Minden Christmas Market

Minden — Christmas City on the Weser

Minden is located on the northeastern edge of North Rhine-Westphalia, in the Minden-Lübbecke district, on the Weser river. With around 81,000 inhabitants and a city history of over 1,000 years, Minden is one of the oldest cities in Westphalia — known primarily for the Waterways Cross (Mittelland Canal over the Weser) and its Hanseatic history. In Advent, the historic old town with its market square, Scharn, cathedral, and decorated burgher houses transforms into an atmospheric Christmas backdrop.

Six Weeks of Christmas Market

The 2026 Christmas market runs from November 24 (Monday) to December 30 (Wednesday) — for six weeks. It is open daily except Christmas Eve and public holidays: Monday to Thursday 12 PM-9 PM, Friday and Saturday 12 PM-10 PM, Sunday 12 PM-8 PM. On Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), it is open from 11 AM to 2 PM, and closed on Christmas Day (Dec. 25/26). On December 23, the opening hours are extended to 12 PM-10 PM.

Market Square, Scharn, and Cathedral — The Festive Setting

The market is spread over two main areas: the historic market square in front of the town hall and the Scharn — originally Minden's medieval slaughterhouse, now a charming alley with wooden huts, illuminated star gates, and a giant decorated fir tree as the central eye-catcher. The cathedral and town hall watch over the winter events in the background.

Stalls — Mulled Wine, Crafts, and Regional Specialties

The wooden huts offer a classic assortment: mulled wine (also non-alcoholic), hot chocolate, candied almonds, potato pancakes, bratwurst, crêpes, stick bread. In addition, stalls with handcrafted products: wooden toys, felt items, candles, Christmas decorations, regional food products (honey, liqueurs, bread). Westphalian producers are strongly represented.

Tower Brass Players Daily at 4 PM

A beloved ritual: Every day at 4:00 PM, the tower brass players perform classical Christmas repertoire from the cathedral or town hall. A short, atmospheric break from the market bustle — mulled wine in hand, looking up at the tower, a song like „Tochter Zion" or „Stille Nacht".

St. Nicholas on December 6

On December 6, St. Nicholas visits the market — a tradition especially for families with small children. Gifts, photo opportunities, conversations. On the same date, many shops have special promotions — a Christmas market visit is combined with city center shopping.

Historical City Tours

During Advent, Minden Marketing offers themed city tours — historical (Hanseatic history, Minden criminal law, architecture) and atmospheric (Advent tours with light shows). Min+Din Saga figures also appear — Minden's city mascots tell children the story of their city.

Getting There and Practical Information

Minden is easily accessible: train station with IC and RE connections to Hanover-Bielefeld, A 30 / A 2 nearby. Accessible toilets, free Wi-Fi, several parking garages near the old town. Free admission.