Kieler Weihnachtsmarkt

The Kieler Weihnachtsmarkt transforms Kiel's city centre into a festive wonderland across five distinct locations, collectively branded as 'Kiel.Christmas.City' and managed by Kiel-Marketing. Now in its 52nd year, this is one of Northern Germany's most impressive Christmas market experiences, blending Scandinavian charm with maritime tradition in a city that sits at the edge of the Baltic Sea. The centrepiece is the Kieler Weihnachtsdorf on the Rathausplatz, where Scandinavian-style wooden huts create the atmosphere of a Nordic village square. Here, 36 stalls surround a historic carousel from 1900, a three-metre-tall stork mascot named Stolle, and a beloved gnome carousel with hourly chime performances. Three times daily, the spectacular 'Wichtelflug' sees a miniature cog ship pulled by six reindeer soaring above the market — a uniquely Kiel tradition. Visitors can also ascend the Rathausturm for panoramic views 67 metres above the illuminated stalls. Beyond the Rathausplatz, the Holstenplatz hosts the original market since 1973, featuring a cosy Winterwald (winter forest) with 99 LED stars, artisan crafts, and a wide culinary spread. The Asmus-Bremer-Platz dazzles with a 12.5-metre-high Christmas pyramid, while the Bernhard-Minetti-Platz on Holtenauer Straße and the Bootshafen round out the five locations with creative and local flavours. With 127 stalls in total, free entry, and accessibility provisions at the main site, the Kieler Weihnachtsmarkt offers something for every visitor — arrive early on weekdays to enjoy the atmosphere at its most relaxed.