In Münster we celebrate the start of the advent period in a very spezial way each year: the Prinzipalmarkt, the city's "front room", shines with a golden gleam, the stores, the churches an the museum are all beautifully lit up, the whole of the historic old town district is brightly decorated - and the Christmas markets open their doors.

Popular and famous far beyond the boundaries of Münster itself, they tempt you to an exceptional and atmospheric shopping experience.

Six different markets with over 280 stands offer toys, arts-and-crafts and many other ideas for high quality presents. Sweet smells of roasted almonds, mulled wine and punch provides the perfect seasonal setting for leisurely shopping and all markets are just a short walk apart. They make it a pleasure to stroll around at your leisure, in wonder and delight. And all this against a unique backdrop, whose charm has entranced so many visitors.

The largest of the six Christmas markets, which is situated on the square 'Westfälischer Frieden', entices visitors with a romantic sky of twinkling lights in the Rathaus courtyard, where you will also find the entrance to the Christmas bazaar of the charity associations.

From here it is a short stroll through the arcades of the Prinzipalmarkt to the Lamberti market. At the foot of the Lambertikirche and surrounded by historical gabled houses, the popular market of lights with its little blue pointed huts has its own special sparkle.

All around the monument of Münster's Kiepenkerl a small, brightly decorated Christmas village is wating for guests to enjoy a whole range of treats, and not just of the edible variety.

With its nativity scene, merry-go-round and wide range of attractive stralls, the Aegidii Christmas market is the perfect location for a gentle stroll - just five minutes from the Prinzipalmarkt.

Opposite the Aegidii Christmas market, the relatively young Pferdegasse market offers a comfortable opportunity to marvel at the evening light show on the south façade of the Landesmuseum.

The Christmas market in front of the main station welcomes train travellers and others with music, culinary treats and a festive mood - and it's just a short walk from the city centre to the newest of the six Christmas markets.

For visitors who are interested in other cultural activities, the city of Münster's Churches and to some interesting museums in the city centre as the Pablo Picasso graphics museum, the city museum or the Westphalian State Museum for Art and Cultural History.

For all those who wish to stay a little longer in Münster during Advent we are once again offering our popular Accommodation Package. From 114 euro per person in a double room, your pre-Christmas stay consists of two nights' accommodation, an Advent tour through the old town district, a bus ticket for one day and your first mulled wine at the Christmas market. You can book additional services according to your hotel.

Are you coming to soak up the magic this year? We would like to issue you a sincere invitation - to the Münster Christmas markets. Opening times from the Christmas markets are from Sunday to Friday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. - 10 pm.

Tourist information:
MÜNSTER MARKETING
Heinrich-Brüning-Straße 9
48143 Münster

Open
Mon - Fri  9.30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturdays in Advent  9.30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Christmas Eve  9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Phone: +49 (0) 251 - 492 27 10
Fax: +49 (0) 251 - 492 77 43
Internet: www.tourismus.muenster.de
Email: tourismus@stadt-muenster.de