Gießen Christmas Market

Three markets, one Christmas magic

Unlike most medium-sized German cities, Gießen does not operate a single large Christmas market, but rather three thematically distinct markets that together transform the city center into a winter wonderland from November 23 to December 30, 2026. The concept is successful because each of the three locations gets its own character – instead of a duplication of the same offerings.

Kirchenplatz – the Advent market

The Advent market at Kirchenplatz is the coziest of the three. Stalls are set up around the tower of the Protestant city church, a nostalgic children's carousel spins, and a varied stage program of readings, live music, and interactive activities runs on the StadtRaumBühne. The Protestant city church community participates with its own contributions, ecumenical services, and children's programs. An accessible walkway over laid wooden planks has been co-designed.

City Center – the classic market

In Gießen's city center, the 'actual' Christmas market takes place: stalls with mulled wine, bratwurst, crêpes, potato pancakes, crafts, candles, wooden toys, honey products. Here, you stroll between the stalls, browse for gifts, and enjoy the bustling Christmas market atmosphere, which complements the city center's retail offerings.

Berliner Platz – the Christmas village

At Berliner Platz, the Christmas village emerges – the younger and more party-oriented face of the Gießen Christmas markets. Mulled wine and punch in many variations, winter snacks, and an open campfire to warm up by. A meeting point for after-work gatherings and students (Gießen is a university city with about 25,000 students at JLU and THM).

Gießen – University City in the Lahntal Valley

Gießen, an independent city with around 88,000 inhabitants in Hesse's Lahntal valley, is home to the Justus Liebig University and the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen. The city thrives on its student pulse, which is also felt at the Christmas markets – a younger, livelier audience than in many classic Christmas markets, plus a dense student gastronomy scene all around, inviting for a punch and mulled wine tour in winter.