Hannover loves Christmas!

Christmas in Hannover

Christmas Market at the historic Old Town

The romantic Christmas markets in this city in the heart of Europe make it the perfect destination for a city break in the run-up to the festive season. 

Excellent shopping, winter adventures for the whole family and highly diverse cultural events round off the attractions. Another year has come and gone – and whilst strollers enjoy the last few warm sunbeams and the colourful autumn leaves in the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, Hannover is transformed into a true winter wonderland, as always in Advent.

The magic of Christmas markets

Christmas markets in the historic Old Town, in front of the main station, along Lister Meile and throughout the whole region invite visitors to relax and breathe in the Christmas atmosphere. Those who would like to try their hand at felting or metal forging in an authentic setting, taste traditional food and drink such as hot mead or admire jesters in historic costumes should head for the medieval Christmas village. Visitors to the Finnish Christmas village, on the other hand, could almost believe they were in Lapland thanks to genuine Sami tents, where they can buy arts and crafts or sample Nordic specialities such as flambéed salmon or glögi, the Scandinavian version of mulled wine. In the “Wishing Well Wood”, 50 fir trees and numerous foresters’ cottages create a fairy-tale atmosphere in the midst of the historic Old Town.

Shopping paradise and oasis of relaxation

After all that Christmas stuff, you can shop till you drop! Hannover’s Georgstrasse and the neighbouring Bahnhofstrasse in the heart of the pedestrian precinct rank amongst the most popular shopping venues in Germany. Hardly any other city offers such a concentration of shopping outlets. Every conceivable retail sector can be found within a radius of just 400 metres. All around the Kröpcke clock, visitors to the city can seek inspiration in exclusive boutiques and well-stocked department stores – all close at hand and all linked by efficient infrastructure to guarantee an enjoyable (Christmas) shopping spree.

Wonderful Winter Zoo

An adventure that is sure to delight not only children is a visit to Hannover Zoo, one of the most spectacular in Germany. Seven fantastic themed worlds with more than 2,000 animals take visitors on a fascinating trip around the world. When the days grow colder, the zoo is transformed into a fairy-tale winter wonderland. Cosy Christmas huts conjure up a festive mood, the idyllic village pond turns into a huge skating rink, snow-clad toboggan runs and nostalgic steam-powered carousels are guaranteed to make the kids’ eyes sparkle. Not to mention Bavarian curling for groups – an unforgettable experience for the whole family! The magic of Christmas awaits you in the festively decorated Winter Zoo from November up to February.

Winter variety show in Herrenhausen Gardens

Visitors to Herrenhausen Gardens can stroll between winding herbaceous borders, never-ending box hedges and golden sculptures. The gardens were created more than 300 years ago by Sophie, Electress of Hannover, inspired by the French originals, and are now regarded as one of the most important and beautiful baroques park in Europe. In addition, throughout the whole year art and culture attract visitors from far and wide. Such as the winter variety show: see the show from November until January in the impressive ambience of the Orangery in the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen featuring breathtaking acrobatics and timeless comedy.

Christmas in the 9 cities + 2 in Lower Saxony

Braunschweig, Celle, Göttingen, Goslar, Hameln, Hannover, Hildesheim, Lüneburg und Wolfenbüttel have become a very special tip among those who love Christmas Markets with traditional romantic atmosphere. Among idyllic half-timbered houses, Gothic gable brick and magnificent baroque facades, you will be tempted by the aroma of mulled wine and gingerbread in wonderful historic squares. Christmas shopping in the festively decorated pedestrian zones becomes a special occasion. Also the Autostadt in Wolfsburg is transformed in a winter wonderland in the pre-Christmas period.

Christmas markets in the 9 cities+2 in Lower Saxony

Here you will find details of all christmas markets in the 9+2 cities.

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