WinterMärchenZeit Schwedt

Schwedt/Oder — Industrial and Theater City on the Oder

Schwedt/Oder is the district town of Uckermark, located on the Oder in the far east of Brandenburg. With around 30,000 inhabitants and a rich theater history (Uckermärkische Bühnen Schwedt), the city has preserved a cultural identity despite its industrial character (oil refinery). In the Advent season, Schwedt is one of Brandenburg's most unusual Christmas market destinations — the WinterMärchenZeit is an expression of this independence.

WinterMärchenZeit — Staged Christmas Market

Unlike most Brandenburg Christmas markets, Schwedt relies on a consistently fairy-tale staging. The Aktionsgemeinschaft City Schwedt e.V. organizes the market with a thematic focus: figures from classic fairy tales such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the Snow Queen, and the Seven Little Goats populate the market grounds. A gnome parade is a recurring program item, complemented by a fairy tale reading house with daily readings.

Opening on the 1st Advent

The WinterMärchenZeit begins in 2026 on Saturday, November 28th (1st Advent) with the official opening at 2:30 PM. Vierradener Straße and the Kirchplatz form the central Christmas zone. Stalls offer gift ideas, mulled wine, and Christmas treats — the atmosphere is decidedly family-friendly and child-oriented. Theater actions integrated into the cityscape, light installations, and an Advent calendar with "24+7" doors (promotions from local businesses) characterize the entire Advent weeks.

Advent Excursion to the Uckermark

Those who visit Schwedt for the Christmas market can combine it with an excursion to the Uckermark: the Lower Oder Valley National Park right outside the city, Boitzenburg Castle, or the monastery ruins of Chorin and Friedland. Schwedt is reachable from Berlin in 1 hour and 30 minutes by RE3. Admission to WinterMärchenZeit is free. Organizer: Aktionsgemeinschaft City Schwedt e.V., Tel. 03332 517970.