Heiligenhauser Martinsmarkt

St. Martin in the Rhineland — The Tradition

November 11th is one of the most important folk festival days of autumn in the Rhineland and Westphalia: St. Martin's Day commemorates Saint Martin of Tours, who, according to legend, shared his cloak with a freezing beggar. Throughout North Rhine-Westphalia, kindergarten and school children march through the streets with self-made lanterns on this day (or the closest weekend). In Heiligenhaus, this becomes an all-day city St. Martin's Market on the Sunday before or around November 11th.

The Heiligenhauser Martinsmarkt 2026

In 2026, the Heiligenhauser Martinsmarkt falls on Sunday, November 8, 2026. From 12 PM to 6 PM, the centre of Heiligenhaus — especially the Hauptstraße, Kirchplatz, and Rathausplatz — will be traffic-free and full of stalls, activities, and people.

Programme — Three Pillars

• Fair on the Kirchplatz — classic city fair with carousels for children, snack stands, sweets, and mulled wine. Family atmosphere, not an industrial large-scale operation
• Grand St. Martin's Parade of kindergarten children — lantern parade through the Hauptstraße to Rathausplatz, followed by an ecumenical children's service. The emotional highlight of the afternoon
• Sunday Shopping (applied for) from 1 PM to 6 PM — Heiligenhaus city centre shops will open with special promotions, offers, and will set up sales tables outside their doors

Heiligenhaus — The Southern Bergisch Gateway to the Ruhr Area

Heiligenhaus (around 26,000 inhabitants) is located in the Mettmann district, on the southern edge of the Ruhr area and on the western edge of the Bergisches Land. The city is part of the Niederbergische city chain between Düsseldorf, Wuppertal, and Essen — connected by road via the A44 and L156. Nearby attractions include Schloss Hugenpoet (a Michelin-starred restaurant and hotel, one of the most beautiful moated castles in the Rhineland), the Anger reservoir, and the historic city centre with its half-timbered houses.

Organizers — The City of Heiligenhaus and Local Trade

The Martinsmarkt is organized by the City of Heiligenhaus in coordination with the City Marketing Trade Working Group. The Trade Working Group is the local association of retail businesses — a typical structure in Niederbergische cities, which voluntarily combines district festivals with public trade. Therefore, the market is not a tourist format but a classic city festival organized by the people of Heiligenhaus for the people of Heiligenhaus.

What Makes the Martinsmarkt Special

Unlike the large Christmas markets, the Martinsmarkt is family-focused: the lantern parade of kindergarten children is the emotional core, around which grandparents, parents, and siblings gather. The fair is tailored for children (smaller carousels, sweet stalls, simple games). The Sunday shopping event appeals to the adult audience and brings footfall to local businesses.

Getting Here and Tips

Heiligenhaus is easily accessible by car via the A44 (Heiligenhaus-Hösel exit) or the L156 (Velberter Straße). Parking in the city centre is scarce on market days — arrive as early as possible or use Park & Ride. By public transport: buses from Velbert, Mettmann, Ratingen, and Wuppertal-Vohwinkel. Tip: Combine your visit with an afternoon stroll at the Angertalsperre or a coffee stop at Schloss Hugenpoet (by prior reservation).