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Army HIVE Christmas and New Year Closures

The majority of Army HIVEs will be closed after duties on Fri 19 Dec 25 and will reopen on Mon 5 Jan 26. There may be localised variations to these dates for individual HIVEs.

Army HIVE HQ is also closed during the festive fortnight, so any enquiries submitted via the ‘If you need further information’ MS Forms function on our UK, Cyprus or Overseas blogs will be answered when we return in the New Year.

We will periodically cover private messages on our Army HIVE Facebook platform (and X/Instagram where possible) whilst we are closed. However, this will not be 24/7 and should not be relied upon for anything that requires an urgent response.

To support our customers with more immediate requirements however, the Army HIVE HQ email will provide a comprehensive out of office autoreply, detailing points of contact that are either 24/7, emergency providers, or open over the festive leave fortnight. To receive this autoreply, please email:
RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Individual HIVEs will also provide localised contact details for Christmas and New Year cover wherever possible in their automated replies. Therefore, if you email your closest HIVE, which you can find on HIVE’s page on the Army website, their autoreply may be of additional assistance.

Army HIVE wishes all of its Service community customers, and our internal and external stakeholders, a very happy Christmas and New Year. We look forward to continuing our support and engagement in 2026.


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Friday, December 5, 2025

Germany: What's on this weekend

Two fantastic local events to enjoy all weekend  in Hovelhof and Schloss Neuhaus. Plus we share info for all on the Munster coach trip. Helping you make the most of trip to the markets there. 

Hovelhof Christmas Market

Enjoy the cosy festivities in Hovelhof this weekend. Music, market stalls and food.

The children's activities include a visit from St Nikloaus on Saturday afternoon. you can find more information on the website here: Hovelhof St Nikolausmarkt.

  • Friday from 4 pm
  • Saturday from 3 pm
  • Sunday from 11 am












Copyright Stadt Hovelhof 

Munster Christmas Market Coach Trip 

For everyone on the coach trip this Saturday here are the links to the website and Google map.

Six Christmas markets with around 300 stalls invite you to stroll, shop and enjoy. The great thing is that they are all just a few minutes' walk from each other. So take some time to explore them. This will make the Münster Christmas market an unforgettable experience!





Copyright munsterland.com


Weihnachtszauber im Schlosspark 2025

The Schloss Neuhaus Winter magic event is this weekend.

Charming decorations transform the entire park into a magical setting for one of the region's most beautiful Christmas markets.

Copyright Thorsten-Hennig Fotografie

"A medley of almonds, spices, honey, pastries, and other savoury delicacies tantalizes the senses and delights the palate. Just as one would expect at a Christmas market. However, the classic Christmas market stalls with glass, textile, and woodwork, unusual jewellery, and festive decorations are also present. The vendors primarily bring their own handcrafted goods .

The Christmas magic in the castle park takes place in the following areas: the castle courtyard and on the upper floor of the castle, the transverse and central axis of the baroque garden, as well as around the fountain theatre and the other interior areas in the vaulted hall of the Forum of Young Artists and in the halls of the castle hall."

All this Christmas magic is also attracting Saint Nicholas, who has announced his arrival for Sunday at 5 p.m. to visit the children. He will once again have a small gift for all the children.

Opening hours:

  • Friday 5th: 3 pm - 9 pm
  • Saturday 6th: 1 pm - 9 pm
  • Sunday 7th: 11 am - 7 pm

Find out more on the Schloss website here 
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