Leonberger Nikolausdörfle

An Advent market without commercial exhibitors

While most Christmas markets in Baden-Württemberg are run by professional market traders with mulled wine stands, candied almonds, and Christmas baubles, Leonberg takes a different approach: At the Leonberger Nikolausdörfle, only associations, schools, kindergartens, political parties, and non-profit organizations have stalls. For three weekends, the huts belong to the citizens themselves – the sports club next to the kindergarten, the SPD hut next to the animal welfare association, the school club next to the parish community. This makes the Nikolausdörfle one of the most independent Advent formats in Württemberg.

Historic market square as a stage

The venue is Leonberg's historic market square, one of the most beautiful in Baden-Württemberg – framed by half-timbered houses, the Renaissance town hall, and the town church. On this compact square, the wooden huts are set up close together; in the center stands the large Christmas tree. The atmosphere is intimate, personal, anything but "over-organized" – those who come often know several of the stallholders personally. Homemade potato soup in the tennis club's hut, mulled wine with organic apple juice from the primary school's support association, candied almonds from the men's choir. A different small world per hut.

Puppet theatre, music, and accompanying programme

On Sundays, the puppet theatre is on the programme – performances for children at 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, with parents present. School choirs, brass choirs, ensembles from the music school, and church choirs perform on the small stage – a different ensemble each weekend. At the weekend openings, the Lord Mayor welcomes visitors, often with a ceremonial bell ringing or a communal sing-along. The Nikolausdörfle is not a tourist event, but rather city life – and that's exactly what makes it appealing.

Sustainability as a hallmark

The Nikolausdörfle focuses on sustainability: those who bring their own cup get their mulled wine or punch served in it – no deposit system with disposable cups. This practice is programmatic and fits the non-profit profiles of the exhibitors. The city of Leonberg coordinates the allocation of huts and provides the infrastructure (water, electricity, lighting, security) – the exhibitors themselves organize the programme. This creates a market that is a little different each year, a little more lively, always with the personal touch of the respective associations. Anyone visiting Leonberg during Advent will find one of the most authentic Advent formats in Baden-Württemberg here.