Ratinger Weihnachtsmarkt

Over a month of Advent atmosphere in the Düsseldorf region

The Ratinger Weihnachtsmarkt is one of the longest and most charming small Advent markets in the Düsseldorf region. While other markets run for only two or three weeks, Ratingen opens its historic market square as early as November 21, 2026, and doesn't close until December 22, 2026. This gives you almost a month to experience the play of lights and the wooden stalls – without the stress of Advent weekends.

Dates and Opening Hours 2026

• Opening: November 21, 2026
• Closing: December 22, 2026
• Regular Opening Hours: daily 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Special Openings: on Volkstrauertag (Nov 16 – market still closed) and Totensonntag (Nov 23) from 6 p.m.

Puppet Theatre – The Ratingen Tradition

One of the special highlights is the puppet theatre on the market stage. Performances take place Thursday to Sunday at 4 and 5 p.m. – free of charge. Classics like "Hansel and Gretel," "The Wolf and the Seven Young Goats," or original Advent stories attract families from all over the region. For high demand, parents and children queue up half an hour beforehand.

Children's Carousel and Live Music

For the little ones, a children's carousel with helicopters, race cars, motorcycles, and horses spins on the market square. On weekends, there is also live music on the stage – brass bands, school and church choirs, occasionally bands with Christmas repertoire.

Culinary Delights: From Classics to Spirals

The gastronomic offerings cover the entire spectrum of Christmas markets:

• Glühwein (red, white, children's punch) and hot chocolate
• Spiral potatoes – a modern highlight
• Bratwurst, currywurst, mushrooms in garlic sauce
• Crêpes sweet and savory
• Candied almonds, gingerbread, candy apples
• Regional cheese and sausage specialties

Atmosphere of Ratingen's Old Town

The Ratingen market square is located in the heart of the historic old town – with the Gothic St. Peter and Paul Church, the town hall, and a continuous row of historic houses. When the fairy lights are on and the wooden stalls glow, it creates an almost cinematic Advent backdrop. The "Düsseldorf advantage" is also noticeable: many people from Düsseldorf are drawn to Ratingen because the crowds are smaller and the atmosphere is more family-friendly.

Ratingen – Düsseldorf's Northern Neighbor

With around 87,000 inhabitants, Ratingen is the largest town in the Mettmann district, located directly north of Düsseldorf. The historic old town with its narrow alleys, half-timbered houses, and remnants of the town walls is well-preserved. The Christmas market fits seamlessly into this historic ensemble – compact, walkable, without the noise and crowds of big city markets.