Do you love Christmas, the aroma of mulled wine, and roasted almonds? Then Hanover is the place to be! During Advent, the city transforms into a true winter wonderland, and hotels near Hanover's Christmas markets are the perfect base for your festive getaway.
Discover the fascinating, oversized Christmas pyramid at Kröpcke, shop for unique handmade crafts, or simply let yourself be enchanted by the historic backdrop of half-timbered houses and the cheerful holiday atmosphere around the Marktkirche. Whether it's Christmas in Lower Saxony, Finland, or the Middle Ages—the Christmas markets in Hanover take you to different times and places. A true Christmas escape adventure!
The pre-Christmas atmosphere in Hanover's Old Town begins as early as late November. Starting in the last week of November, at least 125 lovingly decorated stalls line the area from the Marktkirche to the Platz der Weltausstellung, attracting nearly 2 million visitors each year.
In Hanover, the Old Town Christmas Market and the market on Lister Meile are particularly well-rated. In the city center, a historical Christmas village has been set up around the Historical Museum. It stretches across Burgstraße, Roßmühle, Klostergang, Pferdestraße, and the square between the adult education center (Volkshochschule) and the Leine River. This medieval Christmas market attracts many enthusiasts, and for good reason:
A special circular path leads visitors into the historical Christmas village, where authentic stalls offer goods and gastronomy inspired by the Middle Ages. In the "Craftsmen's Alley" (Handwerkergasse), you can try your hand at felting, blacksmithing, and other traditional crafts. This market is not only extremely popular but also full of life: daily fire shows along the banks of the Leine, live music, jugglers, and various free performances are all on the agenda.
If you want to visit the popular Christmas markets such as the one in the Old Town or on Ballhofplatz, a hotel in Mitte—with direct access to the Old Town—is ideal for you. Here, you will stay in a quiet yet central location and experience the city's festive atmosphere up close.
Enjoy the Christmas magic in Hanover and book a nearby B&B HOTEL. With our B&B HOTEL Hannover-City, nothing stands in the way of your mulled wine trip. In just a 20-minute walk, you can reach the first stalls of the Old Town Christmas market. Inside the hotel, you can look forward to modern amenities with individual designs and great services such as our 24h check-in or delicious breakfast. Free Wi-Fi and Sky TV are naturally part of our standard B&B equipment.
Along with the classic Christmas market featuring festively decorated stalls from the Ore Mountains and South Tyrol in the historic city center, there are several other themed markets. They are generally open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. In Hanover's Christmas markets, you will find fantastic gift ideas such as wooden toys, pottery, hand-blown glassware, and handicraft items from the Ore Mountains, the Thuringian Forest, or even Finland.
Looking for a touch of Nordic flair? Then head over to the Finn Village on Ballhofplatz. Inside authentic Lappish tents, Finnish delicacies and handicrafts are offered. Treat yourself to a hot cup of Glögi (Finnish mulled wine) and see the Christmas markets from a brand-new angle.
Hannover offers not only Nordic flair but also traditional Christmas markets. In historical alleyways surrounding the Leine Palace and City Hall, you can experience Christmas just like in the past. Do you have a special Christmas wish? Make your way into the mystical "Wunschbrunnenwald" (Forest of the Wishing Well) on Holzmarkt. Around 50 fir trees stand here by the Leibniz House. Look for the Oskar Winter Fountain within this forest, where the Wishing Ring is located. Legend has it that turning this ring makes wishes come true.
You will also find holiday cheer in the pedestrian zone along Lister Meile. A variety of children's rides, Punch and Judy puppet shows, culinary delights, and a wide selection of wooden toys, tree ornaments, candles, as well as ceramic and glass goods await you.
Many hotels are situated only a few minutes from these additional Christmas markets, offering you an affordable and comfortable temporary home. For example, B&B HOTEL Hannover-Nord and Hannover Lahe are conveniently located for visiting Lister Meile. With the U3 subway line, you can reach the market in just 25 minutes without having to worry about finding parking.
Tip: Our hotels are also an excellent choice for New Year's Eve to ring in the new year in style!
The Waldbühne Otternhagen is an open-air theater where plays for adults and children are staged throughout the summer months. But there is also plenty to experience in December: on December 1st, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, you can immerse yourself in a festive atmosphere, marvel at classic needlework and woodworking, sample regional treats, and browse for handcrafted gifts. Naturally, food and drinks are well catered for: mulled wine, hot cocoa, fries, and freshly baked waffles delight visitors of all ages.
The ideal hotel near this Christmas market is our B&B HOTEL Hannover Garbsen. Via the B6, you can reach the Waldbühne in just 15 minutes. Another great advantage of the hotel in Garbsen is the free on-site parking, saving you the hassle of searching for parking spots in Hanover. The hotel is located at Rostocker Str. 8. If you would also like to explore downtown Hanover alongside your market visit, the city center is barely 15 kilometers away—putting the famous Herrenhausen Gardens just 20 minutes from your door.
Getting here is easy: by car, you will find us just 500 meters from junction 41 (Garbsen) on the A2 motorway. Via the B6 and A2, you can reach Hanover Central Station in 15 kilometers, and arriving from Hannover-Langenhagen Airport is equally convenient: after a drive of only 12 minutes, you can already be relaxing in your room.
Whenever you need a break from the holiday hustle and bustle, visit the Sprengel Museum or take a day trip to the Harz mountains. B&B HOTELS wishes you a peaceful and delightful pre-Christmas stay in the exhibition city of Hanover!