Wald Stadt Weihnacht — Iserlohn Christmas Market

Iserlohn's City Centre in Advent

From Friday, November 20th, to Thursday, December 24th, 2026, the historic Alter Rathausplatz in Iserlohn will transform into the festive centre of the 'Waldstadt' (Forest City). The Wald Stadt Weihnacht is the inner-city Christmas market of this town of nearly 92,000 inhabitants in the Märkisches Sauerland region — for almost five weeks, expect the scent of fir trees, mulled wine, sparkling lights, and a stage program right in front of the old town hall.

Opening on November 20th

The market kicks off on Friday, November 20th, 2026, at 6:00 PM: Mayor Michael Joithe will welcome guests from the stage at Alter Rathausplatz and officially open the Wald Stadt Weihnacht 2026. This marks the beginning of the five-week market period, running until Christmas Eve.

Atmosphere: Stalls, Fir Trees, and Lights

The Alter Rathausplatz will be adorned with numerous fir trees, festive lighting will cast a warm glow on the historic old town architecture, and the lovingly decorated stalls will offer mulled wine, bratwurst, potato pancakes, crêpes, regional crafts, toys, and Christmas decorations. Popular photo spots amidst light arches and the fir forest make the market an Instagram-worthy Advent destination.

Stage Program: Live Music and Highlights

On the stage at Alter Rathausplatz, there will be a stage program with live music every Friday and Saturday evening, plus two Thursday evenings. Three special highlights are scheduled for 2026:

• Sunday, December 6th, 2026, 3–5 PM — St. Nicholas visit on the stage, gifts for children
• Thursday, December 10th, 2026, from 5 PM — joint decorating of the fir trees on Alter Rathausplatz, followed by the popular Rudelsingen (communal carol singing) with Christmas songs starting at 5 PM
• Thursday, December 24th, 2026, 11:30 AM — Ecumenical Open-Air Service with Superintendent Oliver Günther and Pastor Dietmar Schulte, musical accompaniment by Jens Dreesmann. Market closes at 4:00 PM

Opening Hours and Special Dates

Regular opening hours:

• Mon–Thu: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
• Fri–Sat: 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
• Sun: 1:00 PM–9:00 PM

Special hours: Totensonntag, November 22nd, 2026 — Market closed (Day of Remembrance). December 23rd open until 11:00 PM (last chance). December 24th only until 4:00 PM.

Carousel and Family Offer

A classic carousel is available for children, along with smaller interactive stations. This makes the Wald Stadt Weihnacht not just a mulled wine destination for adults, but a family Christmas market with genuine activities for the youngest visitors.

Iserlohn — Forest City in the Märkisches Sauerland

With nearly 92,000 inhabitants, Iserlohn is the largest town in the Märkischer Kreis district, located at the transition between the Ruhr area and the Sauerland region. Its self-image as a 'Waldstadt' (Forest City) is no coincidence — the town is surrounded by extensive forest areas, and it is precisely this identity that gives the inner-city Christmas market its name: forest and city merge in Advent to create a shared illuminated spectacle.