Winterfest Arboretum Ellerhoop

A Botanical Garden in Advent

The Arboretum Ellerhoop-Thiensen is one of Northern Germany's most important botanical gardens — over 4,500 species of trees from around the world grow on approximately 18 hectares. During the season, it's an educational garden for plant enthusiasts; in Advent, the Münsterhof — the central courtyard area in front of the former farmhouse — opens for a small, very atmospheric winter market.

What makes the Winterfest special

Unlike the large city Christmas markets, the Winterfest at the Arboretum is deliberately kept small and rural. Exhibitors are often regional craftspeople, beekeepers, florists, and coffee roasters from the surrounding area; the range of goods extends from Advent arrangements to natural cosmetics and winter garden decorations. The setting makes the difference: the vast botanical garden, often already covered in frost, the warm light in the Münsterhof, the scent of mulled wine and fir green.

What to expect

• Stalls with handmade Advent wreaths, straw stars, natural products
• Beekeepers, manufacturers, florists from the district of Pinneberg
• Winter culinary delights — mulled wine, punch, soups, baked goods
• Small musical accompaniment program
• Opportunity to experience the Arboretum in its winter state

Ellerhoop in the district of Pinneberg

Ellerhoop is a small municipality in the district of Pinneberg, about 30 km north of Hamburg. The Arboretum was established in 1986 as a teaching and show garden of the Schloss Ahrensburg Foundation and is today supported by a friends' association and the University of Hamburg. In summer, it's an open-air plant museum — in Advent, a magical place of Northern German winter atmosphere.