Oelder Winterleuchten

Oelder Winterleuchten — Advent in the Münsterland

When the second Advent weekend arrives, Oelde's market square transforms into a festively illuminated mile of culinary delights. The Oelder Winterleuchten is one of the most beautiful and traditional Christmas markets in the southern Münsterland — compact, heartwarming, and with a clearly defined musical program.

Musical Highlights — Thursday to Saturday at 7 PM

What makes the Oelder Winterleuchten special is its structured stage program. On three consecutive evenings (Thursday, Friday, Saturday), bands, solo artists, and ensembles perform at 7 PM each day — ranging from pop and rock to Christmas classics and Schlager music. Local stars and regional top acts alternate; in past editions, bands like Enorm have performed.

Sing-along Concert on Sunday

The highlight is the sing-along concert by the Oelde choirs on Sunday at 4:30 PM. Several choirs from Oelde and the surrounding area perform Christmas carols, and the audience joins in singing. A contemplative, communal Advent atmosphere — typically Münsterland in its combination of religious tradition and popular conviviality.

Market Stalls and Advent Atmosphere

For all four days of the festival, stalls line the market square:

• Mulled wine, punch, and hot chocolate for Advent warmth
• Bratwurst, potato pancakes, and Schmalzbrot (lard bread) from the Münsterland region
• Lebkuchen, Christstollen, and Spekulatius from regional bakeries
• Craft stalls with Christmas decorations, Advent wreaths, handmade gifts, candles, woodwork
• Festive fairy lights over the market square and on the surrounding houses

Oelde — A Münsterland Town

The district town of Oelde is located in the Warendorf district (North Rhine-Westphalia), in the southern Münsterland. With around 30,000 inhabitants, it is a defining medium-sized town in the region — known for the Pott's Brewery and the Four Seasons Park. The market square with its historic town hall is the geographical and social center of the town and is transformed into a festive stage with the Winterleuchten.

Date for 2026 Not Yet Confirmed

The exact date for 2026 has not yet been officially confirmed. Based on experience, the Winterleuchten takes place on the 2nd Advent weekend — therefore, likely from December 3rd to 6th, 2026. Final confirmation will be provided by the city of Oelde in late autumn.