December 9, 2025, 9:35 am | Read time: 5 minutes
In Schleswig-Holstein, Germany’s northernmost state, two seas meet rural idyll and North German coziness. And when it comes to Christmas markets, the region has more to offer than one might initially expect. From maritime to historical–the TRAVELBOOK editorial team has explored and compiled a selection of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Schleswig-Holstein.
It’s already getting dark in the late afternoon, and lights are beginning to shine everywhere in the cities. What could be better than a relaxing visit to one of the many Christmas markets? If you haven’t decided yet, this editorial selection might provide just the right inspiration.
Overview
The 5 Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Schleswig-Holstein
Lübeck Christmas Market
The Hanseatic city of Lübeck boasts several Christmas markets. In the heart of the old town is the traditional Christmas market, where numerous small stalls line up around the town hall. Visitors will find not only mulled wine and fritters at various corners but also handicrafts, Christmas tree decorations, and handmade gift ideas. Rides like carousels and a Ferris wheel are also part of the Lübeck Christmas Market. Conveniently for those arriving by car, free shuttle buses bring visitors from nearby parking lots directly to the city center on Advent Saturdays.
Just a short walk away is another highlight, the Fairy Tale Forest, especially for the little visitors. Around twenty small houses dedicated to well-known fairy tale characters stand right by St. Mary’s Church. Once you’ve had your fill, you can refuel at the surrounding stalls with langos, pretzels, and other snacks.
Open: November 24 to December 30, 2025
Admission: free
Gut Pronstorf
If you prefer something quieter, you can take a trip to Gut Pronstorf by Lake Warder in the municipality of Pronstorf. Just a few kilometers from Bad Segeberg, this is one of the oldest estates in the region. From mid-November, the grounds with the historic manor house, barns, and stables transform into a romantic winter world. In the festively decorated barns, visitors will find stands with natural products, homemade jam, pastries, and antiques. There is also a special offer for children in the children’s barn with craft activities and puppet theater. Particularly charming: artistic Christmas wreaths and Herrnhut stars hang everywhere, and even the manor house itself becomes an oversized Advent calendar during the Advent season.
Open: Nov. 14–16, 21–23, 28–30, Dec. 5–7, 12–14, 2025
Admission: Adults 8 euros, Fridays 6 euros, children and teenagers up to 16 years free
Christmas in Travemünde
If you don’t want to miss out on maritime flair even during the pre-Christmas season, the Travemünde “Ship Ahoy” Christmas Market is the place to be. The market is located right by the water, specifically at the East Prussia Quay and in the cruise terminal of the seaside resort. From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., sometimes even until 9 p.m., visitors can stroll through the indoor and outdoor areas and discover handicrafts, jewelry, and souvenirs created by various associations from Travemünde. For refreshments, there’s punch, bratwurst, and homemade cake. And there’s even a children’s train for the youngest visitors.
Open: November 21, 2025, to January 4, 2026
Admission: free
Lights in Heiligenhafen
The Lights in the Baltic Sea resort of Heiligenhafen may be rather modest, but it doesn’t lack a festive atmosphere. On the small area around the town hall square, visitors will find fire pits, tents for warming up, and stands with crepes, fish and chips, and mulled wine. Especially in the evening hours, when it gets dark, the Christmas market glows in particularly beautiful colors. For those who like to be a bit more active, there is also the opportunity for ice stock sport, as well as a program with après-ski parties and live music.
Open: November 22 to December 31, 2025
Admission: free
Tönning Christmas Event
The largest Advent calendar in the world? It stands at an impressive 77.5 meters in the small town of Tönning. Here, the 240-year-old packing house transforms into a brightly lit Christmas calendar when it gets dark. Every day, a door is symbolically opened, revealing a colorful program with music, choir performances, and a visit from Santa Claus. The interior of the packing house can also be visited. On two floors, various stands are stocked by changing exhibitors with regional handicrafts.
Open: on all Advent weekends & on December 29, 2025
Admission: free