Magdeburg Christmas Market 2026 – Lights & Kaiser Otto in Magdeburg

Welcome to the Magdeburg Christmas Market 2026 in Magdeburg

The Magdeburg Christmas Market opens from 23 November to 29 December 2026 and transforms the city centre into a festively illuminated Christmas world. Traditionally the heart of the market beats on the Alter Markt. This year it extends for the first time around the town hall as far as the Johanniskirche. More than 140 lovingly designed stalls, around 50 different mulled wine varieties and a Ferris wheel await visitors. The market is closed on 24 and 25 December. Restrictions may apply on 20 December 2026.

Highlights & Attractions at Magdeburg Christmas Market in Magdeburg

• More than 140 stalls with handmade wooden goods, Christmas decorations and gift ideas on the Alter Markt and around the town hall
• Around 50 different mulled wine varieties – classic, fruity or extraordinary
• The Ferris wheel with views over the festively decorated Alter Markt and the glittering city centre
• The medieval Kaiser Otto Palace with historical atmosphere, crafts and specialities
• Ice rink “Winterfreuden on Ice” on the Elbe side of the Allee-Center (19 November 2026 to 10 January 2027)
• The Magdeburg Lichterwelt with over 1.2 million LEDs and around 80 large light installations
• Nordic area at the town hall with Glögg, furs and Scandinavian products

Program & Schedule: What to Expect in 2026

The Magdeburg Christmas Market invites visitors daily from 11:00 to 21:00 (Friday and Saturday until 23:00). The market stretches from the Alter Markt via the town hall to the Johanniskirche and offers space for discovery, enjoyment and lingering. Culinary specialities from around the world, handicrafts and showmen provide varied entertainment. The Ferris wheel and stage programmes complete the offer.

Historic Christmas Market Kaiser Otto / Kaiser Otto Palace

Right next to the town hall the Kaiser Otto Palace takes visitors back to Magdeburg life in the time of Otto the Great. Craftspeople, traders and performers in historical costumes, medieval crafts, rustic specialities and the famous bathhouse create a unique atmosphere. The Kaiser Otto Palace is an integral part of the Christmas market and runs in parallel from 23 November to 29 December 2026.

Magdeburg Lichterwelt

From 23 November 2026 to 2 February 2027 the entire city centre shines in the Lichterwelt with nearly 1.2 million LEDs and around 80 large installations. Illuminated façades, Otto von Guericke’s hemisphere experiment on the Domplatz, the Magdeburg lettering and numerous photo motifs make evening walks a highlight. Admission is free.

Further Winter Attractions

In addition there is the ice rink “Winterfreuden on Ice” as well as smaller Advent markets and events in the city that make the Advent season in Magdeburg particularly diverse.

Tickets & Admission for Magdeburg Christmas Market Magdeburg

Admission to the Magdeburg Christmas Market, the Kaiser Otto Palace and the Lichterwelt is free of charge. Costs only arise for food, drinks, rides and optional activities such as the ice rink. With around 50 mulled wine varieties and a large culinary offering there is something for every taste. Current information can be found on the official website weihnachtsmarkt-magdeburg.de.

Visitor Tips: Travel & Accommodation in Magdeburg

• Arrival by train to Magdeburg main station is convenient; the Alter Markt is within walking distance in the city centre. Multi-storey car parks in the city (e.g. City-Carré, Allee-Center) are easily accessible.
• Dress warmly and weatherproof – it can be cold and windy in Advent. Comfortable shoes are recommended for the extensive market area.
• Book accommodation in the city centre or near the cathedral quarter early, as the Lichterwelt and the market attract many visitors.
• Explore the Lichterwelt in the evening – the installations unfold their full effect after dark. A guided Lichterwelt tour is available.
• Note possible restrictions on 20 December and check the official website for the latest information.