The 48th Homburg Nikolausmarkt
Monday November 27 until Sunday December 10, 2023
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 48th 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.
Bürgermeister Michael Forster will officially open and welcome all guests to this year’s Nikolausmarkt at around 6:00 p.m. on Monday, November 27.
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 from 4 p.m. there will be an attractive entertainment program on the stage in front of the old town hall. Traditional and modern music from choirs and orchestras as well as folk, pop and rock groups.
Sunday Shopping December 3
On Sunday 3 December all the shops in the city center will be open for Sunday Shopping with free parking in city center park house from 12 to 7 p.m.
Sunday, December 10 – and Grand Finale
Sunday is a particularly fun day. When St Nikolaus, accompanied by his servant Ruprecht (Knecht Ruprecht) arrives at the Market Place 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?