20th November to 22nd December 2025
Thu - Sat: 11:00 – 21:00
Sun - Wed: 11:00 – 20:00 - Please note that dates and opening hours may vary. You can visit the Christmas market's own website with current information.
Kiel's annual Christmas markets are inspired by the city's surroundings and history as a maritime coastal town, and are extremely popular with Danish Christmas tourists. The short distance and the city's immense charm and beauty make Kiel an obvious choice for a convenient self-drive holiday with a mini break or a weekend break during Christmas. The city hosts four different Christmas markets, which light up the squares and streets with lots of stalls, music, fun and delicious Christmas treats.
A Christmas tree forest of 3,000m² with some 500 trees is erected on the large town hall square, which, together with the many colourful huts, creates a fairytale Christmas village. Here you will find crafts, delicacies, mulled wine and food huts and much more. Taste this year's exclusive mulled wine, created by the Anselmann winery from the Palatinate wine region in collaboration with the organisers. This mulled wine is based on one exquisite grape variety and can't be found anywhere else - not even at the other markets in town!
At Holstensplatz, the many stalls create an intimate atmosphere where you can buy woollen clothes, amber jewellery and local culinary delights. This Christmas market has existed since 1973 and in 2018 presented a completely new design with new stalls and a new and creative lighting concept.
You can also visit the Altenmarkt Christmas Market in the Old Town around St. Nikolai Church, which has its own Alpine-inspired Christmas atmosphere and traditional punch and food stalls.
Between the markets on the Town Hall Square and Holstenplatz, you'll find the beautiful market on Asmus-Bremer-Platz. Here, the 12.5-metre high, 4-storey Christmas pyramid adorns the square. The inspiration comes from the Erzgebirge and together with the sweet angels, the baby Jesus and the holy three kings, it helps to set the atmosphere of the cosy square.
From mid-November, the annual Kiel Ice Festival is also held, where ice skating and fun can be had in style.
Risskov has a large selection of hotels and accommodation in Kiel and the surrounding area, so you can find just what suits you. Go on a cheap car holiday in Northern Germany this Christmas and experience Kiel's many magical Christmas markets.
Kiel
