Bremen - Despite drizzle, Christmas markets are fantastic

Wednesday, 17 December 2025 13:35
Written by Portal Editor

Bremen - Once again, our travels took us to the Hanseatic city of Bremen on the Weser River, which attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world every year with its romantic Christmas markets and the almost obligatory medieval market.

So, we met up again with Laura and Torsten in Bremen's city centre to visit the Bremen Christmas markets shortly before Christmas, despite the rainy, grey weather. Our first stop, of course, was the Christmas market at the market square in the city centre.

First, however, we were to visit an alternative Christmas market, initiated by the owners of a trendy Bremen pub, which unfortunately was still closed.

The Bremen Historical Christmas Market takes place in the heart of Bremen's old town, against the backdrop of the Old Town Hall, built in the Gothic and Weser Renaissance styles. Directly opposite are the Schütting (guildhall) and, almost integrated into the market, the Bremen Roland statue.

To the right and left are Bremen Cathedral and the famous bronze sculpture of the Bremen Town Musicians, which every first-time visitor to Bremen should at least touch. Against this special backdrop, the atmospheric Bremen Christmas Market has been held for years.

It offers its visitors over 170 festively decorated booths and stalls bathed in truly romantic light. The Bremen Christmas Market is considered one of the most beautiful in the country.

Visitors to the Bremen Christmas Market will find a fantastic ambiance with strings of lights, candlelight, and torchlight, as well as many traditional and cultural attractions. With hand-carved nativity scenes and Christmas pyramids, the Bremen Christmas Market sets an unforgettable mood for the holidays.

The sweet and spicy aroma of baked apples, fresh pastries, and steaming mulled wine permeates the air. Combining a visit to one of the numerous Christmas organ concerts or nativity plays with a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Bremen Christmas Market is especially popular.

Immediately after leaving the market, we strolled along Böttcherstraße towards the Schlachte, pausing for a few minutes to listen to the carillon, which, as always, captivated many visitors. A few steps later, we reached the banks of the Weser River and the popular "Schlachte-Zauber" market.

In December, alongside the traditional Christmas markets, the well-known and beloved Schlachte-Zauber takes place on the Weser promenade.

Countless performances revolving around medieval history, winter, and maritime life can be admired here in sometimes fairytale-like booths.

Traditional crafts are skilfully presented, and in the medieval taverns of the historic pirate village, visitors can enjoy hearty meals and specialties such as roast meat and fish, as well as hot cocktails, and get into the mood for the blue hour.

Bremen - At dusk, the Schlachte is bathed in a magical blue light.

We also visited one of these stalls, not least to enjoy a white mulled wine and soak up a bit more of the pre-Christmas atmosphere before stopping again at the alternative Christmas market on our way back.

Using planks, old pallets, and two Ottoman tents, they had created a completely different kind of Christmas market that really appealed to us. An interesting alternative with, hopefully, such enthusiastic operators that the concept will be continued.

Isn't the alternative Christmas tree in the opening photo already a real eye-catcher?

Please also read:

Würzburg Christmas market and meeting with Nevfel Cumart

Christmas market in Weimar - always worth a trip