Early Christmas markets: joy or grief before Sunday of the dead?

Early Christmas markets: joy or grief before Sunday of the dead?

In Schleswig-Holstein, the tradition of Christmas markets started earlier than usual this year. From November 21, the first stands, such as at the Kiel Christmas market, can offer their goods. This decision was made by the showmen because they want to use every possible day to increase sales in economically challenging times.

The discussion about the early opening has also made critical voices loud. The Nordkirche expressed concerns and pointed out that the early Christmas market opening of the Dead Sunday, an important commemoration day for deceased, is pushed into the background. This quiet holiday, which is celebrated this year on November 24

planned events before the Sunday of the dead

In numerous cities of Schleswig-Holstein, Christmas markets have already opened this year or will open soon. Some of them have opened continuously until the beginning of the year:

• Büsum: Winter Magic, November 23 to January 5
• Heide: Heider Winterwelt (Dithmarschen district), November 18 to December 23
• Husum: Husumer Wiehnachtied (district of North Friesland), November 18 to December 28th, the Christmas market remains closed on the dead Sunday
• Kiel: Christmas market in Holstenplatz, November 21st to December 23rd, the Christmas market remains closed on Dead Sunday
• Kiel: Christmas market on Bernhard-Minetti-Platz, November 21st to December 23rd, the Christmas market remains closed on the dead Sunday
• Kiel: Christmas Village, November 21 to December 23, on Dead Sunday the Christmas village remains closed
• Lübeck: Artisan Market Lübsche Wiehnacht, November 23 to December 1
• Norderstedt: Christmas market winter fun, November 20 to December 22nd
• Schleswig: Christmas market, November 18 to December 29

Some markets are only open on special days, including:

• Bargfeld-Stegen (Stormarn district): November 23
• Gut Basthorst (Duchy of Lauenburg): November 22nd to December 22nd on weekends
• Brunstorf (Duchy of Lauenburg): Advent magic, 16 to 17 November
• Dobersdorf (Plön district): Lilienthal Christmas market, 22nd to 24th November
• Emkendorfer Advent market (district of Rendsburg-Eckernförde): 8. to November 10th
• Grossenbrode (Ostholstein district): Advent market in the Meerhuus, 23 to 24 November
• Norderstedt (Segeberg district): Advent market in the town hall, November 3
• Pronstorfer Christmas at Gut Pronstorf (Segeberg district), November 15th to December 15th on weekends
• Quickborn: Advent market at Dörpshus (Pinneberg district), November 23
• Traventhal: Christmas market in the Land Stud (Segeberg district), October 26 and 27, November 2 and 3. November

On the dead Sunday itself, the markets must remain closed in many cities to maintain the serious character of this quiet holiday. However, the decision on possible openings on this day is the responsibility of the respective authorities on site, as the Interior Ministry explained. Details on this topic and other information are here to read .

The early opening of the Christmas markets is closely linked to the tradition in northern Germany, which goes back to the Middle Ages. The Sunday of Dead is an important commemoration day that reflects the cultural and religious practices in the region.