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Christmas Markets in Brandenburg an der Havel 2026: All Dates and Highlights
Between late November and late December, Brandenburg an der Havel turns into a Christmas town at three different locations. The large market at Neustädtischer Markt, the Weihnachtszauber in the historic old town and the quiet Advent market on Dominsel together make up a varied program for the whole Advent season.
Christmas Market at Neustädtischer Markt
Right in the center of Brandenburg an der Havel, the traditional Christmas market opens on Neustädtischer Markt. Expected to run from November 23 to December 30, 2026, festively decorated huts, open fire pits and an ice rink turn the square into the festive heart of the Havel city.
Highlights at Neustädtischer Markt
- Around 40 stalls offering mulled wine, roasted almonds and regional specialties
- An artificial ice rink right in the middle of the square, uncooled and therefore energy saving
- A Christmas stage with daily performances by local children's groups and schools
- Open fire pits for warming up between the stalls
- A festive lighting concept that extends into both the old town and the new town
- Regular visits from Santa Claus throughout the market period
Program and Opening Hours
The market is expected to be open Monday to Thursday from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Sunday from noon to 8:00 pm. It traditionally stays closed on December 24 and 25. From around 4:00 pm, children's groups perform Christmas songs and poems on the stage each day, and extra skating parties liven up the ice rink on Advent weekends.
Tickets and Admission
Entry to the Christmas market is free. Only the ice rink carries a small fee, which in recent years has been around three to three and a half euros for two hours of skating, plus a small charge for skate rental where needed.
Weihnachtszauber Altstadt
On the second Advent weekend, expected to fall from December 4 to 6, 2026, the medieval old town of Brandenburg an der Havel turns into a glowing Christmas town. Four historic sites, the Altstädtischer Markt with its landmark Roland statue, Gotthardtkirchplatz, the Slavic village Slawendorf and the area around St. Johannis Church, together form Weihnachtszauber Altstadt.
Highlights at Weihnachtszauber Altstadt
- The Christmas market at the Roland statue on Altstädtischer Markt, with historic facades lit up for the season
- The craft and artisan market at Gotthardtkirchplatz, featuring window theater, a fire show and a hands on circus for children
- Advent carols and a concert by the Brandenburg pub choir inside St. Gotthardt Church
- A medieval winter market in Slawendorf with archery, jousting and axe throwing
- A winter circus around St. Johannis Church with music, magic and a wintry atmosphere
- Horse drawn carriage rides through the decorated lanes of the old town
Program and Opening Hours
The Roland Christmas market and the winter circus traditionally start on Friday evening, while the craft market at Gotthardtkirchplatz and the winter market in Slawendorf open on Saturday and Sunday. Slawendorf usually runs from noon to 8:00 pm on Saturday and noon to 5:00 pm on Sunday, while hours at the other locations vary by program item.
Tickets and Admission
Entry to Altstädtischer Markt, Gotthardtkirchplatz and the area around St. Johannis Church is free. Only the medieval winter market in Slawendorf charges admission, in recent years around 5 euros, 4 euros reduced, with free entry for children under one meter tall.
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Advent Market on Dominsel
On the third Advent weekend, expected to fall on December 12 and 13, 2026, the courtyard of Brandenburg Cathedral turns into a quiet Advent market. On the city's oldest island, the Domstift invites visitors to browse crafts, enjoy festive music and take a walk through the Dom St. Peter und Paul.
Highlights on Dominsel
- A small, peaceful Advent market with crafts and gift ideas in the historic Burghof courtyard
- Singalongs of well known Christmas carols
- A storyteller who enchants young and old with fairy tales
- The chance to visit the Dom St. Peter und Paul and the cathedral museum during opening hours
- The atmospheric setting of Dominsel between the Havel and Beetzsee lakes
Program and Opening Hours
The Advent market runs over one weekend in December and offers a small, family friendly program centered on the Burghof courtyard. The cathedral itself can be visited during regular winter opening hours, Monday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sunday from noon to 4:00 pm.
Tickets and Admission
Entry to the Advent market and visits to the cathedral and its museum are free. The Domstift welcomes donations from visitors to help maintain the historic buildings and fund its exhibitions.
Visitor Tips for All Three Christmas Markets
- All three locations sit within the city center or the adjoining old town and can easily be combined on foot in a single day
- Road closures apply during Weihnachtszauber Altstadt, so arriving by bus or train is preferable to driving
- Warm, waterproof clothing is a good idea since much of the program takes place outdoors
- Accommodation in the city center or historic old town should be booked early given the high demand during Advent
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.
