Glittering lights on the Weser and in the market square
Visitors to flock to Bremen’s 2025 Christmas markets
It will not be long before the streets of Bremen are once again filled with fairy lights and the tempting aromas of roasted almonds. The Hanseatic city‘s two big Christmas markets open their doors on 24th November and will continue to delight locals and visitors alike until 23rd December. There is plenty to look forward to, with the historic market square and the picture-postcard Schlachte Promenade transformed into a winter wonderland with a uniquely charming atmosphere.
The Christmas market at the UNESCO Town Hall: the heart of Christmas in Bremen
The Christmas market on the market square, in the heart of the old town of Bremen, is set against an impressive backdrop of historical buildings, including the town hall, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the city’s trademark ‘Bremer Roland’. There are more than 170 stalls in festive finery to explore, selling hand-crafted gifts, delicious treats and Christmas decorations, among other things. A piece of ‘Bremer Klaben’ goes perfectly with a glass of mulled wine or punch. This traditional raisin bread is eaten all year around in Bremen but is especially popular during the festive period.
Maritime flair and a pirate village on the Weser
Alongside the market in the old town, the magical Schlachte-Zauber festival along the river Weser is a really special experience with a nostalgic, maritime vibe. The ships along the quay are lit up in glittering blue light, while the old-fashioned pirate village in the Hanseatic style is perfect for a gentle mooch and perhaps a bite to eat. There are stalls showcasing medieval arts and crafts and cosy pubs serving mead, fruit wine and freshly baked bread from wood-fired ovens. The market opens on 24th November at 6:30 pm with a spectacular fireworks display right over the Weser.
There is a well-lit path through the famous Böttcherstraße connecting the Christmas market in the old town to Schlachte-Zauber and making it easy for visitors to explore both markets. Between the two is the small but exquisite Ansgari churchyard, a sparkling winter woodland in a cosy natural setting. If you want an even better overview of the festive corners of the Hanseatic city, you can join a special guided tour of the Christmas market and Schlachte-Zauber. These ‘Advent magic and glittering lights’ tours take place every Friday and Saturday afternoon during the Advent period. Tours cost 18 euros per person, including a glass of mulled wine and some chocolate.
The Bremen suburbs are also perfect for a festive stroll and a tasty treat
The smaller Christmas markets in the various suburbs of Bremen are also worth a visit. Leafy, family-friendly Findorff hosts a Christmas market plying fairtrade produce and vegan treats sold from hand-crafted, beautifully decorated stands. This pretty Christmas market is one of the first to open in mid-November. The first weekend in December sees the ‘HafenWiehnacht’ Christmas market in the Bremen district of Überseestadt, with highlights including live music and a great programme of kids‘ entertainment, all set against the modern, urban backdrop of the harbour quarter.
Enjoy all the variety of Christmas with an Advent package from the city of Bremen
Just in time for the Advent period, the ‘Wunnerschöne Wiehnachtstied’, or ‘wonderful Christmastime’, package provides an opportunity to explore Bremen’s different Christmas markets at leisure. The deal is available for stays of between two and five nights and includes a guided tour of the city, a mulled wine or alcohol-free punch and a special Elisenlebkuchen gingerbread treat at the Christmas market. Prices start at 138 euros per person in a double room, with a choice of hotels available.
Sonja Hackmann
+49 421 3080026
Bremen is a Hanseatic City on the Weser in the North of Germany. The city has its own airport and great connections to the railway network. From London Heathrow (LHR), you can get to Bremen (BRE) with Lufthansa in only 3 hours and 50 minutes, with just one stop. From London Stansted (STN), you have also non-stop flights with Ryanair.
