Winter Market Schloss Beck

Bottrop-Kirchhellen — Ruhr Area Village Core with a Castle

Kirchhellen is the northernmost district of Bottrop and fundamentally differs from the industrially shaped south of the Ruhr area: village structures, agriculture and forestry, a distinct town center with a market square and church, located between the Lower Rhine and the northern Ruhr area. Here lies Schloss Beck — a former noble moated castle from the 18th century, now one of the best-known excursion destinations in the north of the Ruhr area.

Schloss Beck — From Noble Castle to Amusement Park

Schloss Beck, originally built around 1773 as a moated castle, was converted into an amusement park in the 1960s after centuries of noble residence — an unusual mix in Germany of a historic castle complex, castle park, carousels, roller coasters, and family attractions. The park is open seasonally (typically April–October) and closed in winter. It is precisely during this winter break of the park that the new Winter Market takes place: it utilizes the impressive castle architecture and courtyard without operating the amusement park.

Premiere 2026 — A New Tradition Begins

2026 marks the first edition of the Winter Market Schloss Beck. The organizer (Schloss Beck in cooperation with local stakeholders like "Wir lieben Bottrop") is testing the concept: a winter market in the castle courtyard that leverages the characteristic mix of castle romance and local appeal of Bottrop-Kirchhellen. The choice of the February weekend — after the classic Christmas markets, before Carnival — aims to fill a gap in the regional event calendar.

Program 2026 — Enjoyment and Sparkle

Culinary — Winter Dishes and Drinks

The gastronomic offerings move beyond the classic mulled wine and sausage scheme of traditional Advent markets, presenting a modern winter street food spectrum:

• Langos (Hungarian flatbread with toppings)
• Grünkohl (kale) with potatoes and sausage (Ruhr area classic)
• Ofenkartoffeln (baked potatoes) with various toppings
• Loaded Fries (fries with cheese and toppings)
• Wine, cocktails, local beer

Live Music and Atmosphere

The castle courtyard will be festively illuminated — the lighting concept is one of the premiere's brand promises. Live music will create the mood — bands and acts are coordinated by "Wir lieben Bottrop" and Schloss Beck.

Children's Program

For families, the playhouse in the castle courtyard will be open — an indoor play option that makes the weather irrelevant. At the forest education center on the castle grounds, children can build birdhouses under guidance — a sustainable, hands-on activity that connects children and nature.

Important: Amusement Park Closed

An important piece of information for families who normally know Schloss Beck as an amusement park: the amusement park itself will remain closed during the winter market. Carousels, roller coasters, and rides will not be in operation. The winter market will exclusively use the castle courtyard and nearby outdoor areas. Those wishing to visit the park should wait for the regular season (starting in April).

Bottrop and the Northern Ruhr Area as a Destination

Those who spend the February weekend at the winter market can experience Bottrop comprehensively: the Tetraeder (walkable steel sculpture on a slag heap, one of the landmarks of Ruhr area tourism), Movie Park Germany in Kirchhellen (theme park — usually closed in winter), Bernepark with industrial culture, Halde Beckstraße (slag heap). With clear February weather, walks on the slag heaps are a highlight of a winter exploration of the Ruhr area.