CentrO Christmas Market Oberhausen

CentrO Christmas Market — the Hut Marathon at the Ruhr Area's Consumer Temple

The Westfield CentrO is one of the largest shopping centers in Europe — and the Christmas market along the CentrO promenade is accordingly large-scale. From mid-November to December 23, 2026, the outdoor area around CentrO transforms into a Christmas market complex with about 150 wooden huts — spread across three thematically structured markets plus a winter world with a toboggan run. A format that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually from the Ruhr area, the Netherlands, and all of NRW.

The Three Themed Markets

Mountain Christmas Market — Alpine Atmosphere

Over 60 alpine huts bring an alpine atmosphere to the Lower Rhine bank: wooden half-timbered architecture, alpine specialties (cheese spaetzle, raclette, potato pancakes), mulled wine in boot-shaped mugs, and alpine hut decor. The mountain Christmas market is the most atmospheric part of the complex — inspired by Tyrol, Allgäu, and Bavaria.

Santa's Village — International Market

Over 50 more huts form the Santa's Village area — more colorful, international, and child-oriented. English Christmas tradition meets American Santa look. Here you'll find classic Christmas market stalls with crafts, sweets, and gifts from around the world.

Gnome Market — The Family Area

The Gnome Market is specifically tailored for families with children: gnome and elf atmosphere, hands-on activities for kids, small carousels, chocolate stalls, and sweet treats.

Winter World with Toboggan Run

A special feature of the CentrO market: the winter world with a toboggan run. An artificial toboggan slope where children and adults can experience real descents with bobs and sleds — even in mild weather (with artificial snow). Plus: curling rink, carousels, and sometimes an ice rink (seasonal).

Opening Hours 2026

• Opening Date: Expected mid-November 2026 (previous year: November 14)
• Last Market Day: December 23, 2026
• Monday–Sunday: 11:00 am–9:00 pm
• Saturday: 10:00 am–10:00 pm (longer opening hours)

Strategic Location at CentrO

The Christmas market strategically connects with the shopping experience at CentrO: around 250 shops, restaurants, and the Lanxess-Sky adventure world are directly accessible. Families can combine a market visit with a shopping spree — a well-functioning concept that distinguishes the CentrO market from conventional city Christmas markets.

Oberhausen and CentrO

Oberhausen, with just under 211,000 inhabitants, is one of the medium-sized cities in the Ruhr area. CentrO was opened in 1996 on the site of the former Thyssen blast furnace plant in the “Neue Mitte” and has since become one of Europe's most famous shopping centers. The Christmas market is an important seasonal driver for the location — and a magnet that brings public transport visitors from as far as Holland, encouraging carpooling.