Hemeraner Weihnacht

Hemers Advent Classic

The Hemeraner Weihnacht marks the start of the Advent season in the Sauerland town: three days of market activity on the central Neuer Markt, around 20 lovingly decorated wooden huts, and an atmosphere where everyone knows someone. From November 29th (Friday) to December 1st, 2026 (Sunday), the Hemer City Cultural Office will be in charge, supported by the Hemer Business Initiative, the company Lobbe, and the Sparkasse Märkisches Sauerland.

Torchlight Procession with Nikolaus Emil

The opening moment on Friday at 3 PM is the official start — but the real highlight for families follows two hours later. At 5:30 PM, the torchlight procession with Nikolaus Emil begins: a small festive parade through Hemer's city center, where children with lanterns and parents filled with anticipation accompany St. Nicholas to the Neuer Markt. Afterwards, as tradition dictates, Stutenkerle (sweet yeast pastries) are distributed — a treat that belongs to St. Nicholas Day in the Münsterland and Sauerland regions.

Fairy Tale Hour in the Hexagonal House

A special feature of the Hemeraner Weihnacht is the fairy tale hour in the hexagonal witch's house. On Saturday and Sunday, from 3 PM to 6 PM each day, Susanne Oelmann-Saul reads Christmas stories for children — a protected, warm hour, far from the consumer hustle and bustle. In parallel, a children's carousel spins in the market square, allowing little ones to switch between fairy tales and rides.

Culinary Delights and Atmosphere

At the 20 stalls, you'll find the classics of a Sauerland Christmas market: mulled wine stands, almond vendors, coffee stalls, waffle and crêpe stations, sheet-baked potato pancakes, and barbecue stands. The potato pancakes here are not just a tourist attraction but a regional meal. For those who prefer the traditional, a mulled wine pairs perfectly with a portion of potato pancakes, enjoyed on one of the beer benches in front of the stalls.

Hemer — A Small Town with Advent Spirit

Hemer is located in the Märkischer Kreis, southwest of Iserlohn, nestled in the Sauerland region between forests, quarries, and caves — the Heinrichshöhle cave and the Sauerlandpark Hemer are among the well-known excursion destinations. During Advent, the Neuer Markt becomes the focal point: compared to the large Advent markets in Dortmund or Münster, the Hemeraner Weihnacht is manageable — and that's precisely its charm. If you're looking for a family-friendly Advent without the crowds, this is the place to be.