The 49th Homburg Nikolausmarkt

Friday November 22 until Sunday December 08, 2024

Bürgermeister Michael Forster will officially open and welcome all guests to this year’s Nikolausmarkt at around 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 22.

Homburg’s Christmas market – the Nikolausmarkt – loved throughout the country for its uniquely nostalgic character and one of the most traditional Christmas markets in the region – takes place this year for the 49th time.

Every year, stalls – little wooden houses – selling Christmas gifts and handicraft items as well as Christmas decorations and other seasonal goods are set up in the shadows of the mighty St.-Michaels-Kirche (St Michael’s Church) at the foot of the Schlossberg.

The first huts are already up and the twelve-meter high Christmas tree has also been erected by the employees of the municipal building depot.

St. Nikolaus visits with games and candy

What’s special about Homburg’s Nikolausmarkt? It’s not just the daily program of entertainment which is guaranteed to put visitors of any age in a seasonal mood. The really special thing about Homburg are the visits by St Nikolaus every day around 6 ‘o’clock to entertain children bringing with him presents of candy and Nikolaus chocolate figures.

Visitors will admire the brightly decorated Christmas tree on the historic market square – the Marktplatz – as they enjoy a stroll round the stalls, stopping to chat as they sip a glass of mulled wine (Glühwein), punch or any one of the many snacks and beverages on offer.

Delicious seasonal foods are also available. There’s an old-fashioned carousel to ride on and this year a new Christmas crib with nativity scene under the Christmas tree.

Daily Entertaiment

Daily from 4 p.m. there will be an attractive entertainment program on the Market Place stage in front of the old town hall.

Traditional and modern music from choirs and orchestras as well as folk, pop and rock groups.

Program Highlights:

• Saturday, 23.11.: LITTLE RIVER EAGLES BAND (a Tribute to the Little River band and The Eagles)
• Wednesday, 27.11.: THE GENTLE JACKETS (cool, relaxed, swingin)
• Sunday, 01.12.: SMITTY & FRIENDS (Soul and Gospels with Bernard Smith)
• Thursday, 05.12.: SARAH UND DIE SWINGING HERRN` (Swinging Christmas Songs)
• Sunday, 08.12.: SPIRIT `N VOICES (Gospelchor)

Sunday Shopping December 1.

On Sunday December 1. all the shops in the city center will be open for Sunday Shopping with free parking in city center park house from 12:00 to  7:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 8 – and the Grand Finale

Sunday is a particularly fun day. When St Nikolaus, accompanied by his two angels arrives on the Market Place at 16.00 hrs to be greeted by an impatiently waiting crowd of happy children.

At the Grand Finale, thousands of sparklers are given out to visitors, Christmas carols are sung, and everyone says goodbye to St Nikolaus until next year.

It’s not unusual to see an occasional tear roll down an adult cheek. Who knows whether these tears are caused by happy memories of one’s own childhood or by the pleasure of seeing the excitement in the eyes of the children and grandchildren?