In late 2023, Dennis had the idea to visit Bonn in North Rhine-Westphalia for its Christmas Market. A good idea. We chose Bonn over Cologne or Aachen, as Cologne’s – and Aachen’s – Weihnachtsmarkt is a mass tourism event. Even if Bonn used to be the capital of the German Federal Republic when it was known as West Germany and at the start of a reunited Germany, the city is quite small. And, so we expect, the Christmas Market more cosy and with a higher ratio of local people. 

This review is based on the 2023 Bonner Weihnachtsmarkt. We visited Bonn on Friday 8, Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 December. The 2023 Christmas Market ran from 24 November until 23 December. On 26 November, the Day of the Dead, it was closed. It’s otherwise open seven days a week. It opens at 11 AM. Shops  close at 9 PM. Food and drinks stall stay open until 10.30 PM. 

What?

The range of goods on offer at the market, which is traditionally organised by the Federal City of Bonn, focuses on arts and crafts and Christmas products. Many craftspeople can be seen at work. 

The food and drinks offerings are also varied as usual with numerous sweet and savory Christmas and fairground classics. A range of organic food is also on offer. 

The 160 or so vendors include many well-known stalls that are popular with visitors. 

Two eye-catchers are a 14-metre high, two-storey horse-drawn carousel ‘The Grand Carousel‘ and the drinks bar ‘Der Bonner Weihnachtsbaum‘, which is located on the ‘first floor’ of a 25-metre high, illuminated artificial fir tree.

There’s also a ferris wheel, which rotates way too fast for our taste. 

Focus on the region

The goods on offer at the Bonn Christmas Market are mainly delivered regionally and the supply chains are bundled. This significantly shortens delivery routes and several stalls and stands are supplied by the same shipment. Snack and bar businesses mainly use reusable tableware. 

Where this is not possible, biodegradable cardboard trays, wooden trays and cutlery made from corn starch or wood are used. Plastic bags are largely avoided for take-away products such as sweets or almonds; paper bags or transparent bags made from corn starch are used here. The stand operators also use energy-saving LED technology. 

Where?

The market traditionally takes place on Münsterplatz, Bottlerplatz and Friedensplatz as well as in Windeckstraße and Vivatsgasse. The Poststraße and Remigiusplatz are also be included in the pre-Christmas hustle and bustle.

Spread out

The charm of the Bonner Weihnachtsmarkt is exactly it being spread out. The Münsterplatz or Minster Square is the main dish. Heaps of people, some big attractions, some busy bars. 

We liked the Christmas Market not being concentrated. It results in being less claustrophobic. You can escape the maddening crowd and go to another area, where it’s a bit more calm, but not less cosy. 

Diversity

The sheer diversity of products, foods and drinks is quite impressive. Dennis bought Christmas biscuits for dogs. The array of stalls offer a multitude of seasonal – or not – products.

Flamed salmon

One vendor sells Flammlachs or flamed salmon. You get it on a bun or in a cardboard Schiff (boat) with salad and sauce. The salmon is de-li-cious.

Lumumba

We were surprised by signs promoting Lumumba. A Lumumba, død tante, Tote Tante is a drink named after Congolese politician Patrice Lumumba. In Bonn, we only saw the name Lumumba. In Belgium, given its history with Congo and its links with the untimely death of Lumumba, this would be unthinkable.

The drink consists of hot cocoa, sometimes accompanied by cream, and a shot of rum.

“The great unresolved question about the drink is whether its name represents a genuine commemoration or if it derives from a veiled form of racism”, Wikipedia says. 

Coated almonds

Obviously you can get all sorts of christmassy and / or German specialities to eat and drinks. As a desert, I bought some almonds coated in marzipan. Almonds being an ingredient of marzipan, this marzipan coating gives the almond a boost. 

Young attendees

Christmas markets are mostly a white, broad middle class affair. But I was surprised by the amount if young people present. Okay, we were there on Friday night – Feierabend! – and Saturday, but the Christmas Market is obviously a really popular activity after school or work. 

Pfand

In Germany, you have to pay for your glass, mug or cup in the form of a deposit or Pfand. You get your money back when you return said glass, mug or cup. Or not. You can also keep it. 

Speculaas liqueur

No Pfand needed for Spekulatius-Likör or speculaas liqueur. A liqueur based on the speculaas / speculuus  /biscoff cookie. It was served in edible wafer cone. The same type used for ice cream. 

Cash!

Speaking of money, bring cash. “Baar” as they say. It’s Germany, don’t forget. 

So?

We enjoyed the cosiness of Bonner Weihnachtsmarkt. I’m not a hero in big crowds so while it the Bonn Christmas Market is crowded, it never felt overwhelming. I liked that.

Christmas Market 2024

The Bonn Christmas Market of 2024 is set to open from 22 November to 22 December 2024, inviting locals and visitors to experience the holiday season in the heart of Bonn. During these dates, the city center will transform into a festive marketplace filled with over 160 stalls, creating a charming atmosphere that draws people from Bonn, nearby regions, and even further afield.

Please note that the market will be closed for Remembrance Sunday on 24 November, adding a day of quiet reflection to the holiday season.

Located throughout Bonn’s central squares, including the area near the Beethoven Monument, the market offers a wide variety of holiday gifts, decorative crafts, and traditional foods that reflect the spirit of Christmas. The delicious scent of roasted almonds, gingerbread, and mulled wine fills the air, giving visitors a taste of holiday delights while they stroll through stalls in search of gifts and treats.

Epiphany Market

In addition to the main Christmas market, Bonn will launch a brand-new event in 2024: the Epiphany Market (Dreikönigsmarkt), located at Remigiusplatz and running from 27 December 2024, to 6 January 2025.

This special market opens just after Christmas, offering a chance for people to unwind after the holiday rush. With bratwursts, mulled wine, and a relaxed atmosphere, it provides an ideal meeting point for friends and family to extend their festive gatherings. The Epiphany Market will be closed on New Year’s Day but will have special hours on New Year’s Eve, staying open until 1 AM.

For families, the Bonn Christmas Market also includes the Christmas House, where children aged 6 to 14 can participate in holiday-themed activities such as painting and crafting. This space allows kids to explore their creativity and enjoy the Christmas season in a warm and inviting setting.

In addition to the city center, Bonn’s neighborhoods host smaller Christmas markets, each with its unique charm and offerings.

Other markets

In Bad Godesberg, the St. Nicholas Market runs from 22 November to 23 December, bringing seasonal decorations, jewelry, and local crafts to the district.

The Beuel St. Nicholas Market will be held at St. Joseph’s Church from 29 November to 1 December, featuring a festive program that includes food, live music, and family-friendly activities.

Duisdorf’s Advent Market, held from 29 Novemberto 1 December at Schickshof, offers another chance for visitors to enjoy seasonal offerings in a welcoming neighborhood setting.

For those interested in learning more about Bonn’s holiday traditions, Bonn Information organises guided tours of the Christmas Market. These tours run every Friday at 3 PM, allowing guests to explore the market’s history and festive atmosphere in a unique, informative way.

An Advent to Christmas weekend in Bonn

1. REVIEW | Dorint Hotel Bonn.