Germany: Christmas Markets Map 2026

 Welcome to the 2026 Christmas Market Map

As the festive season approaches, there is no better way to embrace the magic of winter than by exploring the dazzling lights, mulled wine (Glühwein), and traditional crafts of Germany’s famous Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkt).

To help you plan your festive adventures this year,  we have put together an interactive 2026 Christmas Markets Google Map featuring nearly 90 incredible markets across the region and beyond. Whether you are looking for a quick afternoon outing or a full festive getaway, the map is organized into three easy-to-use lists to help you plan your trips:

• Easy Day Trips from Sennelager: Perfect for spontaneous weekday visits or relaxed Saturday outings, this list highlights wonderful nearby markets that are just a short drive or train ride away.
• Overnight & Weekend Getaways: Ready to explore further afield? These larger, iconic, or more distant markets require a bit more travel time and are ideal for an overnight stay or a festive weekend break.
• Special Events, Winter Magic & Castle Markets: Looking for something truly enchanting? This list features unique, limited-run events—such as Winterzauber (Winter Magic) and Winterträume (Winter Dreams)—often set against the backdrop of historic castles, palaces, and country estates.

Simply click on the map layers to filter by the tye of trip you want to take, click any pin for location details, and start planning your 2026 festive season!

Brunssum: Foggy Fields Winter Market November 2026

Step into a festive wonderland at the biggest Tri-Border holiday event of the season!

Foggy Fields Winter Market!

Friday 13th to Sunday 15th November 2025
Geilenkirchen NATO Airbase

Enjoy:

• Unique vendors from across Europe
• Delicious food & seasonal treats
• Live performances from talented local musicians, adding to the holiday cheer
• Special appearances by Santa in Santa’s Snapshot and the exciting Kids' Corner.

This event is open to all with base access — so gather your family and friends for a weekend full of shopping, music, food, and festive fun.

Find all updates at the Foggy Fields Facebook page: www.facebook.com/FoggyFields/ 

Mark your calendars, grab a friend, and don’t miss the magic of the Foggy Fields Winter Market!

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Germany: Guide for the Weekend and Beyond

Hello everyone!  A great few weeks ahead in the runup to Christmas. Community volunteers are shining bright with art and craft classes.

In addition the Community organised Spouses and Partners "Roaring 20s" Christmas event. is on the 27th November.  this is our Halloween weekend too and then the Garrison fireworks show next week. 

Stay Safe in the Dark: A Message from the GSM

Before we dive into the fun, we have an important safety reminder from the GSM. Lately, there have been too many near misses on camp during the dark hours. Let us look out for each other and keep everyone safe! 

• Pedestrians and Runners: You must wear a high-visibility vest or belt. Please stay on the footpaths whenever they are available.
• Cyclists: You must wear high-visibility gear and make sure your bike lights are working perfectly.

Germany: Guide for the Weekend

Autumn is here it brings us pumpkins, autumn leaves, and tasty treats. We have put together a selection of events for this weekend and next for you to visit 

Close to Home: 

Bad Lippspringe Stadtfest

Drive time: Just down the road

• When: 9th - 11th October
• Cost: Free entry for everyone.

The Best Bits:

• Funfair Rides: A funfair with rides and food will be open all three days from 11:00.
• Friday Night Party: Listen to fun music on the big stage at 19:00.
• Sunday Shopping & Parade: Shops will be open on Sunday afternoon. You can also watch a magical parade with famous fairy tale characters at 14:30.

Note: The famous rubber duck race on the water is cancelled this year.

Germany: Guide for the Weekend

This is your Sennelager HIVE What’s On Guide for the week ahead. 

Garrison Notices:

• First up, if you didn’t grab a ticket for the coach trip, bad news—it is now officially sold out.
• The Community Support Team’s Coffee Morning runs every Wednesday at 10:00 AM.
• Keep Wednesday October 7th free for the BFBS big salute Cake Morning at Brydon House.
• Art classes with Kellie are happening this Sunday, October 3rd, at the LCC. Classes start at 10:00 AM, costing 10 euros per person. Themes include "Flutter and Flow" and "Pencil Postcards." Contact Kellie directly to book your spot.

This Saturday is German Unity Day.

Shops treat this exactly like a Sunday Everything will be closed, so make sure to stock up on your groceries and essentials before Saturday.

Events on our door step:

The Schloss Neuhaus summer season finale is this Saturday.

Germany: Vigillance is for everyone

Vigilance matters: Everyone has a role in protecting Defence

What should you look out for?

• Individuals, vehicles or activity that appear unusual or out of place.
• Unauthorised photography, note-taking or observation of Defence sites, personnel or activities.
• Attempts to gain access to restricted areas.
• Unattended, suspicious or unexpected items or packages.
• Unsolicited approaches seeking information, whether in person, online, by email, text message or telephone.
• Behaviour that may indicate hostile reconnaissance, sabotage or other security concerns.

What should you do?

• Trust your instincts. If something doesn't look right, report it.
• Follow local security procedures and reporting arrangements.
• Challenge appropriately where it is safe to do so.
• Never assume someone else will report a concern.
• Remember that information which appears insignificant in isolation can be highly valuable when combined with other reporting.

All Sennelager based personnel are asked to remain vigilant and report suspicions via the RMP, Guardrooms (Normandy Barracks - 05254 9822232: Athlone Barracks – 05254 9822428) or if a risk to life, 112.

Brunssum: Prepare Your Car for Winter 2026

 

Winter tyres are not mandatory in the Netherlands or Belgium, however, when driving in Germany, you are obliged to have winter tyres on your car or camper in winter conditions.

What are 'winter weather conditions'?
1. black ice
2. slippery conditions due to snow or slush
3. slippery conditions caused by ice or frost

There is no fixed time period in which you are obliged to drive with winter tyres in Germany, but it is your responsibility to have the right tyres for the right weather conditions. The general rule is ‘von O bis O’ (from October to Easter), fitting winter tyres from the beginning of October to the end of April.

Brunssum and EU locations: Last BFPO Posting dates for Christmas 2026

Due to expected disruption to BFPO from 1st November, the final posting date for Christmas 2026 is October 30th, 2026.

Anything posted beyond October 30th cannot be guaranteed to arrive in time for Christmas and may not be delivered until after the New Year.

It is also advised to expect higher demand and disruption to BFPO deliveries between October and December 2026.

The Government provides detailed information on measurements, restricted items and instructions on how to use BFPO.

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Germany: Weekend Guide 4th - 6th September

September is a great month in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). The weather is cooling down, and cities across the region are throwing street festivals. Expect thrill rides, delicious food stalls, and traditional markets.

Here are some great events you can visit with friends and family this weekend.

Google Map Link 

14th German Cheese Market (Deutscher Käsemarkt) Nieheim

Prepare for the largest cheese buffet in the country! The historic town of Nieheim takes centre stage with the highly anticipated Deutscher Käsemarkt, gathering over 60 traditional, artisanal cheesemakers and elite vintners from various countries. You can sample everything from sharp, hand-crafted cheeses to perfectly paired regional wines while wandering through beautiful, historic alleyways.

📅 Date: Friday, September 4 to Sunday, September 6, 2026

⏰ Time: Friday: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

📍 Venue: Historic Old Town / Innenstadt Nieheim

💰 Ticket Price: Affordable day or weekend wristbands are available; kids under 16 get in free! Grab your passes ahead of time on the Nieheim Tourism Portal.

© City of Nieheim/Besim Mazhiqi

Fire in bin collection truck prompts new campaign

 🔥 Batteries do not belong in the trash!

Many everyday items like headphones, e-cigarettes, and tools have batteries. If you throw them in the regular garbage, they can get crushed and start dangerous fires. This puts waste workers and your neighbourhood in danger!

Paderborn's Waste Management (ASP) needs your help to stay safe:

• No batteries in trash: Never put loose batteries or electronics in regular bins.
• Use recycling centers: Take old batteries and devices to retail stores or ASP centers for free.
• Remove when possible: Take out removable batteries before recycling the device.
• Tape the ends: Put tape over lithium battery terminals to prevent short circuits.
• Let's protect our local waste collectors and save raw materials!

👉 Visit the ASP website to learn more.

Sennelager HIVE What’s On Update

Sennelager HIVE What’s On Update: Mid-August Highlights!

Welcome to your latest Sennelager HIVE community update. We have  garrison notices, local weekend events, and two days out good for families.

Garrison Notices

• WRVS Closure: The WRVS centre is closed for annual leave starting today, August 13th, through August 21st.
• Welcome Padre Mike: New Padre Mike Jenkinson has arrived in the garrison. You can drop by and find him at Brydon House.

Local Events & Weekend Activities

Landpartie Schloss Neuhaus (August 13th – 16th)
Experience boutique shopping, live music, and refreshing drinks in a stunning castle setting. It is the perfect place to gather style inspiration.

• Tickets: €13 in advance / €15 on the day.

Copyright Schlosspark Paderborn

Schiedersee Music Weekend (Friday & Saturday)

Head down to the Schiedersee lake area this Friday and Saturday evening for a fantastic weekend of live music and waterside vibes. Two acoustic performances to choose from. entry is free. You will find a bar and restaurant, holiday homes and Funtastico Park. Entry to the lake area is free, Park entry €13.90 and €12 for under 16.

• Drivetime 42 mins

Kids Pirate Festival at Maxipark (Sunday, 2 PM – 6 PM)
Bring the little ones out for a pirate adventure this Sunday. Activities include live performers and interactive craft stations where kids can build their own pirate gear.

• Tickets: €7 for adults / €4 for children.
• Weather Note: If heavy rain occurs, the entire event will move indoors.

• Drivetime 40 mins

Gerrmany: Overseas Families Virtual Briefing

 

Germany: Water Conservation in SFA

 Water Conservation Reminder 💧

With the recent hot weather, we’d like to remind all personnel, families, and visitors that water is a valuable resource. Please use it responsibly.

Simple actions can make a big difference:

• Take shorter showers
• Only run washing machines and dishwashers with full loads
• Turn off taps when not in use
• Avoid watering lawns and gardens
• Refrain from topping up paddling pools and swimming pools unnecessarily

By working together and using water wisely, we can protect supplies, reduce demand, and ensure there’s enough water for everyone across the garrison.

Water is especially precious in Service Family Accommodation. Even small issues like dripping taps or running toilets can waste significant amounts if left unreported.

If you notice any leaks or faults, please report them immediately to the MITIE Helpdesk. Prompt reporting helps conserve water, reduce costs, and maintain a comfortable living environment for all.

Thank you for your support and cooperation in protecting this vital resource

VIRTUAL CHAT HV and Virtual New Parents Group

SSAFA's Virtual New Parent Group Sessions are open to all military families living in remote areas as a way to connect with other parents in similar situations. Although there will be a health visitor present to answer any questions, the floor is open to talk about whatever you want - from sleep, feeding or just general parental frustrations with no judgment or anything.

Our online CHAT HV sessions are open to all military parents across all time zones. These informal sessions cover a different topic each month to help guide and support you through the different stages of your parenting journey. These are a great way for you to meet other families from around the world and make connections, especially when living in a host country that has different practices with regards to new mum groups etc.

If anyone wants anymore information or to register for an online session, please either speak to your Health Visitor or email us on UKStratCom-DMS-DPHC-NYG-SSAFA@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

The Global Support Organisation Guides.

The Global Support Organisation (GSO) supports and enables Ministry of Defence (MOD) personnel and UK Defence activity overseas.

With a guide available for the following Countries.

Belgium

Germany

Italy

Portugal

Scandinavia

Spain

Turkey

Please follow this link to read a guide.

SSAFA CHAT HV is Back

Parenting overseas can feel hard. You may be far from family, friends, or the support you’re used to. That’s why CHAT HV is back. It gives you easy, friendly access to a UK Health Visitor, even when you’re living abroad.

What is CHAT HV?

CHAT HV is a simple online chat where you can talk to a trained Health Visitor. You can ask questions about sleep, feeding, crying, behaviour, or anything that’s worrying you. Nothing is too small.

BFSWS: Reasons to Not Smack Your Children

 

Germany: Take A Hike

We are blessed with some fantastic trails in our area of Germany. Though the weather may stay cold in the next week or so it should also stay dry. 

The English language version of the Tutoburger wald website is a fantastic tool for finding hikes and days out in our part of Germany. Not far from us we have the low mountains of the Tutoburg forest and the Egge mountains. 

If you wanted to get started on the local trails here are some routes for hiking.

Germany: For The Kids

Need help finding activities for the kids? Germany is full of fantastic family friendly places to visit. Here are some Google Maps to help you pick out things to do that suit your kids the best.

To use each map tap or click on the place names in the left hand menu or directly on the pins you see on the map. You then will have more information and details about each location. 

Where to go with kids: Zoos parks, theme parks and much more on this map.

Indoor activities: This map is for when the weather is not great but you till need to entertain the kids. 

For more ideas you can visit the NRW tourism website which has a whole section dedicated to families. Visit the website here.

Germany - A reminder to ALL Personnel with British Passports to check their Issue/Expiry dates

A reminder to ALL Personnel with British Passports to check their Issue/Expiry dates.

Up until 2018 it was sometimes the case that a UK passport was issued with an expiry date in excess of the 10 year validity period, in some cases 1 years and 9 months. There are reported cases of the EU borders not accepting anything in excess of 10 years from date of issue. 

 All personnel should check passports in relation to 10 years validity against the date of issue of the passport NOT the stated expiry date. Passports issued after 2018 are valid for exactly 10 years.

Any queries to be directed to your Unit HR Admin in the fist instance. 

You can read a BBC News story from March 2025 here regarding UK passport validity date issues.