Overview
- Köpenick’s ‘Weihnachtsinsel’ runs December 12–14 with the castle scaffolding removed, a ceremonial stollen cutting by Mayor Oliver Igel and the Hauptmann von Köpenick, nightly Turmblasen, choirs and an organ concert; entry is free with posted opening hours each day.
- Essen’s International Christmas Market (November 14–December 23) underscores green power from E.ON, reusable cups and plates with deposits and a plastic‑bag ban, alongside special programming such as the WDR 2 ‘Weihnachtswunder’ on Burgplatz (December 13–17) and an interactive ‘Glühwein‑Krimi.’
- Dortmund’s market (November 20–December 30) features the roughly 45‑metre tree built from about 1,200 firs and lit by more than 138,000 LEDs, plus light installations along Kampstraße and family shows, with extended dates after Christmas Day.
- Munich’s Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz (November 24–December 24) opened with Oberbürgermeister Dieter Reiter and offers daily music, guided tours, the Kripperlmarkt and the Krampuslauf scheduled for December 14.
- Drensteinfurt marked the 40th edition on the second Advent weekend with strong participation by local clubs, as Dinslaken prepares its ‘Advent an der Burg’ for December 12–14 with the mayor’s greeting, children’s crafts, music and a traditional closing by the Turmbläserin.