Kassel – Kassel Fairy-tale Christmas Market 2026

Kassel Fairy-Tale Christmas Market 2026 takes place in Kassel city centre from Monday, 23 November, to Wednesday, 30 December 2026. This year's theme is also “The Brave Little Tailor”, inspired by the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. Between Königsplatz, Friedrichsplatz and Opernplatz, you can find the world's largest fairy-tale pyramid, a Ferris wheel, a fairy-tale forest and the flying Father Christmas.

Kassel Fairy-Tale Christmas Market 2026: Dates and fairy-tale theme

The City of Kassel and Kassel Marketing have already confirmed that the market opens on Monday, 23 November 2026, not on 24 November as stated in some event listings. The season runs until 30 December. However, the Christmas market is closed for the three Christmas days from 24 to 26 December. The new theme, “The Brave Little Tailor”, celebrates courage and resourcefulness. To go with it, 2026 there is an interactive fairy-tale hut in the Grimms' Fairy-Tale Village at the obelisk, where you can listen to the story.

Ferris wheel, fairy-tale slide and fairy-tale pyramid

Several attractions also give the Christmas market its special blend of Advent atmosphere and fairground fun. From the Ferris wheel on Friedrichsplatz, you can look out over the city. The fairy-tale slide, which is over 70 metres long, also offers a thrilling ride down Treppenstraße. The large fairy-tale pyramid is another landmark at the market. Around Königsplatz and in the fairy-tale forest, you'll find Christmas stalls, food and drinks. Individual ride prices are charged separately from access to the public market area.

Kassel Fairy-Tale Christmas Market 2026: Flying Father Christmas

Another special attraction is the flying Father Christmas, accompanied by high-wire artist Fernando Traber. From 23 November to 23 December, he crosses the area above Friedrichsplatz every day at 17 o'clock, according to the official programme page. He then abseils from City-Point to Königsplatz at 18 o'clock. After landing, he hands out small gifts there, except on Sundays. Flights are naturally subject to safety and weather conditions. You can find the latest information on the official Fairy-Tale Christmas Market programme page.

More fairy-tale characters and children's activities

For children, Castellos Puppet Theatre also puts on shows at the fairy-tale pavilion on Opernplatz every Friday from 14 to 16 o'clock, from 27 November to 18 December. A walking act featuring “The Brave Little Tailor” also makes its way through the city centre every day between 16 and 17:30 o'clock, from 24 November to 23 December. These dates come directly from the organiser's programme. Other hands-on activities, craft stalls and winter food and drink round off your visit.

Opening hours and holiday closure

The Christmas market is open daily from 11 to 20 o'clock from 23 November to 30 December 2026, except for the closure dates from 24 to 26 December. According to the organisers, some food and drink stalls may stay open until 22 o'clock. However, this possible extension does not apply to all market stalls. The market reopens after Christmas on Sunday, 27 December, and closes on Wednesday, 30 December. There is no general admission charge for the freely accessible market; food and rides cost extra.

Getting to central Kassel

Königsplatz is a convenient starting point for exploring the connected market areas. You can get there on Kassel's trams via the city centre. There are also connections to the central stops from Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe station. Find more Advent events in the Kirmestermine calendar. When planning your visit, remember that the public Christmas market is completely closed over the Christmas holidays, even if some food and drink businesses in Kassel have different opening hours.