Historic Old Town Christmas Market Lüdenscheid

Historic Christmas Market — Three Days of Christmas Magic in the Old Town

The Historic Christmas Market in Lüdenscheid's Old Town takes place every year on the second Advent weekend and is one of the most traditional Advent markets in the southern Märkischer Kreis. In 2026, it opens its doors from Friday, December 4th to Sunday, December 6th. The venue is the cosily lit church square below the Erlöserkirche and the upper Wilhelmstraße — a district with the authentic charm of Bergisch half-timbered architecture and narrow alleys.

A Market Town for the Senses

Dozens of wooden stalls are clustered around the church square. The offerings range from regional arts and crafts and Christmas decorations to gift ideas from the Bergisches Land and Sauerland regions. Culinary delights include classic Advent specialities: mulled wine, roasted almonds, potato pancakes, crêpes from the CVJM stand (proceeds to the association's work), hearty sausages, and sweet temptations.

Live Programme — Choirs, Brass Bands, and the Gingerbread House

The musical character is the market's hallmark:

• Choir performances by Lüdenscheid singing societies
• Trombone and brass ensembles from the Erlöserkirche and surrounding areas
• Performances by Father Christmas, stilt walkers, and a barrel organ player create lively scenes among the stalls
• Highlight: the auction of the gingerbread house on Sunday — a lovingly baked gingerbread house, the proceeds of which go to social causes

Erlöserkirche as a Backdrop

The Erlöserkirche on the church square forms the spiritual and architectural centre of the market. Its illuminated facade above the stalls is one of the most popular photo motifs of the Advent season in Südwestfalen. During the market days, the church also hosts contemplative concerts and services — a welcome retreat when it gets crowded outside.

Lüdenscheid — The City of Light in the Märkischer Kreis

Lüdenscheid (approx. 73,000 inhabitants) is the largest city in the Märkischer Kreis district of North Rhine-Westphalia and the centre of the Südwestfalen lighting industry. The historic old town with its narrow alleys, half-timbered facades, and stairs gathers around the Erlöserkirche and is considered the city's flagship. The Christmas market is one of Lüdenscheid's most important local festivals and attracts visitors from all over the Bergisches Land and Sauerland regions.