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Welcome to Goslar Christmas Market & Weihnachtswald 2026 in Goslar
From 25 November to 30 December 2026, the UNESCO World Heritage city of Goslar at the northern edge of the Harz mountains becomes one of the most atmospheric Christmas destinations in northern Germany. The Goslarer Weihnachtsmarkt spreads across the historic market square with around 70 lovingly decorated wooden stalls, while just steps away on the Schuhhof square, the unique Weihnachtswald (Christmas Forest) creates a genuine forest atmosphere in the heart of the medieval old town, with approximately 60 illuminated pine trees and over 160,000 lights. Entry to both areas is completely free of charge.
Highlights & Attractions at Goslar Christmas Market & Weihnachtswald 2026
- Goslarer Weihnachtswald at Schuhhof: Around 60 large pine trees, each individually decorated with thousands of lights and set on real fragrant forest floor, creating a one-of-a-kind woodland atmosphere in the city centre, recognised with the "Excellent European Christmas Market 2025" seal.
- UNESCO old town setting: Slate-covered half-timbered houses, narrow medieval lanes and the Gothic town hall on the market square provide an unmatched historical backdrop for the entire market.
- Around 70 market stalls: Regional specialities, handcrafted goods, unique Christmas tree decorations and gift ideas spread across the Marktplatz and surrounding areas.
- Food and drink: Mulled wine, punch, grilled sausages, baked apples, roasted almonds and sweet Christmas treats in the Harz tradition.
- Family programme: A Ferris wheel, a children's train through a mini Christmas forest, reindeer at the North Pole, a Christmas workshop, St. Nicholas visits and free carousel rides on family afternoons.
- Marktkirche sky ladder: Climb the tower of the centrally located Market Church for a panoramic winter view over the rooftops of the World Heritage city.
- Musical programme: Brass ensembles, choirs and Christmas concerts on the stage in front of the historic town hall, plus a children's lantern procession during the Advent season.
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Programme & Schedule: What to Expect at Goslar Christmas Market 2026
The Goslar Christmas Market 2026 is open daily Monday to Sunday from 11:00 to 20:00; the Weihnachtswald at the Schuhhof remains open until 22:00, making it particularly magical in the evening hours. On Christmas Eve (24 December), both areas are open from 11:00 to 14:00. On Christmas Day and Boxing Day (25 and 26 December), hours are 12:00 to 19:00, and on the final market day (30 December) the market closes at 18:00. The programme features rotating musical performances on the town hall stage, a children's lantern procession and special family afternoons with free carousel rides.
Goslar Christmas Market 2026: The Two Locations at a Glance
Goslarer Weihnachtsmarkt at the Marktplatz 2026
The heart of the Goslar Christmas market is the historic market square, framed by the Gothic town hall and the Market Church. Around 70 rustic wooden stalls offer regional specialities, handcrafted gifts and Christmas decorations. The stage in front of the town hall hosts concerts, choir performances and changing events throughout the Advent season.
Goslarer Weihnachtswald at the Schuhhof 2026
Just a short walk from the market square, the Schuhhof hosts the extraordinary Weihnachtswald each year. Around 60 large pine trees, each decorated individually with thousands of lights, create a calm and fragrant forest atmosphere in the middle of the city. Framed by the mighty towers of the Market Church, this area remains open until 22:00 and is especially breathtaking after dark when all 160,000 lights illuminate the night. The Weihnachtswald is widely regarded as one of the most iconic Christmas market images in all of Lower Saxony.
Tickets & Admission for Goslar Christmas Market & Weihnachtswald 2026
Entry to both the Goslarer Weihnachtsmarkt and the Weihnachtswald is completely free of charge. No tickets are required for either the Marktplatz or the Schuhhof. Full programme details and visitor information are available on the official website at weihnachtswald.de and through the GOSLAR marketing gmbh at meingoslar.de.
Visitor Tips: Travel & Accommodation in Goslar and the Harz Region
- By train: Goslar is served by direct rail connections from Hanover (approx. 1.5 hours), Brunswick and Hildesheim. The old town is around a 10-minute walk from Goslar station.
- By car: The A7 motorway (exit Seesen) and the B6 federal road are the main approach routes. A parking guidance system directs visitors to the car parks around the old town.
- Visit after dark: The Weihnachtswald at the Schuhhof stays open until 22:00 and reaches its full visual impact after nightfall, when all 160,000 lights glow against the medieval stone backdrop.
- Combine with the Harz region: Goslar is centrally located in the Harz and pairs well with day trips to Quedlinburg, Wernigerode or the UNESCO-listed Rammelsberg mine.
- Book early: As one of the most sought-after Christmas market destinations in northern Germany, hotels and apartments in Goslar old town fill up quickly during Advent. Early reservation is strongly recommended.
Note: The information on this page was researched at the time of writing and may have changed since then (e.g. date, venue, or program). Visit the organizer's official website →
The photo used is illustrative and does not necessarily depict the actual event.
