Not everyone wants to travel the longer distances to Germanies largest Christmas markets in the cities. Travel times by car can be 6-7 hours and even longer by train.
If you prefer to find a local market with all the magic but less than a one hour drive from Sennelager then this list is for you. Use this link to the google map to help plan routes.
Smaller markets, closer to home
Many of these markets are in small towns and villages. Often they run as a special event for one or two days.
Bad Driburg 27th - 30th Nov
Bad Driburg Advent Market takes place on this first weekend of the Christmas season. Around 30 stands offer all sorts of delicacies, handicrafts, and homemade goods. The Advent Market opens on Thursday afternoon. Carol singing at 6 p.m.
Christmas shopping in the surrounding, festively decorated shops, as shops will also be open on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The scent of hot mulled wine and delicious waffles, hundreds of lights, creative handicrafts, and an atmospheric entertainment program create a romantic ambiance. All this and much more is promised by the Christmas magic in Bad Lippspringe. In addition visits the Gartenschau for the Christmas lights and a massive skating rink. More details here on the website.
the largest Christmas market close to Sennelager. Bielefeld offers multiple locations and events over the advent weekends. Check the Stadt website here for full details and event listings.
Rietberg 10th - 12th Dec
A small market on the market Square of Rietberg. Local choirs and other groups will entertain guests with music and dance. The tower brass band will provide a festive finale to each day, their instruments ringing out over the rooftops of Rietberg.
Detmold 1st - 30th Dec
Christmas market in the historic setting of Detmold Castle Park.
Located directly next to the festively illuminated Residenzschloss (palace), in addition to the daily changing event program, numerous stalls with savory & sweet treats as well as craftsmen with Christmas gift items invite visitors to enjoy and browse.
Delbruck 29th - 30th Nov
Saturday: 3:30 pm to 9 pm
Sunday: 11:30 am to 7 pm
Over 30 huts & stalls with gift ideas, Christmas items & regional delicacies. Live music & dance groups from Delbrück. Children's program with interactive activities a carousel and alpacas. Look out for the special wine promotion with a free refill for all special glasses purchased.
Guttersloh 27th Nov - 30th Dec
Another great small city market, wander from Berlinerstrasse to Konnigstrasse enjoying the daily events, decorations and music shows the Stadt has organised each day.
Horn-Bad Meinberg 14th -15th Dec
Enjoy the market in the small town in the hills. Complete with crafts and an indoor craft market. enjoy a scenic drive or train ride to meet the Alpacas and enjoy a Glühwein.
In more than 25 wooden huts and other stalls – many run by volunteer and charitable organizations or institutions – visitors of all ages will find sweet and savory treats, charming decorations, unique toys, and much more. Christmas melodies performed by orchestras, bands, and choirs delight the ears of adults and contribute to the Advent atmosphere, while children can get into the Christmas spirit with the children's program. A highlight is the traditional visit from St. Nicholas on Saturday afternoon.
Lippstadt 26th Nov - 14th Dec
Monday to Wednesday 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Thursday and Friday 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Saturday from 12:00 to 21:00
Sunday from 12:00 to 20:00
Food stalls open daily from 12:00 PM The Christmas market in Lippstadt is an absolute highlight of the Advent season, transforming the old town into a magical winter wonderland year after year. An ice rink completes the event.
Salzkotten 14th Dec St Luciafest from 1pm to 6pm
Salzkotten celebrates the Lucia Festival with a candlelit procession, wintery huts, Christmas treats, activities for all ages, and a Sunday shopping event (1-6 pm).
Schloss Neuhaus 6th - 8th Dec
December 6: 3 pm - 9 pm
December 7: 1 pm - 9 pm
December 8: 11 am - 7 pm
The classic Schloss winter magic is back. Enjoy an afternoon or evening with friends in the Castle grounds. plus visit the indoor craft market and the Instagram ready Courtyard.
Soest 24th Nov - 22nd Dec
The Christmas market is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and until 9 p.m.
The Soest Christmas Market has been awarded the "Excellent European Christmas Market" quality seal this year, one of only twelve Christmas markets in Europe to receive this distinction.
Saturday, December 13, 2025: 2 PM - 10 PM
Sunday, December 14, 2025: 11 AM - 6 PM
The Christmas market was founded in 1994 by a dedicated group of friends and has since been committed to the tradition of combining arts and crafts, culinary delights and social engagement.
The approximately 35 festively decorated wooden huts offer lovingly crafted regional products and sophisticated handicrafts, with the culinary market stalls being primarily run by schools, support associations and social initiatives.
The daily opening hours are from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, and on Fridays and Saturdays even until 9:00 pm, to give visitors ample opportunity to enjoy the festive atmosphere and discover the diverse offerings.
Additionally, please note that parking in public city centre parking lots is free on Saturdays and Sundays, making a visit to the Christmas market even more pleasant.
Sat 2pm - 9pm, Sun 12 noon - 7pm
The Benkhausen Castle Christmas Market offers a winter wonderland experience, complete with regional vendors and live music, creating a festive atmosphere. Traditionally held on the fourth Sunday of Advent, this event invites you to stroll and browse the stalls.
