Illustration of a small village Christmas market at night with a brass band and children holding lanterns (Nostalgischer Weihnachtsmarkt Hattingen)

Nostalgischer Weihnachtsmarkt Hattingen

Visitors gather at the Untermarkt outside the historic half-timbered Old Town Hall to watch Frau Holle appear in her fairy-tale costume. The building's windows are adorned with festively painted advent panels that open throughout the season. Spectators listen to Christmas songs, stories, and poems before Frau Holle shakes out her feather pillow, raining gold coins, candies, and sweet treats over the crowd.

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Plan Your Visit

When

Hours

Daily at 17 Uhr; December 24 at 11 Uhr.

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Old Town

Going?

Location

Altes Rathaus · Hattingen, NW 45525 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Whimsical and festive

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Bring a bag or empty pockets for the children, since Frau Holle sends gold coins, candies and sweets raining down over the Untermarkt.
  • Arrive a little early so the kids can get a spot in front of the Old Town Hall before Frau Holle opens the day's window.
  • Stay through the songs, stories and poems, because Frau Holle only shakes out her feather pillow once they are over.
  • Plan a morning visit on Christmas Eve, because Frau Holle shakes out her pillows earlier than usual at the Untermarkt that day.
  • Take a moment to look at the 24 festively painted panels on the Old Town Hall windows, which together form the town's Advent calendar.

Special Events & Promotions

  • December 1: Frau Holle moves into the historic half-timbered Old Town Hall.
  • December 24: Frau Holle shakes out her pillows at the Untermarkt in the morning instead.

Links & Contact

Run by Hattingen Marketing

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 Frau Holle show?

Frau Holle, in her fairy-tale costume, opens one of the 24 painted Advent windows of the Old Town Hall each day. After Christmas songs, stories and poems, she shakes out her feather pillow over the Untermarkt.

What comes down from the pillow?

Gold coins, candies and other sweet treats rain down over the Untermarkt.

Is it aimed at children?

Children wait eagerly in front of the Old Town Hall for Frau Holle, but the show delights young and old alike.

Is Christmas Eve any different?

Yes. On December 24 Frau Holle has to hurry, so she shakes out her pillows at the Untermarkt in the morning instead.

Who makes the Frau Holle show possible?

Twenty-four supporters from business, politics and private donors back the show. Each one sponsors one of the 24 Advent windows.

Browse Christmas in Bochum

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