Christmas 2026
Christmas in Oldenburg
The markets, the lights and the parties — and when each is worth it.
21 days to go16 Nov – 26 Dec · 18 ideas
- 1 night out
- 7 for families
- 1 free
Don't miss
Oldenburg Christmas Market (Lamberti-Markt)
The Nutcracker
Bigband Christmas Concert
Saturday 28 November
The Grand Christmas Party
A Christmas party held at Grand Central in Oldenburg.
Night outSource: Eventbrite Germany
Thursday 10 December
Bigband Christmas Concert
An evening of magical moments, beautiful music, and festive entertainment, featuring blues, swing, and classics from artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Glenn Miller. Performed by musicians, soloists, and vocalists under the direction of Lutz Fischer.
Saturday 12 December
Impröhliche Weihnacht – The Festive Improv Chaos
Schlaggi and Jonas review the past year in spontaneous scenes and dare to look ahead to the new year, diving into the wonderful, chaotic holiday season. Accompanied by Ezzat Nashashibi on piano, an evening full of humor, heart, and unpredictability awaits.
Sunday 13 December
Christmas Chamber Concert 'Und nicht nur zur Weihnachtszeit'
A festive concert featuring music and texts by G.F. Händel, W.A. Mozart, R. Vaughan Williams, A. Dvořák, V. Bellini, H. Böll, H. Waggerl, R. Gernhardt, and K. Tucholsky. Performed by an ensemble including oboe, violin, viola, cello, double bass, and a narrator.
Thursday 17 December
Alle Jahre wieder... (Year after year...)
Members of the Oldenburgisches Staatstheater ensembles will get you into the festive mood with familiar classics, international Christmas hits, and surprising discoveries. Features communal singing.
Friday 18 December
Candlelight: Christmas Classics
Experience popular music in a beautiful setting, surrounded by thousands of candles. This unique live music experience features Christmas classics in the Garnisonkirche.
Thursday 24 December
Christmas Eve - Early Closures and Restaurant Limitations
Christmas Eve is not a public holiday in Germany, but many shops, especially retail, will close early, often around midday or early afternoon. Public transport may also operate on a reduced schedule. Many restaurants may be closed or offer special, pre-booked menus. For instance, Bümmersteder Krug will be closed.
Friday 25 December
Christmas Buffet at Wardenburger Hof
Enjoy a festive Christmas buffet on both Christmas Day and St. Stephen's Day from 12:00 to 15:00. The buffet includes beef broth, various roasts (beef roulades, duck, venison), fish, vegetarian dishes, and a Christmas dessert buffet. Take-away options are also available. Reservations are recommended.
FamilySource: Wardenburger Hof
Christmas Menu at Zum Drögen Hasen
Zum Drögen Hasen offers a special Christmas menu on December 25th and 26th, with kitchen hours from 12:00 to 21:00. The menu includes a choice of main courses like lamb shoulder, fish platter, Angus steak, poultry platter, duck, pork fillet, pasta, or stuffed bell pepper, all preceded by Oldenburg chicken soup and followed by a yogurt-sour cream dessert. Reservations are recommended.
Christmas Day (1. Weihnachtstag) - Public Holiday
First Christmas Day is a public holiday in Germany. Most shops, banks, and public services will be closed. Restaurants often offer special Christmas menus or buffets, with advance booking highly recommended. Public transport may run on a reduced holiday schedule.
Saturday 26 December
Christmas Brunch at Krantine
Enjoy a festive Christmas brunch at Krantine on December 26th from 10:00 to 13:00. Indulge in a diverse buffet of cold and warm winter dishes. Selected beverages are included. Reservations are recommended.
St. Stephen's Day (2. Weihnachtstag) - Public Holiday
Second Christmas Day (St. Stephen's Day) is a public holiday in Germany. Similar to Christmas Day, most shops, banks, and public services will be closed. Restaurants often continue to offer special Christmas menus or buffets, with advance booking highly recommended. Public transport may run on a reduced holiday schedule.
All season
Oldenburg Christmas Market (Lamberti-Markt)
Experience the traditional Oldenburg Christmas market with over 100 decorated wooden stalls offering crafts, gifts, and culinary delights like Oldenburg Grünkohl and Flammlachs. The market takes place between the historic Oldenburg Castle, the Old Town Hall, and St. Lamberti Church, creating a festive atmosphere. Opening day hours are 17:00-20:30. Monday-Thursday 11:00-20:30, Friday-Saturday 11:00-21:30, Sunday 11:00-20:30.
Winter-Varieté
Artists from Japan, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Switzerland, France, and USA present world-class artistry, curated for audiences of all ages. An unforgettable evening of highlights at Kulturetage Oldenburg. Performances at 20:00 on Dec 2, 3, 4, and 5; 15:00 on Dec 5 and 6; 19:00 on Dec 6.
Family
The Nutcracker
Antoine Jully's choreography of Tchaikovsky's 'The Nutcracker' returns to the stage of the Oldenburgisches Staatstheater. Performances are scheduled for December 4 (19:30), December 6 (15:00), December 13 (19:30), December 14 (11:30), December 15 (19:30), December 23 (19:30), and December 25 (16:00).
Family
Winterzauber im Gleispark (Winter Magic in Gleispark)
The Gleispark transforms into a winter wonderland, running from November 2026 to February 2027. While details on specific activities like ice skating are not yet explicit, it suggests a broader winter fair/event space with market stalls.
Family
Christmas Market Mug Deposit (Glühweinpfand)
Visitors to Oldenburg's Christmas markets should be aware of a deposit (Pfand) for Glühwein mugs, typically around 3 to 5 Euros. While officially the mug remains the property of the vendor, keeping it is often tolerated as effectively purchasing it. If you wish to keep a mug as a souvenir, the deposit serves as the purchase price.
Seasonal Dish: Oldenburg Grünkohl (Kale)
Throughout the Christmas season, Oldenburg's traditional dish, Grünkohl (kale), is a popular specialty. It can be found at the Christmas markets and is offered in various forms by local restaurants. While the official 'Hallo Grünkohl' season opening event is before this period, the dish remains widely available.
Times and prices change, so check with the organiser before you go. Updated 26 Oct