, fries — the classics from the fire brigade and association stalls
• Mulled wine (red, white, with/without a shot), egg punch, and tea
• Draught beer — a North German market town tradition
• Small stalls with arts and crafts and regional products
• Festive lighting along the market square and Osterstraße

Festival Evening to Mark the End of the Market

The market ends on Wednesday, December 23rd, with a special festival evening starting at 4:00 PM. This closing date has been popular for years — the last opportunity before Christmas Eve to enjoy mulled wine together, compare gifts, and wish each other happy holidays.