Fairy Tale Christmas Market Hanau

The Fairy Tale City at Christmas Time

Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm were born in Hanau – the Brothers Grimm National Monument in front of the Neustadt City Hall commemorates this. When the stalls are set up on the market square from the end of November, the city hall balcony is festively illuminated, and the historic Ferris wheel turns in front of the half-timbered houses, the circle closes: The Fairy Tale Christmas Market is the name of the festival for good reason.

Four Weeks of Advent in Hanau

From November 23 to December 22, 2026, the market is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. This makes it one of the longest Christmas markets in the Rhine-Main region and perfect for multiple visits spread throughout Advent – once with children in the afternoon, once in the evening for mulled wine, once on the weekend for the full program.

75+ Stalls and the New Two-Story Carousel

Over 75 festively illuminated stalls offer roasted almonds, mulled wine, bratwurst, crêpes, handicrafts, and gift ideas. For children, there is the new two-story fairy tale carousel and a historic Ferris wheel – two highlights that distinguish the market from many others. Fairy tale activities and craft workshops are spread throughout the Advent weeks.

Stage Program – Clubs, Schools, and Well-Known Musicians

The stage program runs Thursday to Monday and is surprisingly participatory: Over 600 participants from 12 Hanau clubs and 8 schools, as well as from surrounding communities, contribute to the program. In addition, there are well-known musicians from the region. This creates a market that is not off-the-shelf but alive – with school choirs, brass bands, children's performances, and artist acts.

Around the Market

For those staying longer in Hanau: Accessible from the market square are the Brothers Grimm National Monument in front of the Neustadt City Hall, Philippsruhe Castle with its Brothers Grimm Museum, and the Wilhelmsbad Park with its historic 18th-century carousel. The latter perfectly matches the atmosphere of the fairy tale market.