Christmas Market at Petershagen Castle

Advent Weekend Against a Renaissance Backdrop

The Christmas Market at Petershagen Castle is one of the most beautiful small castle Christmas markets in Ostwestfalen. The venue is Petershagen Castle, a Weser Renaissance building from the mid-16th century, built for Bishop Franz von Waldeck of Minden. Today a hotel, restaurant, and event location, the castle opens its doors once a year for the Advent festival – on the meadows and paths around the historic courtyard.

Date 2026: November 28–29

The 2026 market runs on Saturday, November 28th, and Sunday, November 29th, 2026. Two days – compact, but intensely experienceable. Opening hours:

• Saturday: approx. 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Sunday: approx. 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Over 40 Exhibitors

More than 40 exhibitors set up their stalls on the castle grounds:

• Arts and Crafts: handmade jewelry, glass art, ceramics, wood carvings, felt and textile goods
• Gifts: Advent calendars, stars, nativity scenes, Christmas decorations
• Culinary: Bratwurst, crêpes, candied almonds, gingerbread, stollen, regional cheese and sausage products
• Drinks: Mulled wine (red/white), children's punch, hot chocolate, locally brewed beer

Free Castle Tours

A special highlight of the Petershagen market are the free castle tours:

• Saturday, Nov 28th at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM
• Sunday, Nov 29th at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM

The tours provide insights into the history of the castle and its episcopal past – with views into rooms not normally accessible to the public. No registration required; arrive early if there's a large crowd.

Live Music in Advent Style

Both days are accompanied by live music. School and church choirs, brass choirs, small acoustic bands, and occasional barrel organs create an atmospheric mood. No large stage, but discreetly integrated music that frames the market.

Petershagen Castle – A Weser Renaissance Building

Petershagen Castle was built starting in 1547 under Franz von Waldeck and is considered one of the early buildings of the Weser Renaissance. Characteristic features include the two-winged complex with towers, masonry window surrounds, and stepped gables. The complex is located directly on the Weser River, at a strategic point on medieval trade routes. Today, it houses a hotel and restaurant – the Advent market uses the outdoor areas.

Petershagen – Gateway to the Weser Uplands

Petershagen, with around 25,000 inhabitants, is a rural-oriented medium-sized town in the Minden-Lübbecke district. Geographically, the town marks the transition from the North German Plain to the Weser Uplands. Its location on the Weser River, the castle, and the Mill Museum make Petershagen attractive to tourists. The Christmas market at the castle is the most important event of the Advent season.