December 12, 2025, 5:54 am | Read time: 7 minutes

Whether it’s family programs, artisanal flair, or an Advent trip to the sea, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern offers Christmas markets for every mood. They blend tradition and maritime charm—from large Advent markets in university towns to charming old town markets. Below, you’ll discover which markets are particularly worth a stroll through the festively decorated streets and which regional specialties you should definitely try.

1. Rostock Christmas Market

The Rostock Christmas Market is one of the largest and most diverse markets in northern Germany. Stretching from Kröpeliner Straße to Neuer Markt, it covers a vast area with hundreds of stalls, rides, and culinary highlights. Particularly popular are the traditional craft stalls, historic market alleys, and the nostalgic fairy tale world for children. True to Rostock’s style, you’ll find typical treats here: northern mulled wine, Mutzenmandeln, fish sandwiches—and of course, the famous “Rostocker Rauchwurst.” For those seeking bigger adventures, the fairground offers a Ferris wheel and a ride rally with chances to win. Additionally, every Wednesday is Family Day with discounts. Despite its size, the market impresses with cozy corners and plenty of regional charm.

• Opening hours 2025:
  • November 24 – December 23
  • Monday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Friday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
  • Sunday: 11:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Admission: free

2. Schwerin Christmas Market

The capital of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern transforms into a fairy-tale setting during Advent: Between old town gables, the imposing cathedral, and the festively illuminated city center, the Schwerin Christmas Market invites young and old to a Christmas stroll. The heart of the market is the old town square: Here you’ll find the nearly 20-meter-high Christmas tree, a stage with daily programs, and Santa’s office hours at 4 p.m. There are also classics like Mutzen and roasted almonds. A must-see is the southern shore of Pfaffenteich: Alongside the Ferris wheel and alpine hut, there’s a covered ice rink—offering ice skating, curling, and hockey. Perfect for warming up afterward: The heated ice rink lounge right next door offers a cozy retreat. This market is perfect for families—and for anyone who loves romance.

• Opening hours 2025:
  • November 24 – December 30
  • Closed on December 24 and 25
  • Sunday to Thursday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Friday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
    
  • Ice rink: November 24 – January 18, 2026; closed December 24, 25 & 31
• Admission: free for the Christmas market, ice rink hourly rates

3. Wismar Christmas Market

On the market square of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Wismar, the Wismar Christmas Market emerges during Advent, offering an atmosphere that couldn’t be more enchanting. Surrounded by brick architecture and gabled houses, the market looks like something out of a storybook. Cabins in “Swedish style” entice with mulled wine, hot sea buckthorn juice, Mutzen, and products from Thuringia and the Ore Mountains, while near the Wasserkunst, a fairy tale forest with a witch’s house and Grimm’s figures particularly attracts families. On weekends, a stage with live programs ranging from music to fairy tale hours adds to the atmosphere. For children, there’s a dedicated area with rides, a craft cabin, a station for decorating Christmas ornaments, and a wish mailbox for letters to Santa. Even beyond the market square, a visit is worthwhile: At the Old Harbor, visitors will find a small art market along with a “star forest” featuring regional products and winter snacks.

• Opening hours 2025:
  • November 24 – December 22
  • Sunday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Friday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Admission: free

Also interesting: 4 of the Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Hamburg

4. Stralsund Christmas Market

The Stralsund Christmas Market is one of the most atmospheric in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern—and is a must for anyone who loves historical settings. The UNESCO World Heritage old town transforms into a festively illuminated winter ensemble, especially around the Old Market. There, craftsmanship, regional specialties, and an expanded cultural program take center stage. In 2025, over 40 free events will be offered—from music and readings to interactive formats in the cultural tent. The market is spread over several areas: While the Old Market hosts the cultural tent, gastronomy, and crafts, the New Market forms the showmen’s market with rides and additional family programs. In the town hall arcades and the large vaulted cellar, exhibitors present selected goods in a weather-protected environment. Additionally, an ice rink provides winter fun on skates.

A special highlight is the Johanniskloster: On selected December days, it offers “Advent like 500 years ago”—with historical crafts, music, fire art, and a medieval atmosphere. Overall, a mix of Hanseatic flair, maritime charm, and family-friendliness makes Stralsund one of the Advent highlights on the Baltic Sea every year.

• Opening hours 2025:
  • Old Market: November 24, 2025 – January 4, 2026
  • Johanniskloster Stralsund: December 12 – 14, 2025
  • Town Hall Cellar & New Market: November 24 – December 22, 2025
  • Monday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Sunday: 11:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Admission: free

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5. Greifswald Christmas Market

The university and Hanseatic city of Greifswald wonderfully combine tradition and student vibrancy. At the Greifswald Christmas Market around the historic market square and the fish market, about 35 stalls surround the 16-meter-high Christmas tree. Around the market square, a glowing Christmas pyramid and a small fairy tale forest create a festive atmosphere. For the best view over the city, there’s also a nostalgic carousel and a Ferris wheel. The area at the fish market is particularly atmospheric, transforming into a small village with fire bowls—ideal for a quieter mulled wine break away from the hustle and bustle. Especially the little ones can look forward to the regular Santa’s office hours starting at 4 p.m.—on the market stage, there’s even a children’s program on Wednesdays and Fridays. Wednesdays are also Family Day with discounts.

A special highlight is the wooden Advent church not far from the market: For over a decade, church congregations and associations have been inviting people to contemplative offerings here daily between 3 and 6 p.m.—with craft tables, a wish and prayer box, and a warm retreat right in the midst of the action.

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• Opening hours 2025:
  • November 27 – December 21
  • Sunday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Friday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Admission: free

6. Weberglockenmarkt Neubrandenburg

Here, Advent lights meet city life: The Neubrandenburg Weberglockenmarkt stretches from the boulevard over the market square to the large Christmas tree—and invites you to stroll, feast, and participate. Between mulled wine, Mutzen, and regional snacks, a Ferris wheel on the market square offers the best panoramic view—along with many atmospheric stalls featuring crafts and some rides. A family program is also firmly part of the market: regular visits from Santa, children’s and live acts on the Weber stage, as well as action and shopping days in the city center make Christmas hearts beat faster. Those looking for special gifts should visit the art market at Treptower Tor, where regional manufacturers offer handmade products and unique items. A particular highlight is the covered ice skating hall “ice4fun”: Here, free skating, curling, ice disco, an ice school, and even senior skating are offered—extending beyond the Christmas market until early January.

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• Opening hours 2025:
  • November 25 – December 21
  • Monday to Thursday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
  • Sunday: 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
    
  • Ice rink: November 25 – January 4, 2026
• Admission: free for Christmas market, ice rink hourly rates