Illustration of Santa in a knitted red suit in a wooden armchair as two small children show him paper lists by a fireplace (St. Nicholas Carriage Ride in Erkelenz)

St. Nicholas Carriage Ride in Erkelenz

Nikolaus arrives in Erkelenz riding a horse-drawn carriage as crowds gather along Kölner Straße. Children receive small presents on the market square and traditional baked Weckmänner. The celebration concludes with the singing of Christmas carols accompanied by the local music club.

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Plan Your Visit

When

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

City Center

Food & Drink

Weckmänner are handed out to children.

Going?

Location

Erkelenz 41812 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive and communal

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Find a spot along Kölner Straße early, because hundreds of children and parents line the street to watch the Nikolaus arrive in his carriage.
  • Take the children to the market square, where the Nikolaus hands out small gifts and Weckmänner to the children of the town.
  • Stay to the end and join the Musikverein in singing Christmas songs, which is how the Nikolauskutschfahrt finishes each year.
  • Combine the visit with shopping in the town centre, because the shops open for a shopping Sunday that day once the city council approves it.
  • Dress warmly, because the whole event happens outdoors on the street and the market square in early December.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Town-centre shops open for a shopping Sunday on the same day, once the city council approves it.

Links & Contact

Run by Stadtmarketing Stadt Erkelenz

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens at the Nikolauskutschfahrt?

The Nikolaus arrives in Erkelenz in a horse-drawn carriage packed with gifts. Hundreds of children watch along Kölner Straße. On the market square he hands out small gifts and Weckmänner to the children of the town.

Is it a good outing for children?

Yes. The children of the town get small gifts and Weckmänner, the traditional sweet bread figures, from the Nikolaus.

Is there music?

Yes. The event closes with Christmas songs, sung together with the help of the Musikverein (the town music club).

Are the shops open that day?

Shops in the town centre open for a shopping Sunday (verkaufsoffener Sonntag). The city council has to approve these shopping Sundays each year.

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Contributors & Updates

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