Xanten Christmas Market 2026

Xanten — Roman City and Pilgrimage Site on the Lower Rhine

Xanten, a small town of around 22,000 inhabitants in the Wesel district, is one of Germany's oldest cities: the Roman Colonia Ulpia Traiana stood here, whose remains today form the Xanten Archaeological Park (APX). In the Middle Ages, Xanten was a pilgrimage site and the seat of an important collegiate church; St. Viktor Cathedral with its two towers still shapes the silhouette of the old town today. Those who visit Xanten in December will experience one of the most beautiful Christmas markets on the Lower Rhine — framed by medieval alleys, the cathedral as a backdrop, and an atmosphere that tastes more of the province than the big city.

Over 40 Wooden Chalets in the Old Town

The over 40 wooden chalets are set up around the cathedral, on the market square, Kurfürstenstraße, and neighboring alleys. The assortment is consistently curated: IGX emphasizes quality over mass-produced goods; many stalls have been participating for years and bring their own specialties — from hand-forged jewelry and wooden toys to Lower Rhine juniper liqueur and freshly made potato pancakes.

Opening on November 20

The official opening takes place on Friday, November 20, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM — with a mulled wine tapping ceremony, music on the stage, and a short welcome speech by the organizers. Those who come on the opening evening will experience the market in its most authentic form: not yet crowded, with full attention to detail.

Opening Hours — Relaxed Through the Week

From November 21, regular opening hours apply: Sunday to Thursday from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM. It is quieter and more family-friendly at midday; from late afternoon, the market fills up with commuters, students from the surrounding area, and day-trippers from Wesel, Kleve, and the Ruhr area.

Stage Program on Weekends

On weekends, there is a varied stage program: local choirs sing Christmas carols, school bands play, kindergarten groups perform nativity plays, and professional musicians give concerts. In previous years, the Xanten boys' choirs, the city band, and solo musicians with acoustic guitars performed on stage — a mix that combines the local and the festive.

Late Night Shopping and Totensonntag

Two special dates mark the market's progress: On Friday, November 27, 2026, the opening hours are extended for Late Night Shopping until 9:00 PM — many downtown retailers open their doors concurrently for relaxed pre-Christmas shopping. And on Totensonntag, November 22, the market opens exceptionally from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM for reasons of reverence — without a music program, with subdued lighting, and quiet mulled wine service.

Interessengemeinschaft Xanten — The Driving Force

The organizer is the Interessengemeinschaft Xanten e.V. (IGX) in close cooperation with the City of Xanten and local retailers. Contact: [email protected]. The market is financed by stall fees and municipal subsidies; admission is free for visitors.

Around Xanten: Xanten in Advent

If you are already in Xanten, you should extend your day: St. Viktor Cathedral is particularly impressive in December, with its own Advent events and concerts. The Xanten Archaeological Park APX has limited operations in winter, but special winter tours are possible. And in the surrounding area — at Xanten's Südsee lake, in the Lower Rhine floodplains — clear winter walks are offered before returning to the warm market alleys in the evening.