Braunschweiger Weihnachtsmarkt 2026 – Christmas Market at the Cathedral and Burgplatz in Braunschweig

Welcome to the Braunschweiger Weihnachtsmarkt 2026 in Braunschweig

From 25 November to 29 December 2026, the historic ensemble around Dom St. Blasii cathedral and Burg Dankwarderode in central Braunschweig comes alive as one of Lower Saxony's most atmospheric Christmas markets. Under the motto "adventlichterzauber" (advent light magic), around 142 beautifully decorated market stalls invite visitors to browse, enjoy and linger in the City of Lions. Admission is free throughout, and so is the extensive children's and cultural programme.

Highlights and Attractions at Braunschweiger Weihnachtsmarkt 2026 in Braunschweig

• Historic setting at the Cathedral and Burgplatz: The market spreads around the Romanesque Dom St. Blasii and Burg Dankwarderode, one of the most significant medieval urban castles in northern Germany.
• 142 market stalls with handcrafted goods: Handmade jewellery, wood carvings, glass decorations, textiles and regional delicacies from Lower Saxony fill the stalls across the historic square.
• Rotating artisan hut: New for 2026, a so-called Wechselhütte gives different craftspeople the chance to sell their work for one week at a time, bringing fresh offerings to the market throughout Advent.
• Regional specialities: Braunkohl with Pinkel sausage, wild boar sausage and the legendary Mumme-Glühwein, a unique Braunschweig mulled wine based on the city's historic malt brew, are the culinary highlights of the market.
• Panoramic Ferris wheel: The 61-metre-high Ferris wheel offers a spectacular aerial view over the glittering sea of lights across the Braunschweig Christmas market and city centre.
• Free children's and cultural programme: Festive concerts, theatre performances in a mirror tent, a supervised Christmas workshop in the castle moat area and the Wintertheater with local Braunschweig Christmas stories.
• Sustainable market operation: LED lighting since 2013, renewable energy since 2016, reusable cups since 2017 and a ban on single-use plastic since 2019 make Braunschweig one of Germany's most sustainably run Christmas markets.

Programme and Schedule: What to Expect at Braunschweiger Weihnachtsmarkt 2026

The Braunschweiger Weihnachtsmarkt 2026 opens on Wednesday, 25 November, with a ceremonial brass ensemble performance at Dom St. Blasii from 17:45; regular market trading begins at 18:00 that evening. From Tuesday to Saturday, the market is open daily from 10:00 to 21:00, and on Sundays and public holidays from 11:00 to 21:00. The market is closed on 24 and 25 December and closes one hour early on the final day, 29 December, at 20:00. Alongside the market stalls, the Wintertheater in the mirror tent runs until 26 December, and the free Christmas workshop in the Burggraben operates daily from 27 November to 23 December with changing activities for children each day of the week. The full event programme including concerts, the Braunschweig Advent Singing and festive performances is available at braunschweig.de/weihnachtsmarkt.

Tickets and Admission for Braunschweiger Weihnachtsmarkt 2026 in Braunschweig

Entry to the Braunschweiger Weihnachtsmarkt is completely free of charge. The children's workshop in the Burggraben and many of the musical and cultural events are also free to attend. Some special events such as the Wintertheater performances in the mirror tent may carry a ticket price; details and the full programme are available on the official website at braunschweig.de/weihnachtsmarkt.

Visitor Tips: Travel and Accommodation in Braunschweig During Advent

• Arrive by public transport: The market is easily reached via the tram stops Rathaus, Schloss and Münzstraße. From 26 November to 23 December 2026, coach parties can use a reserved short-stay stop on Münzstraße, just 30 metres from the market entrance.
• Plan around the closures: The market is shut on 24 and 25 December. For the fullest experience with all stalls open and the complete programme running, the weeks before Christmas are the best time to visit.
• Try the Mumme-Glühwein: Braunschweig's signature mulled wine, made with the city's historic Mumme malt brew, is a local speciality found nowhere else and a must-try at the market.
• Christmas workshop for families: The free Weihnachtswerkstatt in the Burggraben is open daily Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00 and Sundays from 11:00 to 19:00, offering different crafts and activities for children each day of the week.
• Ice skating on Kohlmarkt: Right alongside the Christmas market, the Eiszauber ice rink on Kohlmarkt is open daily from 08:30 through early January, making it an ideal addition for families visiting the market.