De lütte Wiehnacht — Rendsburg Christmas Market

Low German Charm Between the Canals

«De lütte Wiehnacht» — the name alone reveals the entire identity of this Christmas market. In the north of Schleswig-Holstein, where Low German is still actively cultivated, the Hanseatic city of Rendsburg has opted for a name that playfully means «the little Christmas» — a clear commitment to the regional language and the market's understated character.

At Schiffbrückenplatz, the Heart of Rendsburg

The venue is the central Schiffbrückenplatz directly on the Kiel Canal — Rendsburg's maritime calling card. The location between the Eider, Obereider, and the canal lends the market a special atmosphere: when freighters pass in the background and the light from the market stalls reflects on the water, you feel why Rendsburg is considered the gateway between the North and Baltic Seas.

Stalls, Mulled Wine, Candied Almonds

• Arts and crafts from Schleswig-Holstein — ceramics, woodwork, jewelry, knitwear
• North German culinary delights — fish rolls alongside classic mulled wine, Eiergrog (egg grog), candied almonds, Schmalzkuchen (lard cakes), Reibekuchen (potato pancakes)
• Live music on the central stage, often choirs and brass bands from the region

The Highlight: The Ice Rink

What sets «De lütte Wiehnacht» apart from many other Christmas markets is the ice skating rink with DJ parties on selected evenings. Between the mulled wine stand and the carousel, you can glide across the ice — a magnet especially for children and teenagers, keeping the Rendsburg market lively even outside of regular market hours.

Santa Claus Visits

On the four Advent weekends, Santa Claus visits Schiffbrückenplatz and distributes small gifts to the children. A tradition that is cherished across generations and regularly brings families from the Rendsburg-Eckernförde district here.

In the Rendsburg-Eckernförde District

Rendsburg is located in the Rendsburg-Eckernförde district and is the largest city on the Kiel Canal. The Christmas market is part of the city's Advent program and a fixed date in Schleswig-Holstein's Christmas culture — along with the markets in Schleswig, Kiel, Lübeck, and Husum, it is among the most visited Advent destinations in the state.