Tips
Hand-picked by Servant Rupert
Tips for the Christmas city
A whole city brimming with things to do. It's easy to lose track! That's why we're giving you firsthand tips about Dortmund's Christmas city. From the smartest way to get there, to programs for kids and explorers, to family-friendly accommodations in our hotel recommendations.
Arriving by car
Park & Ride
The large P+R facilities at Hauptfriedhof, Westfalenpark (Parking Lot D1), Hafen, and Schulte-Rödding are equipped with a barrier system. Public transport users can park free of charge for a maximum of 24 hours at these four P+R facilities. From the 25th hour onward, the rate is €0.50 per hour. Those using the parking spaces but not transferring to public transport or without a valid ticket will be charged €0.50 per hour from the start. The maximum daily rate is €6.
Parking in the city
Those who prefer to drive directly into the city can use the parking spaces in the city center. The city of Dortmund's parking guidance system helps with orientation: 64 digital displays and 42 static signposts along the access roads toward the city center around the Wall inform drivers about the routes to Dortmund's city parking spaces. The city center parking guidance system also provides information about traffic disruptions and suggests alternative routes.
"A beer please" - also possible at the Christmas market
Hövel's Christmas City Beer
The Go-Gärtchen mulled wine stand is located near St. Peter's Church. There, you can get Hövels' seasonal beer, the Christmas Town Beer, exclusively for the Christmas Town.
Children & Co.
Christmas magic for the whole family
Baking and crafting in the Christmas village
Every year, the Christmas Village, with its special offers for children, is one of the most popular attractions in Dortmund's Christmas City. From Monday, November 25th to Monday, December 23rd, children can craft small gifts and bake delicious cookies with Santa Claus, angels, and baking elves. Every Monday from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., children receive assistance from BVB mascot EMMA, and every weekend, the Christmas Village mascot Siegi visits from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
All children can visit Santa Claus and his angels and talk to the Christ Child on the phone. Participation in the baking and crafting activities is only for children ages 4 and up. Thanks to the support of DEW21 and Dortmunder Sparkasse, admission is only €2.50.
Magical Christmas spectacle – “Salasa’s Theater of Magic”
Beneath the world's largest Christmas tree, "Salasas Theater of Magic" shines brightly and invites you to a unique magic show full of wonders and surprises! From November 25th to December 30th, the famous magician Salasas and his enchanting assistant Elfina will transform the space by the majestic tree into a stage of wonder.
The show is a captivating experience for the whole family. Salasas's artistry transports audiences to a magical Christmas world. Supported by Elfina, young and old alike can look forward to a blend of classic magic and surprising new elements. Whether floating presents, vanishing poinsettias, or mysterious snowstorms – Salasas and Elfina bring the magic of Christmas to life and make dreams come true.
Thanks to Christmas City Dortmund and its sponsors, admission remains free this year!
Dates: The show takes place daily at 4:30 pm & 5:45 pm.
Theater of Magic, Hansaplatz
Woitschak's Punch and Judy Show
The old historic house on the north side of Reinoldi Church is once again home to the free puppet theater Woitchak's Kaspertheater. From November 25th to December 30th, Kasper visits the Christmas town every day:
During the week at 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday also at 11:00 a.m.
Woitschack's Kaspertheater has been performing traditional Kasper plays with original Hohnstein hand puppets for seven generations. The performance lasts approximately 20 minutes—even in bad weather.
Scavenger hunt “10 places – 10 questions”
The Christmas town offers many exciting attractions for all ages, it smells wonderful, and there is something to discover everywhere.
To discover the Christmas town in a different way, this year for the first time there will be a scavenger hunt for children across all 10 squares.
The questionnaire can be picked up at the event office on the Old Market (stand no. 218) or downloaded and printed here.
Once the child has answered all 10 questions, they will receive a small surprise upon presentation of the questionnaire at the event office. The office is staffed almost continuously during opening hours.
Have fun exploring the Christmas town!
Our hotel tip
Ringhotel Drees: Christmas City Special
The privately run Ringhotel Drees is offering a special offer for the Christmas city.
When booking the “Christmas Market Package,” each person receives a voucher for the first mulled wine in town, and a Christmas mug as a souvenir will be waiting in the room.
The best overnight prices are always on their own homepage, assures the Riepe family, the hosts.
Ringhotel Drees: Christmas City Special
10 minutes walk from the world's largest Christmas tree
privately run family hotel
One voucher per person for the first mulled wine in town
The "Christmas Mug 2024" per person as a souvenir
Free use of the swimming pool and sauna
If the arrangement is not available, you will be shown the cheapest available price including breakfast.
Our hotel tip
Ringhotel Drees: Christmas City Special
Close by our side
Cooperations
Christmas is a celebration of love and gratitude for friends and family. This is already evident in the contemplative pre-Christmas season. We, too, are grateful for our friendly partnerships, which help us become a little better every year. Not just for us, but for all our visitors.
FAQs
Use the free Park & Ride facilities (up to 24 hours when using public transport). Near the city center, the parking guidance system and parking garages will help you find your way.
Baking & crafts, magic and puppet shows, a visit from Santa Claus, a scavenger hunt, and more.
Yes, the city's Park & Ride facilities are located directly at public transport stops, so you can easily continue your journey by bus or train.
Yes, the Ringhotel Drees offers a Christmas market package with a voucher for the first mulled wine, a souvenir Christmas mug, and a sauna/swimming pool. About a 10-minute walk from the large Christmas tree.