Christmas Magic Old Town Brandenburg an der Havel

Decentralized Christmas Market Instead of Uniform Mulled Wine Stalls

The Christmas Magic Old Town is the urban planning counterpart to the classic Christmas market: instead of a central market, the organizers concentrate the hustle and bustle on four historically significant locations in Brandenburg's old town — Altstädtischer Markt, Gotthardtkirchplatz, Slawendorf, and Johanniskirche. Velotaxis and horse-drawn carriages shuttle between these locations for free or a small tip.

The Four Locations

At the Altstädtischer Markt, classic stalls with crafts and mulled wine gather. The Gotthardtkirchplatz is the stage for classical concerts and readings. In the Slawendorf, a reconstruction of a Slavic settlement, the market feels medieval — with bonfires and wood crafts. In the Johanniskirche, jazz sessions and intimate concerts take place. An Advent city tour connects all four locations.

Open Courtyards and Model Railway

A unique selling point of Brandenburg's Christmas Magic is the "Open Courtyards": private inner courtyards and workshops open their doors to guests, present arts and crafts, serve mulled wine, and display models. The traditional model railway exhibition in the old town is a must-do for families.

Part of the "Altstadtleben Brandenburg Havel 2028" Initiative

The event is part of the municipal initiative "Altstadtleben Brandenburg Havel 2028", which aims to strengthen the old town as a living and cultural space. Brandenburg an der Havel, as an independent city with almost 72,000 inhabitants, thus positions itself clearly in terms of Christmas market tourism against the competition from Potsdam and Berlin.