Werner Weihnachtsmarkt

Werne and its Lippe Tradition

Werne is a small town with just under 30,000 inhabitants in the northeastern Ruhr area, in the Unna district bordering Münsterland and Sauerland. The town has a remarkable history: first mentioned as a town in 1253, a member of the Hanseatic League, with a preserved medieval town center around the parish church of St. Christophorus. The Church Square in front of the church is Werne's natural festival grounds – once a year, it becomes the Werner Weihnachtsmarkt.

Ten Days of Programming

With a ten-day duration, the Werner Weihnachtsmarkt is one of the longer-running events in the region – not just a weekend market, but a continuous event from December 8th to 17th, 2026. This allows the town to put together a daily program: a live stage with various acts (brass bands, choirs, acoustic bands, schools, kindergartens), theater performances, craft activities for children, and regular visits from St. Nicholas.

Toboggan Run and Ice Stock Sport

What sets the Werner Weihnachtsmarkt apart from many of its counterparts are the active elements. A toboggan run is set up on the square – not on ice, but a plastic ramp for children with sleds or all-weather seats. Right next to it is the ice stock sport: a small ice rink where families can compete against each other. The town realized both of these in the recent past with the timber builder Höttcke Holz and the company Satis & Fy.

Market Stalls and Food

Around 20 vendors are spread across the church square. A proven mix: handmade Christmas tree baubles, wooden toys, nativity scenes, traditional costumes, beeswax candles, honey. Classic gastronomy: mulled wine (red, white, apple, non-alcoholic), potato pancakes with apple sauce, bratwurst, candied almonds, Stutenkerle (gingerbread figures), marzipan specialties, Schmalzkuchen (lard cakes), hot cocoa.

Stage with Mayor's Greeting

The live stage is used every day – with local clubs, church choirs, brass ensembles, schools from the region, and acoustic acts. Mayor Lars Hübchen traditionally opens the market with a short address. The stage is located directly in front of the church, which makes for an interesting acoustic space.

Advent Market Open-Air Stage as a Sister Event

An important addition: parallel to the main market, the Adventsmarkt Freilichtbühne Werne (Advent Market Open-Air Stage Werne) runs – a separate market at the open-air stage (separate event, own stalls, own atmosphere). Those visiting Werne in Advent can combine both events.

Werne and Surroundings

Werne has more to offer than just the market: the Sole-Therme Werne (salt thermal baths) with an indoor pool, the Capuchin Monastery, and the historic old town are within walking distance. For those staying longer: Münster is 30 minutes away, Dortmund 25 minutes – both also have large, worth-seeing Christmas markets.