Tips
Hand-picked by Knecht Ruprecht
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.
Dortmunder Kronen brings back its Winterbier — exclusively on draught at Dortmund Christmas City.
Kronen Winterbier
Amid the sparkling lights and decorated stalls, Dortmund Christmas City is also a place to enjoy good food and drink. This year, beer lovers can look forward to a familiar favourite: Kronen Winterbier returns, bringing a taste of Dortmund’s brewing heritage to the festive celebrations.
This bottom-fermented speciality has a light amber colour. A malty character, delicate hops and a hint of honey sweetness combine to create a harmonious, full-bodied flavour. At 5.8% ABV, the Winterbier adds its own seasonal touch. It is served exclusively at Dortmund Christmas City — fresh on draught.
“With our Winterbier, we are bringing back a piece of Dortmund’s brewing heritage that is perfect for the colder months. Dortmund Christmas City is the ideal setting for us: people come together here, enjoy the special atmosphere and can discover our Winterbier fresh on draught,” says Marc Schauf, Brand Manager at Dortmunder Kronen.
The specially designed Winterbier glass also deserves a closer look: thanks to a special temperature-sensitive print, the word “Winterbier” changes colour depending on the temperature. It is a small detail accompanying the return of this beer speciality — and something to discover on your next stroll through Dortmund Christmas City.
Available exclusively at Go Gärtchen by St. Petri Church.
Children & Co.
Christmas magic for the whole family
Baking and crafts in the Christmas Village
Every year, the Christmas Village and its activities especially for children are among the most popular attractions at Dortmund Christmas City. From 23 November to 23 December, children can bake delicious biscuits with Santa Claus, angels
and baking elves, and make suitable
packaging for their creations.
Mondays are likely to be particularly popular again this year: from 4 pm to 6 pm, young bakers will receive special support from EMMA, the much-loved BVB mascot.
The baking and craft activities are for children aged four and over.
Younger children can enjoy visiting Santa Claus, the Christ Child and the angels. Baking and crafts cost €3.50 per child. Only the baking and craft activities require payment and advance registration. All other Christmas Village activities
are free. These include visits from Santa Claus
and the Christ Child, the chance to speak to the Christ Child on the phone, and other festive activities and encounters.
This makes the Christmas Village an attractive, free meeting place for families at Dortmund Christmas City, even without advance registration.
23 November–23 December
Monday–Friday: 9:15 am–6 pm
Saturday: 10:30 am
Sunday: noon
“Lese-Sterne” readings
by Qualitätsroute Dortmund
When winter arrives and the Christmas Village on
Hansaplatz invites you to linger, the “Lese-Sterne” readings
by Qualitätsroute Dortmund offer moments of quiet reflection.
Every afternoon, a short story is read aloud
in a cosy atmosphere, with all generations welcome.
Qualitätsroute Dortmund, an association of independent
retailers and service providers, brings
a wide range of Dortmund personalities to the reading desk:
from shop owners to singers, hotel managers
to university professors.
New this year: Thalia joins the project for the first time as a strong reading
partner, enriching the initiative together with Qualitätsroute
Dortmund.
A lovely opportunity to pause for a few minutes,
listen and immerse yourself in stories amid the bustle
of the festive season.
24 November–22 December
every afternoon
Salasas’ Magical Library — a magical show with Salasas & Paulito!
Step into the mysterious world of Salasas’ Magical Library! Here, books come to life, wonders happen and magic is everywhere.
Look forward to a fantastic magic show full of magical fun, astonishing surprises and plenty of opportunities to join in!
Together with Salasas and Paulito, audiences of all ages become apprentice magicians. Join in, marvel, laugh and perhaps even perform a little miracle yourself — anything is possible here!
Showtimes: daily at 3:30 pm and 5 pm; on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 pm, 3 pm and 5 pm.
Theatre of Magic, Hansaplatz
Hohnsteiner Kaspertheater
The historic building on the north side of St. Reinoldi Church is once again home to the free Hohnsteiner Kaspertheater puppet theatre. From 24 November to 30 December, Kasper visits Dortmund Christmas City every day:
on weekdays at 3 pm and 5 pm, with an additional performance at 1 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
For seven generations, Hohnsteiner Kaspertheater has performed traditional Kasper plays using original Hohnstein hand puppets. Performances last around 20 minutes and take place even in bad weather.
Scavenger hunt “10 squares — 10 questions”
Dortmund Christmas City offers many exciting attractions for all ages, wonderful aromas and something to discover everywhere.
To discover Dortmund Christmas City in a different way, children can take part in a scavenger hunt across all 10 squares.
The questionnaire can be picked up at the event office on Alter Markt (stall no. 218) or downloaded and printed here.
Once a child has answered all 10 questions, they can show their questionnaire at the event office to receive a small surprise. The office is staffed almost continuously during opening hours.
A scavenger hunt for grown-up explorers
Dortmund Christmas City also offers a scavenger hunt especially for adults. The route leads through the city centre and offers a completely new perspective on the Christmas City. Playful, surprising and perfect for anyone who wants to discover the market in a different way.
Have fun exploring Dortmund Christmas City!
SANFTE TOUREN x DORTMUND CHRISTMAS CITY — A WALKING TOUR WITH ALL KINDS OF DELICACIES!
Experience the magic of Dortmund Christmas City
Our unique tour of Dortmund’s Christmas market, home
to the world’s largest Christmas tree, combines a festive atmosphere,
history and culinary delights: meet traditional fairground families, admire
illuminated installations and enjoy local specialities.
Tour description
The tour starts at the Katharinentreppen opposite the main railway station
and leads through the heart of Dortmund Christmas City. Along the way,
participants hear fascinating stories about Dortmund’s history, from the Hanseatic era
through mining to its brewing heritage, and meet the people behind
the market stalls. A live audio system makes it easy to follow the stories even in
the bustle of the market, while small tastings are offered
at selected stops.
Tour highlights
Lights & history: impressive light installations bring the
history of the Christmas City to life.
Culinary delights: white mulled wine and award-winning almonds from
the Mirke-Müller fairground family.
Tradition & encounters: personal insights into the lives of
fairground families.
Photo spots: perfect views around the legendary Christmas tree and
festively decorated streets.
Tour facts
Duration: approximately 120 minutes
Price: €35 per person
Groups: €350 for 10 people; €35 for each additional person
School groups: 20% discount
Minimum group size: 10 people
Meeting point: Katharinentreppen (opposite the main railway station,
city-centre exit)
Dates: 29 November–21 December 2025, Saturdays and Sundays at 4
pm
Booking & contact
Reservations can be made online at sanfte-touren.de .
For private tours: anfrage@sanfte-touren.de | Tel. 0177/4844958
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
One “Christmas Mug 2026” 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.
Christmas Package at DORINT Dortmund
When the scent of roasted almonds and mulled wine fills Dortmund’s city centre, it is time for a short break and a visit to our Christmas City.
Discover Dortmund Christmas City and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Complete your visit with a stay at the Dorint An den Westfalenhallen Dortmund.
Experience the magic of Christmas, relax and enjoy — we look forward to welcoming you!
Booking & contact
Your hotel in Dortmund | Dorint Hotels
Travel Guide
Top 5 reasons to visit Dortmund
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. For all our visitors, rather than for ourselves.
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.