Osterby Christmas Market

When the Village Festival Community Sets the Station Aglow

Osterby is a village of 700 inhabitants in the far north of Schleswig-Holstein, in the district of Schleswig-Flensburg, just a stone's throw from the Danish border. As the Advent season begins, the Old Train Station – the village's landmark and cultural hub – becomes the venue for the annual Christmas market. Behind the market stands the Dorffestgemeinschaft (Village Festival Community), an association of the festival committees from the sports club, Red Cross, volunteer fire department, and kindergarten – a constellation typical of the community festival culture in Northern Germany.

Mulled Wine, Punch, and Crafts

Over two days in mid-December, the familiar Advent program unfolds on the train station grounds: Glühwein (mulled wine), Feuerzangenbowle (a rum-based punch), and children's punch, fresh bratwurst and potato pancakes, alongside stalls offering crafts from the village and surrounding area – Advent wreaths, woodwork, knitwear, and small gift ideas. The atmosphere is familial, less a market and more a village gathering under fairy lights.

A Train Station as the Village Center

After the railway line was decommissioned, the Old Osterby Train Station was transformed into a cultural meeting place – the village festival on the first weekend of August also takes place here. Those who visit the Christmas market witness a piece of lived community democracy: the volunteers are the same people who support the community life throughout the year.

Gelting Bay and the Schleswig-Flensburg District

Osterby is situated between Kappeln, Gelting, and Flensburg, right in the heart of one of Schleswig-Holstein's most beautiful landscapes. The Geltinger Birk nature reserve, the harbor of Maasholm, Glücksburg Castle, and the fjord city of Flensburg are all reachable within 20 to 40 minutes by car. The Christmas market is an excellent addition to an Advent weekend itinerary in the far north.