Hanover – Hannover Old Town Christmas Market 2026

Weihnachtsmarkt Hannover Altstadt 2026 takes place from Monday, 23 November to Tuesday, 22 December 2026. The large city-centre market stretches around Marktkirche, through the historic old town to the banks of the Leine and Ballhofplatz. Alongside Christmas stalls, you can enjoy a medieval market, a Finnish Christmas village and activities for families. The state capital of Hannover has officially confirmed the dates for this year’s event.

Hannover Old Town Christmas market 2026: Date and times

The traditional Christmas market begins on 23 November and ends on 22 December 2026. According to the official events calendar, it is open daily from 11 to 21. When planning your visit, it is worth noting that there are several separate areas. They are part of the same Christmas market and are linked by a route through the town centre. So allow some time if you want to visit more than just the stalls right by the Marktkirche.

Market Church and historic city centre

The market also starts at Platz der Weltausstellung and extends along Grupenstraße and the area around Marktkirche. From there, you can continue to the banks of the Leine and Ballhofplatz. The different locations offer a variety of impressions. The mix of a traditional market, historic lanes and other themed areas is particularly characteristic of what’s on offer. Official information describes the city-centre Christmas market as the largest in the state capital. The number of stalls reported the previous year is not confirmed for the 2026 edition, so it is not used as a current indication of size.

Hannover Old Town Christmas Market 2026: Medieval market

Among the well-known features is the historically themed market in the area around the Historical Museum and at the Hohe Ufer. The state capital also describes rustic stalls, craft demonstrations, music and street performances as part of this year's programme. Fire shows have also been announced. This sets this area apart from the traditional Christmas market around the Marktkirche. If you are interested in crafts and a historical atmosphere, make a point of visiting this part of the old town on your walk around.

Finnish Christmas Village and Wishing Well Forest

At Ballhofplatz, you’ll find a Finnish-inspired Christmas village with Nordic specialities and a traditional tent. The wishing-well forest, with fir trees and the Oskar-Winter-Brunnen, is also located on Holzmarkt in front of Leibnizhaus. According to the city, these different themed areas are part of the concept for the Altstadt Christmas market. So it may be worth exploring the quieter spots away from Marktkirche too. The stalls and some programme content may change over the course of the season.

Carousel rides and Christmas market for families

Families will also find attractions, according to the official description. The city lists a large carousel, a small Ferris wheel and a puppet theatre as part of the market’s offerings. However, for some children’s activities and exact performance times, it explicitly refers to the information for 2025. We do not present these older times as a confirmed programme for 2026. So check locally or with the organiser to find out when special activities take place and whether individual attractions require a separate fee.

Admission and travel to the old town

The Christmas market is therefore free to enter, according to Hannover.de. Drinks, food, goods or individual children's activities may incur a charge. You can reach the central Marktkirche via the city centre and explore the different areas on foot. If travelling by public transport, the city centre is a convenient starting point. All official information is available on the website of the state capital Hanover. You can find more dates in the region in our funfair calendar.