Rhede Christmas Market

Christmas in the Western Münsterland

When the lanterns of schoolchildren open the Rhede Christmas Market on the first Thursday of December, the most wonderful pre-Advent time begins for the residents of the Borken district. The market is a traditional town festival and one of the oldest and most atmospheric Christmas markets in the western Münsterland. In 2026, it will take place from Thursday, December 3rd, to Sunday, December 6th.

The Concept — A Christmas Village Between the Church and the Stadthöfe

Rhede's inner city becomes a Christmas village: Wooden stalls and lovingly designed sales stands stretch from the Catholic church to the Stadthöfe. Historic buildings are festively illuminated, fairy lights, and Advent stars create the typical atmosphere. Unlike purely commercial markets, Rhede relies heavily on clubs and local exhibitors — mulled wine and food are predominantly served by volunteers.

Opening Evening with St. Nicholas Procession

The absolute highlight is the opening on Thursday evening before the second Advent: A traditional St. Nicholas procession with lanterns made by children winds through the city center. The region's schools participate in the preparation, so every year hundreds of children open the Christmas village with their glowing lanterns — a sight that shapes the character of this community-oriented market.

Program and Atmosphere

Over four days, visitors can expect:

• Culinary Delights: Mulled wine, children's punch, bratwurst, potato pancakes, crêpes, roasted almonds, lard pastries, and regional specialties from the Münsterland.
• Arts and Crafts: Advent decorations, woodwork, pottery, knitwear and felt goods, natural cosmetics.
• Family Program: St. Nicholas sightings, children's train, carousel, craft activities.
• Music: School and church choirs, brass ensembles, occasional live bands on the market stage.

Rhede — The Town on the Edge of the Westmünsterland

Rhede is located in the Borken district in North Rhine-Westphalia, in the far west of Münsterland, near the Dutch border. Just under 20,000 inhabitants, a compact city center, and a long tradition as a trading post characterize the town. The Christmas market is an attraction not only for Bocholt, Borken, and Hamminkeln but also for Dutch neighbors from Winterswijk and Aalten.

Getting There

By car via the A3 (exit Hamminkeln) or the A31 (exit Rhede). Parking is available in the parking garages and designated spaces around the city center. By train: Bocholt station, then bus to Rhede; or directly by bus via the WestfalenBus lines.