Hildesheim Christmas Market

UNESCO World Heritage as a Christmas Backdrop

Few German Christmas markets can boast a backdrop like Hildesheim: the reconstructed Knochenhauer-Amtshaus, the Tempelhaus, the historic burgher houses of the Market Square, and in close proximity, the Mariendom Cathedral and St. Michael's Church – both UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Christmas market utilizes this setting with a subtle, high-quality lighting concept and a curated landscape of market stalls. Hildesheim has been among the most beautiful Christmas markets in Lower Saxony for years.

Three Market Locations

The market is spread across three main areas: the Historic Market Square with the main offerings of mulled wine, snacks, and craft stalls; Hoher Weg, which connects to St. Andreas Church and Andreasplatz; and Platz An der Lilie, where the Ice Age Ice Rink is set up. This distribution ensures that the market comprehensively occupies the city center and that a leisurely stroll from one end of the market to the other is an essential part of the experience.

Ice Age Ice Rink

The Ice Age Ice Rink on Platz An der Lilie is one of the hallmarks of the Hildesheim Christmas Market. Those who want to skate a few laps can rent skates on-site or bring their own. The rink is open daily and is particularly atmospheric in the evenings with the festive lighting of the surroundings. Ice skating in a UNESCO World Heritage setting is a unique experience.

Market Offerings

The stalls offer classic Christmas market assortments: mulled wine in various variations (classic, white, with a shot, non-alcoholic), punch, eggnog, bratwurst, potato pancakes, crêpes, candied almonds, gingerbread, stollen, pastries, sweets. Additionally, there are stalls with Christmas decorations, wood crafts, ceramics, jewelry, Christmas tree ornaments, wax figures, and gift ideas. Regional vendors are particularly emphasized in the assortment.

Program and Atmosphere

On a small stage in the Market Square, various programs take place over the weeks: performances by choirs, brass bands, music associations, school orchestras, and small bands provide the musical accompaniment. Santa Claus visits the market on St. Nicholas Day (December 6th) and on some weekends in December.

Opening Hours and Exceptions

The market is open daily from 12 PM to 8 PM, with some stalls (especially mulled wine and food stalls) extending from 11 AM to 10 PM. It is closed on December 24th and 25th (Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). From December 26th to 28th, the market is traditionally still open, making Hildesheim one of the Christmas markets with a particularly late closing time.

Attraction for Tourists and Locals

The market attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year, including local families spending their Advent evenings in the city center, as well as tourists from Hannover, Göttingen, Braunschweig, the Harz region, and across Germany. Advent in Hildesheim is high season for the city.