Suderwicher Martinimarkt

Pre-Christmas Suderwich

Suderwich is one of the eastern districts of Recklinghausen in the northern Ruhr area (independent city of Recklinghausen, administrative district of Münster). The historic village center around the old church has retained its rural character and offers the ideal setting for the traditional Martinimarkt, which takes place every year on the first weekend of November and marks the start of the pre-Christmas season in Vest Recklinghausen.

Stalls, Exhibitors, and Culinary Delights

Around 70 stalls will be set up along the central streets of the village center. The offerings range from arts and crafts (glass, wood, ceramics, fabrics) and pre-Christmas items (Advent wreaths, candles, nativity figures, handmade Christmas tree decorations) to regional products such as homemade jams, honey, liqueurs, and smoked fish. Food stalls will offer crêpes, Langos, potato pancakes, bratwurst, and tarte flambée, along with hot drinks like mulled wine, children's punch, and hot chocolate.

The St. Martin's Procession — Saturday Evening Highlight

The emotional heart of the weekend is the traditional St. Martin's procession on Saturday evening around 5 PM. Led by Saint Martin on a lit horse, children with their homemade lanterns will parade through the village center, illuminated in the evening. The procession will be accompanied by marching bands and communal singing of St. Martin's songs. Afterwards, the community will gather for the cloak-sharing scene and the distribution of 'Weckmann' (sweet bread rolls).

Sunday Shopping

On Sunday, the shops in the village center and surrounding streets will open their doors from 1 PM to 6 PM. This combination of market and shopping makes the Suderwicher Martinimarkt a popular destination for families from the entire Ruhr area and Münsterland – visitor numbers reach several thousand, depending on the weather.

Tradition with History

The market is organized by local clubs and businesses – a true Suderwich community effort. Part of the proceeds go to club projects and the preservation of the historic substance of the village center. Those looking for the authentic charm of a district market away from the big city Christmas markets will find it here.

Getting to Suderwich

Accessible by car via the A 2 (Recklinghausen exit) or the B 225; parking is available in the vicinity of the village center. By train: Recklinghausen Süd or Hauptbahnhof Recklinghausen station, then take bus lines to Suderwich (Suderwich Kirche stop). Approximately 10 minutes by train from Recklinghausen main station.