Dortmund Christmas Market facts for kids
The Dortmund Christmas Market (called Dortmunder Weihnachtsmarkt in German) is a super popular outdoor market. It happens every year in the city of Dortmund, which is in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. This market is one of the biggest Christmas markets in the world. It attracts over three and a half million visitors each year. People come from all over the world to see it. The city of Dortmund benefits a lot from this 38-day-long tradition. A special highlight is the Christmas tree. It is the largest natural Christmas tree in the world!
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History of the Market
The Dortmund Christmas Market has a long history. It first started way back in 1878. There was a break during World War II, so no markets happened between 1939 and 1948. In recent years, this market has grown a lot. It is now one of Germany's largest Christmas markets. Over 3.5 million people visit it every year.
The market usually opens in late November. It stays open until just before New Year's Eve, usually closing around December 30th. You can find the market spread across a large area in central Dortmund. This includes places like Alter Markt, which is around the St. Reinold's Church. It also covers Hansaplatz, Kleppingstraße, and Westenhellweg.
Cool Things to See and Do
One of the most famous things at the Dortmund Christmas Market is its giant Christmas tree. It is the world's largest Christmas tree, standing over 45 meters tall! This amazing tree is made from 1,700 spruce trees. These trees come from a place called Sauerland. The tree shines brightly with twenty huge candles and 48,000 lights. An angel, four meters tall, sits right on top. The whole tree structure weighs a massive 40 tons. It takes workers about four weeks to put all the spruce trees together.
Christmas Village
The Dortmund Christmas Market has a special area just for kids. It is called 'Weihnachtsdorf', which means 'Christmas Village'. In this fun village, children can do many exciting things. They can read poems aloud or sing Christmas songs. There are also craft activities and baking sessions. Plus, kids can enjoy a puppet theatre and a merry-go-round. Don't forget to see the huge Santa chair with a Fairy tale show!
Candle Pyramids
In Germany, many families have a special decoration called a candle pyramid. It is also known as a lightstock. These pyramids are brought out every year to light up homes at Christmas. They usually have two to five round wooden levels. These levels get smaller towards the top. They are built around a central rod. The heat from candles makes a rotor at the top spin. This causes the whole pyramid to turn. Each level has figures related to Christmas. Most home pyramids are about 50 cm tall.
However, at the Dortmund Christmas Market, you can see one of the tallest pyramids in the world! It stands a full 12 meters high. Originally, pyramids were much simpler. They were just frames to hang fir branches on. The modern pyramid, with its spinning levels, started to appear in the early 1800s.
Alter Markt Stage
The "Alter Markt" stage is always busy. It has a lively and varied show program every day. On December 8th, a popular show called WDR 4 'Christmas' takes place there. This show features international stars performing on the stage.
Tasty Food and Drinks
Visiting the Christmas market means trying delicious treats!
- Glühwein (Mulled Wine)
- A very popular tradition on a cold December night is drinking steaming mugs of mulled wine (Glühwein). This hot red wine is spiced with cloves and cinnamon. It is served in special mugs. The mug design changes every year, making them popular collector's items!
- Glühbier (Mulled Beer)
- Dortmund has a brewing history that goes back over 550 years. Some of the oldest breweries were around the Old Market. Now, a new tradition is mulled beer. Mulled beer is a warm beer. It is made with honey, brown sugar, and winter spices. These spices include star anise, cinnamon, and cardamom.
- Reibekuchen (Potato Fritters)
- Reibekuchen are like potato pancakes. They are often served with apple sauce. You can also eat them with pumpernickel bread or a sweet syrup called treacle. Sometimes, people add Maggi-brand seasoning sauce. You can find these tasty fritters at many street fairs and markets, especially Christmas markets in Germany.
- Dortmunder Salzkuchen (Saltcake)
- A traditional Dortmund meal is Dortmunder Salzkuchen. These are bread buns. They are topped with caraway seeds, salt, meat, and onions. It is a unique local treat!
Medieval Christmas Market Fredenbaum
Dortmund has more than one Christmas market. The largest Medieval Christmas Market in Europe is at Fredenbaumpark. This park is in the north of Downtown Dortmund. It usually opens from November 23rd and runs every weekend. Here, you will find a rustic and old-fashioned atmosphere. There is live music, delicious food, and unique gift ideas. The market feels extra festive with torchlight creating a special Christmas mood.
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