Festive atmosphere in a historic setting

Bright lights, fragrant gingerbread, spicy mulled wine and atmospheric music

The run-up to Christmas is the best time of the year for many people. A visit to a Christmas market is of course a must. In Stralsund, there are several hotspots with a festive atmosphere: the Old Market, the New Market and the historic town hall cellar. So if you’ve always wanted to visit Stralsund, you should make your way there right now.

The pre-Christmas market with a contemplative World Heritage atmosphere between the beach, sea and Christmas tree delights residents and visitors to the Hanseatic city alike year after year. Until December 22, 2022, you can still be enchanted by Christmas at the oldest Christmas market on the Baltic Sea. This year, two Ferris wheels – one at the Old Market and one at the New Market – will carry visitors up high and offer a wonderful view over the Hanseatic city.

In the Gothic vaulted cellar of the town hall, more than 40 lovingly decorated stalls offer traditional craftsmanship on an area of almost 1,500 square meters. Mainly traders from the regions of Mecklenburg and Western Pomerania offer their specialties and originals for sale here. If you are still looking for a suitable Christmas present, you are sure to find it here: In addition to decorative items for the home and yard, there are ceramics, jewelry, beeswax products and much more on offer.

Those who like things a little livelier can enjoy the bumper cars and swing boats at the fairground market at Neuer Markt – or try their luck at the lottery booth. Meanwhile, there are children’s carousels, food stalls, arts and crafts and food and drink outlets on the Alter Markt. There is sure to be something to suit every visitor.

Market with tradition

The Stralsund Christmas market was first mentioned in a document in 1512 and can therefore look back on a tradition of more than 500 years. Back then, the atmospheric Advent market took place over six days between the New Market, the Town Hall cellar and the Old Market. This makes the market in Stralsund the second oldest Christmas market in a Hanseatic city: only the Christmas market in Braunschweig in Lower Saxony is seven years older.

Program tips for young and old

Today, the varied Christmas program includes Santa’s daily consultation hour from 2.30 to 4 p.m. with his sack full of little presents waiting for the little visitors. Meanwhile, adults can look forward to an extensive shopping spree during the long shopping night, which traditionally takes place on the Saturday before the 2nd Advent. In the town hall cellar, young and old can practice dry felting at any time of the day, while storytelling enthusiasts can enjoy the fairytale hour, which takes place every day at 4 pm and on Saturday and Sunday at 12.30 pm.

This post is also available in: German