November 24 to December 23, 2025 - Nordhorn city center
Year-end market on December 27 & 28, 2025

From November 24 to December 23, 2025, Nordhorn's city center will once again be transformed into an atmospheric Christmas world with festively decorated huts, twinkling lights and fragrant delicacies. The traditional Christmas market invites visitors to spend a few cozy hours in the water town every day.
Afterwards, the year-end market on 27 and 28 December 2025 provides a festive finale to the Nordhorn Christmas market - with a wintery stroll between the holidays.

Opening hours

• Monday to Wednesday: 11:00 - 20:00

• Thursday: 11:00 - 22:00

• Friday & Saturday: 11:00 - 21:00 (if necessary. until 22:00)

• Sunday: 14:00 - 20:00

Highlights & Program

Opening

• Monday, 24. November, 17:00 - Hörnchens Hüttenzauber (Zur Alten Bleiche)
  Ceremonial opening of the Christmas market with the Musikschule Nordhorn, welcome by the VVV and musical program.

Visit from Santa Claus

• Friday, November 29: 14:00 - 16:00, city center

• Sunday, December 7: 17:00 - 19:00, mobile throughout the market

• Saturday, 13. December: 14:00 - 16:00, mobile on the market

• Sunday, December 21: 17:00 - 19:00, mobile on the market

Nikolausumzug & Knobeln

• Friday, December 5. December, from 5:00 pm - city center and NBI stage
  Traditional St. Nicholas parade through the city center with musical accompaniment and then puzzles at the Christmas market.
  On the NBI stage, a great St. Nicholas band provides the atmosphere.

Children's dancing

• Every Tuesday, 17:00 - 18:00 - nvb stage at the fountain
  The popular children's dancing with Fiona & Felice brings movement and fun to the Advent season.

Live music & choirs

• On various days - nvb stage at the fountain
  Local musicians, choirs and bands regularly provide Christmas sounds and a festive atmosphere (exact dates to follow).

Curling at Hörnchens Hüttenzauber 🎯

• Daily during market hours - Hörnchens Hüttenzauber area (near the main street)
  A special highlight this year is the large curling rink at Hörnchens Hüttenzauber!
  Here, families, groups of friends, clubs or colleagues can put their skills to the test on the ice in a cozy atmosphere.
  With mulled wine, punch and atmospheric music, fun is guaranteed - whether it's a spontaneous game or a small internal competition.
  Registration is easy via the link: http://www.nordhoernchen.com/tickets.

After-Work & After-Christmas

• Every Thursday, 27. November to December 18 - until 22:00, entire market area
  Cosy after-work evening at the Christmas market with extended opening hours, music and an atmospheric ambience. Ideal for winding down after work with mulled wine or a stroll through the market.

• Saturday, December 27 - After-Christmas evening, until 22:00
  The "After Christmas" is another celebration after the holidays - a relaxed evening on the market with music and twinkling lights.

Punch cruises on the Vecht boats ☕🚤

• Departure: VVV tower pier at Schweinemarkt

The Punch cruises on the Vecht boats offer an atmospheric alternative for traditional Christmas parties or social gatherings during the Advent season.
With a glass of mulled wine or non-alcoholic punch in your hand, you can discover the "water town of Nordhorn" from a very special perspective, even in winter. Festive lighting on board creates a cozy atmosphere.

Price for public trips:

• Adults: €22.00 (with GN-Card: €21.00)

• Children: €11.00 (with GN-Card: €10.00)

Times:

• November: Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 5:00 pm

• December: Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 5:00 pm
  Further dates are available from 6 people by reservation.

Christmas Workshop (Future Workshop, Vechte Arkaden)

From November 27 to December 20, the Christmas Workshop is open. December, the Christmas Workshop in the Future Workshop, Vechte Arkaden, opens its doors to visitors young and old:

• Thursday & Friday: 14:00 - 18:00 (crafts, films, activities)

• Friday (15:00 - 17:00): Magic School (except 05.12., but 06.12.)

• Saturday: 11:00 - 18:00 - Childcare (max. 2 hrs, up to 8 children)

Creative hands-on activities, arts and crafts, children's films, a selfie point and the opportunity to write a letter to Santa Claus.

Culinary & market stalls

Numerous vendors present their offerings along the main street:
From mulled wine, Feuerzangenbowle, gyros and ham roasting to crêpes, waffles, churros, almonds and children's punch, there is something for every taste.
Craft gift ideas, decorations and regional specialties invite you to browse and linger.
The Christmas forest from Bon Café, the large Christmas pyramid and the curling rink at Hörnchens Hüttenzauber also create a festive atmosphere.

More activities

• Wrapping presents for a donation: Saturdays, 11:00 - 18:00 in the Christmas workshop (EGN-Abi class)

• Christmas letterbox: 27.11. - 07.12. in the Christmas workshop (letters will be answered by 20.12.)

• Christmas tree with cuddly toys: daily in the Christmas workshop

• Disney movie wall & reading mentors: Fridays and Saturdays in the Christmas workshop

• Christmas tree campaign: 19. & 20.12. - Plush animals and decorations to take home

Year-end market

The Christmas market is followed by the Year-end market on 27 and 28 December 2025 - the traditional end to the Nordhorn market year with a wintery market atmosphere, cosy stalls and culinary offerings between the holidays.