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The Darmstadt Christmas market starts on November 17th with a festive opening ceremony in the market square.
Darmstadt. When the scent of roasted almonds, fir branches, and mulled wine wafts through the city center, the Christmas season has officially begun in Darmstadt. From Monday, November 17th, to Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025 , the Darmstadt Christmas Market visitors to a festive Advent experience – with festive lighting, culinary delights, and a diverse stage program.
Grand opening with music and dazzling lights
The Christmas market opens on November 17th at 6:15 p.m. in the market square by the Old Town Hall . The children's choir "Chornflakes" from Wixhausen . Mayor Hanno Benz will officially open the market together with the Mulled Wine Princess and representatives from the churches and the fairground operators' association.
"For many people, the Christmas market is an integral part of the Advent season – a place for meeting, anticipation, and reflection," said Benz.
Safety and new layout
Due to increased security requirements, the measures have been significantly expanded this year. Access to the squares will be partially or completely blocked, and special mobile barriers will secure the entrances at the castle and Holzstraße. In addition, Luisenplatz has been redesigned – some stalls are now located
Ernst-Ludwigs-Platz Despite the higher costs, the city emphasizes the market's importance as a "place of community and enjoyment of life."
Stalls, specialties and crafts
Around 67 stalls invite visitors to stroll, feast, and marvel. Besides classic handicrafts, wooden toys, and jewelry, churros, roasted chestnuts, bratwurst, and vegetarian and vegan specialties . Five new stalls complement the selection – including a falafel stand and a stall selling Hessian spirits .
Darmstadt's partner cities also represented again:
- Liepãja (Latvia): 17.11.–23.12.
- Saanen (Switzerland): 24.11.–30.11.
- Troyes (France): 1.–7.12.
- Gyönk (Hungary): 1.–14.12.
- Uzhhorod (Ukraine): 15.–23.12.
Music, program and mulled wine princess
This year's mulled wine glass features the Old Town Hall – a symbol of the connection between the cityscape and the Christmas market. The Mulled Wine Princess will accompany city tours and events, including the " Black Night Shopping – Fire & Ice " on November 28th and the St. Nicholas parade on December 6th .
Musically, duos and bands will provide entertainment on " Band Friday " from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., while on Sundays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. a family program with Christmas stories will be offered. On December 19, vielbunt eV will present a queer stage program.
A magical display of lights in the city center
In the market square, the 20-meter-high Nordmann fir tree with 13,500 LED lights, while the "Long Ludwig" statue in Luisenplatz shines with 30,000 LEDs . This transforms the city center into a glittering Advent experience.
Culinary meeting point: “Heiligs Blechle” in the Carree
Parallel to the Christmas market, the food truck Christmas market “Heiligs Blechle” in the Carree invites visitors to regional specialties – from burgers to quiche and soup to vegan dishes and mulled wine from local vintners.
Opening hours
Darmstadt Christmas Market:
- Monday–Thursday: 12–9 pm
- Friday–Saturday: 12–10 pm
- Sunday: 12–9 pm
- Remembrance Sunday (November 23): closed
Winter Village Ludwigsplatz:
- Monday–Saturday: 12–7 pm
- Sunday: closed
Arrival and information
We recommend arriving by public transport (Luisenplatz or Marktplatz/Schloss stops) or with the HEAG mobilo HeinerLiner
- Cycling ban: daily from 12 pm to 10 pm on the market square, Ernst-Ludwigs-Platz East and Friedensplatz.
- Cannabis ban: Consumption is prohibited on the entire festival grounds.
- Weapons ban: A weapons ban zone applies to the entire premises (§42 WaffG).
Further information, program overviews and an interactive map can be found at
👉 www.darmstadt-tourismus.de/weihnachten
(Darmstadt - Red/DM)
Contribution picture: Rüdiger Dunker
