Overview
- Drensteinfurt’s 40th market drew larger‑than‑expected crowds: vendors boosted supplies to meet demand, the Spielmannszug prepared 350 kg of Reibekuchen batter, and one camp reported beer running out late Saturday.
- Essen’s international market runs through December 23 with fixed hours, a published stand map and attractions, and emphasizes green power from E.ON, reusable serviceware and a plastic‑bag ban; WDR 2’s “Weihnachtswunder” is set for December 13–17 on Burgplatz.
- Regional weekends continue to fill the calendar, including Dinslaken’s Advent an der Burg (December 12–14) with children’s workshops and new night‑watch tours, and Schwalmstadt’s program the same weekend featuring a truck light convoy and a fire show.
- Community character and fundraising remain central at smaller events: Verden’s Adventsmarkt book sale supports the local parish post, and Wölfershausen shifted its market to the firehouse grounds to add space, rides and more stalls.
- Specialist draws and professionalization mark the season’s diversity, from Schongau’s Yuzu‑Glühwein, alpacas and a “kiss stop,” to ticketed, award‑promoted venues like Schloss Merode, which hosts music‑firework evenings and promotes sustainable staging.