Rellinger Weihnachtsmarkt

Advent Weekend in the Hamburg Metropolitan Area

Rellingen is located in the Pinneberg district, just twelve kilometers northwest of Hamburg city center – close enough that its approximately 14,000 inhabitants shape the Hamburg metropolitan area, yet independent enough to maintain a vibrant club culture. The Rellinger Weihnachtsmarkt is a typical product of this mix: initiated in the early 1990s by the local business association Treffpunkt Rellingen e.V., it is now a fixed Advent date and is considered a family-friendly alternative to the large markets in Hamburg.

Hobby Artisans Instead of Mass-Produced Goods

What distinguishes the market is its commitment to hobby craftsmanship: at the wooden stalls in the town center, you'll find hobby artisans with handmade products – Advent decorations, woodwork, felt items, glass decorations, knitted goods, homemade jams, and cookies. Most of the exhibitors come from Rellingen itself and the surrounding area; the atmosphere is more personal than at the overly commercialized markets in big cities.

Cozy Atmosphere, Mulled Wine, and Live Music

Refreshments include warm mulled wine, children's punch, Feuerzangenbowle, fresh potato pancakes, bratwurst, and sweet classics like candied almonds. The live music – usually a brass choir, school choir, wind ensemble, and local bands – fills the weekend with classic Advent repertoire. The historic, nine-armed Rellinger Kirche (Rellingen Church) from the 18th century provides a picturesque backdrop.

Connection to the Hamburg Region

Rellingen can be reached from Hamburg in 30 minutes via the S-Bahn line S3 (via Pinneberg). Those planning their Advent weekend in the north often combine the Rellingen market with the large Hamburg markets at City Hall, Jungfernstieg, or in the Schanzenviertel – the Rellinger Markt is the quieter, more village-like option.