A tour of Kiel’s Christmas markets

The city exudes a special, charming flair at Christmas time and is transformed into a magical winter wonderland by the cold and snow. Perfect conditions for a Christmas market tour, as Kiel’s Christmas markets have been inviting you to spend cosy evenings with mulled wine and Christmas specialities since last week.

This Christmas market guide will give you a good overview of the four different markets.

We will start the tour at the traditional “Holstenplatz” Christmas Market. 

If you’re travelling by bus, just get off at “Andreas-Gayk-Straße” and you’re in the middle of Kiel’s oldest Christmas market. The traditional market on “Holstenplatz” features twinkling stars, illuminated Christmas trees and over 50 stalls selling delicious food and handmade gifts. The selfiepoint “Rudi” and four other selfiepoints in the shape of animals make for festive memories. The special thing about this market is that it is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, there is a competition. Anyone strolling through the traditional Christmas market can take part in the online-quiz and, with a bit of luck, win a Christmas present. More details about the anniversary and the competition can be found on the official website. To answer the quiz questions correctly, follow my tour. It will take you to all the important places. 

Opening hours: 27. November – 23. December 2023

Sun – Wed 2:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Thu – Sat 2:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Next Stop: “Asmus Bremer Platz”

Just walk along “Holstenstraße” in the direction of the boat harbour. You will see the historic “Asmus Bremer Platz”on the left-hand side. This market is smaller, the atmosphere is more relaxed and there are vegan delights on offer. The 12.5 metre high Christmas pyramid and the wide variety of food on offer make this market a charming place to meet up with friends and family. Another highlight is the fact that this is the only Christmas market in Kiel that will be open until the 30th of December 2023.

Opening hours: 27. November – 30. December 2023

Sun – Wed 2:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Thu – Sat 2:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Next Stop: Town Hall Square

A short stroll takes you to the Christmas market on the Town Hall Square, with the theme “Romantic, Nordic, Unspoilt”. Here you’ll find a colourful Christmas village with a 1900s horse-drawn merry-go-round and a reindeer-drawn miniature flying donkey. Another highlight is the flying mini-cog, which floats over the Christmas market pulled by reindeer, creating a very special Christmas feeling and bringing back childhood memories. Just like every year, the dwarf Kilian and his cog will fly over the Kiel Christmas Village three times a day.

Flying times: 4.00 p.m., 6.00 p.m., 7.30 p.m.

In addition to these two highlights, you will also find many beautiful Christmas souvenirs. Soaps and candles, spices from around the world, honey and Christmas decorations such as Christmas tree ornaments and candles.  
You can also indulge in some culinary delights. From flambéed salmon and “Feuerzangenbowle” to freshly baked poffertjes, there is a wide range of dishes to choose from.

Opening hours: 27. November – 23. December 2023

Sun – Wed 2:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Thu – Sat 2:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Next Stop: “Bernhard-Minetti-Platz”

The last stop is Kiel’s smallest Christmas market on “Bernhard-Minetti-Platz”, where cosiness is radiated everywhere. If you take the bus, get off at “Martensdamm” and take the bus to “Schauspielhaus”, or walk and browse the shops in the “Arkaden”. That is a 2 kilometre walk.

Here, rustic Christmas huts offer a variety of gastronomic delights, from savoury to sweet. Here you can end the evening with a cosy atmosphere and have the opportunity to sit inside under the mill and warm up with a hot drink. 

Opening hours: 27. November – 23. December 2023

Sun – Thu 1 a.m. – 9 p.m., Fri – Sat 1 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Have fun on the Christmas market tour, enjoy the pre-Christmas season and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of Kiel – all the details about the markets, opening hours and maps can be found on the official website.