Holschenmarkt Nordhorn
Edition 2026 Music Heritage Folk traditions

Holschenmarkt Nordhorn

Nordhorn Tradition: City Festival with Crafts under the Motto Den Olden Tied

Nordhorn — Landkreis Grafschaft Bentheim (03456)
Dates 25 Apr — 26 Apr 2026
Venue Nordhorn (03456)
Prices Free
Status

About Holschenmarkt

The Holschenmarkt is one of Nordhorn's most traditional city festivals, embodying the motto 'Den Olden Tied' – the old times. For one weekend at the end of April, Nordhorn's city center transforms into a festival mile where historical craftspeople, dance groups, music stages, and gastronomy meet. Wooden shoes (Holschen), spinning wheels, looms, and old craft techniques are just as much in focus as traditional costumes and the Low German language. In 2026, the Holschenmarkt gains special significance with the 50th anniversary of VVV Nordhorn – Stadt- und Citymarketing. Around 30 dance groups perform on the Nordhörnchen stage, Saturday concludes with the traditional Holschenparty, and Sunday features an open shopping day, combining the city festival with a downtown stroll.

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Grafschaft Festival Tradition

Nordhorn, the largest town in the Grafschaft Bentheim region in southwestern Lower Saxony, boasts a long tradition of city and folk festivals. The Holschenmarkt embraces this heritage, focusing on old crafts, the Low German language, and connections with neighboring the Netherlands. The name refers to 'Holschen,' the Low German/Dutch term for wooden shoes, which were a part of everyday life in the Grafschaft Bentheim until well into the 20th century.

Motto Den Olden Tied

The festival motto 'Den Olden Tied' is consistently woven throughout the entire program. Participants dress in historical costumes, stalls showcase old crafts, and music groups perform traditional songs in Low German and Dutch. This clearly sets the Holschenmarkt apart from most standard city festivals, creating its own unique brand identity.

Nordhörnchen Stage with 30 Dance Groups

On the Nordhörnchen stage, approximately 30 dance groups from the region and the neighboring Netherlands perform on both days. Folk dance, traditional dance, square dance, and modern choreographies with a traditional touch alternate, filling the stage with an almost continuous program.

Holschenparty on Saturday Evening

Starting at 6 PM on Saturday, the Holschenmarkt adds a festive highlight with the Holschenparty. The city center becomes a dance floor, with live bands and DJ sets providing the musical atmosphere, and restaurants extend their opening hours late into the night.

Anniversary 50 Years VVV Nordhorn

In 2026, the Holschenmarkt will shine even brighter with the 50th anniversary of VVV Nordhorn – Stadt- und Citymarketing. The association responsible for organizing the event is planning special promotions, shop window displays, and an anniversary program that will run throughout all festival days.

Holschenmarkt — edition 2026

The 2026 edition of the Holschenmarkt will take place on Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26, in Nordhorn's city center. Saturday opens from 10 AM to 6 PM with historical crafts, a dance stage, and a festival mile, followed by the Holschenparty from 6 PM into the night. On Sunday, from 1 PM to 6 PM, the festival program combines with the Sunday shopping day in the city center. Around 30 dance groups will perform on the Nordhörnchen stage. The motto 'Den Olden Tied' shapes the stalls, costumes, and musical program. 2026 marks the anniversary edition celebrating 50 years of VVV Nordhorn.

Two-Day City Festival with Anniversary

The 2026 edition combines the traditional festival concept with the anniversary factor. VVV Nordhorn, which has supported the festival concept for decades, is planning special guests, shop window displays, and anniversary programs.

Dance Stage as the Centerpiece

The Nordhörnchen stage is the central performance point of the weekend. With around 30 dance groups from the region and the Netherlands, it will be active almost continuously and serves as an attraction for families and folklore enthusiasts.

Programme Holschenmarkt 2026

Program Structure 2026

Saturday, April 25

  • 10:00 AM: Opening of the Holschenmarkt
  • Historical craftspeople and demonstration stalls
  • Nordhörnchen stage with dance groups
  • Gastronomy mile in the city center
  • 6:00 PM: Start of the Holschenparty
  • Live bands and DJ sets late into the night

Sunday, April 26

  • 1:00 PM: Festival reopens
  • Dance stage and demonstration stalls
  • Sunday shopping in the city center
  • 6:00 PM: Festival ends

Anniversary Highlights 2026

  • 50 Years VVV Nordhorn – Stadt- und Citymarketing
  • Shop window displays in the city center
  • Special guests on stage
  • Anniversary programs in gastronomy

Recurring Elements

  • Festival motto Den Olden Tied
  • Historical craftspeople
  • Traditional costumes
  • Low German music

Highlights Holschenmarkt 2026

  • Traditional city festival under the motto Den Olden Tied
  • Around 30 dance groups on the Nordhörnchen stage
  • Holschenparty on Saturday evening
  • Sunday shopping day
  • Anniversary edition celebrating 50 years of VVV Nordhorn
  • Free admission

Prices Holschenmarkt 2026

Free admission to the entire festival grounds.

Practical information — Holschenmarkt

Getting There

  • By Car: A 31 or A 30 motorways, parking garages in Nordhorn city center.
  • By Train: Nordhorn station, approximately a 15-minute walk to the city center from there.

Opening Hours

  • Saturday, April 25, 2026: 10 AM to 6 PM.
  • Following that: Holschenparty from 6 PM onwards.
  • Sunday, April 26, 2026: 1 PM to 6 PM (Sunday shopping day).

Admission

  • Free admission to the entire festival grounds.

On Site

  • Historical craftspeople and demonstration stalls.
  • Nordhörnchen stage with around 30 dance groups.
  • Holschenparty on Saturday evening.
  • Sunday shopping day.

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Holschenmarkt at a glance

Music Heritage Folk traditions Folklore Family Art crafts Crafts Free Landkreis Grafschaft Bentheim