Advent in Muenster

A winter fairy tale

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS © WWW.AIR-KLICK.DE

When the Prinzipalmarkt takes on a golden radiance, the archways are embellished with Advent NANE STEINHOFFeaths, the smell of mulled wine and roasted almonds flows through the streets and the stores are festively deAdvent in Muensterrated, Münster’s probably most beautiful season begins: from 27 November to 23 December, five Christmas markets will open their doors and transform Münster’s old town into a winter fairy tale.

Only a few walking minutes away from each other, the markets invite for Advent in Muenstersy Christmas strolls. Under a romantic light-filled sky, the oldest and largest Christmas market can be found on and around the town hall’s Advent in Muensterurtyard. Here, exceptional jewellery pieces, arts and craft and numerous culinary offerings are showcased. At the foot of the mighty St. Lamberti Church and surrounded by historic arc houses, the light market St. Lamberti impresses with blue pointed roof stalls and a 20-metre-high Christmas tree. Indulgence and tradition are Advent in Muenstermbined on the rustic stands of the Advent in Muenstersy Christmas village that can be found around the monument of Münster’s Kiepenkerl.

Enjoying some mulled wine. Photo: © Romana Dombrowski

The Aegidii Christmas Market presents itself as especially family-friendly. A beautiful crib and a six-metre-high, richly deAdvent in Muensterrated wooden pyramid makes children’s eyes shine. In front of the medieval walls of the Überwasserkirche and with a wonderful view across the illuminated steeples of the Münster Cathedral, the Giebelhüüskes Market opens its doors with great handicraft and special delicacies.

Room for meditative moments can be found in the many churches. Advent in Muensterncerts and top-class exhibitions in Münster’s museums cater for the cultural side programme. Furthermore, informative Advent tours give insights into Münster’s history and traditions. Childcare offering in the Maxi-Tower (Prinzipalmarkt 15) offers children that are from four to ten years old the alternative programme to their parent’s relaxing Christmas stroll (Monday to Friday: 2pm to 6pm, Saturday: 10am to 6pm).

Special tip

A special Christmas market with a great deal of nostalgia takes place in the historic open-air museum of Mühlenhof on the seAdvent in Muensternd and third Advent weekend. Here, visitors can look forward to around 30 buildings from the 17th to 19th century, as well as festively deAdvent in Muensterrated wooden huts (www.muehlenhof-muenster.org).

Giebelhüüskes Market. Photo: © www.air-klick.de

Extraordinary highlights

Why not visit the opening ceremony with mayor Markus Lewe and the ‘6-Zylinder’ in front of the St. Lamberti Church on 27 November at 5pm? The well-known acapella group will sing parts of their Der Schweinachtsmann musical. Furthermore, a large Advent singing event will take place on the illuminated Prinzipalmarkt with Team Rauterberg on 10 December at 4.30pm. Annually, hundreds of people gather here to sing cult and classic songs like Last Christmas or Silent Night together.

Opening hours of the Christmas markets:

Sunday – Thursday: 11am – 8pm
Friday – Saturday: 11am – 9pm

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tourismus.muenster.de