Hundreds of thousands of people will return to Christmas markets in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in the coming weeks. The initial signal was given about four weeks before Christmas Eve on Monday in some cities. In Rostock, Santa Claus made his first call on stage at the Neuer Markt with Mayor Eva-Maria Kröger (left), while carousels and ferris wheels were already operating everywhere and sales of potato pancakes were in full swing.
Visitors can enjoy the Christmas season in the Hanseatic city until December 22 with a variety of programs. According to its own information, the largest Christmas market in northern Germany attracts visitors with its culinary delights and markets, Christmas fair, fairytale forest and Christmas village in Brink. In addition to many local and regional providers, the 159 attendees also included exhibitors from Finland, India, France and Poland.
It’s Christmas in many cities
In the state capital Schwerin, Monday also marks the start of the traditional Christmas market, which lights up the historic old town until December 30. An abundance of wooden huts, stands and individual rides crisscross the many streets and squares of the city center. The market extends to the southern edge of Pfaffenteich, Mecklenburgstrasse, Schloßstrasse, Marienplatz and Helenenstrasse as well as the Old Town Market and Schlachtermarkt.
In Wismar, the Christmas market season also starts on Monday – with mulled wine, hot sea buckthorn juice, bratwurst, cotton candy and hats. The UNESCO old city shines in festive splendor during Advent until December 22. On November 29, Santa is expected to be at the Old Harbor from 1:30 p.m. Then he rode with his angels in a horse-drawn carriage, accompanied by brass music and countless children, to the market, where he officially opened the Christmas market from the balcony of the town hall.
Neubrandenburg and Greifswald also started this week
The Christmas market in Stralsund is open longer. Runs until January 4 2026 and focuses on Old Market, New Market, Rathauskeller and St. Mary’s Monastery. John in the UNESCO Old Town. More than 40 free events invite you to linger in the Old Market. There’s plenty on offer for young and old in the cultural tent, from Santa Claus stories to hands-on activities, readings and concerts. The market will be closed on December 24 and 25 and January 1.
If you miss one of the openings, you can do it in another city: In Neubrandenburg, the traditional market Weberglocken starts on Tuesday. According to organizers, this year there will be 42 Christmas market stalls and 15 rides and entertainment shops. In Greifswald, the Christmas market opens on November 27 in the historic market square and fish market. Both markets end on December 21.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:251124-930-335347/1
