The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Bremen, Germany

VISIT THE BEST BREMEN CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Bremen´s Christmas Markets are the most beautiful ones in Germany (and thus, in Europe). Yes, you may have thought this prize would go to other Christmas Markets, but if you visit, you will see why this is the case.

Okay, I might be biased because I am from Bremen and adore this city (btw: have I mentioned that Bremen is the most beautiful city in Germany?) 🙂

But seriously, the Bremen Christmas Markets are really special and were voted the most popular in Germany (yes, this is a fact – I did not make that up).

So, this guide will offer you some help – why to visit the Christmas Markets, which markets to visit, what to expect, what to see and do (and eat), and of course, about the opening hours and times.

The two main Christmas Markets are Market Square and the Schlachte (a promenade next to the Weser River named Schlachte Zauber).

Bremen Christmas Market at Market Square

Let´s start with the first one – the one at Market Square.

Dates – Bremen Christmas Market

In 2021, it should be at the end of November until Christmas Day. But of course, at the moment, nothing is certain.

Opening Hours – Bremen Christmas Market

Mondays to Thursdays: 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sundays: 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Christmas Market at Market Square

You will find many stalls spread over the city center. 

How to Get to the Market Square

I highly recommend getting to Bremen by train from Hamburg or another city and avoiding arriving by car before Christmas. You can either take a tram or a bus from the train station and get off at Domsheide or Schüsselkorb station. Or you can walk from the main train station to Schüsselkorb (15-minute walk).

It is a lovely walk, and you will find some stalls along the way – and you will also get a good idea of what else to expect. Head to Sögestrasse (big sign) and then head to Market Square. 

You can easily walk from one market square to the other (it is just a few hundred meters from the Market Square Christmas Market to Schlachte Zauber).

Things to Do and See at Christmas Market Bremen

There are a few special activities, which are listed later. It is mostly about getting around, eating your weight in sweets and fast food, and drinking delicious hot drinks. Oh, and buying last-minute Christmas presents.

Depending on where you come from, I suggest starting from Sögestrasse (a shopping street) and heading towards Market Square.

The Market Square Christmas Market houses 176 stalls – food, snacks, drinks, and shops!  There are even carousels for kids. 

In front, behind, and next to the stunning town hall (which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site), you have all kinds of stalls – get your mulled wine and other hot – or cold – drinks. 

Mulled wine (Glühwein) is big. I, personally, don’t like the smell of it and haven’t even tried it, but I guess I am one of the few who doesn’t enjoy a warm mulled wine on a cold day.

Prices are about 3-4€ for a mug of mulled wine (you have to pay a deposit for the mugs, but get it back if you bring the mug back). 

But don’t feel bad for me. I am all about the sweets – crepes, waffles, Poffertjes, and Schmalzkuchen. Anyone with a sweet tooth will be in heaven. Pssst: Vegan options are available quite often.

Do you prefer some heavier and heartier foods? Well, you will love it here, too.

Say hello to Santa: Santa Claus is in Bremen, each day until the 23^rd of December.

 Next to the Cathedral, he can be found reading to children in his little hut (near all the carousels).  I went there with my little nephew, and though we did no hear him reading, he actually had a little present for all the kids, so it might be worth visiting.

Every day at 4 pm, with a few exceptions. 

Watch the Winter Fantasies: Five fantasy characters with illuminated robes will stroll through the Christmas market – something for adults as well as kids.

Listen to the Turmbläser playing from the balcony of the Town Hall

Christmas Market at Schlachte Zauber

Okay, here is a bit of info on the second main Christmas Market – Schlachte Zauber.

Dates – Bremen Schlachte Zauber

From the end of November until the 23.December

Opening Hours – Bremen Schlachte Zauber

Mondays to Thursdays: 11 am to 8:30 pm

Friday and Saturday: 11 am to 9 pm

Sunday: 11 am to 8:30 pm

How to Get to Schlachte Zauber

Schlachte Zauber is located right at the Schlachte, a lovely promenade at the Weser River. You can get here by walking from the train station or Market Square (closest tram station: Am Brill). I highly suggest visiting the Christmas Market at the market square and then walking from there and seeing everything in between (it is just a 5-10 minutes walk).

Things to Do and See at Schlachte Zauber 

While it is also a Christmas Market, it is totally different from the one at Market Square. Its location is what makes it unique. Situated next to big trees, which are illuminated in blue color, it has a special charm. It looks like a winter wonderland (even though there is no real snow).

About 100 “snow-capped” wooden huts are selling drinks, all kinds of food, and merchandise. Although this Christmas Market has only been held for the last 15 years, it has a historic charm. It seriously feels like a Christmas Market in the Middle Ages (though there probably were none back then…).

Given its location next to the river, there is even a shipwreck – built just for the Schlachte Zauber. Musicians and other performers offer a program to entertain visitors. 

 There is actually a different program and activities scheduled each day (some of them are free, and some theater plays require a ticket).

 If you are looking to spending some time at a beautiful Christmas Market in Germany, add Bremen to your Germany itinerary – whether for 2021 or 2021.

Read more travel tips for Bremen – written by a local.