Rastede Christmas Village 2026

Christmas in the Palace Town

The Rastede Christmas Village is part of a long tradition of winter city center installations. The venue is the central Kögel-Willms-Platz — the same location that hosts the spring market, summer garden, family Sunday, and Festival of Lights throughout the year.

2026 Edition — Three Advent Weekends

The 2026 edition runs from Friday, November 27 (1st Advent), to Sunday, December 13, 2026 (3rd Advent). The concept focuses on the first three Advent weekends with a concentrated atmosphere rather than long-term continuous operation — a format that relieves market traders and calls visitors for focused weekends.

Program and Atmosphere

The Christmas Village follows a classic North German Christmas market choreography:

• Wooden stalls with mulled wine, cocoa, punch, and non-alcoholic hot drinks
• Christmas treats: Bratwurst, potato pancakes, candied almonds, gingerbread, Mutzen
• Handicrafts: Wooden figures, candles, jewelry, wool products, ceramics
• Advent music: Brass choirs, singers, trombone sounds on Advent Saturdays and Sundays
• Children's program: Craft activities, Santa Claus visits, story corner
• Illuminated Christmas trees and atmospheric lighting at Kögel-Willms-Platz

Rastede — Pre-Christmas Tradition

Rastede, along with other Ammerland towns, positions itself as a charming small Christmas market destination. Those seeking three days of Advent atmosphere can combine Rastede's Christmas Village with the Westerstede Winter Village and the Bad Zwischenahn Advent Magic — a short tour through the Ammerland district.