Overview
- Essen-Steele opened on November 2 with large turnout and an official inauguration by Mayor Thomas Kufen.
- Organizers urged visitors to use public transport due to limited parking and no shuttles, with many reporting long searches for spaces.
- Dortmund’s Schloss Bodelschwingh market is suspended for two years for renovations, with the new Landweihnacht at Hof Menken in Castrop-Rauxel set for November 27–30.
- Düsseldorf’s market introduces accessibility measures developed with the city’s social services office, including ramps, under-table access, accessible WCs, Braille menus and call signals for assistance.
- New draws and value offers include Essen’s ‘Glühwein-Krimi’ outdoor escape game, Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport’s terminal Adventszauber on November 30 with about 60 stands, Bochum’s €10 Weihnachtspass with roughly 40 coupons up to 50% off, and Hamburg-Rahlstedt’s ‘Winterterrassen’ ending permanently due to weak vendor revenues.